Considering a 40,000-50,000 BTU patio heater, a 9 kg or 20-pound gas bottle or tank will last 9-10 hours, while a 5 kg or 11.23-pound gas bottle will last around 4-5 hours. The amount of BTU capacity usually determines the consumption rate of energy. The propane will last less than any low-BTU-producing outdoor heater if you have a high-BTU capacitor heater. In this article, you will find specific heaters’ gas bottles or tank running hours and other necessary cost information.
How Many Hours Can I Use My Patio Heater With 5KG Gas?
A 40,000-50,000 BTUs-producing patio heater will run 5-6 hours with a 5 kg gas bottle or tank.
The mathematical calculation:
If we consider a 20-pound propane tank, it usually contains about 432,000 BTUs, so as we know, 20 pound= 9.072 kg.
Now, 9.072 kg contains 432,000 BTUs, so 5 kg contains= (432,000/9.072) x 5= 238,095.23 BTUs
So, if we take an average patio heater that consumes around 40,000 BTU,
We get, 238,095.23 /40,000= 5.96 hours
How Many Hours Can I Use My Patio Heater With a 9KG Gas Tank?
A 9 kg or 20-pound gas bottle will last around 10–11 hours if the patio heater produces approximately 40,000–50,000 BTU. If the capacity exceeds the mentioned amount, it will run for longer hours.
The mathematical calculation:
If you consider a 20-pound propane tank, it usually contains about 432,000 BTUs, so as we know, 20 pounds equals 9.072 kg.
So, if we take an average patio heater that consumes around 40,000 BTU,
We get 423,000 divided by 40,000, or 10.8 hours.
How Long Does 1KG Gas Last?
For a 40,000 BTUs outdoor heater, 1 kg of gas will last about an hour or a half hours.
The mathematical calculation;
Usually, a 20-pound gas tank contains about 432,000 BTUs, so as we know, 20 pounds equals 9.072 kg.
Now, 9.072 kg contains 432,000 BTUs, so 1 kg contains= (432,000/9.072)= 47619.05 BTUs
So, if we count an average patio heater that consumes around 40,000 BTU,
We get 47619.05 /40,000= 1.1905 hours.
Do Gas Heaters Use a Lot of Gas?
If you use an infrared patio heater, your gas heater will not consume a lot of gas but will produce more heat than electric types. In addition, natural gas is an affordable option; when it comes to cost, propane costs the most, but an electric patio heater also produces a considerable amount of electricity bill.
Here is a table constructed for 20 lbs gas tanks running hours for different BTU patio heaters:
Patio heater BTUs |
Tank/bottle type |
Working hours |
40,000 BTUs |
20 pound |
10.8 hours |
30,000 BTUs |
20 pound |
14.4 hours |
60,000 BTUs |
20 pound |
7.2 hours |
100,000 BTUs |
20 pound |
4.32 hours |
Besides the BTU capacity, you must consider how much heat output you need from the heater. For example, you may set the regulator in mid-power mode if the outside temperature is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. These various levels of heat usage significantly impact the amount of gas consumed.
Consequently, you won’t use the patio heater for 10 hours straight, so remember that it consumes fuel only when you turn it on. However, nowadays, everyone is putting stress on saving the environment and saving non-renewable energy sources. Gas or propane patio heater produces carbon monoxide and some toxic gases, which are very harmful to health. Since burning propane or natural gas causes significant pollution, it is preferable to use an electric heater if possible.
People living in frigid regions have no options but to use the gas run or fire pits; however, electricity is renewable and doesn’t cause any smoke or health issues.
Which is Cheaper, Gas or Electricity?
According to the prices in the states, natural gas is the most affordable and low-cost option. Following natural gas, electricity costs more than natural gas but lesser than propane. Natural gas patio heaters typically produce between 0.50 and $1.00 per hour. 2-3 electric patio heaters generate electricity bills of around \$1.80 per hour for a 400-square-foot area. At the same time, on average, propane patio heaters cost about 1.6 dollars per hour.
However, not everyone’s situation is the same. Some of you may prefer portability, and others may not. Also, people in colder regions will have to choose gas-run heaters. So, always using an infrared patio heater will help save costs. Infrared patio heaters mainly use infrared technology for heat production. As a result, the fuel is burned efficiently, and zero power is wasted. Infrared technology is compatible with all patio heaters, including propane, natural gas, and electric models. These infrared radiating heaters can significantly reduce your total expense after fuel and also ensure perfect heating.
Final Verdict:
Now you know the details of the bill calculation for gas/electric heater. I hope this article has helped you to solve the issue. Please let us know if you have anything to know about.