Extend Your Evenings: Why Outdoor Heaters Are a Must in the PNW
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you know that our evenings carry a certain crispness—whether it’s the cool mist of spring, a breezy summer sunset, or the damp chill of fall. Even in July, when the days are long and warm, the minute the sun dips below the horizon, temperatures drop quickly.
For homeowners who love spending time outside, this can be frustrating. Just when the night feels perfect, the chill drives people indoors. But here’s the good news: with the right outdoor heater, your patio, deck, or backyard can stay cozy and comfortable year-round.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we help homeowners design outdoor spaces that work in every season. And while our fire pits provide ambiance and focal points, it’s outdoor heaters that make it possible to truly extend your evenings—so you can enjoy your outdoor living space just as much in October as in July.
Why Outdoor Heaters Are a Must in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest climate is unique. Our summers are short, our springs and falls are damp, and even our warmest days often give way to cool nights. Instead of retreating indoors, outdoor heaters allow you to embrace the elements while staying comfortable.
Crisp Summer Evenings: Enjoy the backyard long after sunset.
Shoulder Seasons: Keep using your patio in March or November when it might otherwise sit empty.
Winter Nights: Pair heaters with a fire pit for true four-season living.
For many PNW homeowners, outdoor heaters aren’t just a luxury—they’re a necessity for making outdoor living practical year-round.
The Benefits of Outdoor Heaters
So what makes outdoor heaters such a smart investment? Let’s break it down.
Immediate Comfort
Unlike traditional heating methods that warm the air, infrared heaters work by directly heating people and objects. That means you feel the warmth instantly, instead of waiting for the air around you to catch up.
It also means your warmth isn’t as affected by wind or drafts—critical in a region known for breezes and shifting weather.
Style Options for Every Space
Outdoor heaters aren’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your layout, design goals, and lifestyle, you can choose from:
Wall-Mounted Heaters: Perfect for patios or decks with limited floor space. Mounted overhead, they provide consistent coverage without taking up valuable real estate.
Ceiling-Mounted Heaters: Ideal for pergolas or covered outdoor kitchens. Discreet and efficient, they blend seamlessly into overhead beams or structures.
Freestanding Heaters: Flexible and portable. Move them wherever you need warmth—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or rearranging your seating area.
This flexibility makes it easy to match your heater to your space, style, and budget.
Energy Efficiency
One of the best aspects of modern outdoor heaters is how efficient they are. Electric infrared models deliver targeted warmth without wasted energy. Instead of heating air that quickly escapes, they direct heat exactly where it’s needed—your guests, your furniture, and your living area.
This not only saves energy but also ensures your outdoor living space feels cozy without the guilt of unnecessary consumption.
How Heaters Enhance Outdoor Living
Outdoor heaters don’t just provide warmth—they transform how you use your space.
Hosting Gatherings
Whether it’s a family birthday in March, a late-night dinner party in August, or a cozy New Year’s Eve countdown, heaters ensure your guests are comfortable from start to finish. No more cutting evenings short or moving the celebration indoors once the temperature drops.
Dining Al Fresco
Love outdoor dining? Heaters make it possible to enjoy meals outside nearly every night of the year. Pair them with an outdoor kitchen or grill for the ultimate dining experience, rain or shine.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
There’s something deeply calming about sitting outdoors, wrapped in warmth, while the night unfolds. With heaters, your deck or patio becomes an extension of your living room—a place for reading, unwinding, or enjoying a glass of wine without the distraction of screens.
Pairing Heaters with Fire Pits
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we often recommend pairing outdoor heaters with our RB73 COR-TEN steel fireplaces. Together, they provide both practical warmth and magical ambiance.
Fire pits = glow + atmosphere: The flicker of flames creates an unforgettable mood.
Heaters = coverage: Every guest feels comfortable, even those farther from the fire.
This layered heating approach ensures your outdoor space feels cozy and inviting, no matter how many people you’re hosting.
Choosing the Right Heater for Your Space
The best heater for you depends on your layout and lifestyle.
Compact Patios: Wall or ceiling-mounted heaters are ideal, keeping the floor free for seating and decor.
Large Yards or Dining Areas: Freestanding heaters add flexibility—you can move them as needed.
Luxury Outdoor Kitchens: Built-in systems deliver seamless, invisible coverage while blending with architectural design.
👉 At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we don’t just sell heaters—we deliver and install them, ensuring your setup is safe, efficient, and tailored to your space.
Outdoor Heaters in the PNW: Local Considerations
In the Seattle area and throughout the Puget Sound, there are unique factors to keep in mind:
Moisture: Always choose heaters rated for outdoor use in damp climates.
Burn Bans: During periods of poor air quality, wood-burning fire pits may be restricted—but heaters are unaffected, making them a reliable backup.
Professional Installation: Wall, ceiling, and built-in heaters should always be installed by experts for safety and long-term performance.
By planning with the PNW climate in mind, you’ll get the most from your outdoor heating investment.
FAQs About Outdoor Heaters
Do heaters use a lot of electricity?
Modern infrared heaters are designed to be energy-efficient, targeting people and objects rather than wasting energy heating air.
Can heaters be used in the rain?
Yes, as long as they’re outdoor-rated and installed properly. Freestanding models should be placed under cover when not in use.
Do heaters replace the need for a fire pit?
Not exactly. Heaters provide coverage and consistency, while fire pits provide ambiance and atmosphere. The two complement each other perfectly.
Are outdoor heaters safe on decks?
Absolutely—when installed correctly. Wall and ceiling-mounted heaters are particularly safe for wooden decks since they keep floor space clear.
Final Thoughts
Living in the Pacific Northwest means embracing crisp evenings, shifting weather, and long stretches of cool temperatures. With the right outdoor heater, your patio or backyard transforms into a four-season living space, perfect for hosting, dining, or simply unwinding after a long day.
Immediate Comfort: Infrared heaters warm you directly, even on breezy nights.
Style Options: Wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or freestanding designs fit any space.
Energy Efficiency: Modern electric models deliver targeted warmth with minimal waste.
Pair heaters with a fire pit, and you’ve got the ultimate outdoor living setup: warmth, comfort, and ambiance—all year long.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we specialize in designing, delivering, and installing heaters that fit seamlessly into your backyard. Whether you want sleek built-in systems, flexible freestanding heaters, or efficient wall-mounted models, our team ensures your outdoor living space feels just as cozy in October as it does in July.
🔥 Ready to extend your evenings? Explore our collection of outdoor heaters and COR-TEN fire pits today and make your backyard a year-round retreat.
