Outdoor Heaters -- Pros, Cons, and Tips

Outdoor heaters are becoming more and morebe a problem, climbing into the burner orifices and
popular in residential settings. Once, generallythe pilot light. Fingerprints can burn into the
found only in restaurant settings, outdoor heatersmushroom reflector surface. When not using your
are now big hits in middle class neighborhoods, asmushroom outdoor heater, be sure to store it
well.away and/or place a heater cover over it.
Are you considering purchasing outdoor heaters· Mushroom/umbrella outdoor heaters put
for your own home? Before you do so, learnout more heat than directional outdoor heaters,
more about the pros and cons associated withbut directional outdoor heaters can easily be
outdoor heaters, as well as some tips.mounted to many different surfaces, making
· Compared to outdoor fire pits andthem easy to set up and use. They are not
chimneas, outdoor heaters release feweraffected by wind. They cost less, and bugs are
emissions. Also, after sitting around an outdoornot so much of a problem with them.
heater all night, neither you nor your guests will· An outdoor heater with wheels is much
smell like a campfire!easier to move around than one without wheels!
· Also compared to outdoor fire pits,· If you already have a natural gas line in
outdoor fireplaces, and chimneas, there are moreyour home, you may consider setting up a natural
ongoing costs associated with outdoor heaters.gas outdoor heater directly to it. Of course, if you
-- If you have a gas outdoor heater, you mustdo so, you will have fewer options as to which
pay for refills of gas.area of your patio you can heat up.
-- Electric heaters require the quartz to replaced· When deciding what type of outdoor
about every 7 years (and your electricity bill willheater to get - butane, propane, natural gas, etc. -
go up).consider first where the closest suppliers are to
-- Also, there are more maintenance feesyou. Choose whatever type will be most
associated with both outdoor heaters and electricconvenient.
heaters. Although they are durable, it is still much· You will find multiple uses for any
easier to break a patio heater than an outdooroutdoor heater you choose to buy:
fireplace!-- Set one up outside so that smokers do not
· Mushroom or umbrella outdoor heatersfeel too shunned or cold when they must step
are most effective if there is no wind. A little bitoutside for a smoke.
of wind can make a big difference on how warm-- Make sure that outside barbecues and parties
the area surrounding the heater is. Also, with gascan last longer, with guests feeling comfortable.
heaters, wind can make flame move toward and-- Extend the length of seasons that you can use
damage internal components.your porch - start using your porch earlier in the
· To avoid problems with wind, it is bestspring and later in the fall. Be sure that cool
to set up your outdoor heater near walls, fences,summer evenings are heated as well.
and overhangs (making sure to still keep it at-- Use your outdoor heater in the morning when
least 2 feet from walls and ceilings - read theyou want to sit outside, breath in the fresh
warning and instructions before setting up themorning air, and drink your coffee.
heater.)-- Turn on your outdoor heater when you are
· Mushroom heaters are good becausecompleting outdoor projects - you do not want to
they reflect the heat down and out, where youaccidentally pound your hand with a hammer
want it to be. But moisture (especially salt air orbecause your fingers were too numb to grip it
chlorine air) can be hard on them. Buts can alsoproperly!