Your backyard offers a place to relax and enjoy, especially after a tedious day. However, this can be ruined during chilly nights. You can decide to light a bonfire, but investing in a patio heater is safer and can extend the time you spend outdoors, especially in the fall. Patio heaters use radiant heating, dispersing heat around the installed area. These units allow you to enjoy your patio comfortably even when temperatures start to drop. Patio heaters are also available in different models, some of which are easier to move around your patio. They also provide an appealing scenery to your home.There are many available options which makes it confusing for customers. However, this guide for patio heaters will guide you with everything there is to know about patio heaters.

Types of Patio Heaters

Patio heaters have different types: mounted, tabletop, and free-standing. Choosing the right heater for you depends on how much space your patio has and how often you'll move your patio heater around. Using a wall or ceiling-mounted heater is the best way to go for permanent installations. Mounted patio heaters are placed above you and take up no floor space, thus creating more room for your patio. Some of the mounted heaters can be remotely controlled, thus ensuring you keep the area in the conditions that make you most comfortable. However, investing in a mounted patio heater is more expensive as the installation is more complex and requires a professional. Invest in a free-standing unit if you want to move your patio heater around easily. Each unit has its control. Therefore, you can turn on the heater that's needed at any time. Tabletop patio heaters are smaller in size, making them advantageous for small spaces, and they can be transported easily.

Patio Heater Power Options

Patio heaters can be powered using electricity, natural gas, propane, or wood. Each of these power options has its benefits. Choosing the best power supply for your patio heater depends on the power source found in your home. Natural gas systems are connected to the main gas line and are eco-friendly. These heaters are easily maintainable, and the cost of operation is low due to the constant fuel supply. But, natural gas heaters are not easily portable as they are connected to a gas line. Propane-powered heaters use a propane tank for fuel. Essentially they tend to work quicker than other options and are easily movable to any part of your yard. Electric patio heaters are simple to use as you plug them into the power source. However, they can be expensive due to high energy bills and are grouped as either halogen or infrared electric heaters. Wood-powered heaters provide a campsite scenery; the heat generated depends on the firebox size. Unfortunately, burning wood emits smoke; therefore, using it on an enclosed patio is hazardous.

Best Patio Heater Placement Options

Where you place your patio heater is crucial in ensuring the safety of your backyard. Electric heaters can be used in enclosed spaces like garages or covered patios as they do not emit harmful gasses. Wood, propane, and natural gas-powered patio heaters emit carbon monoxide; thus, using them in enclosed spaces can cause severe consequences like death. Carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless, thus making it more dangerous. Patio heaters should be placed in areas with sufficient ventilation to ensure you enjoy your outdoors without risks. Also, avoid placing your unit near flammable materials, as accidents can lead to huge losses. Installing your unit near bushes, trees, furniture, or even clothes can lead to avoidable fires interrupting your experience. It would be best if you placed your patio heater on level ground to prevent it from flipping, though some heaters have a safety shutoff feature in case it falls over. Therefore, it's important to place your heater in areas where accidents are unlikely to occur and ensure you keep an eye on your unit.

Having a backyard makes your home more beautiful and provides a place where you, your family, and friends can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Therefore, a patio heater ensures you enjoy more time in your backyard, especially during chilly nights.