Are Patio Heaters for you?
You’ve most likely seen them around town, at outdoor cafes, bar patios and outdoor events. The patio heater is a great way to keep people warm outside throughout the year, and businesses know that it’s one way to attract customers, but most people wouldn’t even consider owning a patio heater for residential use.
The main reason for this is that people simply don’t think of it as something they associate with the home, so when it comes time to decorate the patio, the topic of heaters doesn’t come easily to mind. Another big reason for people not buying patio heaters is the (mis)conception that heaters like the ones you see at restaurants are just too expensive.
The fact is that heaters aren’t as expensive as most people think, and for a lot of folks it could be a great addition to their decks, patios and porches. Heaters are especially useful to two types of people. First, there’s the entertainer, that friend of yours who’s always giving parties for no particular occasion other than to be social. Barbecues and dinners al fresco are more comfortable with heaters, especially on cooler days and even those summer nights when it gets cool after the sun goes down.
The second kind of person who might like a heater is just anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to get the most of it, even when the temperature starts to dip. Maybe you have a fabulous deck setup, maybe your garden is where you do your best work. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to enjoy your patio well past the first frost.
Heaters, even the smaller versions, will raise the surrounding temperature 10-25 degrees, and radiate up to 20 feet in diameter.
There are two main types of heaters, determined by their fuel source. These are electric and gas. Here are some quick facts on each type:
Electric
-Easy to install
-Heats quickly
-Lightweight and often portable
Gas
There are two main kinds of gas heaters: propane and natural gas. Natural gas heaters are a little more involved because they utilize a permanent standing gas line. One disadvantage is that with natural gas heaters you lose the benefit of portability and being able to move your heater around. The benefit is that you don’t have to worry about refilling your fuel source.
Propane heaters are one of the most popular types of patio heater. Like electric models, they are easy to install, although the propane tank is considerably heavier than an electric unit. However, on the flip side, this in turn makes the unit all the more sturdy. Also, propane is one of the cheaper choices.
In addition to fuel sources, patio heaters take on various shapes, including wall-mounted, freestanding, offset freestanding, and even models that attach to patio umbrellas. The kind you choose is dependant upon personal preference and space allowances. For example, offset freestanding models are nice because they won’t block the middle of your patio, while wall-mounted units don’t use any floor space. On the other hand, wall-mounted units can only go so many places, so if it’s a garden party you’re throwing, you’ll want a freestanding version.
One concern for people, especially for people with pets or children, is whether heaters are safe. In fact, they’re incredibly safe. Most are designed to be extremely stable and can withstand being bumped into. Plus, a number of models come with an automatic off-switch in case you forget to turn it off yourself.
In closing, patio heaters are not for everyone, but ask almost any owner of a patio heater and they’ll tell you how convenient and useful they can be. Don’t let the weather dictate your day. Reclaim your patio for as many of the 365 days of the year you can.
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