Trendy restaurants and taverns are not the only places one may find an outdoor patio heater these days. Given their improved performance, safety, and affordability, homeowners are increasingly looking to patio heaters as a viable alternative for heating their patio, deck or porch.
You may not be able to grab your beach towel and sunbathe in the middle of a northeast winter, but outdoor patio heaters radiate heat in circles and increase temperatures in a 10′ to 20′ space by as much as 25 degrees. That is significant enough to increase the special times you share with others outside.
The design of an outdoor patio heater is basically simple. A pillar or pole supports a gas or electric heating element that generates heat against a metal screen. In turn, the screen radiates the heat in a circular fashion toward a reflector positioned on top of the heater. The reflector redirects the heat outwardly and downwardly into the area where guests have gathered.
Buyers will enjoy the wide variety of patio heater shapes, sizes and finishes. Stainless steel, chrome, nickel, copper and aluminum are some of the strikingly beautiful finishes that are available. The table top and floor lamp styles demonstrate the most noticeable size variations. Add to the mix the various round, square, multi-sided, modern and traditional forms, as well as colors, and it is unlikely you will not be able to find the perfect look for your place.
Rest assured, outdoor patio heaters are safe to use. Of course, it is not recommended that you use any patio heater not equipped with basic safety features, such as safety tilt switches and emergency shut-off valves, that are in good operating condition. In addition, technology has greatly helped ensure the safe use and storage of the different fuels used with patio heaters. Ultimately, however, no assurance can replace common sense. For example, all the safety features in the world will not mean much to the person operating a patio heater close to gasoline and other flammable or combustible liquids, materials or vapors. Likewise, the safest electric heater is not safe if it is used in a rain storm.
Generally, outdoor patio heaters run on three different fuels: electricity, propane, and natural gas. To select the right one for you requires matching your needs and preferences to the advantages each fuel source offers. The availability of the fuel source also is an important consideration. For example, electricity is easily accessible virtually everywhere, and electric patio heaters are very easy and convenient to use. However, they have to be plugged into a grounded electrical outlet, which somewhat restricts the number of places the unit may be located.
On the other hand, propane patio heaters are the choice for many people, because connecting them to a small propane tank allows them to position the heater in a greater number of places. Comparatively speaking, propane also is cost-effective, and burning propane does not hurt the environment.
The third main fuel source, natural gas, is a great option for those who have (or can have) a gas line installed. As with electric patio heaters, using natural gas limits where the heater may be located. However, natural gas is environmentally safe, odorless, cost-effective, and does not require refilling a gas tank.
Whatever patio heater size, style or fuel type works best for you, what you will enjoy most is the added dimension to your outdoor experience. You not only will enhance the look and ambiance of your patio, deck or porch, but, more importantly, the relationships of those that come together there.
Chris Basher is considered as an expert on outdoor patio heaters , gas and wood burning fire pits, outdoor patio fireplaces, and related backyard products. For more free information regarding patio heaters and related products, along with special discounts on a variety of these products, check out his online specialty outlet at FirePitNow.com.
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