• Compared to outdoor fire pits and chimneas, outdoor heaters
release fewer emissions. Also, after sitting around an outdoor
heater all night, neither you nor your guests will smell like
a campfire!
• Also compared to outdoor fire pits, outdoor fireplaces,
and chimneas, there are more ongoing costs associated with outdoor
heaters.
- If you have a gas outdoor heater, you must pay for refills
of gas.
- Electric heaters require the quartz to replaced about every
7 years (and your electricity bill will go up).
- Also, there are more maintenance fees associated with both
outdoor heaters and electric heaters. Although they are durable,
it is still much easier to break a patio heater than an outdoor
fireplace!
• Mushroom or umbrella outdoor heaters are most effective
if there is no wind. A little bit of wind can make a big difference
on how warm the area surrounding the heater is. Also, with gas
heaters, wind can make flame move toward and damage internal components.
• To avoid problems with wind, it is best to set up your
outdoor heater near walls, fences, and overhangs (making sure
to still keep it at least 2 feet from walls and ceilings –
read the warning and instructions before setting up the heater.)
• Mushroom heaters are good because they reflect the heat
down and out, where you want it to be. But moisture (especially
salt air or chlorine air) can be hard on them. Buts can also be
a problem, climbing into the burner orifices and the pilot light.
Fingerprints can burn into the mushroom reflector surface. When
not using your mushroom outdoor heater, be sure to store it away
and/or place a heater cover over it.
• Mushroom/umbrella outdoor heaters put out more heat than
directional outdoor heaters, but directional outdoor heaters can
easily be mounted to many different surfaces, making them easy
to set up and use. They are not affected by wind. They cost less,
and bugs are not so much of a problem with them.
• An outdoor heater with wheels is much easier to move around
than one without wheels!
• If you already have a natural gas line in your home, you
may consider setting up a natural gas outdoor heater directly
to it. Of course, if you do so, you will have fewer options as
to which area of your patio you can heat up.
• When deciding what type of outdoor heater to get –
butane, propane, natural gas, etc. – consider first where
the closest suppliers are to you. Choose whatever type will be
most convenient.
• You will find multiple uses for any outdoor heater you
choose to buy:
- Set one up outside so that smokers do not feel too shunned
or cold when they must step outside for a smoke.
- Make sure that outside barbecues and parties can last longer,
with guests feeling comfortable.
- Extend the length of seasons that you can use your porch –
start using your porch earlier in the spring and later in the
fall. Be sure that cool summer evenings are heated as well.
- Use your outdoor heater in the morning when you want to sit
outside, breath in the fresh morning air, and drink your coffee.
- Turn on your outdoor heater when you are completing outdoor
projects – you do not want to accidentally pound your
hand with a hammer because your fingers were too numb to grip
it properly!
Outdoor
heaters are becoming more and more popular in residential settings.
Once, generally found only in restaurant settings, outdoor heaters
are now big hits in middle class neighborhoods, as well. 
