Unlike in the fictional Westeros, winter comes every year in the real world. That means that you always have to start preparing your home during the fall for the onset of the cold months.

The foremost thought in the minds of homeowners whenever winter arrives is keeping the inside of their home warm. More often than not, not much thought is given to outdoor areas. Our patios, decks, and backyards are typically left out in the cold, quite literally.

Would you really want to let your outdoor area remain unused for the better part of three months? That would most definitely be a waste, especially when there are patio heating systems that can keep you and your family comfortable outdoors, even in the middle of winter.

Let’s take a look at the outdoor winter heating options available to you today.

Gas patio heaters

If you have a large outdoor area, then a gas patio heater would be perfect for you.

This type of patio heater heats an area really fast and can provide considerable heat to your entire patio.

The flame that it produces is clean, and there are no sparks and embers that could harm your kids and pets.

When things get a bit colder, all you have to do is reach for the adjustable temperature control that gas patio heaters have, and you’re all good.

A gas patio heater is also portable, and requires little maintenance.

If you’re considering a gas patio heater for your home, always keep in mind that they require plenty of ventilation, so never even consider using them indoors for safety reasons.

Electric patio heaters

If you’re not too comfortable about the idea of something gas-fired running a few feet from you, then you might want to give electric patio heaters a try.

Since electric patio heaters typically come in “strip” form, you can opt to install them on your patio’s ceiling, a location that allows for a more even dispersion of heat. It’s also safe even when you have kids and pets running around.

Unlike gas-powered heaters, an electric patio heater works just as well in enclosed areas with minimal ventilation. The gentle radiant heat that it produces can be controlled, and the energy costs are relatively low.

Fire pits

A fire pit offers a more authentic outdoor winter experience. You and your family can have lots of fun gathering around it and roasting marshmallows and chestnuts, among other things. And since fire pits use wood or coal as fuel, they are easily the most cost-effective of all your outdoor winter heating options.

Fire pits come in a variety of shapes and styles. Choose one that goes well with your patio design.

Admittedly, the flames of a fire pit may seem to present a safety issue for homeowners with children and pets. Sure, fire pits are designed to contain the flames safely, but you would want to leave no stone unturned when it comes to the safety of your beloved kids and pets. So as long as you take precautions like briefing your children about not playing too close to the flames and keeping pets indoors while you’re in the outdoor area, a fire pit is a wonderful outdoor heating option for your home.

When considering outdoor winter heating options, you should always assess your outdoor area and see which type of heater would be perfect for it. You also have to think about your budget, since the price range may vary widely according to the heating option available.

So pick that patio heater, and enjoy the season without getting cooped up inside your home!