Reference Manual

Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose an electric heater, rather than a gas heater?
Simply put, electric heaters look better, are more efficient and are easier to operate and maintain.Electric
heaters are over 90% efficient and are perfectly safe for use indoors or outdoors. They are also economical to
operate and require little maintenance beyond periodic cleaning. Unlike gas heaters, there are no valves, ignition
components, moving parts or burners to maintain or repair. In addition, electric heaters produce no sound, odors
or toxic emissions.
Electric heaters also offer added mounting and installation options. They may be flush mounted into a standard
8' ceiling using our flush mount frame. When surface mounted, they hang less than 9-1/2' from the ceiling. The
most commonly used overhead gas heater requires a minimum ceiling height of almost 10' and, when mounted
properly, will hang almost 24' below it.
An electric heater is also easier to use. Enjoying electric comfort heat is as easy as flipping a switch. You can
adjust the intensity of an electric heater infinitely from zero to 100% of power. By contrast, gas heaters only
produce infrared energy on their highest possible settings.
How can I estimate my cost of operation?
Electric heaters are economical to operate. It is easy to estimate your operating cost by multiplying the total
kilowatts by your local power rate for a “kilowatt hour” (kwh). Standard power rates vary from market to market.
Your rate should appear on any monthly utility statement. For example, a typical 3,000 watt (3 KW) heater, at full
power, would cost 39¢ per hour based on a utility rate of 13¢ per kwh. Also keep in mind that your electric heater
has a lower acquisition cost than a standard gas heater.
How do I determine how many heaters I will need?
Please visit the "Getting Started" page for simple steps to help you select the right heaters and control options for
your space. For professional assistance, you may be required to submit some basic information about your area to
be heated. We are happy to help you design a system that will satisfy your needs and your budget.
How small of a heater can I use?
Always choose a heater size with the appropriate heat output for the mounting height and area to cover. By
selecting a smaller unit, you may require more heaters to get the same amount of heat output. If you are choosing
a dual element unit for aesthetic purposes, you will be concentrating more heat into a tighter space. Again, this
may mean that you will possibly require more fixtures to provide total coverage of your area. Patio heating is often
a compromise between functionality and finding thedesired look.
How much heat should I expect?
At their Food Services Testing Center, Pacific Gas & Electric has determined that a good patio heat installation (gas
or electric) will provide between 3-7° of perceived heat at 60° F ambient conditions. Test results determined that
more than 7° is too warm to sit in for extended periods. Colder or draftier areas may require more heat; protected
or warmer areas may require less. Every installation will vary, along with our customers’ expectations.
Does an electric heater cost more than a gas unit to operate?
Operating costs vary by region. Nationwide, electric heaters are less expensive than propane, and are competitive
with natural gas. Depending upon the total hours of usage, electric heaters normally have a much lower cost
of ownership when factoring in purchase price and maintenance needs. Basically, this means that while it can
cost more per hour to operate an electric unit in some areas, it typically takes 7-10 years to save enough money
operating on gas to recover the substantially higher purchase price-not to mention cost of regular maintenance for
a gas heater.
1
Frequently Asked Questions