Propane patio heater sales surged in 2020-2021 as a result of more businesses utilizing outdoor space in response to COVID-19.
Propane patio heaters release 61.23 kg of CO2 per million BTU. The average commercial propane patio heater is 46,000 BTUs. A 25 sqm area can be warmed by a standard 13kg propane canister for 12 hours.
Operating just one patio heater on most evenings and some lunchtimes is projected to produce four tons of carbon dioxide per year. That’s about two thirds of the total carbon dioxide produced by an average household.
France banned outdoor patio heaters in March 2022 because they produce half a million tonnes of CO2 annually, according to the Environment Ministry.
The most carbon conscious and affordable way to stay warm outdoors in chilly weather is to dress appropriately and use blankets.
Sources: The Carbon Almanac Footnotes; The Guardian