Concerns over the environmental impact of gas heaters has been exaggerated says Calor, the gas heater supplier. Recent reports claiming these products are environmentally unfriendly are unfounded and Calor says it is concerned that pubs and customers are being misled.
Many bars and restaurants use patio heaters to offer their customers an al fresco dining experience. Also, with the onslaught of a smoking ban, expected shortly, licensees are considering new options for their outside areas.
Calor says that based on annual sales of patio gas cylinders, patio heaters in the UK are responsible for around 17,000 tonnes of CO2 a year - which is equivalent to 0.002 per cent of all UK carbon emissions.
To put the claims into perspective, an average person is responsible for producing 1kg of CO2 per day on a daily basis. Calor denies the heaters are damaging to the environment.
Andrew Ford, corporate affairs manager at Calor, told The Publican: "Patio heaters appear to be a target for environmental bodies stating they are dangerous to the environment.
"Patio heaters are a useful tool for publicans if they use them sensibly and not guiltily.
"When the smoking ban launched in Ireland pubs ran out of patio heaters - they are a solution to that problem."
Advice for patio heater use
- Patio heaters are for outdoor use only, and should not be used with any conventional awnings or gazebos, especially those made of plastic
- Do not move a patio heater when it is alight
- Ensure that children are kept away from accessible parts that may become hot during use
- Patio heaters should be assembled and regularly serviced by a competent person
- Check the condition of the flexible hose connecting the regulator to the patio heater inlet every time the cylinder is replaced
- Do not use a patio heater if a persistent gas smell is present, and ensure that the cause of the leak is investigated and rectified
- Patio heaters should only be on full power during the initial minutes of use. Half power or less for the rest of the time will usually be sufficient
- Position patio heaters away from strong winds.
Source: Calor