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Now that Thanksgiving has passed, winter weather is sure to arrive. Okay – for many of you, it has been cold for months. Over the last decade, we’ve been designing awesome outdoor living into our houses. Don’t let the cold weather trap us inside. When this happens, our houses become smaller. I thought now would be a good time to review some cold weather adaptations for outdoor living.

Add Heat

Sorry for stating the obvious – but when it comes to ways to add heat, there are many choices:

Fireplaces

A lot of outdoor living spaces have fireplaces. But the location and type of fire makes a difference. For example, you could have an alcohol fireplace (yes – your fireplace has a drinking problem).

This type of fireplace doesn’t require a flue and may be best suited for moderate climates. The key to determining the best type of fireplace and fuel is the BTU it has the potential to produce. I was surprised to learn that propane burns hotter than natural gas. A wood burning fireplace has the potential to burn the hottest, but requires constant effort to feed the flame. It also produces lots of smoke.

Since heat rises, having a fireplace in a covered outdoor living area can help trap and contain the heat verses a free standing outdoor fireplace. I like a corner application that has the potential to block the most wind.

Fireplaces look great all year round – even while not in use. Recent trends in fireplace design is to add light to the firebox so it can look inviting all year round.

Portable Heaters

If you have ever dined outside at restaurants, you have undoubtedly seen a variety of portable outdoor heaters. Many use propane as their fuel and come with wheels and a cover the propane tank. You can easily get a heater online. When I typed in outdoor patios heater at Home Depot, it gave me 59,509 results. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles and price ranges. If you’re looking for outdoor heat, there’s lots from which to choose.

Ceiling-Mounted Heaters

If you want something more permanent, you might want to consider a ceiling-mounted permanent heater. Most permanently mounted heaters are electric, but you could run a gas line to a ceiling mounted heater. The early versions of these heaters were rather crude. Indeed, just a ceiling mounted space heater. But the rise in popularity of outdoor living has lead to more aesthetically pleasing choices. Since these units are permanently mounted, how they look  when not in use is important. Of course, how the heat is delivered is important too. Most use radiant heat which means they heat objects instead of the air.

Keeping the Heat In and the Wind Out

Many restaurants and homes have started adding roll down clear vinyl shades. You can get them manual or powered. The key is they keep the wind out and the warm air from your heat source in – all while not blocking your view. You feel connected to the outdoors while staying warm. Some even have zippers between panel to really seal the heat in. This is a great way to capture the feeling of being outside without freezing to death.

Don’t let the onset of winter keep you and your buyers from enjoying all of the houses. Especially those spaces with views to the great outdoors.