Are outside temperatures chilly? Well, you do not need to give-up in the backyard if there is a patio heater. Once found only in restaurant courtyards, patio heaters are seen more often now in home patios. So, you and your family and guests can be comfortable in your patio even when the temperatures have dropped. There are lots of types of heaters. While electric heaters are available, they aren’t typically the most popular. Natural gas and propane heaters account for most heaters that are sold. Increased popularity of restaurant courtyards for smokers and increased home patio entertaining has meant that outdoor heaters have become easily available and their prices have come down. Patio heaters are very quiet. They’re safe and they extend the time frame of usefulness of a deck. Many freestanding units are seven feet tall and have a gas canister located in the base of the unit. They have a long, sleek look that resembles a light post. Many have an umbrella-like top to help radiate heat downward. Typical gas and propane heaters will provide warmth for approximately 20 feet away. That needs to be enough for a small gathering of friends for cocktails under the stars. Take into account that wind can be a hassle when you’re trying to heat an outdoor area. Many restaurants use screens or roll-down shades that act as an efficient wind block. Heaters work most efficiently in a sheltered or semi-sheltered area. The ideal location is an intimate area next to a wall or fence and under an overhead structure. Some models come with wheels for easy moving. When not in use, some feature a case for easy storage. There’s also smaller tabletop and footstool versions of the more popular tall units. Outdoor heaters are rated by how much BTU’s. A standard unit will have around 45,000 BTU’s. That is enough for an average patio.