In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for sitting outside in the
evening -- the bugs have gone and the sky is clear -- but the nights are
chilly. Don't let the cool evenings send you inside -- extend your
outd
Debbie Rodgers
In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for sitting outside in the evening -- the bugs have gone and the sky is clear -- but the nights are chilly. Don't let the cool evenings send you inside -- extend your outdoor living season by heating your deck or patio.
Ways to warmth
Different heaters are available for different needs and circumstances. A heater will be powered by propane, natural gas, alcohol-gel, electricity, wood, or wood substitutes such as charcoal or artificial logs. Depending on the size and the heat source, they may warm only a small space or heat a party-size yard.Wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits are generally the least
expensive to buy and to operate. Check for zoning ordinances to be sure
that you can burn wood on your property. Some municipalities allow wood
burning in a small chimenea unit, but will not approve a built-in or dug
fire pit. If you have a pottery fireplace, or chimenea, use it cautiously as
these units are lightweight and reasonably fragile. To keep the fire
from getting hot enough to break the chimenea, it's best to use
kindling-size wood. Many wood-burning units have optional cooking grills so your fire can
do double duty warming your toes and your tummy. Any open fire is a potential hazard. Keep any overhead sparks from
tree branches or patio overheads, and be sure to teach children proper
fire safety.
Natural gas heaters are easy to use but are usually built in and,
although bottled gas may be purchased, are best limited to those areas
that have natural gas service. Propane heaters can be economical to operate. Depending on the heat
output level you set, a standard propane tank can provide 10 to 12 hours of
heat. Propane-powered "mushroom" or "umbrella" heaters (so called because of
their shape) are the best choice for heating large areas. They radiate
warming rays from the top cylinder and provide a comfort zone of 12 to 20
feet in diameter. The propane tank is hidden in the bottom of the unit.
It's a good idea to put these units away when not in use as they can be
sensitive to the elements. Smaller tabletop units are also available. Although electric heat is usually the most expensive, there are a few
electric heaters designed specifically for outdoor use. Be sure that any
heater that is left outside is rated as such.
In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for sitting outside in the evening -- the bugs have gone and the sky is clear -- but the nights are chilly. Don't let the cool evenings send you inside -- extend your outdoor living season by heating your deck or patio.
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Different heaters are available for different needs and circumstances. A heater will be powered by propane, natural gas, alcohol-gel, electricity, wood, or wood substitutes such as charcoal or artificial logs. Depending on the size and the heat source, they may warm only a small space or heat a party-size yard.
For all heating units to perform optimally, they will need the right location. The ideal site is a combination of walls or fences (to radiate the heat back into your space) and overhead structures that will prevent the wind from blowing directly through your selected area. Here are some tips for effective and safe use:
Wood-burning units range from small collapsible units on wheels for easy portability to huge built-in concrete fireplaces. If you are permitted to burn wood, you are sure to find a unit to suit your needs!
With the wide selection of outdoor heating devices available, you're
sure to find one that right's for you. So heat up the night -- and go
right on enjoying your outdoor space. 