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Archive for October 20th, 2009

Which Patio Heater Works Best For You? Natural Gas, Propane Or Electric?

October 20th, 2009 No comments

If you’re a homeowner who happens to live in an area where it gets cold during the winter months, you still deserve to use your backyard, patio or pool area. You’ve upgraded your pool or misting system, or maybe you’ve invested thousands of dollars on landscaping and exterior design. You work hard to make your outdoor areas comfortable for entertaining your family, friends and neighbors. Your home is your castle. But what do you do when the fall sets in, and it’s just not practical to have dinner or a party outside? You think about installing patio heaters.

When you first start doing research, it’s a bit intimidating: indoor, outdoor, gas, propane, electric, and brands and web sites in the thousands! What’s a homeowner to do? The first step is to make a list of what’s going to work for you and your space. You’ll need to figure out how big the space is, what heating source you’re able to provide the heater, and know your approximate budget. Here’s how.

STICK TO YOUR BUDGET:

Try to pick a price range and stick to it. This way you don’t end up spending way too much money and it will force you to shop around and get some comparable pricing on similar heaters. Try to consider the reputation of the brand name as well as the company selling the heaters.

FIND YOUR HEATING SOURCE:

Heating sources include propane, natural gas, and electric. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the basics of each.

Natural Gas:

This fuel source is clean burning and puts out no unpleasant odors. It’s non-toxic and is safe to use around your family or friends. If you don’t have a natural gas source, you can get one from your local gas company. Call them for an estimate before you choose this option.

Propane:

Propane is a popular source of fuel for outdoor heating of all types including pool areas, patios, restaurants and hotels. Propane is a clean burning, convenient, easy to use source of fuel which can be refilled conveniently. Propane is readily available, portable and can be found at gas stations, convenience stores, home supply chains and grocery stores.

Electricity:

Electricity is absolutely safe for using outdoors or indoors. They’re also very economical and require very little maintenance beyond regular cleaning. Unlike gas heaters, electric heaters have no valves, ignition components, burners or moving parts to repair or maintain. Electric heaters produce no sound, odors or toxic emissions. Electric patio heaters are efficient and are easy to maintain and operate.

MEASURE THE AREA TO BE HEATED:

Different areas require different amounts of heating coverage. If you take the time to do a thorough measuring of the length and width of the area, you’ll then be able to see if one heater is enough or if two is required.

START SHOPPING:

Now that you’re informed, you can have some fun shopping! Try going to a search engine, and typing in the different types of patio heaters, and see what comes up. Also you can try going to the homepages of the larger home supply chains and searching their sites. See if you can find reviews or testimonials about the heater or the company. Try to find three prices on specific heater that interests you. Make sure that the heater matches your dcor, space requirements and heating output and you’ll be making the smartest choice.

Ryan Risk is a leader in the outdoor climate control industry since 1977. To learn more about making the right patio heater choice, stop by Ryan Risk’s site on how to choose the best outdoor patio heater for your needs.

American Style Landscape Design

October 20th, 2009 No comments

Down through the ages various nations and races have developed certain styles in gardening largely because of the different climates and topographical features in their particular parts of the world. If you want to do some extra reading on the history of the landscape art, you will find good books on all phases of the subject in public libraries. The important thing concerning the evolution of the landscape art in America is the fact that there has been developed a distinct style which is admirably suited to our modem way of life. Consequently, in professional circles, it is referred to as the “American Style.”

Years ago I remember meeting the famed Brazilian landscape design visionary Roberto Burle Marx who’s style fascinated me but was of a completely different flavor than American Style.

Public Area

Basically, American Style is built around the theory that for maximum efficiency, privacy, and beauty, the property shall be divided into three distinct sections: the public area, the service area, and the private area.

The public area is, naturally, that part which is generally seen by the public when walking or riding past the front of the property. Many of us are in the habit of calling it the “front yard.” This area, although you have paid for it, pay taxes on it, and also maintain it, does not in a sense belong to you; rather, it is more or less a part of the community, since so many people can see it. Therefore, in all fairness to your neighbors, you should attempt to follow certain set rules concerning its design.

Reciprocal Planning

This also works the other way around in as much as you have to look at the public areas of other home owners. These rules, generally speaking work toward a public area that is pleasant to look at and adds to the dignity of the neighborhood as a whole.

Service Area

The service area of a property is that portion set aside or designated for the more utilitarian activities around a home, such as the garage, driveway and turn-court, yard, garbage cans, compost piles, children’s play areas, cut-flower gardens, vegetable gardens, etc.

Since this area is important to the efficient functioning of the home, and the remainder of the garden, plan it with the same thoughtful consideration that you have given to the public and private area. You can also add some umbrella tree to highlight it.

All too often, the home gardener is prone to expend his time, money, and effort on areas where the results will be most evident. Since few outside the family will see service area, it may be neglected.

Private Area

The third or private area is perhaps the most important to the true enjoyment of your home property. This is where the landscape is arranged for you and your friends to enjoy while you are actually in the garden, or as you look out at it through windows or doorways of your home. It is an area devoted solely to relaxation, beauty, and meditation.

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