According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest figures, the cost of heating an average household in the U.S. exceeds $900. This figure is indicative of the rising cost of energy. So in order to offset this expenditure, homeowners have increasingly become interested in alternative heating solutions.
For many people, the patio is a central part of their home. During the summer and spring months, homeowners can take advantage of the beauty of the season, -- the sunshine and the breeze. “Patio weather” is a great setting for entertaining guests, no matter which part of the U.S. in which you reside. It is common for homeowners to put as much thought into decorating their patios as they do their dens, kitchens, and living rooms. For sure, there is no shortage of furnishings on the market. Often the simplest décor is a great option for many households.
In the winter months, however, the relaxation and entertaining that could take place in the patio goes to waste. As the seasons shift to the cool, briskness of fall and winter, a comfortable, inviting patio for a good number of home owners often goes neglected, if not totally abandoned for half of the year, but there is a noticeable rise in more homeowners turning to quality electric, portable patio heaters.
Benefits of Using an Electric Patio Heater
Not only does a patio heater add to the aesthetic of a home, they are practical as well. But with that said, the rising cost energy (electric as well as natural gas) and the desire for homeowners to squeeze a lot out of their property has opened the door for products and services that offer cost-balanced results.
For example, other data distributed by the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows the north-east states spend more on natural gas on average than other regions in the U.S. The reasons for this discrepancy are open to debate, but when it comes to the practical aspects of simply getting more out of a home, combining natural gas and electric heating solutions works for a large number of consumers.
The number of different patio heating products is numerous and costs can reach well into the hundreds of dollars for the pricier, flashy models. A “traditional” space heater, which produces heat from glowing, red hot coils, can become a fire hazard when used improperly. The National Fire Protection Association reminds consumers that the majority of home fires in the winter months are caused by misused supplemental heating products. More specifically, the National Fire Protection Association warns against liquid fuel space heaters.
Electric Infrared Patio Heaters
As an effective alternative to heat-coil and fueled heaters, there are an increasing number of infrared patio heaters available to consumers. The Infrared Heater Safety Council strives to educate the public on the safe usage of these supplemental heating products. The main advantage of an infrared patio heater is the energy efficiency these products provide when used properly. In fact, a quality infrared heater consumes as little as 10% of the energy used by traditional electric heaters.
Another interesting fact about infrared heaters is their portability and multi-use ability. Not only can an infrared heater be used outdoors, many models on the market boast of their indoor/outdoor functionality. Manufacturers of infrared patio heaters are quick to remind consumers of this fact. Indeed an electric patio heater has become the latest trend in home heating products in the U.S.
Related articles: Electric Fireplace Heaters and Dimplex Electric Fireplace.
Jeremy Glennon - Jeremy has been the e-commerce manager, SEO manager, and a partner for the home organization website Organize It and the home organizers ...
