Which type of fuel source works best in your space will depend on the size of the area to be heated, existing power sources, and also personal preference in regard to appearance and control of the heater. As the only manufacturer that offers outdoor heating appliances in natural gas, propane, and electric fuel sources, depending on what is available, the fuel selection criteria can offer important advantages in your specific application.
Here are three areas to consider in your outdoor heating design plan:
Climate
The physical location and placement of your heaters can leverage significant efficiency based on the fuel type.
Clearances
How you integrate your heaters into your space is largely dictated by the clearances each fuel source requires. A minimum mounting height of 96″ is required in clearance from the floor to the bottom surface of the heating solution.
Cost
Fuel costs can vary by locale. Operational fuel costs can have a significant impact on high use applications like Restaurants and Hospitality.
Fuel Source – Electric
Bromic Eclipse Smart-Heat™ Electric
The key advantage to an outdoor electric radiant heater is flexibility. Great for smaller, more enclosed spaces where there’s not a lot of natural ventilation, Bromic electric heaters can heat spaces up to 160 square feet.
Advantages:
- Little to no Ventilation Required
- Can be utilized in semi-enclosed spaces
- Sleek, Minimal Appearance
- Limited Carbon Emissions
- Variety of Mounting Options Available
- Wall Mounted
- Ceiling Mounted
- Recessed
- Free Standing
- Versatile Control Options
- On/Off
- Dimmable capabilities
- Business Management System
Limitations:
- Lower Heat Output
- Power source needs to be readily available
- Tend to be more expensive
- More heaters needed to heat large spaces
Fuel Source – Gas
Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat™ Gas 500 BTU Series
Known for their heat output, gas heaters are the ideal solution for larger, well-ventilated outdoor areas. Depending on their power, outdoor gas patio heaters can heat spaces of up to 215 square feet. There are two options when it comes to outdoor gas patio heaters, Natural Gas and Propane.
Natural Gas (NG)
Natural Gas outdoor patio heaters require to be attached to a gas line, making them the fixed solution for outdoor spaces. This fuel type is supplied by your local utility company and tends to be the least expensive gas option when it comes to outdoor heating.
Propane (LPG)
Propane heaters run off pressurized tanks that can be moved around as required, making them the ideal portable heating solution. This fuel type may be purchased at several major retailers or service providers, making it readily available at all times.
Advantages:
- High Heat Output
- Variety of Mounting Options Available
- Wall Mounted
- Ceiling Mounted
- Portable
- Control Options
- On/Off
- Business Management System
- Fuel Readily Available (LPG)
- Least Expensive Option (NG)
- Less heaters required to heat large spaces
Limitations:
- Ventilation Required
- Recessed Mounting Option Not Available
- Limited Control Options
- No Dimmable Capabilities
- More Prominent Heater Size
- Gas Lines need to be Readily Available (NG)
- Interchanging of Tanks Required (LPG)
- Most Expensive Option (LPG)
Cost Breakdown
Running costs of each fuel type will vary per model and power output (wattage for electric and BTU for gas). In general, natural gas tends to be the cheapest fuel source, followed by electric and then propane. Below is an estimate on how much it will cost to heat a 400 square foot patio with Bromic’s range of patio heaters.
Estimated cost to run 400 square feet of coverage for outdoor patio:
| Natural Gas (2 x Bromic Series 500) | Propane (2 x Bromic Portable LPG) | Electric (4 x Bromic 3400W) |
|---|---|---|
| $1.06 per hour | $2.02 per hour | $1.84 per hour |
The Full Range Heating Solution
In some instances such as larger outdoor spaces, combining fuel sources is ideal. For example, maybe one area of your outdoor space is equipped with gas lines, while the other is only equipped with electric. In this instance, you could use either the Tungsten Collection or the Platinum Collection gas and electric options for a cohesive look. Or, maybe you have a covered lounging area where mounting an Eclipse Pendant heater is your solution, but there is also a separate dining area that could utilize the Eclipse Portable.
The beauty of Bromic is that the full product line includes both electric and gas options, and is aesthetically designed to work across the different types of heaters.
Download the PDF version of this guide here: Comparative Fuel Guide
Complimentary Outdoor Heating Design Service
Gas or electric? How many heaters do I need? Where should I mount them? We can help you answer each of these questions. Leverage free, yes, free—professional design services from the technical experts at Bromic Heating.
Your Dedicated Designer
Work one-on-one with a Outdoor Heating design professional from start to finish.
2D Heating Space Map
We will work with your architectural plans or site images to ensure that your space is optimally heated.
Part Order List
From mounting options to smart home controls, we’ll detail exactly what you should order. We can even connect you to a retail partner if you desire.
