When shopping for a heater, you may notice that most heaters list BTU, or British thermal units, along with how much space a heater can cover. We\u2019re going to cover what BTU\u2019s are and how to determine how many you need for your patio.<\/p>\n
What is a British Thermal Unit (BTU)?<\/h1>\n
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It is the imperial system\u2019s basic unit of heat, used to measure how much heat is required to raise one pound of water\u2019s temperature by one degree. Heating and cooling appliances are usually marked with BTU\u2019s to let buyers know what size space they will be best for. The heat output of a fireplace or heater is measured per hour in BTU\u2019s.<\/p>\n
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Calculate how many BTU\u2019s you need<\/h1>\n
The formula for calculating BTU\u2019s needed to heat any space is relatively simple. Don\u2019t worry, you won\u2019t need a graphing calculator, years of training, or any special equipment. First, you need to know how big your patio is<\/strong>, multiplying length x width to calculate square footage. Since patios are usually square or rectangular, this method will work for most homes.<\/p>\n Length X Width = Area <\/p>\n Let\u2019s say your patio is 500 square feet. Look for a patio heater that provides 10,000 BTU\u2019s<\/strong>. If your patio is larger that 500 square feet, or unusually shaped, consider several smaller heaters. With one large heater, the heat is concentrated , which can leave areas of the patio cold. Strategically placing heaters will keep you and your guests nice and toasty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Patios require some different considerations for heating that other parts of your home. Since patios are open, they do not retain heat as well as an enclosed room. This affects the BTU\u2019s you\u2019ll need. If your patio or deck does not have a roof or cover, heating it efficiently requires more BTU\u2019s. Other things to consider include the direction your patio faces\u2014does it get a lot of sun\u2014and the climate you live in.<\/p>\n Nights under the stars will be much cozier now with a heater to keep you warm. Gather friends to roast marshmallows on a firepit, or tell ghost stories around the fireplace. At PortableFireplace.com, we have electric fireplaces<\/a> and heaters for every room in your home, even the outdoor spaces. Enjoy our affordable prices year-round, with free shipping!<\/p>\n Connect with us<\/p>\n Learn More<\/strong><\/p>\n Outdoor living spaces, like patios, gardens, and finished decks are not only trendy but they\u2019re good for us. When we spend time outdoors with friends and family, we\u2019re more likely to connect, laugh, and bond. In colder months, don\u2019t let … Continue reading
\n20 BTU x Area2<\/strong>
\nSimply multiply square footage by 20 BTU\u2019s per square foot<\/strong>.<\/p>\nHow Many Heaters Do I Need?<\/h1>\n
Other Factors<\/h1>\n
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