Outdoor Heating
Patio Heaters
Patio heaters are designed to increase the comfort level in outdoor sitting and lounging areas. These types of heaters use radiant heat similar as to what is given off by the sun to warm the objects within their path versus the air throughout the area. When installed in geographical areas that experience cooler weather for a long portion of the year, patio heaters can provide the opportunity to enjoy outdoor sitting, gardening, and swimming pool spaces for a greater length of time.
There are mainly 4 different types of outdoor patio heating systems that can be installed for residential and commercial use which include electric, propane, natural gas and fire pit options. Before you can determine which type of outdoor patio heating system will work best for your needs you must first know the different benefits that each heating system has to offer and how they operate.
Electric outdoor patio heating systems are available in three different models which includes wall-mounted, ceiling mounted, or freestanding. These different systems will either operate with the use of an electrical cord or must be hardwired directly into the electrical system for the building in which they will be utilized around. Many people believe that electrical outdoor heating systems are the easiest to use and provide the most results for their intended purpose because the heat they put out is not affected by wind or other drafty conditions.
People have said that propane outdoor heating systems are versatile and among the most economical to operate for the amount of heat that they produce. Propane heating systems operate with the use of disposable propane cylinders. Many of these heaters are designed to sit on a tabletop in the center of a patio or outdoor lounging area and will direct heat to the surrounding area. Most of these heaters produce enough warmed air to heat an 8 or 10 foot diameter within any given area in which they are placed. People often find the portable nature of these heating systems to be beneficial.
Natural gas heaters are a stationary version of the propane or LP gas outdoor heaters. This type of outdoor heating system operates in much the same manner as a propane heating system except it is necessary to connect these heaters to a natural gas connection and must be installed by a professional that has experience in this area of HVAC. One of the biggest benefits you will find with this type of outdoor patio heating system is that you never have to worry about propane or gas tanks running out of fuel during the time that you want to enjoy the outdoor area in which it is installed. Many people with commercial patios and garage owners find the natural gas outdoor heating systems to be most beneficial for their needs.
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces can be beneficial for creating a soothing outdoor environment. These outdoor heating options require some precautions to ensure that the area they are installed are carefully monitored to reduce safety risks that can easily be presented. The area where fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are positioned must be constructed of a masonry material as wood can easily catch on fire and other such patio materials that are available are at risk of melting. People are sometimes discouraged with the option of using fire pits or outdoor fireplaces as a source of heat as they are not considered efficient for the amount of heat they put out and some researchers have shared concerns of the pollution that is given off in the air due to the wood which is burned as the fuel source for these heating solutions.
Swimming Pool Heaters
When you own and operate outdoor swimming pools you will find that installing a heating source for your pool allows you to enjoy it for more time during the year. These heaters are designed to increase the temperature of the water so that you can enjoy the pool even when the temperatures outside may be getting cooler. There are many different types of swimming pool heating systems that can be installed for these purposes including natural gas, liquid propane gas, fuel oil, electric resistance, solar operated systems.
Natural gas pool heating systems are available in many different sizes and fall within a variety of price ranges to meet most budgets. While this type of heating system is one of the cleanest and less expensive types of fossil fuel heating options you can select, you will still experience mediocre to high energy expenses each month when using a natural gas pool heating system.
Liquid propane pool heaters operate with the use of LP or gas cylinders much in the same manner as a propane grill. Most propane storage cylinders for swimming pool heating systems are large enough to last for quite a while before they must be filled or switched over to a new tank. While propane can be more expensive than natural gas, you do not have to worry about being placed on a specific grid when you want to use your heating system to warm your pool.
Fuel oil pool heating systems are beneficial because of the accessible nature of this fuel source. As with other fossil fuel options, fuel oil provides a fast heating time when used for heating outdoor swimming pools. However they do cost more than their alternative heat source options and can create an odor in the area where they are stored or used.
Electric pool heating systems are always readily available. There are no odors associated with electric pool heaters but they are among one of the most expensive options to operate when it comes to heating your swimming pool.
Heat pumps are an economical option when it comes to heating your outdoor swimming pool. These systems operate by pulling heated air from under the ground's surface to warm the water within the pool. There is the possibility that the heat pumps can put swimmers in contact with chemicals that are known to deplete the ozone layer and they are known to be slower to heat the water to the desired temperatures that are desired.
Solar energy utilizes the sun's radiant heat to heat the swimming pool water. Results can be obtained through the use of a solar cover that is placed over the water to intensify the rays from the sun to heat the water. Solar panels that can be placed in or around the swimming pool can also work in the same manner to create effective results from your solar energy pool heating system. The products needed to create an effective solar heating system for your pool can be costly when they need to be replaced or originally installed. However you will not experience any costs for utility expenses as you do the other heating options available for heating the water of your swimming pool.
