Warm Up the Night! Patio Heaters and Fire Pits

In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for sitting outside in the evening -- the bugs have gone and the sky is clear -- but the nights are chilly. Don't let the cool evenings send you inside -- extend your outdoor living season by heating your deck or patio.

Different heaters are available for different needs and circumstances. A heater will be powered by propane, natural gas, alcohol-gel, electricity, wood, or wood substitutes such as charcoal or artificial logs. Depending on the size and the heat source, they may warm only a small space or heat a party-size yard.

For all heating units to perform optimally, they will need the right location. The ideal site is a combination of walls or fences (to radiate the heat back into your space) and overhead structures that will prevent the wind from blowing directly through your selected area.

Here are some tips for effective and safe use:

• Wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits are generally the least expensive to buy and to operate. Check for zoning ordinances to be sure that you can burn wood on your property. Some municipalities allow wood burning in a small chimenea unit, but will not approve a built-in or dug fire pit. Wood-burning units range from small collapsible units on wheels for easy portability to huge built-in concrete fireplaces. If you are permitted to burn wood, you are sure to find a unit to suit your needs!

• If you have a pottery fireplace, or chimenea, use it cautiously as these units are lightweight and reasonably fragile. To keep the fire from getting hot enough to break the chimenea, it's best to use kindling-size wood.

• Many wood-burning units have optional cooking grills so your fire can do double duty warming your toes and your tummy. Try this yummy "pizza" recipe, cooked up in campfire irons.

• Any open fire is a potential hazard. Keep any overhead sparks from tree branches or patio overheads, and be sure to teach children proper fire safety.

• Natural gas heaters are easy to use but are usually built in and, although bottled gas may be purchased, are best limited to those areas that have natural gas service.

• Propane heaters can be economical to operate. Depending on the heat output level you set, a standard propane tank can provide 10-12 hours of heat.

• Propane-powered "mushroom" or "umbrella" heaters (so called because of their shape) are the best choice for heating large areas. They radiate warming rays from the top cylinder and provide a comfort zone of 12 - 20 feet in diameter. The propane tank is hidden in the bottom of the unit. It's a good idea to put these units away when not in use as they can be sensitive to the elements. Smaller tabletop units are also available.

• Although electric heat is usually the most expensive, there are a few electric heaters designed specifically for outdoor use. Be sure that any heater that is left outside is rated as such.

With the wide selection of outdoor heating devices available, you're sure to find one that right's for you. So heat up the night - and go right on enjoying your outdoor space.

About The Author

Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com

---

Designing Great-looking Window Coverings on a Budget

Window coverings are one of the most important focal points... Read More

How To Choose House Style Mailboxes

Your mailbox is not simply a receptacle for your mail;... Read More

A Guide to Portable Dehumidifiers

The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that the way... Read More

Single Pane Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame, Part 2

This week we are going to continue our series on... Read More

The Motors Best Friend

The starting current of motor can become 3 to 6... Read More

An Overview of Aluminium, Plastic and Timber Conservatories

Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout... Read More

Home Air Filters: Knowing Which One to Choose

Since air filters are one of the bests tools for... Read More

Installing Vinyl Siding - Making It Simple

Installing vinyl siding can be a very rewarding process that... Read More

Why Hardwood Flooring is a Good Investment

Hardwood flooring has a timeless air of qualityHardwood floors have... Read More

Keeping Stone Floors in Tip Top Condition

I had a customer call me to make a complaint... Read More

Wallpaper Doesnt Just Cover...It Defines The Room

Wallpaper is often overlooked as a key part of an... Read More

Brighten Up Your Patio With Sun Catchers

Sun catchers add sparkle and beauty to any room in... Read More

Realign Your Budget - Purchase Your First Piece of Fine Art

If you don't have at least one piece of fine... Read More

Rustic Stone House Signs

You may own a remarkably constructed, attractive house that is... Read More

Designing Your Log Home: Tips To Keep You Out of Trouble

Nearly every log home is a custom design, whether you... Read More

Using A Hardwood Floor Sander

Refinishing your hardwood floors yourself can be time consuming and... Read More

A Carefully Planned Outdoor Kitchen is Worth the Investment

Do you have any idea how popular outdoor kitchens are... Read More

Deck Building Ledger - The Secrets to Successful Deck Construction

The Deck Building Ledger holds all the secrets to successful... Read More

Color Help: Many Factors Affect Color Preference

Understanding color psychology helps home makers choose colors for home... Read More

Enjoy The Beauty Of Hardwood With The Endurance Of Laminate Flooring

Everyone likes the beautiful, timeless look of hardwood floors. Elegant,... Read More

The Truth About Honda Pressure Washers

"What they don't tell you about Honda Pressure Washers"I recently... Read More

Five Easy Ways to Give Your Kitchen Designer Wow!

A beautiful kitchen is the heart of any home (even... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - What To Show And What Not To Show On Your application Drawings

Many successful business deals are the result of being a... Read More

How I Got A Robot To Vacuum The House

Like most people I really hated to vacuum the house.... Read More

Planning Permission and Building Regulations for Conservatories in the UK

Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?Do I need... Read More

Avoiding Leaks When Installing Vinyl Retrofit Windows

These days a lot of homeowners are replacing their old... Read More

Heres How To Know Which Kitchen Design Is Right For You

Kitchen design is a sea of opportunity filled with potential.... Read More

Ceiling Fan Blades

A ceiling fan consists of three basic parts, namely the... Read More

Electrical Savings System; Save up to 40% on Your Electric Bill Every Month

Once a month there's an electric bill coming in the... Read More

Add Value To Your Home With A Home Improvement Loan

Buying a home is a big and important investment for... Read More

Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter

Imagine leaving a window open all winter long -- the... Read More

The Mighty Dust Mite and How To Deal With It

A Closer Examination of the Dust MiteThe dust mite's mouth... Read More

Kitchen Remodeling Costs

It is important to prepare a budget for your kitchen... Read More