Patio heaters transform a cold, uncomfortable space into a warm, inviting area where friends and loved ones want to congregate. These revolutionary heaters allow you to better utilize a patio, deck, gazebo, or other similar outdoor space that normally goes unused simply because of less-than-perfect temperatures.
Considering a patio heater for your backyard? Read on to learn about these three things to know before you buy a patio heater.
1. What Fuel Do I Need for a Patio Heater?
Patio heaters burn a range of different fuels. You can choose a patio heater that burns a fuel you prefer over other fuels. For example, you may have an abundant source of firewood that you can use in a fire pit as your patio heater. Here are the most common fuel sources that many patio heaters use.
Wood
You can opt for a fire pit as a source of warmth in your yard. Fire pits come in different shapes and styles, such as a traditional round pit or an upright Mexican Chimenea made of clay or terra cotta. Fire pits can be portable or built-in and permanently affixed to concrete.
Electricity
Electrical patio heaters require access to an electrical outlet, which can limit where you place your heater for maximum comfort. Depending on utility rates in your area, electricity may be more expensive than other gas fuels. However, electricity does not emit carbon dioxide like natural gas or propane, so your patio heater is safe to use indoors as well as outside.
Propane and Natural Gas
Propane and natural gas share similar qualities. Both are clean and provide a quiet flow of fuel. However, propane patio heaters must draw fuel from a limited source that can run out, such as a propane tank. Natural gas is hard-wired to a natural gas utility connection and never runs out. Of the two, natural gas is more cost-effective as well.
2. Are Patio Heater Safe?
Any object that burns fuel holds potential for danger. Fortunately, patio heaters can be incredibly safe when you operate them properly. Consider how you can overcome many of these concerns you may have for their use, especially around children or pets.
Tipping
When properly placed on a level surface, well-weighted patio heaters should not tip over. Many patio heaters contain an anti-tipping trigger that shuts a unit off automatically if a heater tips. If you’re worried about accidental tips, consider a built-in model such as a Calcana patio heater that installs overhead or wall-mounted and out of reach of small hands and paws.
Location
Different patio heaters are designed to burn safely in specific outdoor spaces. You may need a different patio heater for a covered patio than you would for a screened-in porch, exposed deck, or event tent. Inquire first with regards to where your new heater is safe to use. Just make sure your patio heater is safely away from flammable materials.
Care
Patio heaters need periodic maintenance to keep them operating safely and efficiently. Dust, debris, and insects can hamper their operation. Calcana patio heaters are made of stainless steel or marine grade stainless material to withstand all seasons of the year including harsh environments with minimal maintenance required. Or, consider moving a portable heater into a safer place when you don’t use it.
3. Are Patio Heaters Useful All Year?
Patio heaters are definitely useful all year, especially if you enjoy time spent outdoors. You may be surprised how frequently you can benefit from the warmth a heater provides. For example, you can plan an outdoor Thanksgiving or Easter dinner with extended family when your terrace is comfortably heated.
Calcana manufactures overhead patio heaters that provide gentle, even heat safely above your head and out of the way of traffic and furniture. Contact us for more ways we can help you extend your outdoor living space.
