Getting warmer

Thanks to New Zealand's temperate climate, it is possible to entertain outdoors nearly all year round. If there is a little chill in the air, there's always the heated swimming pool or patio heater to warm us up.

Using natural gas as your energy source is an easy and efficient way to keep your outdoor living area at a comfortable temperature. And it's a particularly good way to cook on the barbecue.

To maximise the benefits of natural gas, it makes sense to plan for its installationat the outset of your building project. Having a mains connection is not only convenient, it also ensures you will never run out of gas just as you're about to throw the steaks on the grill.

There are many gas-fired barbecue options available today some include a roasting option. Or you may prefer an inbuilt gas barbecue, custom designed to suit your landscaping.

Patio heaters can also be connected to the mains supply. These are particularly useful for spot heating on a terrace. Rather than wasting energy heating a large outdoor area, you can direct the heat onto a dining or seating area. Another heating option for winter evenings is wall-mounted gas radiant heaters.

There is also a growing trend for outdoor fireplaces. Electronically controlled gas fireplaces provide fast, efficient heat and you also have the visual benefit of the flickering flames in a log setting.

Some outdoor gas fireplaces, such as the one featured here, also have a flip-down barbecue hot plate.

To save energy, consider gas heatingfor swimming and spa pools. Pools can share filtration and heating systems while still having separate temperature controls.

If you are using natural gas as an energy source outdoors, it makes sense to get the most benefit indoors as well. Gas hot water heating, space heating and gas cooking appliances all offer considerable energy savings.

For further information on the benefits of using natural gas, visit the Pure Energy website: www.pureenergy.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas