(NAPSA)—Thepicnic baskets have been put away and school is back in session, but according to the Propane Education & Research Council, you can extend your outdoor season long past Labor Day. A variety of propane-fueled outdoor products can help homeowners continue their outdooractivities well into the cooler months. A recent survey commissioned by the Council found that more than 90 percent of homeowners spend time in their backyards or on their patios, porches, and decks. Nearly half of them doso at least once a day—during the warmer months. However, the number of home- owners who spend time outdoors decreases by more than 50 percent between the months of August and October. Inclement weather and temperature are the main reasons for the changes in outdoor enjoymenthabits. “A majority of homeowners who spend time outdoors at home (60 percent) already use propane as a fuel source for grilling. That same fuel source can also benefit homeowners by providing the energy they need to extend their outdoor living seasons,” says Roy Willis, president of the Propane Education & Research Council. “With the growing number of propanefueled products on the market, including patio heaters, fireplaces, and lamps, the onset of cooler weather and shorter days doesn’t have to cut short the time homeowners spend outdoors.” Cooler temperatures can be raised with propane-fueled patio heaters made popular by outdoor restaurants. Such heaters provide up to a 20-foot circle of radiant Propane-fueled heaters make it possible to extend the season for enjoying the outdoors. heat that raises the outdoor air temperature between 10 and 30 degrees. These handy heaters are available in several different sizes, including tabletop, and most include adjustable temperature controls and safety features. Manyheaters also are equipped with lights, so spending time outdoors doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Similarly, log patio hearths create a warm, ambientfire allowing homeowners to enjoy the atmosphere of a campfire without the mess of wood. These propanefueled hearths are easy to start, equipped with safety features, and many can run for up to 14 hours on one tank of propane. For additional information on the many benefits of propane, visit the Council’s Web site at www.usepropane.com. To obtain a list of propane-powered outdoor product retailers in your area, visit the Hearth, Patio & Barbe- cue Association’s Web site at www.hpba.org.
