Using your patio in the cooler months is a great way to get more out of your home. But on the coldest nights, you'll be in need of some quality outdoor heating. There are a variety of solutions on the market, ranging from high-style electric heaters to warm fire pits, and the selection is a daunting task.
The perfect heater isn't necessarily one that generates the greatest output. It comes down to needing to weigh costs against purchase and costs per use and enjoyment. The following guide provides a comparison between costs in the three most popular solutions that should make the choice a little bit easier.
Option 1: The Modern and Efficient Choice - Electric Infrared Heaters
Electric infrared heaters are popular for a reason, as they are efficient and easy to use. Other heaters warm the air around them, which might get blown away. But infrared heaters are like the sun. It radiates rays that warm up people and things directly. They use less energy for waste and are thus perfectly suited for patios.
These are easy units to use. They most often include a switch or remote for rapid, quiet warmth. They emit no odor, fumes, or smoke and are thus a hazard-free and clean choice. The greatest con is that they are required to be hardwired and thus cannot be easily moved. Depending on the unit, you may also need an electrician to hardwire the unit in a stationary spot, which raises the initial price.
Option 2: The Classic and Portable Giant - Propane Heaters
The tall "mushroom" style propane heater is a common thing you often see on patios at restaurants and in backyards. These are loved because they give off a lot of heat, and you can move them anywhere. Because they are all-in-one units and only need a normal 20-pound propane tank, you can put them wherever you need heat. So you don't need to worry about cords.
Propane heaters work by heating the air around them. This warm air then moves around to make a warm spot. This way of heating is not as efficient as infrared, especially on windy nights when the warm air blows away. You also have to think about the fuel. You will need to check how much propane is left and have extra tanks so you don't run out of heat when you don't expect it.
Option 3: The Rustic and Atmospheric Experience - Wood-Burning Fire Pits
If the atmosphere is most important to you, nothing is better than a wood-burning fire pit. It gives you heat and is also a beautiful thing to look at with its crackling fire and glowing coals. A fire pit is a natural place for people to gather. It creates a cozy feeling that other heaters can't copy. It can give off a lot of heat, but the heat is often uneven and depends on the size of the fire and how close you are.
But this nice feeling comes with some work. Fire pits make smoke and hot embers, which can be annoying and a safety risk if you don't watch them. You also have to check your local rules about fires, which might limit when you can use them. Lastly, they are the most work. You need to get and store wood, build and watch the fire, and clean up the ash later.
Head-to-Head: A Detailed Cost Breakdown of All Three
To know the real cost, you need to look at more than just the price to buy it. Here is how the three choices compare in upfront cost, fuel cost, and upkeep.
Upfront Purchase Cost
The first price for these heaters can be very different depending on the size, style, and brand. For electric infrared heaters, a portable or wall-mounted one usually costs between $150 and $400. High-end ones can be more than $700. Propane heaters are usually cheaper, with normal models costing from $100 to $350. Wood fire pits have the biggest price range. You can get a simple steel bowl for as low as $50, but fancy stone tables can cost $500 to $2,000 or more.
Fuel and Operational Costs (Cost Per Hour)
This is where you see the biggest differences. Let's figure out the cost per hour for each. An electric heater is the clear winner for low running costs. Based on an average U.S. electricity cost of 17 cents per kilowatt-hour, a 1500-watt heater costs only about 26 cents per hour to run. A propane heater is more expensive. A 20-pound tank costs about $22 to refill and gives about 10 hours of heat. This comes out to about $2.20 per hour. The cost for a wood fire pit can change a lot. If you buy firewood bundles for about $8 each for three hours of fire, the cost is around $2.67 per hour. But getting free or cheap wood can lower this cost a lot.
Maintenance and Other Costs
Upkeep is a small but important cost. Electric heaters need almost no upkeep. Propane heaters need you to check the hoses and lighters sometimes. Wood fire pits need the most work, like cleaning out the ash regularly. You should also think about the cost of a cover for any heater to protect it from bad weather.
The Verdict: Which Heater Offers the Best Value for YOU?
The "best" heater is one that is truly dependent on what matters most to you, how much you are willing to invest, and how you utilize your outdoor living space. There isn't a right answer, but hopefully, with this guide, you are able to make a decision. Select an electric heater, for instance, if being inexpensive for a use is most important and you have a readily available outlet as that would be best for something so simple. Select a propane heater if you need tomove it around your space. You should select a wood fire pit if being surrounded by friends and mood is most important and you enjoy a fire.
Investing Smartly in Your Outdoor Comfort
Choosing an outdoor heater is a long-term comfort purchase for the home. The initial low price to buy seems great, yet fuel prices for propane or wood later may be greater than the purchase price for a high efficiency electric heater. Thinking about the price contrast and what is important to you—like a price point, convenience, or mood—the right choice can be easily made. This means that your patio becomes a warm, a welcoming location for you and guests no matter the weather.