Warm & Toasty Outdoors with Patio Heaters
by: Nicholas Webb
The Heat is On with Patio Heaters.
Any outdoor lover will tell you that the right patio heater will allow you to extend your love of the open-air life all year round.
A 15-20 foot circle of heat can easily increase the outside temperature by 10-25 degrees Fahrenheit and that makes all the difference between having to stay inside and eating out.
As with most patio equipment, the choice of the right heater for your needs isn’t always such an immediate process. First thing to know is whether you really need or want one. Some factors to consider are your lifestyle. How often do you eat or entertain outside? What is the weather predominantly like?
Now a few words concerning your budget.
How much are you willing to spend for a patio heater?
Prices for free standing models generally start at around $200-$250 and can go up to and over the $1000 mark. For normal domestic use, most sources indicate a $300-$400 model as being perfect.
The more expensive models are generally intended for commercial use. The newer, better-made patio heaters offer a selection of safety features and temperature controls. They will allow you to entertain in the early spring evenings. Just take a family breakfast set outside, or simply have a barbecue anytime you feel like it.
Modern patio heaters are:
so safe, you needn’t worry about fire
very quiet
really make having a patio or deck worthwhile
Freestanding heaters are usually about 7 feet tall and resemble a lamppost with a conical umbrella type housing on top. This helps radiate heat downwards. Some electric models are available but the majority use propane or natural gas, and these are by far the best type to consider. The gas canisters are contained in the base of the heater.
A quality patio or garden heater will generate around 45-50,000 BTUs, and that would be enough to keep you warm when you sit anywhere within a 20-foot diameter.
Most models now come with wheels, which facilitate moving your heater from one place to another while some even come with carrying cases. When it’s not in use, you can put the patio or deck heater in its carry case, or under an appropriate cover, and just wheel it away!
Many retailers are also able to offer smaller tabletop, or footstool, versions of the freestanding models.
So, apart from the price, the main things to look out for are the BTUs and temperature controls. The rest is really just design. Choose something you like … and prepare to enjoy more quality time outdoors.
In summary, garden or patio heaters will allow you to enjoy the outdoor life all year round.
About The Author
Nicholas webb nwebb@allabout-patio-furniture.com is the owner of http://www.allabout-patio.com A site that provides valuable patio furniture and patio accessories consumer tips and buying advice. Check it out before parting with your money.
For all outdoor heating, gas patio heaters are the best choice. Your guests will welcome the warmth when partying outdoors, besides providing an ambiance to the entire party which can very well be an envious thing for other people. The heaters are now available in a variety of models, brands and styles, but they all need careful handling. The following precautions will help you to handle the patio heater, and make sure you will have assured safety while handling them.
Keep all your children and pets away from the heater, especially when the heater is operating. Ensure they move about only under your supervision. Since the heater produces a lot of heat, it can cause serious burn injuries. You should also let your guests know about the heat produced by the patio hater when it is in use.
Though it is tempting to dry your towel on the heater after a good swim, it is a dangerous thing to do. Do not hang any kind of clothes or towels on the patio heater. Since these are inflammable material, they should not be anywhere near the heaters. A fire hazard is waiting to happen which can be dangerous to everyone, since their clothes might get scorched.
Do not use these heaters indoors. This is also hazardous. The gas fumes can escape even during its use outdoors. Do not use the gas patio heater in windy atmosphere outdoors. Due to high velocity winds, the heater may be knocked down causing an instant fire, or the heaters flame can be blown away causing a gas leak. Gas fumes are dangerous to breathe in and doing so could land you in the local emergency room.
Always mount the outdoor patio heater on a flat surface, away from windows and doors which have lots of traffic. If someone knocks down your heater, a fire may be the result. Also do not allow debris to collect beneath the heater, and the cleanliness around the area should be maintained.
Gas patio heaters should be used in a properly ventilated place. If there are any obstructions for flow of free air, your must mend them, otherwise gas can escape. In case gas leaks, do not operate the heater, either indoor or outdoor porch or patio.
While the heater is not being operated, debris should be removed to keep the area clean. Do not allow any kind of obstructions block the air vents and holes on the heater. Spider webs also can cause a blockage. Check your hose connected to the heater for any possible gas leaking. Use soap-water to clean the holes and air vents in case you find any obstructions. If gas is found to be leaking, do not repair it yourself. Take it to an expert for repair. Never allow rain to drench the heater, and whenever the heater is not in use, use a waterproof cover specially designed for these heaters.
Read and understand all the conditions in the instructions manual provided with the Gas Patio Heater. Until such time that you have understood all the things given in the instructions manual do not attempt to switch the heater on. If you require additional explanations you can always get them from dealers. Never switch on the gas patio heaters till you have thoroughly understood their operation.
A good propane patio heater helps you extend the useful time of your patio and deck well into the evening and fall season. Gas patio heaters are common in businesses, but can also be found at homes of people who like to enjoy the outdoors year round.
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