| If you have a love for outdoor living and can't | | | | turn it on anytime without worry of running out |
| wait to get back to enjoying another great | | | | of propane. The drawback, of course, is that your |
| season outdoors, the arrival of early spring (and a | | | | heater is not portable and will require a bit more |
| recess from the coldest months) means a chance | | | | work to install. |
| to start enjoying your outdoor patio, kitchen and | | | | How do they work? These heater types are |
| living spaces again. The addition of exterior heating | | | | designed to radiate heat and can do so up to a |
| to these areas can extend this season by many | | | | certain distance; usually about a 20 foot square |
| weeks earlier in spring and further it into late fall. | | | | area. This heat raises the ambient temperature |
| Your choices in heating devices include: the patio | | | | within the circle from 10 to20 degrees, depending |
| heater, the chiminea, the fire pit and the fireplace, | | | | on your heater. If you need to heat a large |
| of which there are many types and styles to | | | | space, measure first and figure out how many |
| choose. If you like to spend a lot of time outside, | | | | heaters you will need. |
| and have a large outdoor entertaining area, | | | | There are other types of outdoor heaters, from |
| several outdoor heaters may be necessary. You | | | | electric space heaters designed for indoor/outdoor |
| can combine that with some sort of outdoor | | | | use as well as propane powered space heaters. |
| fireplace to create a terrific casual gathering area. | | | | Outdoor Fireplaces, Firepits and Chimineas |
| Patio Heaters | | | | Fire is hot! And with the use of some type of |
| The standard patio heaters on the market today | | | | outdoor fireplace, it can be used to both generate |
| are similar to the tall units you see at outdoor | | | | heat (both gas and wood will) and create |
| cafes and restaurants. The residential version of | | | | ambience. To go all out, you can build a large |
| these heaters are made, no frills, to cost less and | | | | outdoor fireplace to anchor a special room for |
| generally are made of stainless steel. For a | | | | outdoor entertaining. On a chilly night or day |
| decorative touch there is also all copper or a | | | | gathering around the fireplace with comfortable |
| brushed steel finish. Some models also have a | | | | furnishings is unbeatable. These start at around |
| light, a small table and wheels. | | | | $4,000; and with custom detailing and features |
| Most patio heaters run on propane or natural gas, | | | | can go upwards. |
| with propane being more popular because it | | | | For a much less of an investment you can add a |
| offers portability. Natural gas is requires a gas line | | | | fire pit or chiminea. Both types offer models that |
| to be extended from the house and a permanent | | | | burn wood or run on gas. Another desirable |
| hookup up to the heater. If you don't plan on | | | | benefit is, depending on the material and size you |
| moving your heater this is the better option | | | | choose, that both the chiminea and fire pit are |
| because there is a constant flow of gas so no | | | | portable. And finally, many firepits and chimineas |
| need to change out an empty tank and you can | | | | can also be used as grills. |