Are you looking for a heating option that will make the chilly evenings outside a bit more bearable? If you are looking for unique and budget-friendly outdoor accessories to cozy up your outdoor space look no further, as patio heaters are the right pieces of equipment that can provide warmth without incurring heavy bills.
Moreover, by investing in a patio heater you’ll be able to enjoy spending time outside all year round, invite some friends over, and enjoy having long conversations, drinking warm red wine in a perfectly cozy atmosphere without feeling cold. In this article, we aim to give you some simple tips and a list of factors you should consider before choosing the right patio space heater for your outdoor area.
How Do I Choose a Patio Heater?
With the wide range of options available on the market, you may feel confused as to which patio space heater to buy. By considering some important factors such as choosing the right type and design that suits your outdoor living area, as well as the cost and maintenance aspect, you’d be able to make a better and more informed buying decision.
Types of Patio Heaters
There are four distinguishable types of patio heaters that differ between themselves on the type of fuel they use to operate, including natural gas, electric propane, wood-burning, and electric.
Natural Gas Heater
Natural gas patio heaters are heating systems that use natural gas to heat your outdoor space. They are great options for homeowners, backyard spaces, patios, or commercial areas with well-ventilated decks. Moreover, natural gas is the least expensive fuel option and the easiest to maintain compared to some other types of outdoor heaters. These types of heaters connect directly to your existing gas line, so they offer continuous heat for as long as needed, without ever running out of fuel.
Propane Heater
Those running on propane can warm up the space very quickly. They often feature portable designs so you can move them to different areas of your outdoor space. However, propane tanks cost much more than natural gas and are not usually recommended for enclosed and covered spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide build-up.
Wood Heater
Still, there is nothing better than the warmth that comes from the natural wood patio space heater. These types of heaters can create an authentic campfire feel and generate a lot of heat depending on the amount of wood they’re designed to hold. They are the most affordable ones, however, one of their downsides is that they require constant maintenance and cleaning due to the build-up of ash and coal that should be frequently cleaned out.
Electric Heater
Compared to the other types we mentioned so far, the electric ones operate simply by being plugged into a standard power outlet. Still, some models require to be on their own dedicated circuit for safety reasons. They can come in a range of styles, including freestanding, hanging, and wall-mounted heaters.
Pick the Right Design
Speaking of design, external patio heaters can come in a range of different designs, including, tower stye or freestanding, tabletop heaters, hanging, mounted wall heaters, firepit heaters, etc. Each design can add a different vibe and ambience to your outdoor areas.
For instance, most tower-style patio heaters are around 2.5 meters tall and are available in electric or propane versions. Some of the gas patio space heater designs have a pyramid shape that provides the ultimate combination of warmth outdoors with the natural beauty of a fire’s flame. Many fire pits design are designed for aesthetic appeal and they suggest coziness providing heat and light at the same time. However, they may be dangerous for small kids, as they give off sparks that can escape the fire pit area.
Ease of Maintenance
Patio heaters are simple to use and tend to be very reliable however, due to the nature of these heating appliances, regular maintenance is required for safe and optimal usage. Well, this aspect is mostly dependent on the design as different models that use different fuels require little or more maintenance.
For insurance, the propane natural gas heaters require routine maintenance, which includes checking the pilot tube, an orifice for corrosion and damage to avoid problems with the heater’s flame. You should also occasionally check the fuel regulator and fuel line for kinks, breaks, leaks, and corrosion.
You may also consider replacing any worn or broken parts that can extend the life of your heater, so you can enjoy having a reliable source of warmth and comfort for a long period of time
Price
Depending on the designs, size, source of fuel, patio outdoor heaters can vary in their price. For instance, you can purchase a basic wall-mounted electric heater for less than $100, while some different designs, such as portable propane heater can cost you more than $400. Some of the most expensive options on the market are the wall-mounted natural gas heaters with their price starting at around $1500.
