Patio Heaters - Extend Your Outdoor Season in Warmth and Style

There's nothing quite like spending a nice evening outside with loved ones and friends, but with winter just around the corner, this may not be possible for much longer. Thankfully, patio heaters can help bring the comfort of the indoors to your backyard and add beauty to your outdoor setting.

In terms of fuel sources, most patio heaters run on either natural gas or propane. Natural gas patio heaters are very convenient because they
are directly connected to your gas line, but one of the most popular varieties of patio heaters is the propane-fueled "Umbrella Type Patio
Heater." These are ideal for keeping larger areas warm, and you may have seen these used outside of restaurants or bars. In order to heat an area, heat is radiated out through the cylinder at the top, while fuel burns at the
bottom of the heater. A standard residential patio heater will probably use a 20 pound propane tank that will provide roughly 10-12 hours of even, efficient heat, depending on how high the temperature is set. A standard patio heater which puts out 40,000 BTUs has the capability of heating an area 20 feet in diameter as much as 25 degrees.

Here are a few recommended patio heater models:

NewAir APH-4000 ($229.99 + 5% discount code "COOL"): Providing 40,000 BTUs, this propane patio heater
is built to last and has a coverage area of up
to 22 feet. Advanced features include a
piezoelectric pilot lighter, adjustable heat
control, and rust-proof construction. NewAir

APH-1100SS ($109): This propane-fueled patio heater is
compact, portable, and meant for tabletops. It produces up to 11,000 BTUs of heat and assembles and dissembles in minutes. Features include adjustable heat settings and a safety-tilt shut-off system. Also, at $109, this model is affordable and perfect for smaller areas.

However, like any heater, a few precautions should be taken when operating a patio heater in order to ensure safety:

- Never use a patio heater indoors - these types of heaters are strictly meant for outdoor use because of risk of fire and carbon monoxide
emissions.
- Allow enough clearance for combustibles around and under the emitter head of the patio heater.
- Make sure the patio heater is properly ventilated for airflow, and do not obstruct the air holes or vents. Dust, debris, and insects may sometimes clog the air ducts and decrease performance.
- Ensure proper maintenance of your patio heater, and have it checked yearly by a qualified professional, especially after an extended period of storage.