How To Choose A Patio Heater For Your Outdoor Space

Being able to enjoy your outdoor living space all year long is a perk of having a beautiful outdoor patio with all the amenities you could want. If you have a covered patio, winter days and nights can be spent getting cozy by the fire and enjoying the snow falling down. But the fire and a cozy blanket might not be enough to keep you toasty warm under your covered patio. This is where a patio heater comes in.

Types Of Patio Heaters

Freestanding Patio Heaters

Freestanding patio heaters are great for anyone who does not want a permanent heater, or want to be able to move the heater to different areas of your outdoor living space. They do not require mounting brackets, and usually use portable propane tanks for power.

Wall Or Ceiling Mounted Patio Heaters

Anyone wanting to have a permanent patio heater will benefit from getting a mounted patio heater. These heaters do not take up floor space, and provide consistent heat directed exactly where you want it to go. Most mounted heaters can be controlled with a remote, making it a nice option for those who want to start the heater before going outside.

Types Of Power

When it comes to choosing power for your patio heaters, keep in mind what source of power you have available to you in your outdoor space. For instance, you may not have access to natural gas, but the heater you are looking at requires it to run.  Typical power for patio heaters and propane patio heaters, natural gas, and electric patio heaters. These heaters can be wall-mounted, table top, freestanding and can be used year round.

Electric Patio Heaters

This type of heater provides instant heat with no waiting time.

Pros:

• Wind resistant
• Available with different heat settings
• Requires small clearance

Cons:

• Most expensive heat source to operate

Natural Gas Heaters

Pros:

• High BTU outputs
• Can heat a large patio
• Least expensive to operate

Cons:

• Less wind resistant than electrical heaters
• Only has 1-2 heat settings
• Require a natural gas hookup

 Propane Heaters

Pros:

• Convenient
• Versatile
• Most commonly used heater

Cons:

• Only has 1-2 heat settings
• Less wind resistant than electrical heaters
• Cannot be recessed

 Patio Heater Materials

Stainless Steel

Pros:

• Weather resistant
• Durable

Cons:

• Coating can get scratched

Aluminum

Pros:

• Corrosion- resistant
• Less expensive for mounted units

Cons:

• Looks industrial
• Less durable than other materials

Keep in mind what type of weather your space sees when choosing what patio heater to purchase, since cold weather can be harsh on metal. If you are looking for a patio heater that will last a long time, opt for stainless steel.

Patio Heater Safety

Make sure that you are not using your patio heater inside, as most electric and gas patio heaters should be used in an open space, that is well ventilated.

Patio heaters are meant to get hot, and placing a heater too close to wood, cloth or paper can be dangerous.

Patio heaters are a great addition to any outdoor space, and will allow you and your guests to enjoy the outdoor for longer throughout the year.