Archive for the ‘Outdoor Living’ Category
Important Factors For Those Thinking About Getting A Patio Heater
Time was when you would most likely find a patio heater on the terrace of a trendy restaurant or bar. However, more and more patio heaters are showing up on backyard decks, patios and porches. There are reasons for this.
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.
An outdoor patio heater is designed simply to generate heat and direct it to a small area outdoors where people have gathered. This is accomplished by positioning a gas burner or electric heating element on top of a standard. The burner or heating element generates heat against a perforated metal screen, which then radiates the heat in a circular pattern. A reflector at the top of the unit keeps the heat from escaping upwardly and directs it to the area around the heater.
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.
As long as you use common sense, you will find outdoor patio heaters very safe to operate. A variety of regulated safety features help make this so. Safety tilt switches that automatically turn off the fuel source should the unit tip over is a good example. Other emergency shut-off valves that control the fuel source whenever there is a problem also help make patio heaters safe. Still, the common sense factor cannot be overstated. All the safety features built into a patio heater will not help much if you fire it up close to where you store gasoline, paint or other flammable liquids. Likewise, the enjoyment of a patio heater may quickly be lost if a child is left unattended near-by.
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.
If you want to be able to move your patio heater to different locations, then a propane model may work best. Although requiring connection to a small propane tank, many people prefer propane because of its portability, as well as its relative cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages.
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.
No matter what time of day or year, outdoor patio heaters are now a fashionable and effective way to bring family and friends together whenever there is a chill in the air. Their functionality, style and safety make them an ideal alternative for enhancing the backyard patio, deck or porch.
Chris Basher is regarded as an authority on outdoor patio heaters , gas and wood burning fire pits, outdoor patio fireplaces, and related backyard products. For more free information about patio heaters and related products, as well as special discounts on a variety of these products, visit his online specialty store at FirePitNow.com.