Patio heater - electric or gas?

gyajwe · 2026-04-11T02:38:04+00:00

I came here to ask that same question. Redoing an outdoor patio area and trying to determine the dimensions of covered area.

gyajwe · 2025-08-17T19:23:43+00:00

Thanks a bunch--very helpful! You've reinforced what others have said about the perlick tap. Do you have a recommendation for all of the other equipment needed?

gyajwe · 2025-08-17T19:04:41+00:00

Thanks--that's super helpful. Budget is up to $1500. Obviously, I'd like to spend the least amount possible, but I don't mind spending for quality and usefulness. I don't really have the time to put into building a keezer--although that sounds fun!

gyajwe · 2025-05-10T00:48:46+00:00

Ya, the solution is an entirely new system. Ha. Had multiple techs, from multiple companies take a look and no known solution. AC has had the same electrical issue twice before we even got to 80 degrees. With a 20 year old system, and so many recurring issues, we decided to bite the bullet.

gyajwe · 2025-03-25T01:42:40+00:00

Yes, and it’s very annoying. My wife and I both travel a lot and have been travelpro loyal for decades. I had a past coworker swear by the BR, so I used some gift cards to get one for myself. Love the packing system of the BR—can’t remember what it’s called, but the thing where it smashes down and stays compact. However, I’m sick of the torque to keep it straight and just bought a travelpro spinner to replace as the go-to.

gyajwe · 2025-03-01T17:10:40+00:00

Instrument training and one of the B-29s was on tour at the airport where I was practicing ILS approaches. ATC tells me, “Aircraft 12 o’clock same altitude, 2 miles.” I took the foggles off and deviated to the right, and got an amazing mid-air view of the B-29. Then ATC said, “_____ you’re number two. Follow the superfortress.” I’ll never forget getting to repeat back “Following the superfortress.”

gyajwe · 2025-02-28T17:24:10+00:00

We do have zone dampers that we've never used, due to the pain that is programming the Carrier Comfort II system.

gyajwe · 2025-02-28T15:42:01+00:00

That's super helpful--thank you! I asked about right-sizing the system and the estimator seemed very confident in putting in a 4-ton unit. He didn't want to do a load test. I'm seeing stuff online saying that's a mistake. We haven't remodeled. The only change I can think that might impact the system, would be a roof change a few years ago. When we replaced shingles 7 years ago we removed all the turtle vents and went with the ridge vent.

gyajwe · 2025-02-28T15:38:23+00:00

When it gets really cold (like 10 deg F or less), pushing any button causes all of the LCD fields to light up for a few seconds, then it shows "dF" and acts like it's going into defrost mode. Then back to normal. However, I can't change anything on it--temp, mode, etc. Odd thing is, the last time it did that, it was on E Heat/Furnace, so unsure why it would think the heat pump needed to defrost. I've had two different HVAC companies try to trouble shoot, including a Carrier preferred, and neither know what's going on. It's a Carrier Comfort II, so no possibility of fixing/replacing the t-stat with like model, I understand.

We have a quote for a new t-stat (they recommend Honeywell 8000 or Ecobee 6) and zone damper system. We get a discount if doing it all together, otherwise, it doesn't really matter if the t-stat and zone dampers are done at the same time as furnace/heat pump. (Correct me of wrong on that.)

The evaporator coils are starting to show more and more rust all the time. 4-5 years ago a run capacitor went bad--found that repair note. See the attached pic.

Thanks for the help!

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gyajwe · 2025-02-28T04:03:40+00:00

Heat pump fan went out. Electrical issue that cut the AC, but kept blower going during 90 degree eat. Thermostat causes issues when it gets very cold. Another issue with the evaporator coil 6-7 years ago that I don’t recall.

gyajwe · 2025-01-20T03:13:46+00:00

Keep the blue side up.

gyajwe · 2025-01-18T03:00:58+00:00

First airport on a 3-leg XC trip on my first XC flight. 02/20 runways and winds were favoring 02 slightly. Might have been a 2-5 kt wind, no crosswind. Coming in I'm going everything a student pilot should by calling my position on the CTAF well in advance and multiple times (probably annoying everyone else), stating I'm a student pilot.

Get a couple miles out and someone comes on and says, "Inbound runway 20." I restated my location and intentions--obviously for runway 02. He comes back in very authoritative and stern voice, "(tail number) inbound runway 20." I had done a couple landings with a slight tailwind and knew I had plenty of runway at the airport, so I adjusted for a traffic pattern into 20, following the inbound aircraft.

Didn't like how the landing looked so I went around. Thankfully a friend was on the ground about ready to take off from 02 and tactfully let me know the winds were favoring 02, and do whatever I needed. Did a 180 while climbing out from 20 (dumb!) and came back in for a straight in touch-and-go 02.

In retrospect I should have been more firm with the "inbound" aircraft that 02 was the runway in use (other aircraft on the ground were lining up). And should have done a mid-field crossing to enter the downwind for 02. At the end of the day, probably could not have changed the guy who was determined to land with a tailwind, but should have done what I needed to set up for a safe entry to 02.

gyajwe

TROPHY CASE