How Much Does It Cost To Install An Electric Patio Heater?

Electric patio heater cost

To determine the cost of an electric patio heater, you'll need to decide how much space you want to heat. The larger the coverage area and the bigger the heater, the higher your upfront costs will be. You'll find electric patio heaters in compact tabletop designs as well as some that are stationary and hardwired to remain in one location. On average, electric patio heaters will cost you around $150 per unit. Models that use infrared heat or have higher wattage can be more expensive, coming closer to around $200 to $400 apiece. Shop around for the best price or look online to find an electric patio heater that will fit within your budget.

Cost to install an electric patio heater

If you're buying an electric heater with average wattage, all you need to do is plug it into an exterior electrical outlet. However, heaters with higher voltage may require the help of a licensed professional electrician. These units use complicated wiring that must meet certain requirements in order to be safe to use. Talk to a local professional about which one is best for you to determine your cost. The national average cost to install an electric patio heater is $303 to $369, but your cost could be higher if you need to have several units installed. Always try to get at least three estimates before you decide on an installer to ensure you're getting the lowest price and the best service for your heating needs. If you're considering a gas patio heater, the average cost is higher, ranging between $487 and $600 on average.

Electric patio heater repair cost

If you already have an electric patio heater that needs repair, you'll likely pay the current hourly rate charged by your electrician. Electrician rates vary by region, but the average hourly cost is between $65 and $85. The electrician will troubleshoot your heater to determine the cause of the problem and make recommendations to correct it. In some cases, you could need new wiring, a new outlet, or an update to your electrical panel. In other instances, you may need to simply replace your current heater with a new one. Heating elements can wear out and components can become damaged after long-term exposure to the elements. If you're not sure what's causing the problem with your patio heater, it's always best to refer to the professionals for assistance.

Labor cost to install an electric heater

The basic labor cost to install your new electric heater will vary depending on your location, the current demand, and labor rates in your area. When you hire an electrician to install the heater, they'll secure all mounting hardware when applicable to keep the unit securely in place. They'll also connect the heater to an existing GFCI protected circuit. If there is none available, the electrician will need to install one, which will increase your labor cost. All material, planning, site prep, area protection, and cleanup should be included in the total labor cost. Find out what the current rates are where you live before you hire someone. On average, hourly labor costs can be as low as $65 per hour to as high as $140 depending on the complexity of the job and the current demand for electricians in your area. Try to have your patio heater installed during the warmer months to get a lower rate.

How to determine cost per hour?

Since these types of heaters require electricity to operate, it's good to know what your costs per hour will be to figure into your monthly utility bill. In order to calculate your cost per hour, you need to know the maximum number of watts that your heater consumes as well as your local rate that you're charged per kilowatt-hour. Look on the heater itself or in the owner's manual to find the wattage of your heater. The kilowatt per hour (kw/hr) rate should be clearly listed somewhere on your monthly electric bill or statement. Once you find these two numbers, you can use the following equation:

• Watts/1,000 x kw/hr=total cost per hour
• Take the total watts of your heater and divide it by 1,000 to convert your watts into kilowatts.
• Multiply the kilowatts by your kw/hr rate found on your electric bill or monthly statement. This figure should provide you with your total cost per hour to operate the patio heater.

Here's an example to help you get a better idea of your cost. If your heater consumes 8,000 watts and your kilowatt per hour rate is 12 cents, the total cost would be $0.96 per hour to operate the heater. Here is the calculation written out for a better idea of how the number is calculated:

8,000 watts / 1,000 x .12=0.96 (96 cents per hour)

If you want to determine your daily operating costs, multiply your cents per hour by the number of hours you plan to use the heater.

Characteristics of an electric patio heater

Electric patio heaters come with several features that will help you determine which brand, model, and size are right for you. Here are the most common characteristics to look for along with how they can make life easier as you enjoy spending time outside when temperatures drop.

Heating surface

This term refers to how much area your heater will cover. The number is most commonly listed as square feet or square meters. Calculate the size of your patio and use this number to find an electric heater that will give you ample coverage to keep you warm.

Scope

The term "scope" refers to the extent that the heat radiates outward. Some brands will display the range while others will display the heating surface.

Heat emission

How much heat your electric patio heater produces is known as heat emission. The amount of heat can vary depending on weather conditions such as windy days or times where the temperatures are extremely frigid, which will cause emissions to drop temporarily.

Reflector

A reflector can increase the amount of radiant heat, and it can give you the ability to adjust the heat to reach different angles.

Material

Pay close attention to the material of your electric patio heater to ensure it can withstand your climate and conditions. For example, stainless steel heaters are recommended for areas near water since they won't rust, while heated umbrellas can work just fine in drier climates.

Stability and size

You'll find these heaters in a range of sizes, and smaller models are ideal for enclosed porches and small patio areas. The stability of the heater should also be checked so that you know the heater will stay in place on a table, in a corner, or mounted on the ceiling or walls.

Power dimmer

A power dimmer allows you to control the amount of heat emitting from the heater. This option is ideal if you only need a bit of extra heat on chilly nights but need more when it's extremely cold outside.

Autonomy

This term refers to the power consumption of your heater and can refer to solar or battery-powered electric heaters that require less electrical power to operate efficiently.

Heated umbrella standards

If you choose a heated umbrella to keep your patio warm, it must adhere to specific standards for safety. In North America, it must have a CSA safety rating. This rating means that your heated umbrella has been thoroughly tested and approved by a third party to ensure it meets a rigorous set of standards and has been deemed safe for use.

Electric patio heaters types

Electric patio heaters come in three common types: freestanding, tabletop, and hanging. Let's take a closer look at each to determine while option will suit your outdoor heating needs best:

Freestanding electric patio heaters cost

These heaters are usually tall and radiate heat downward, or they could be compact and designed to fit nicely in a corner. With a freestanding electric patio heater, you can move the unit around as needed to provide direct heat to specific areas of your patio.

Tabletop electric patio heaters cost

If you only need to heat the area around a patio table, a tabletop electric heater is a great option. These units typically use less electricity than some other models, and the compact size makes them extremely easy to move anywhere you want. Tabletop electric patio heaters also come in a variety of stylish designs to accent your patio.

Hanging electric patio heaters cost

If you need to heat a large area, a hanging electric patio heater could be the best choice. This style of heater is mounted to the ceiling or in an upper corner and is typically hardwired, which means you'll need to hire an experienced electrician to install the heater safely. Most hanging heaters produce more heat emissions than freestanding and tabletop designs. They can also be mounted to a pole or under a patio umbrella to provide you with overhead radiant heat.

Electric patio heaters vs gas heaters

When shopping for patio heaters, you will need to choose between gas and electric to keep your outdoor space warm. Electric patio heaters are less expensive and typically easier to install than gas models. A gas patio heater either uses a natural gas line or propane to power the unit. If you don't have a gas line running to this part of your home, you'll need to pay to have one added before you can connect the heater. In terms of operating costs, electric patio heaters cost more. Natural gas rates tend to be lower than electricity, but the upfront cost of a gas patio heater is usually higher. Electric heaters don't produce harmful emissions, and they're generally considered safer than gas-powered heaters.

Electric patio heater pros and cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of choosing an electric patio heater for your home:

Electric patio heater pros

• These heaters are convenient since most freestanding and tabletop models can be plugged into any outdoor electrical outlet.
• Electric patio heaters are energy-efficient and don't produce potentially harmful emissions like carbon monoxide.
• You can find electric patio heaters in various designs to add style to your porch, deck, or patio.
• Umbrella heaters are a unique way to keep your patio warm and comfortable while ensuring that the heater is concealed from view.

Electric patio heater cons

• Most electric patio heaters aren't designed for large areas. If you have a large patio, you may need more than one heater to keep the entire space warm.
• Since electric patio heaters require an electrical outlet, you're limited as to where you can use them.
• In terms of operating costs, electric heaters will be more expensive to use than gas-powered or solar-powered outdoor heaters.

Electric patio heater maintenance cost

Overall, electric patio heaters are easy to maintain. To ensure your heater is working correctly, check all of the electrical connections for damaged wiring or frayed cords every few months. Clean your patio heater to keep it running safely and to its maximum capacity. When cleaning the heater, disconnect it from the power source and only clean it when it's cool to the touch. Do not disassemble your heater - simply clean the outside surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Most units come with an owner's manual that includes instructions for maintenance. Unless you need the help of an electrician, maintaining your electric patio heater shouldn't cost much other than the cost of cleaning products and materials.