| In some areas right now, the weather is ideal | | | | keep the fire from getting hot enough to |
| for sitting outside in the evening -- the | | | | break the chimenea, it's best to use |
| bugs have gone and the sky is clear -- but | | | | kindling-size wood.Many wood-burning units |
| the nights are chilly. Don't let the cool | | | | have optional cooking grills so your fire can |
| evenings send you inside -- extend your | | | | do double duty warming your toes and your |
| outdoor living season by heating your deck or | | | | tummy. Try this yummy "pizza" recipe, cooked |
| patio.Different heaters are available for | | | | up in campfire irons.Any open fire is a |
| different needs and circumstances. A heater | | | | potential hazard. Keep any overhead sparks |
| will be powered by propane, natural gas, | | | | from tree branches or patio overheads, and be |
| alcohol-gel, electricity, wood, or wood | | | | sure to teach children proper fire |
| substitutes such as charcoal or artificial | | | | safety.Natural gas heaters are easy to use |
| logs. Depending on the size and the heat | | | | but are usually built in and, although |
| source, they may warm only a small space or | | | | bottled gas may be purchased, are best |
| heat a party-size yard.For all heating units | | | | limited to those areas that have natural gas |
| to perform optimally, they will need the | | | | service.Propane heaters can be economical to |
| right location. The ideal site is a | | | | operate. Depending on the heat output level |
| combination of walls or fences (to radiate | | | | you set, a standard propane tank can provide |
| the heat back into your space) and overhead | | | | 10-12 hours of heat.Propane-powered |
| structures that will prevent the wind from | | | | "mushroom" or "umbrella" heaters (so called |
| blowing directly through your selected | | | | because of their shape) are the best choice |
| area.Here are some tips for effective and | | | | for heating large areas. They radiate warming |
| safe use:Wood-burning fireplaces and fire | | | | rays from the top cylinder and provide a |
| pits are generally the least expensive to buy | | | | comfort zone of 12 - 20 feet in diameter. The |
| and to operate. Check for zoning ordinances | | | | propane tank is hidden in the bottom of the |
| to be sure that you can burn wood on your | | | | unit. It's a good idea to put these units |
| property. Some municipalities allow wood | | | | away when not in use as they can be sensitive |
| burning in a small chimenea unit, but will | | | | to the elements. Smaller tabletop units are |
| not approve a built-in or dug fire pit. | | | | also available.Although electric heat is |
| Wood-burning units range from small | | | | usually the most expensive, there are a few |
| collapsible units on wheels for easy | | | | electric heaters designed specifically for |
| portability to huge built-in concrete | | | | outdoor use. Be sure that any heater that is |
| fireplaces. If you are permitted to burn | | | | left outside is rated as such.With the wide |
| wood, you are sure to find a unit to suit | | | | selection of outdoor heating devices |
| your needs!If you have a pottery fireplace, | | | | available, you're sure to find one that |
| or chimenea, use it cautiously as these units | | | | right's for you. So heat up the night - and |
| are lightweight and reasonably fragile. To | | | | go right on enjoying your outdoor space. |