Patio Heaters help expand your outdoor space year round
Having access to a comfortable outdoor living, entertaining, and dining space is very important. This is true for people that are looking to improve their own homes or those that own and manage a restaurant or commercial building. While spending time outdoors can be very enjoyable, cold weather can make it a challenge for those in certain areas of the country.
To make your outdoor space more functional all year long, adding a patio heater can be a great option. A quality patio heater can help to keep people warm, even when the weather outside is quite cold. When you are in the market for a new patio heater, you will find that there are many different options to consider. There are several factors that you will want to take into consideration when you start shopping for your next patio heater.
Outdoor Heater Fuel and Energy Source
To provide your patio and outdoor living space with a warm and comfortable environment, your heater will need to have a reliable source of energy. Today, there are several different forms of fuel and energy that a patio heater could use. There are advantages to each option that you should think about when you are going to choose your next heater.
Electric Heaters
One of the most popular options for patio heaters is electric heaters. With Electric infrared heaters, your heater will be connected to your local utility lines. The heaters are not simply plugged into an outlet, but instead will need to be installed and tied directly into your electric grid by an electrician. Due to this, they will need to be permanently placed and are challenging to move around. A primary advantage of this type of heater is that they use clean energy at an efficient price. Getting an infrared heater made in the USA is ideal for those that want to have a consistent seating plan and enjoy the convenience of having readily available fuel.
Natural Gas Heaters
Another great option to consider when shopping for patio heaters is to get a natural gas infrared heater. An NG heater is similar to an electric heater in that it is connected to a local utility line. With a natural gas heater, you will have a permanent connection to your natural gas line, which will allow you to permanently place and locate your heater into a select spot on your patio. These heaters tend to give off strong heat and are able to keep larger sections of your patio warm.
Propane Heaters
While there are benefits that come with the permanently placed electric and natural gas heaters, getting propane heaters is a good option for other people. With propane heaters, the heater will be powered with the use of liquid propane that comes in a reusable tank. While the propane does last a long time, you will need to replace the tanks from time to time. However, this small inconvenience can be offset by the benefits that come with these portable LP heaters. Due to the portability, you are free to locate your heater strategically and move it out of the way when it is not in use.
Types of Heaters and Mounting Options
Beyond the energy source of your patio heater, you will also need to consider the type of heater and mounting option that you want to have. There are a couple of different options available for how and where to mount or place your heater. There are situations in which one option is more advantageous than the other.
Box Patio Heater
One of the most common forms of patio heaters is a box patio heater. This type of patio heater is shaped like a rectangular box and will be permanently installed onto a wall or ceiling. They can be installed using a flush-mounted kit, which may look better with some outdoor aesthetics. These suspended heaters are normally located above or next to the locations where you want heat on your patio. The boxed patio heaters will run off of either electricity or natural gas and will need to be permanently connected to the electric grid and gas lines.
Due to the permanent nature of the box patio heaters, you will want to use them in a setting where you do not have to move them. The box heaters are frequently used by restaurants and other lounges that will have a permanent seating plan. They are also advantageous for these locations as they are located aboveground and not taking up any floor space. This can make it easier for guests and staff to maneuver the outdoor space when the patio heaters are in use.
Mushroom Shaped Heater
Another option for those that are looking for a good patio heater that provides more flexibility and control is a mushroom-shaped heater. These are very popular heaters and are characterized by their height and mushroom-shaped top, which then allows a user to direct the heat of the heater into a 360-degree angle. This can help you to keep a larger area of the patio heated at all times.
When getting a mushroom heater, most users will end up choosing one that is powered with propane, although they can be connected to a natural gas line. When you use propane tanks and wheels, the heater can be easily maneuvered anywhere that you want. This is ideal for those that have a more flexible seating arrangement and want to be able to change the area that receives the direct heat. Another advantage of the mushroom portable heater is that it can be moved and stored when not in use. They will come with wheels that make them easy to move off of your outdoor patio and dining space when the time comes.
Ultimately, adding an outdoor patio heater to your outdoor living or entertaining space is a great addition. With an outdoor heater, you will be able to keep people comfortable and use the space even during the winter months in colder climates. As you are shopping for patio heaters, it is important to consider the features of each option to determine which option is right for you. The heaters also come in a wide variety of different colors, sizes and styles to ensure you are able to find one that matches your style and décor.