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