If you love to entertain and relax (or maybe you’ve just got a noisy kid or two), you’ve probably thought your home could use some extra space. It might be time to take it outside! Outdoor living spaces are becoming more and more popular here in the Pacific Northwest, probably because we’ve got these long, pleasant seasons to enjoy and there’s now a wider selection of outdoor living products available.
Certainly it’s lovely to sit outside on a warm summer night, but have you ever considered how relaxing it would be repose in a lounge chair by a warm fireplace while fall rain pitter-patters over your veranda? Add to that vision a loved one grilling up something delicious for you on your built-in outdoor grill and you’ve really got something! Take a moment to savor that little daydream and then check out this helpful information on how to make a comfortable backyard retreat your reality.
Choosing Equipment
Design features for outdoor living include heat sources like natural gas fireplaces, permanently installed or portable area heaters, and fire pits. If you’re looking to heat a specific area outdoors, a natural gas infra-red radiant heater may be a good choice for you. Natural gas infra-red heaters warm the objects within an area, rather than the air. This kind of system can be used to complement a fireplace, because it’s much more effective and energy efficient than an open-flame fire pit or fireplace alone.
Once you’ve got the warm and toasty thing going, there are fun outdoor living features available for different price ranges like cooking equipment, hot tubs, and even ambiance-enhancing natural gas lighting.
Puget Sound Energy recommends that when you’re selecting natural gas equipment for outdoor living that you look for comfort and convenience, but also take into consideration the energy efficiency of your options. Using energy resources wisely is not just for the greater good, it will also help you save money on your utility bills. Remember to only leave equipment on when it is being used and consider the cost of operation when making purchasing decisions.
Want to get started? Call Before You Dig!
Utility locating is a very important element of any outdoor project to make sure there are no underground utility facilities like power, water, cable, phone or natural gas lines that can be damaged and become a safety hazard. The Call Before You Dig Hotline for Washington State at 1-800-424-5555 is a free service that you need to call at least two business days prior to any digging or trenching. As a homeowner, or an excavator, you are required by law to make contact with underground facility owners before you excavate.
Running natural gas or propane to outdoor locations usually requires installing underground fuel line — sometimes a lot of it! It is critical that the job be done properly using approved material and following the appropriate codes. You will have to verify that your current meter and service line is large enough to handle the increased use of gas. A permit must be obtained and an inspection by the local jurisdiction should occur prior to use. Start by consulting with your equipment contractor or your local natural gas utility. For more information, including referrals to independent, pre-screened contractors, visit www.pse.com or call an Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482.
