Are patio heaters going be the next big thing?

[NoGoodPunsLeft]

When we went into lock down all outdoor toys (trampolines, bikes etc) and indoor exercise equipment was out of stock everywhere, are patio heaters going to be next?!

I was looking into it (although not keen due to environmental issues) as I thought we could do 6 people socialising in the garden. Then I remembered that they wouldn’t be able to come in the house to use the loo anyway so I gave up on the idea.

Hopefully not - they are dire for the environment - been banned in France for this reason.

I thought they were banned?

I really hope people don't think patio heaters are the answer. They have a terrible environmental impact. Extracting 500-million-year-old gas from under the sea so that we can briefly heat outside air?

Couldn't everyone bring their own blankets, and wear hats, scarves and gloves? Bring a flask of coffee or hot chocolate?

My lovely friend bought a fire pit and patio heater in the hope she'll be able to have us and others around. I'll be going in my snow boots to keep my feet warm.

SunshineOutdoors I've met with my friends outside about five times and we've managed to avoid using eachothers toilets. Obviously we don't drink too much before and during, but we can usually get to three hours which is better than nothing.

I hope not, they should be banned as dreadful for the environment!

Chimineas or fire pits and lots of fleecy blankets would seem to be a better way to go.

I’ve just caved and bought one, yes.

I don’t expect we will use it very often, but MIL feels the cold a lot so if we are only able to meet in the garden Over some of the winter it will make it more bearable for her.

The model we bought uses 30% less energy than standard models, so it’s worth comparing different ones.

I know they’re not great for the environment, but we use our heating indoors far less than the average family to counteract the damage. I also barely use my car... plenty of parents I know drive their kids to school either through laziness or because they chose a school further away than the catchment school so I’m not going to feel too guilty about it.

I thought the same thing about thirty mins ago!

We bought a couple of extra hot water bottles to hand to guests. I cant get past the environmetal impact of heating the outside and its max 6 people to gather anyway.

The ILs have one but I don't know if they've ever used it.

I'm not going to buy one, I'm too tight 🤣 I'll invest in a fleecy throw & wear my fluffy boots if I'm sitting in mine or someone else's garden

That’s a great idea @MillieEpple!

Also I had no idea they are so bad for the environment.

Yep- we have got some of these as it seems that's the only sensible method available to us for the coming months. I'm not keen on them but anything that helps in these times!

On using the toilet - isnt it mixing indoors that is banned, so if you went in separately to use the loo and disinfect etc it would be ok?

@Jemra

On using the toilet - isnt it mixing indoors that is banned, so if you went in separately to use the loo and disinfect etc it would be ok?

It was allowed over the summer, but we were advised to just clean everything between each person (and shut the lid when you flush)

In Scotland you can go into the house to access the garden or use the toilet. No need for people to cross their legs!

They're so very bad for the environment that I really hope not

Fire pit and fairy lights?

Fleecy blankets and hot water bottles?

If your gardens big enough get an camping event shelter with 2/3 sides, blankets and seats. Get a fire pit going and fairy lights be lovely.

Surely the electric ones would be better? obviously you don't know whether the electric you are using is generated by renewable sources but it must be cleaner at point of operation?

I’ve got an electric/infra red one. Are they really bad environmentally too?

They're all really bad environmentally, sorry

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/emissions/3301531/Patio-heaters-targeted-over-CO2-emissions.html

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2005/oct/11/shopping.ethicalmoney

It's like having your central heating on with all the doors and windows open, and probably no walls or roof on your house......

Oh well. Big coat and hat and gloves it is then!!

Just don't use an uncovered wood fire in an enclosed gazebo and you'll be OK...

They need to be banned, such a waste of energy, unless you can get an electric one that runs off renewable energy.