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A growing trend among homeowners is building or improving outdoor rooms,
such as patios and decks. This not only creates additional living space
but also increases the value of the property. According to the
Propane Education and Research
Council (PERC), half of all homeowners thought it was important for
a home to have a relaxing outdoor room. One of the top items PERC
recommends for creating the perfect outdoor room is a
patio heater. A study conducted by the
Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association
(HPBA), 56 percent of all grill owners, and 69 percent of gas grill
owners, now grill outdoors regularly throughout the year. By using an
outdoor patio heater, many of those people could continue to enjoy the
outdoors experience by also eating outside during colder weather.
Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to home appliances.
Patio heaters these days are very safe, and getting better all the
time. Many gas heaters come with a piezo electric starter, so there is
no need for matches and no pilot light. Another important safety
element is an automatic emergency shut off. If a unit with this feature
is ever overturned or even hit too hard, it will instantly shut itself
off. This feature makes it ideal if you have children, pets, or just
expect a lot of people to be around when you're hosting a barbeque.
Patio heaters are constructed to function using one of three
different fuel types: propane, natural gas, or
electricity. Natural gas is used for permanent, stationary heaters.
Propane heaters work in a very simple way. Propane, conveniently available
in tanks, allows a heater to be moved about. Infrared heaters are often
powered by electricity, though some are run by natural gas.
New varieties and sizes of patio heaters are available on a regular
basis. As you look through the various options below, consider your
particular needs. Do you want a stationary heater, or a portable one?
How much heat do you need considering the number of people you will
entertain? Framing these types of questions will help you determine
what heater is right for you. Keep in mind that portable heaters can be
either free-standing or table-top models.
Table Top Heaters
Stationary heaters are useful because they hook up to your natural
gas lines, and so do not have tanks that need to be replaced or
refilled. However, if you plan on moving the heater to different
locations, consider that you'll need a portable propane model.
The heating power of a patio heater is rated in BTUs. As an example,
a 45,000 BTU heater will produce a 20 foot heat diameter. Free-standing
heaters are often more powerful than table-top heaters, and so can be
used for larger groups.
Whichever you decide to go with, you can look forward to an
investment that lets your enjoy your time and space much more
frequently.
Free-Standing Heaters
Free-standing heaters are larger (about 95 inches tall) and more
powerful than table-top heaters. Table-top heaters, because they are
lighter and smaller, are also much easier to carry around. For larger
groups, you might want to try an affordable
commercial grade heater that radiates heat in up to a 20 foot
diameter. Infrared heaters are often quite versatile; they can be be
hung on a wall, on a pole, or even possibly overhead.
Patio Heaters >>
Heater Guide Main Page >>
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