| One of the biggest trends among homeowners | | | | |
| today is building or improving outdoor rooms | | | | Free-standing, table-top, or wall-mounted? |
| around the house, such as patios and decks. | | | | |
| According to a recent survey conducted by the | | | | Free-standing heaters are larger (about 95 |
| Propane Education and Research Council | | | | inches tall) and more powerful than table-top |
| (PERC), 50 percent of homeowners in the U.S. | | | | heaters. Table-top heaters, though, because |
| spend more time at home now than they did | | | | they are lighter and smaller, are also much |
| five years ago. Further, 80 percent of those | | | | easier to carry around, wherever you want to |
| surveyed thought that it was very important | | | | go. A good example of a table-top heater is |
| for a home to have a relaxing outdoor room. | | | | the Lil Arctic Sun Original, which can |
| One of the top items PERC recommends for | | | | radiate heat in an 8 foot diameter. |
| creating the perfect outdoor room is a patio | | | | |
| heater. | | | | For larger groups, you might want to try the |
| | | | free-standing Arctic Sun Bullet, an |
| A study conducted by the Hearth, Patio, and | | | | affordable commercial grade heater that |
| Barbecue Association (HPBA) shows that 56 | | | | radiates heat in up to a 20 foot diameter. |
| percent of all grill owners, and 69 percent | | | | Infrared heaters are often quite versatile; |
| of gas grill owners, now grill out on a | | | | they can be be hung on a wall, on a pole, or |
| regular basis year round. By using an outdoor | | | | even possibly overhead. |
| patio heater, or perhaps an alternative such | | | | |
| as a chiminea, many of those people could | | | | Portable or stationary? |
| continue to enjoy the entire outdoors | | | | |
| experience by also eating outside during cold | | | | Stationary heaters are advantageous because |
| weather. | | | | they hook up to your natural gas lines, and |
| | | | so do not have tanks that need to be replaced |
| The Safety of Patio Heaters | | | | or refilled. If you plan on moving the heater |
| | | | to different locations, though, you will need |
| Safety is of the utmost importance when it | | | | a portable propane model. Portable heaters |
| comes to home appliances. Patio heaters these | | | | can be either free-standing or table-top |
| days are very safe, and getting better all | | | | models. Many of the free-standing units come |
| the time. Many gas heaters come with a piezo | | | | with hidden wheels to make movement easier. |
| electric starter, so there is no need for | | | | |
| matches and no pilot light. Another common | | | | One of the newest and most unique types of |
| safety feature is an automatic emergency shut | | | | portable heaters now available is the Dayva |
| off. If a unit with this feature is ever | | | | Tiki Torch. It is small heater with a long |
| overturned or even hit too hard, it will | | | | spike that can stick in the ground or the |
| instantly shut itself off. | | | | umbrella hole of a table. This heater is |
| | | | perfect for camping or a late-night trip to |
| Fuel Types | | | | the beach. |
| | | | |
| Patio heaters are manufactured to run off one | | | | How much heat? |
| of three different fuel types: propane, | | | | |
| natural gas, or electricity. Natural gas is | | | | The strength of a patio heater is rated in |
| used for permanent, stationary heaters. | | | | BTU's. As an example, a 45,000 BTU heater |
| Propane, conveniently available in tanks, | | | | will produce a 20 foot heat diameter. |
| allows a heater to be moved about. Infrared | | | | Free-standing heaters are generally more |
| heaters are often powered by electricity, | | | | powerful than table-top heaters, and so can |
| though some are run by natural gas. | | | | be used for larger groups. |
| | | | |
| Choosing Between Various Options | | | | In conclusion . . . |
| | | | |
| New types and sizes of patios heaters become | | | | Patio heaters are a welcome and useful |
| available regularly. As you look through the | | | | addition to America's increasingly outdoor |
| various options below, consider your specific | | | | lifestyle. They safely and efficiently turn |
| needs. Do you want a stationary heater, or a | | | | chilly nights into warm, comfortable |
| portable one? How much heat do you need | | | | evenings, perfect for you and your family to |
| considering the people you will entertain? | | | | get together and relax. After all, relaxing |
| Asking yourself these kinds of questions will | | | | is one thing we just do not do enough these |
| guide you to the heater best suited to your | | | | days. |
| outdoor room. | | | | |