Options for Outdoor Heating

If you have a backyard with a terrace or balcony, consider investing in an outdoor heater to extend your living space. Add warmth to chilly fall or spring evenings while relaxing on your porch swing or enjoying a meal on your patio. With a heat source, you can enjoy your outdoor entertainment area in any season while creating a comfortable atmosphere.

Primary Considerations

• Fuel source: Patio heaters come in a range of power sources from gas-burning (LP—propane—or natural gas), wood or charcoal, to electric. Electric or gas models allow you to control the quantity of BTUs generated. Wood or charcoal-burning fire pits are less controlled, depending on wind, humidity and other factors.

• Size: Patio heaters come as small as tabletop models and as large freestanding units. Electric or natural gas heaters can be incorporated into a home’s structure while wood or coal versions require open ventilation. For a small patio, a tabletop version providing up to 10,000 BTUs provides comfort for about four people. Larger patios or poolside decks benefit from freestanding heaters that offer higher BTUs.

• Ambiance: While LP units—those often seen on restaurant patios—offer a controlled source of heat and a tabletop version might keep a small dinner comfortable. Hanging heaters produce a smaller amount of heat and work in spaces radiating out nine or 10 feet, such as a gazebo or screened porch. Often made to resemble ceiling fans, a hanging heater is typically electric-powered. A wall-mounted unit uses an enclosed ventilation system, so any fumes are expelled far away from your family and friends. Some wall-mounted heaters resemble fireplaces and range from traditional to very modern styles to match your design motif.

• Portability: Carefully review how you are likely to use your heater. A portable heater gives you more location options, so a unit can be poolside in the warmer seasons to ward off chilly evenings or moved nearer the house to extend your entertainment area to the patio through the winter. If you intend to use your heater in multiple locations, look for one with wheels to make it easier to shift from deck to patio or poolside.

• Safety: The heater you select should have easily accessible shut-off valves and switches. If you choose to use an electric unit near a wet area, have it installed by a professional to ensure the protection of your family and friends. When using an open flame unit, such as a wood, charcoal or open gas fireplace, monitor small children and pets to keep them away from the flame.