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Outdoor Heaters Seem Like a Huge Waste. Are They Really? - The New York Times

Outdoor Heaters Seem Like a Huge Waste. Are They Really? - The New York Times

Outdoor Heaters Seem Like a Huge Waste. Are They Really? - The New York Times
Nov 25, 2020 1 min, 53 secs

Bailis said you can reduce these emissions by making sure the wood is seasoned, which means it’s had at least six months to dry after being cut, and by chopping the wood into smaller pieces, which helps it burn more efficiently.

If you don’t feel like channeling your inner Scout — or can’t or don’t want to have a fire because of air quality issues — you might be considering a patio heater instead.

If you get your electricity from renewable sources, an electric patio heater is probably your most environmentally friendly choice, said Christine Wiedinmyer, associate director for science at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Though those emissions could be problematic if you had several patio heaters going all winter long, like in restaurants, Dr.

Bailis estimated that, if your wood consumption isn’t causing a net loss of trees, which is a safe bet in most of the United States, a fire pit would result in roughly the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions as a propane heater?

So, unless your energy comes from renewables, in which case an electric patio heater is best, you’ll have to base your decision on cost, local air quality and personal preference?

That, again, depends on where you’re getting your energy, said Jin Wen, an energy efficiency expert and professor at Drexel University.

If you have electric baseboards, she said, it’s generally more efficient to lower the thermostat and use a space heater where you’re working.

But if you have a high-efficiency heat pump, you should rely on that and skip the space heater entirely.

In other words, when used somewhere you don’t control the heat, like a shared office or an apartment building with a central thermostat, simply knowing you could turn on a space heater might make you more tolerant of cooler temperatures.

Amann said other changes, such as purchasing LED bulbs, adding insulation and regularly changing your air filter could make a bigger difference over time than running or not running a space heater.

Since homes lose 25 percent to 30 percent of their heat through windows, she said it’s imperative to take steps like weatherstripping, plastic-wrapping and hanging shades or curtains

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