Outdoor entertainment is a big part of the West Aussie lifestyle.
Fun fact: Perth enjoys longer hours of sunshine than any other Australian city, which is probably why outdoor entertaining has become a big part of our culture.
However, once winter rolls around, it can start to get a bit chilly once the sun goes down.
But that doesn't stop us from wanting to kick back, relax, unwind, and connect with nature in our backyards and on our balconies. Investing in a quality outdoor heater helps Perth residents make the most of every season, and ensures your Weber BBQs continues cranking all year round.
Thinking about purchasing an outdoor heater for your Perth backyard? Here is a breakdown to help you make the right choice for your backyard and budget.
Choosing an Outdoor Heating Option for Your Perth Home
To help you narrow down your options and make an informed judgement on your outdoor heating options, here are some questions you should ask yourself:
Does the outdoor heating option provide adequate heat and warmth to your home’s outdoor space?
Is it compatible with your outdoor space style, design, and decor?
Do you prefer conventional or infrared heating?
Is it energy efficient, and how are the energy ratings compared to the alternatives?
Does it create an attractive, warm, and inviting atmosphere? Does it encourage regular use of the outdoor space?
Will your heating option stand the test of time?
Will it be effective and reliable throughout all seasons of the year?
Common Outdoor Heating Options
There are numerous outdoor heating options on the market. Every heating solution has its unique features, advantages, and potential limitations. To help you make the best choice, we have compiled a list of heating options available in Perth and their pros and cons. These include:
1. Gas Patio Heaters
Patio gas heaters have drastically evolved over the past few years and have become environmentally friendly. They come in incredible styles and designs, meaning there is something for everyone. They are usually made of steel and are equipped with wheels for portability.
Generally, gas patio heaters burn butane or propane to generate heat and radiate it to larger outdoor spaces. They are available as outdoor heating lamps and wall or parasol heaters allowing you to enjoy your patio in virtually every weather.
The LPG burner is the most common gas patio heater and is commonly found in bar gardens, pubs, and smoking zones. Note that most gas heating options are unvented, and you should pay extra attention if you have safety concerns.
Pros of Gas Patio Heaters
They are mobile and, therefore, easy to transport.
They generate large amounts of heat - enough to effectively heat a sizable outdoor space.
They heat much faster than their electric counterparts.
Cons of Gas Patio Heaters
Freestanding options will take up your floor space.
They use gas, which is a non-renewable source of energy.
Most are unvented, making them unsuitable for enclosed outdoor rooms.
It heats the air in and around your outdoor setting, which can be wasteful and inadequate during windy days.
2. Electric Patio Heaters
Electric patio heaters have numerous advantages over their counterparts. Unlike gas heaters, these options generate and emit infrared heat that targets people and furniture, among other additions to your outdoor space setting. This way, they can effectively warm your outdoor space without wasting the heat on the air.
One of the most important features of electric patio heaters is that you can always turn them on and off whenever needed. This way, you can save on electricity costs when nobody is in the outdoor setting. Even better, modern outdoor heating options have an automatic sensor that turns on and off when triggered. They come in various shapes and sizes and are quite easy to move around.
Pros of Electric Patio Heaters
It is more efficient in windy environments.
They are among the safest options for busy settings and homes with younger children.
They are easy to transport.
They come in creative designs, shapes and sizes. Some can be attached to other outdoor additions, such as pergolas and umbrellas.
Cons of an Electric Patio Heater
They can be eyesores for your outdoor style and design.
They take slightly longer to come to temperature than burning wood or gas alternatives.
They are more expensive to purchase and run.
3. Solid-Fuel Patio Heaters
Solid-fuel patio heaters are available in numerous types, including outdoor fire pits, bowls, and log burners. They commonly use a controlled fire with wooden logs and pellets to heat the surrounding area.
Solid-fuel patio heaters create a warm and inviting environment and offer you and your loved ones the ultimate fire camp experience. However, they emit lots of smoke, leaving you smelly and feeling out of breath from their carbon-dioxide-rich emissions. Ultimately, these can be an unhealthy option if you are exposed to them for more extended periods.
Additionally, solid-fuel patio heaters may take more time to light and build an adequate heat level. They also require regular maintenance and are generally much harder to keep going throughout the evening.
Pros of Solid Fuel Heating
Provide an authentic fire that creates warmth and atmosphere.
Visually appealing and welcoming.
Can be used to cook food by adding a grill or similar on top of the fire pit.
Cons of Solid Fuel Heating
Can be quite expensive to run if you need to purchase wood.
Require assistance to maintain as you’ll need to continually add logs to keep it lit.
Only recommended in areas that are not roofed.
How to Make Outdoor Heating Solutions Effective for Your Perth Home
There are various ways of making your outdoor heating options more effective. For instance, if yours is a large outdoor area, consider using windbreaks to reduce the wind, insulate the space, and retain more heat. Wind can significantly impact the heating experience, so you should divert it in the opposite direction where it is needed.
Consider putting up awnings or gazebos to provide your loved ones with a more enclosed, snug, and adequately warm space. Another reliable option includes constructing umbrella heaters or parasols. However, you should ensure that the materials used to build these structures are fire-resistant and that the heater is spaced safely away from them.
Outdoor heating is not merely a luxury in your Perth, Western Australia, home. Choosing the right heating option means enjoying a cosy, warm space throughout the year without worrying about the weather conditions.
Visit The Outdoor Chef Today
The Outdoor Chef is Perth’s BBQ, home and outdoor living experts. We love the backyard lifestyle in Perth and can help you select the right BBQ and other items to ensure you enjoy your outdoor space, all year round. Pop in and say hi - either at our Osborne Park or Joondalup stores or browse a wide range of outdoor heating products online.