Best Natural Gas Patio Heater For All Year Comfort

If you’re only using your patio or deck half of the year due to cold weather chasing you indoors, then you’re not getting the most out of your outdoor space.

Outdoor heaters are a fantastic investment for the cold months of the year. And a natural gas patio heater may be the right solution.

If you want to continue enjoying your outdoor space, an outdoor patio heater makes sitting in the backyard a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

As you begin your search for the perfect patio heater, you’ll need to consider a few things before deciding on the type of patio heater.

Primarily, you’ll need to determine the size of the area you’re looking to heat and what type of fuel you want to use. 

Most patio heaters are created to warm the immediate vicinity they are placed in.

Know the size of your patio, deck, or the specific area you are looking to heat. This will determine the BTUs (British Thermal Units) needed to heat the space. 

There are several different types of fuel used with patio heaters including natural gas, propane gas, and electricity.

Natural gas patio heaters are often pricier than their electric counterparts.

However, the long-term costs of owning a natural gas patio heater are significantly less and they are much easier to maintain. 

Installation options vary from tabletop model options to wall and ceiling mounted heaters to freestanding patio heaters and permanent installation.

Or if you need a larger unit, commercial patio heaters are always an option as well. 

If you have large indoor space that needs some extra heat, you may want to tale a look at my list of the absolute best space heaters for heating a large room.

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How to determine the square footage of your space

Knowing the square footage of your space will determine how many BTU’s your heater needs to have and help you find the best option.

Using just a few steps, you can calculate the square feet of your space. 

Are patio heaters safe on decks?

Outdoor patio heaters are completely safe to use on decks (wooden or otherwise) as long as they are not left unattended and you keep young children away from them.

Most of the top heaters come with built-in safety features such as automatic turn offs.

Do outdoor heaters need to be covered?

Some heaters may be waterproof and it depends on the manufacturer, but it’s a generally a good idea to protect your heater from weather conditions by having a cover for it anyway.

This will prevent water, insects, or debris from getting inside the heater.

If you’re expecting windy conditions, it may be a good idea to bring it inside the garage or at least closer to the house.

For some ideas on how to create a little more intimacy for your patio or porch, check out our backyard privacy screen ideas with tutorials. Plus, don’t miss this beautiful, decorative privacy screen tutorial using twigs.

Can patio heaters run on natural gas?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is it depends on the styles of patio heaters that you purchase.

Only a natural gas patio heater runs on natural gas.

This type of heater connects directly to your existing gas line. This makes it one of the best gas patio heater options since you would, arguably, never run out of gas. 

Electric Heaters vs Gas Patio Heaters

Natural gas heaters provide a lot of warmth in well-ventilated outdoor spaces.

They can be placed almost anywhere outdoors that is open and ventilated since they don’t need a standard wall outlet and power source.

Natural heaters have a greater heat output than electric patio heaters due to the combustion of natural gas.

They are also the most cost-effective types of patio heaters. And there won’t be an issue of running out of gas as there would be with propane heaters.

Propane Tank Heaters vs Natural Gas Patio Heaters

While both of these use gas as the fuel source, a propane tank heater obviously requires the use of a propane tank and liquid propane. Where as a natural gas heater needs a gas line and uses the gas supply straight from the line.

What to Consider Before Purchasing a Natural Gas Patio Heater

Quality – The last thing anyone wants is to have to continuously replace their patio heater.

A less expensive option isn’t worth it if you have to purchase a new one every year.

Performance – Gas patio heaters burn hotter and, generally, perform better.

Features – Some features to consider when deciding on the right patio heater include automatic reignition, a safety shutoff system, and oxygen depletion sensors.

If you need a place to store your heater or other patio items during the off-season, then you may want to check out our article on the best backyard sheds.

Thoughts on Natural Gas Patio Heaters

There are countless options to heat your outdoor spaces during the colder months.

And not only that but there are several different types of patio heaters as well.

Natural gas patio heaters are often the best choice due to their long-term value and easy-to-maintain attributes.

On the other hand, natural heaters are typically more expensive upfront, but over time they are the most cost-effective.