When planning your special event, it is easy to become overwhelmed by all the decisions you have to make. Choosing furniture, décor, linen, glassware and other details are all very important, and can make a real difference in the style of the event. With so many things to think about, you might lose track of the less exciting but even more important basic details, such as how to keep your guests comfortable. During the colder winter months, the heater you select can mean the difference between happy, contented guests and those who are uncomfortable and eager to go home.

Here are 8 tips to consider when choosing a heater for your next event:

1. Ambient Temperature

You need very different heating for a daytime event in a well-insulated building in May than for a night-time function outdoors in July. Consider the average temperatures during the time frame of your event. If it will be indoors, determine whether the building has built-in heat and, if so, if you can use it. Even unheated shelters and marquees provide some protection from wind and rain, so a smaller heater might meet your needs.

2. Ventilation

Portable heaters come in two basics types, electric and gas. Although different types of gas heaters have different requirements, all require a good deal of ventilation. Never choose a gas heater for a sealed indoor space. Some gas heaters require a hook-up to a gas delivery pipe, while others are self-contained. Some can be used indoors without venting as long as the space is reasonably open and not air-tight. Most portable gas heaters, however, are suitable only for outdoor use. Electric heaters do not require ventilation and are a safer choice for an indoor function.

3. Size of Your Space

Heaters are rated according to the room size that they can comfortably heat. Using a heater that is rated significantly higher or lower than the size of your space can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Heaters that are too small will try to work too hard, potentially overheating. Gas heaters that are too big can release an unsafe amount of pollutants, while electric heaters that are too big are challenging to properly control.

4. Clearances

All heaters require a certain amount of open space to minimise the chance of fire. Pay close attention to the designated clearances for any heater you are considering. In addition, some portable heaters are very tall or very wide. Before hiring a heater, look for low ceilings, low-hanging tree branches and tight spaces that might interfere with a particular design. When you install the heater, measure the space around it to be sure it falls within the guidelines.

5. Electrical and Fuel Considerations

Electric heaters are available in many different styles, including convection heat and radiant heat, and some use fans to blow the warm air around. Many gas heaters also use fans to project their heat, and some have electric ignition switches. Keep in mind that if the heater has any electric parts, it will need to be plugged in. Check your site for electrical outlets and hire or purchase any extension cords you will need. Remember that cords can be a tripping hazard, so make sure they are secured to the ground or keep them out of the flow of foot traffic.

Gas heating options include propane and kerosene. Each heater requires a certain amount of fuel to run for a particular number of hours. Make sure you have enough of the right kind of gas, and plan to purchase extra in case something unusual happens.

6. Safety Features

If you have planned a successful event, your guests will be paying more attention to having fun than to staying safe. Look for a heater that has built-in features to keep your guests safe. For example, the heater should have a sturdy base. It should turn off automatically if it is tipped over or something is spilled on it. If you will use gas heat, choose a model heater that will turn off the gas supply if the burner quits working or if the surrounding oxygen level goes too low.

7. Programmability and Ease of Use

On your special day, you will be busy and distracted. Choose a heater that minimises the amount of work you have to do. Many heaters have automatic timers, so earlier in the day you can set it to come on shortly before the guests arrive. Some have digital thermostats that let you choose a particular temperature to maintain. Too many controls can be overcomplicated, but having a few automatic controls makes the heater easier to use.

8. Look and Design

You have chosen all of your furniture, linens and other details to create a certain look. Make your heater an extension of that look. From old-fashioned elegance to streamlined futuristic designs, there are quite a lot of available heaters. Choose one that blends with your overall design scheme.

When planning your wedding or special event, why not choose a party hire service with a personal touch? Betta Party Hire has the experience and expertise to help you choose the right items for the party of your dreams.

8 tips for choosing the right heater for your event