Patio Heaters: Types, Benefits, and Choosing the Best Option for Your Outdoor Space
As autumn nights get chillier and winter weather approaches, patio heaters present welcoming solutions to warming personal outdoor areas efficiently so one can continue enjoying fresh air and garden vistas longer during the year.
What Are Patio Heaters?
Simply stated, patio heaters produce focused columns of glowing infrared heat waves confined within protective grills suspended above ground level. The radiant warmth travels directly to outdoor lounging areas where people gather comfortably below. Strategic placement zones in the directed heat streams feel temperatures rise substantially despite cold ambient air thanks to infrared efficiency. Portable wheeled bases give flexibility in moving units around house perimeter patios, pool decks, or gardens, centering warmth wherever al fresco entertaining unfolds during cooler months or years round in temperate climates.
Why You Need a Patio Heater
For regions experiencing major temperature declines after summer ends, owning a quality patio heating appliance can utterly transform backyards, decks, and balconies into habitable sanctuaries resisting winter for four or five extra months annually. Excellent reasons for acquiring patio heaters include:
Extended Outdoor Use: Lengthen the time homeowners spend enjoying gardens and outdoor living investments further by self-contained heat supplying comfort against cold snaps or routine evening chill even as daylight wanes rapidly during autumn through early springtime months.
Entertainment: Host memorable gatherings with family and friends seven days weekly, again outlasting nature’s schedules thanks to instant ambient warmth, keeping everyone gathered cozily together long after the sun disappears over horizon Lines.
Increased Home Value: Outdoor living ranks among the most desired amenities sought by modern homebuyers. Installing built-in or easily storable heat sources promotes venue flexibility winning more buyers willing to pay premiums and having tranquil backyard escapes usable spring into fall despite your region’s climate.
Cost-Efficient: Compare reasonably priced portable propane tank-fed or quick plug-in electrical units against modifying full home thermostats and patio comforts to become the most economical way of extending seasons appreciably.
Versatile Design: Freestanding units on wheels or wall/ceiling mounts suit any outdoor architecture style and square footage aligning beam-fired warmth to occupancy patterns and furniture placements as needed.
Types of Patio Heaters
When selecting patio heating systems, foremost decide which fuel type and unit size best suits specific outdoor area heating requirements, usage goals, and design aesthetics through assessing:
Propane Patio Heaters
Standard freestanding propane-burning patio units offer versatile warm solutions for most weather buffering needs:
Advantages:
- Portable wheeled bases simplify repositioning nearer shifting gatherings
- Powerful heat output reaching tens of feet quickly takes the chill off
- No electrical wiring allows placement anywhere patios reach
Disadvantages:
- Refilling propane tanks requires monitoring fuel gauges regularly
- Occasional unit emissions and open grate precautions are necessary
Natural Gas Patio Heaters
Hardwired natural gas-fed systems save refilling efforts but lose relocation flexibilities:
Advantages:
- No refueling needed with household gas line integration
- Lower operational costs than recurring propane exchange expenses
- Cleaner gas burning with negligible emissions
Disadvantages:
- Permanent mounting prevents rearranging area layouts
- Professional installation and piping/meter adjustments required
Electric Patio Heaters
Plug-in electrical outdoor heaters offer instant ambient warmth sans flames or fuels:
Advantages:
– Indoor/outdoor versatility aligning nearest power outlets
- No emissions or flames make the operation safer
- Simple plug-in functionality activates units instantly
Disadvantages:
– Limited heating distances covered, unlike gas-powered variants
– Require grounded outdoor receptacles or wiring to be installed
Infrared Patio Heaters
Infrared rays emit targeted heat waves sensed by the skin directly:
Advantages:
– Very efficient as infrared waves heat objects rather than just air
– No emissions or fuels makes utilization safer
– Quickly emit focused beams, warming instantly
Disadvantages:
– Narrow directional beams leave cold zones for moving groups
– Requires an electrical outlet to power emitting bulbs
Key Considerations When Buying a Patio Heater
Choosing ideal outdoor heating solutions depends on several factors:
Size of the Space
Scale unit wattages are covering intended gathering areas sufficiently. More powerful heaters combat wind chill better.
Heat Output
Evaluate how quickly elements reached maximum warmth levels and projected longevity running costs over the years, determining values.
Fuel Source
Assess available utility provisions if hard-wired or requiring portability tanks and determine impacts on long-term budgets, installation feasibility, and user responsibilities.
Design and Aesthetics
Freestanding decorative tower styles or subtle wall mounts blend with architecture and decor express preferences too.
Portability
Wheeled bases reach multiple landscaped locations, while permanent mounts provide targeted area efficiency only.
Safety Features
Seeking grille guards, tip-over auto shut-offs, and stable bases prevent accidental contacts, ensuring household peace of mind.
Maintenance Tips for Patio Heaters
Routinely caring for outdoor heating equipment preserves functionality and longevity, benefiting owners through:
Clean the Burner
Periodically inspect propane/gas-fed heater elements and burners removing accumulated dirt or spider nests clogging gas flows using compressed air, brushes, and soft cloths.
Check for Gas Leaks
Annually test propane/natural gas connections by applying leak detection foam ensuring gas valves seal tightly without emissions risks after inadvertent bumps shifting units. Tighten where required.
Store Properly in Off-Season
Place fabric covers protecting stainless elements from corrosion over inactive summer months. Wheeled bases simplify moving units under backyard covers securing them from harsh winter precipitation if not designed weather resistant already.
Inspect Electrical Components
For infrared and electric models, carefully check plugs, cords, and bulbs before restarting needing replacements after prolonged storage durations. Test functionality first.
Safety Tips for Using Patio Heaters
While incredibly beneficial, exercising common sense safety using heaters prevents risks:
Keep Flammable Materials Away: Position units safely distant from furniture cushions, clothing piles, and children supervised to avoid accidental ignitions.
Never Leave Unattended: Extinguish standalone propane models when not actively monitored, given open grate design. Fires could attract pets or small wildlife unaware of risks and seek warmth sources instinctively.
Use on Stable Surfaces: Soil shifts or uneven terrain possibly tipping over active units spilling contained fuels mandates caution selecting flat pad locations capable of securing weighted bases planted firmly.
Monitor Children and Pets: Attentive adult supervision ensures innocent hands don’t access hot elements accidentally. Also, cover grates when not operating for added protection.
Conclusion:
With outdoor living spaces becoming integral home extensions across seasons, patio heaters help maximize enjoyment, preventing weather barriers and staying comfortably outdoors more often. Take time to understand the available options and professional guidance, customizing perfect solutions to match family routines. Then happily gather cherished ones around the glowing warmth beating back old man winter’s harshest nights!