Max. heating area
A very conditional parameter that depends on various factors - the presence of additional obstacles, weather conditions, etc. Nevertheless, this point represents the maximum recommended area that can be effectively heated by an outdoor heater.
This parameter is directly related to the maximum power: after all, vast spaces require a lot of energy. See above for more details on this connection, but here we note that the data on the heating area makes it possible to estimate the range of the heater. In most cases, heat spreads in all directions and the space covered forms a circle; accordingly, the range will be equal to the radius of the circle, namely the square root of the area divided by the number "pi". For example, for a model with a maximum area of 20 m, the range will be about 2.5 m. But if the heater has a narrow directivity, then the space it covers depends not only and not so much on power (it is usually taken with a margin), but on the design of the reflector and the angle of dispersion of IR radiation, which is incorporated in this design.
Heating diameter
The heating diameter determines the size of the comfort zone around the outdoor heater. If the heating diameter is 10 metres, then the heat will spread 5 metres from the heater in each direction. The heating diameter is closely related to both the heat output of the heater and the fuel consumption.
Safety features
Protective systems provided in the design of the patio heater.
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Overheat protection. A system that monitors the temperature of the device and turns off the power or gas supply (depending on the energy source) when it rises critically. Note that the cause of such an increase can be both a malfunction in the heater itself and external factors — for example, installation in a cramped place or covering the emitter with foreign objects. Anyway, overheating is fraught with accidents and even fires, and protection against it will not be superfluous.
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Water resistance. Special housing design that protects the sensitive elements of the heater from moisture. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to use the heater in adverse conditions, for example, during rain and snowfall. This function is relevant primarily for electric models because gas is insensitive to moisture and does not require special protection. Note that the degree of protection against moisture (and, accordingly, suitability for certain conditions) may be different; these points are indicated in more detail in the instructions or other official documents. In addition, the presence of this feature in itself does not guarantee the suitability of the heater for a long stay in conditions of high humidity — even if the protection is reliable enough for this, individual parts may corrode.
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Tip-over protection.... A system that automatically switches off the heater in the event of a tipping. Most modern outdoor heaters have a vertical layout and are designed to work in a "standing" position; a fall, usually, leads to a violation of the operating mode, which in turn is fraught with various unpleasant consequences. The surface on which the heater has fallen can be a fire hazard. This type of protection is provided to avoid possible troubles in such incidents.
