Explore Outdoor Heating Options!

If you have a love for outdoor living and can’t wait to get back to enjoying another great season outdoors, the arrival of early spring (and a recess from the coldest months) means a chance to start enjoying your outdoor patio, kitchen and living spaces again. The addition of exterior heating to these areas can extend this season by many weeks earlier in spring and further it into late fall. Your choices in heating devices include: the patio heater, the chiminea, the fire pit and the fireplace, of which there are many types and styles to choose. If you like to spend a lot of time outside, and have a large outdoor entertaining area, several outdoor heaters may be necessary. You can combine that with some sort of outdoor fireplace to create a terrific casual gathering area.

Patio Heaters

The standard patio heaters on the market today are similar to the tall units you see at outdoor cafes and restaurants. The residential version of these heaters are made, no frills, to cost less and generally are made of stainless steel. For a decorative touch there is also all copper or a brushed steel finish. Some models also have a light, a small table and wheels.

Most patio heaters run on propane or natural gas, with propane being more popular because it offers portability. Natural gas is requires a gas line to be extended from the house and a permanent hookup up to the heater. If you don’t plan on moving your heater this is the better option because there is a constant flow of gas so no need to change out an empty tank and you can turn it on anytime without worry of running out of propane. The drawback, of course, is that your heater is not portable and will require a bit more work to install.

How do they work? These heater types are designed to radiate heat and can do so up to a certain distance; usually about a 20 foot square area. This heat raises the ambient temperature within the circle from 10 to20 degrees, depending on your heater. If you need to heat a large space, measure first and figure out how many heaters you will need.

There are other types of outdoor heaters, from electric space heaters designed for indoor/outdoor use as well as propane powered space heaters.

Outdoor Fireplaces, Firepits and Chimineas

Fire is hot! And with the use of some type of outdoor fireplace, it can be used to both generate heat (both gas and wood will) and create ambience. To go all out, you can build a large outdoor fireplace to anchor a special room for outdoor entertaining. On a chilly night or day gathering around the fireplace with comfortable furnishings is unbeatable. These start at around $4,000; and with custom detailing and features can go upwards.

For a much less of an investment you can add a fire pit or chiminea. Both types offer models that burn wood or run on gas. Another desirable benefit is, depending on the material and size you choose, that both the chiminea and fire pit are portable. And finally, many firepits and chimineas can also be used as grills.

To read more about residential patio heaters and outdoor fire pits