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