Your Home

Easy Upgrades Can Extend Outdoor Fun

Posted: 10/15/2010

Patio heaters, fire pits and lighting can make it easier to extend warm-weather fun into the colder months.

(NAPSI) - Cooler weather can be a great time to transform a patio or deck into a cozy space to relax with family or entertain friends. Propane appliances such as patio heaters, fire pits and lighting extend warm-weather fun, while their portability and range of prices make it easy to customize an outdoor space to fit any lifestyle or budget.

“As families look for ways to spend more quality time at home, outdoor areas are becoming a natural extension of a home’s living space,” says Stuart Flatow, vice president, safety and training, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “With careful planning and safety in mind, simple upgrades offer year-round enjoyment.”

Handy homeowners who are budget-minded may want to take on their outdoor room redo as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. Before getting started, assess your skills, patience, time and budget and decide when to bring in a professional. To ensure a smooth process, PERC offers a helpful list of dos and don’ts:

DIY Dos

• Do establish a budget ahead of time, with a 10 percent cushion for unexpected expenses.

• Do conduct a background check before hiring a professional.

• Do keep outdoor propane appliances clear of flammables and away from structures.

• Do make sure the gas is turned off during installation and check for leaks before operating.

• Do have a qualified service technician inspect your outdoor appliances annually.

DIY Don’ts

• Don’t install an outdoor appliance indoors—or vice versa.

• Don’t assemble appliances with propane cylinders yourself unless you’ve read the manual and are prepared to follow all instructions.

• Don’t move a portable appliance such as a heater or grill while it’s in use.

• Don’t store or place a propane cylinder indoors, or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed or tent.

Visit usepropane.com for more tips on safely incorporating propane appliances into your outdoor remodel projects.

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