Choose the Right Heater for Your Outdoor Space: Consider the Types
If you have an outdoor space, whether it’s a backyard or a patio, or even just a balcony, consider yourself among the lucky ones! As more people started moving to the cities, and cityscapes started becoming far too busy for everyone to fit in, or have a decent and spacious living space, an outdoor area is a true blessing. This certainly became apparent during the lockdowns and quarantines we faced with the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, why not make the most of this valuable feature of your home by extending the season you spend outdoors. Like most people, you probably only use it during the warm days of spring and summer when the weather allows. That’s about to change with the convenient heaters for outside available in a variety of designs.
Since every space is unique, and every owner’s taste differs, there are some considerations you’d have to keep in mind to narrow down the options, so the initial thought on the varying prices, shapes, and sizes won’t be enough which leads us to the important distinction.
Choose Based on the Type of the Heater
There are mainly three types of heaters you can shop from – electric, natural gas and propane. There’s another contender that’s been around for a long time but is getting popular again in recent years, and that is the wood heater type. Though it’s easy to guess where they differ, let’s closely go into the details of each, and what they offer for your outdoor space.
The Electric Type
If it’s convenience you’re after when it comes to hassle-free installation, then this is the type of heater you need. This specifically refers to the models of heaters for outside that only require a socket to be plugged in, like a fancy and compact heater table or tabletop design which can be very practical, whereas hanging and wall-mounted models do need some installation work pros can take care of.
Though you may be concerned about the bills, since it’s electricity we’re talking about, there are some advantages this type offers that the other two counterparts don’t. This includes the chance to use it both outdoors and indoors, as there’s no threat of fumes or the need to ventilate, and the lack of needed upkeep as you won’t have to worry about particular maintenance or fuel. Let’s face it, busy as most of us are, these are reasons enough to list this type as a top option!
The Natural Gas Type
Now, this is a type of outdoor heater that is among the most cost-efficient in the long run because it works on natural gas and is designed to be very efficient with heating up an area. In fact, natural gas models can be more powerful than the propane and electric counterparts, however, remember there’s a drawback to them since you can only use them in well-ventilated spaces. There is also some initial investment that you might not be too happy about which is the gas line. Unless you’ve got an existing gas line connection, it may not be the best option for you if you’re on a tight budget.
The Propane Type
As this type gets the fuel in portable tanks, it’s more common and popular than the natural gas alternative because of this specific flexibility. Unlike the natural, these heaters usually don’t require professional help with the installation because they’re relatively easy to put together and connect to the gas tank.
However, bear in mind you’re going to have to replace the tank often which isn’t only a task that’s not that’s more challenging maintenance-wise, it’s also costly when you do the math in the long run. In other words, it may not be the best option if you care about the budget, in which case any of the other three alternatives may do.
The Wood Type
There’s something magical about watching and hearing the fire crackling. If you don’t have the chance to rely on the charm of a fireplace indoors, then this is the opportunity you were looking for to go back to the basics and enjoy some of life’s simple pleasures. There are various options for these stylish heaters for outside so you won’t be dealing with a lack of designs.
Whether you want something more open, or a model that’s more functional when bad weather tries to ruin your plans, like a chiminea, it’s all up to you. Just remember, unlike with the electric design that you simply get to plug in and use, you’ll have some more work with setting the fire, keeping it burning (which can be a challenge during windy days), and then cleaning up the ashes. This type also doesn’t offer you as much control over the level of heating as the other three which can be a drawback for some people.