Do you enjoy sitting outside during a cool quiet evening? Most people would agree that it can be very pleasant and relaxing. But when cool becomes cold, outside is no longer fun. That is of course if you don’t have an outdoor patio heater. With patio heaters, you can enjoy a cup of tea outside even in late autumn or early spring. Find out what types of patio heaters exist and how you can find the best one for your place.
What Source of Fuel Can Patio Heaters Use?
Just like any other heaters you can find outdoor patio heaters that run on different fuel sources. Most common are: natural gas, propane, electric and wood outdoor heaters. The fuel type doesn’t actually make any difference to how big the aria your heater covers. That depends on the heater’s size. Really powerful heaters can cover the whole backyard, but majority of heaters effectively heat up your patio, so their range is only several meters.
Your Options for Outdoor Patio Heaters
The design of outdoor heaters can be different. One of the most popular designs is the umbrella patio heater. They usually run on propane and can keep large (up to 20 feet in diameter) space warm. The heat is produced out through the cylinder at the top while the fuel burns at the bottom of the heating unit. This type of outdoor heater doesn’t take much room because it is vertical and it is also very decorative, so not only it will warm your family and guests, but also add style to the design of your patio.
Wood burning outdoor patio heater is another popular variety of patio heaters. As the name indicates this type of heater runs on wood. Wood heater is very economical; however some areas have laws against wood combustion. Make sure wood outdoor heaters are allowed in your aria before buying one. Another advantage of wood patio heater is that your heater can be combined with a cooking grill, so you can enjoy making a hot snack while using your heater.
Majority of outdoor heaters are made of durable materials, the most popular is stainless steel. You can also find very decorative patio heaters with an antique copper finish or heaters painted in different colors.
Safety Rules for Outdoor Patio Heaters
Outdoor heaters are only meant to be used outside, never try to turn one on indoors. The gas cylinders that provide fuel for gas outdoor heater should not be stored inside. If you want to use wood burning heaters, you will need to install a chimney so that sparks coming out can be limited and damage to your home and outdoor furniture may be prevented.
It is important to explain to kids that a heater is not a thing to play with. Also store all the fuels for your heater in a locked garden shed, so the little ones can’t get to it.
Cleaning and maintaining your heater regularly is also very important to ensure that it is working properly and to minimize the pollution from it.
Nothing can relax you more than having a cup of tea sitting on your patio in the evening. When evenings are chilly, an outdoor patio heater can make the experience much more pleasant. And if you are having a barbecue or an outdoor party, you guests will surely appreciate the warmth.
