How can you make the most of your outdoor dining area year round? A patio heater allows you to enjoy your evening — even when the sun goes down and a chill breezes across your backyard. If this is your first time shopping for a patio heater, take a look at these top questions.
What Are the Benefits of a Patio Heater?
Your deck, patio, or other outside area is complete — or is it? Whether you recently finished a backyard renovation project or have enjoyed your outdoor seating area for years, you can still benefit from a patio heater.
The top reasons to consider this outdoor addition include:
- Extra heat. This is the most obvious benefit of a patio heater. When the summer sun sets, you can still stay warm all night long.
- Extended season enjoyment. The outdoor fun doesn’t have to end when the summer does. With a patio heater, you can enjoy dining alfresco almost all year long.
- Guest comfort. Not everyone enjoys an outdoor meal — especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate. But with a patio heater, you can please a finicky guest who is hesitant to stay outdoors in the evening chill or spring or fall cold.
- Added style. A patio heater isn’t just functional. This backyard accent also adds aesthetic value to the area (depending on the style and model you choose).
- Easy setup. Forget about lengthy installations. Even though a fireplace or firepit can add warmth to your outdoor area, a patio heater doesn’t require multiple contractors, structural changes, or other complex installation processes.
Now that you know about the benefits of a patio heater, turn to the details. Before you buy a heater, you’ll need to learn more about the available fuel source options.
What Types of Fuel Sources Are Available?
The type of patio heater you choose depends on your individual outdoor needs and personal preferences. The top fuel sources that power these outdoor appliances are propane and natural gas. Propane is an affordable option but requires tank replacement.
Even though propane is easy to find, requires little extra installation, and comes in convenient containers, some homeowners prefer a more permanent fuel source. Enter the natural gas heater. How is a natural gas model different from a propane version, and what can you expect from this option? A natural gas heater:
- Hooks up to your existing gas line. Unlike propane heaters, this outdoor option doesn’t require tanks. Instead, you’ll need a permanent gas line that runs outdoors and to the heater.
- May require additional installation. If you don’t have a natural gas line, you can still get this type of patio heater. But you’ll have to hire a contractor to install a gas line in your yard or deck space.
- Won’t run out of fuel. A natural gas line means you won’t out of fuel — even if you use the heater nightly all summer, spring, and fall long.
Even though the two fuel sources differ in delivery, both provide plenty of heat. Most propane and natural gas patio heaters can create enough warmth and comfort to fill the average homeowner’s outdoor dining or entertainment area.
Where Do You Place a Patio Heater?
The answer to this question depends on your patio or deck area, the type of heater, and other installation needs (such as a natural gas line). The top installation options include wall mount, ceiling mount, and freestanding heaters. While a wall or ceiling mount heater provides a permanent heat source, a freestanding model allows you to move the heater to other areas if necessary.
Do you need a patio heater to complete your backyard home improvement project? Contact Calcana Patio Heaters for more information.
