Nov
19
Five ways to keep warm outside
- November 19, 2018
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With the desire to entertain and dine outdoors becoming a world wide trend, people have been searching for heating solutions that keep them outside for longer.
Businesses have responded to this need by developing efficient, practical and stylish heating solutions. With competitive forces coming to the fore, business in turn has created more innovative heaters that offer great performance and functionality, capable of meeting many needs of consumers world wide.
Entertaining outdoors is a fun and relaxed activity shared among families and friends that helps keep social ties strong and enduring. Pleasurable times together make happy memories for everyone to share for many years to come.
One of the more recent emerging trends is the use of outdoor heating in residential locations, copying the more commercial applications popular with so many entertainment venues.
Importantly of more recent times the suitability and availability of fuel sources has expanded to include electric, propane and natural gas alternatives from previously just solid fuels, thereby enabling more regions to access outdoor heating solutions. For example, with the immediate delivery of electric heating a viable proposition, a patio or streetscape being comfortably heated all year round heated is just a flick of a switch away.
Recent manufacturing developments has seen outdoor heating appliances becoming a more viable and affordable choice for consumers, enabling all homes and business establishments to enjoy the many benefits of outdoor heaters. The following outlines the popular heating options utilised in commercial and residential situations to create more freedom in your entertaining lifestyle.
- Fire Pit
Evolving from camping experiences, the fire pit is either in ground or an above ground receptacle, lined with heat resistant materials. The fire pit creates a heart warming experience in a casual fashion that many people aspire to. This option is also more suitable for solid fuels than other alternatives.Disadvantages with this option include having access to a reliable fuel source, keeping the solid fuels dry as wet fuel creates smoke haze affecting air quality, which in turn can be very unpleasant for asthma suffers or those with breathing difficulties.
- Fire Place
To install a custom fire place in a free standing wall appeals to many consumers who desire a more formalised setting over the casual fire pit option. The fire place is generally suitable for solid fuels, gas or electricity as the fuel source, which is a clear advantage over the fire pit option.Due to the fixed/static location of a fire place, ensuring all areas of a room are comfortably heated is more challenging especially in open areas. Ducting the heat from the fire place works well in enclosed rooms but is far less effective in open areas.
Radiant Heaters
Within this sector of the market there are a number of selections with styles to choose from that can satisfy the diverse requirements of patio, streetscape, alfresco or larger area applications.
- Free Standing
Free standing heaters offer a diverse range of styles with varying heating capacities to effectively cater for small to medium areas. Original designs were bulky and unattractive however later designs are more sleek, stylish and visually pleasing.Arranging a number of standing heaters to heat an open area can be successful though commercial floor space can be severely impacted, depending on the number of heaters, as the safety zone around each heater must be preserved. Other alternatives are more efficient in larger areas.
Similarly there are tank top heaters, which are perched on top of the gas bottle, however they are a more part time option as they are not visually appealing for commercial applications. They take up floor space, have a propensity to blow out when wind is present. However they are a portable and economical solution and can be used as a pilot test for an area before the installation of mounted heaters. Generally, tank top heaters are more suited to a camping or industrial setting where the non-heat resistant materials used in the manufactured product discolours and warp over time.
- Mounted
Either overhead or wall mounted these units are generally more powerful and capable of heating a greater area. The ability to set an array of mounted heaters enables any room or outdoor area to be comfortably heated. Additionally multiple heaters can be controlled into zones so the whole or partial area is heated when needed.Limited to electricity or gas as the fuel source, the best option will depend on your region’s energy prices. Some regions will have electricity as the cheaper heater fuel source whilst in other areas either natural or LNG gas will be more cost effective. Either way mounted heaters do provide greater flexibility and efficiency for heating out door areas.Electricity when sourced from renewables is carbon neutral. When sourced from the buildings solar panels, the running costs are zero.
Recent design developments have now made mounted heaters more visually appealing and efficient. These enhancements include no-glow heaters that stay black when ON and heating. Historically the red glow heating spoilt the room ambience therefore no red glow has been a great innovation that heightens the ambience of your area.
Hanging
Again a more recent innovation with a great range of styles that are can match any décor. Similar to Table Top heaters they are limited in their output therefore they are more suitable for small areas. A few hanging heaters will work in a medium sized outdoor area, though visual appearance can be compromised so consequently larger, mounted heaters are more often a better solution.
- Table Top
A more recent innovation that is suitable for smaller, intimate areas. Modern designs are attractive and practical in these circumstances. The limitations of this option are that generally only small areas are viable for heating and not larger areas, as table top heater’s output is low compared to mounted units.Further, too many table top heaters lends to table space being compromised and room ambience affected.Depending on your area size and location there are a range of alternatives that can meet or exceed your aspirations within a range of budget parameters. Do your research, speak to the technical experts and get ready to enjoy the fun and lifestyle of outdoor entertaining.
