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How often have you found yourself daydreaming of having some friends over to spend an evening outside on your patio, but by the time night falls, the temps have fallen as well so you spend the time indoors?  It doesn't have to be a dream for you now.  Why not install a patio heater?  Having one will not only warm the area but allow your guests to stay outside and enjoy the food you may be grilling as well.  To enjoy your patio to the fullest, here are a few suggestions and tips to keep you on the right track.

Make sure that the unit has an electric starter.  Most come equipped with them these days, but some models do not have them.  This will make lighting them much easier and eliminate the use of a flame to start them up.  Most units have an emergency shut-off switch or a tilt feature that will automatically turn it off in case the heater falls over.  

Check the size of the area you want to heat and make sure it has enough BTU heating to fill the area.  The heaters come in all sizes, from tabletop patio heaters and ones with a full stand-alone feature to ones that can be mounted on a wall.  Smaller heaters will not have the heating capacity as larger ones but will be easier to move from place to place.  Generally speaking, a stand-alone patio heater will heat in the vicinity of a 25-foot diameter area.  A smaller one should be able to heat a 10-foot area fairly well.  

The next thing to consider is your choice of fuel. You have propane, natural gas, and electricity as your options.  Propane models usually use a 20 lb. propane tank and tabletop models are usually using 10 lb. tanks.  Propane is a popular model as not only makes the heater more mobile, but the fuel source is easy to obtain. Natural gas is a great choice if you have a heater that will be in a permanent location.  Gas fittings and hookup hoses will be needed and you should have a professional do the required installation. 

Electric is another option that is clean and efficient, and if you have paid your electric bill, the source is easily available at all times. Infrared heaters are a good way to heat your patio and because they are run by electricity you will not have to worry about propane hoses getting in the way.  There is also a very good choice of hanging above the ceiling.  I am sure you have seen these before in food courts and other commercial outdoor patio settings. Patio heaters come in a wide range of styles and colors to choose from.  You will find them in stainless steel, black, copper, white and other colors that you should be able to match with your current patio decor.  You should also consider getting a cover to protect your unit from the outside elements if you plan to keep them stored outside.

So find a heater that will fit your needs and if you can't take the cold, get out of the house with a heater.  Use that patio in a way that you haven't done in the past.