There’s something magical about a crisp fall evening in the mountains. The air turns cool, the leaves start to glow, and your patio becomes the perfect place to unwind. Whether you’re in Colorado, Utah, Montana, or the Pacific Northwest, autumn invites us to stay outside a little longer.

To help you make the most of the season, Todd Proctor, our Outdoor Living Expert at Leisure Living, shares his top tips for keeping your patio cozy, safe, and functional well into fall. With more than 25 years of patio expertise behind us, we’re here to make sure your outdoor space is ready for whatever the weather brings.

Avoid These Common Patio Heater Mistakes

Patio heaters are a game-changer, but only if you’re using them safely and effectively. Todd sees these five mistakes all the time. Luckily, they’re easy to avoid with a little guidance:

1. Placing heaters too close to flammable materials

It’s tempting to squeeze a heater into a tight space, but Todd recommends keeping a 3-foot clearance from anything flammable to avoid fire risk.

2. Skipping regular maintenance

Dust, debris, and spider webs can build up quickly. Use compressed air to clean your heater monthly so it runs smoothly and safely.

3. Using the wrong fuel or tank size

Incorrect fuel or a tank that’s too small can reduce heat output or damage the unit. Always match your fuel to the manufacturer’s specs.

4. Forgetting to weatherproof

Don’t let sudden rain or early snow catch you off guard. Use a quality cover to protect your heater when not in use.

5. Ignoring safety features

Tip-over shutoffs and oxygen sensors are non-negotiable. Look for models with built-in safety systems for peace of mind.

Pick the Perfect Patio Heater

Not all heaters are created equal, especially when you live in a place where the weather can shift fast. Todd recommends looking at these key features:

  • Heat Output (BTUs): Choose a unit with the right power for your patio size.
  • Fuel Type:
  • Propane heaters are easy to set up and move.
  • Natural Gas options connect to your gas line for long-term use.
  • Electric (220-volt) heaters work well for covered or mounted setups.
  • Build Quality: Durable materials like stainless steel or powder-coated finishes hold up in mountain climates.
  • Safety Features: Look for tip-over protection, flame failure devices, and oxygen depletion sensors.
  • Setup Style: Freestanding models are flexible, while wall-mounted units save space.

At Christy Sports and Leisure Living, we only carry heaters that meet these standards, because your comfort and safety come first.

Get Ready to Heat Safely

Before you switch on your heater, Todd recommends a quick pre-check to keep things safe:

  • Place the unit on a flat, stable surface away from kids, pets, and flammable items.
  • Check local codes for outdoor heating regulations.
  • Inspect fuel lines, ignition systems, and connectors for leaks or damage.
  • Avoid using heaters in high winds.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.

These simple steps let you enjoy every cozy evening with confidence.

Cozy Up Your Patio

Fall is about more than just staying warm, it’s about creating a space you want to spend time in. Christy Sports and Leisure Living offer all the extras to make your patio feel like an extension of home:

Every piece we carry is curated for mountain living, so you can trust it to last through the season and beyond.

Find a Patio Showroom Near You

Pick your perfect patio furniture, and Christy Sports will take care of the rest. With free in-store design consultations, white glove delivery, and expert setup, we’re the go-to patio destination in the Rockies.

Patio Showroom Locations

Colorado

πŸ“ Arvada – 7715 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003

πŸ“ Avon – 182 Avon Rd, Avon, CO 81620

πŸ“ Boulder – 2000 30th St, Boulder, CO 80301

πŸ“ Cherry Creek – 201 University Blvd, Denver, CO 80206

πŸ“ Colorado Springs – 5294 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

πŸ“ Denver West – 14371 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80401

πŸ“ Dillon – 817 US-6, Dillon, CO 80435

πŸ“ Fort Collins – 3500 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525

πŸ“ Littleton – 8601 W Cross Dr, Littleton, CO 80123

πŸ“ Park Meadows – 9607 County Line Rd, Englewood, CO 80112

πŸ“ Steamboat – 1835 Central Park Dr, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Utah

πŸ“ Salt Lake City – 3939 S Wasatch Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124

πŸ“ Kimball Junction – 6622 N Landmark Dr, Park City, UT 84098

πŸ“ Leisure Living – 2208 S 900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

πŸ”— Connect with our patio experts or request a consultation

ο»Ώ

Ready to Warm Things Up?

Browse cozy patio upgrades for fall to make the most of your outdoor space this season. From personalized advice to expert setup, Christy Sports and Leisure Living have everything you need to extend your patio lifestyle well into fall.


Last updated: July 30, 2025

There’s something magical about a crisp fall evening in the mountains. The air turns cool, the leaves start to glow, and your patio becomes the perfect place to unwind. Whether you’re in Colorado, Utah, Montana, or the Pacific Northwest, autumn invites us to stay outside a little longer.

To help you make the most of the season, Todd Proctor, our Outdoor Living Expert at Leisure Living, shares his top tips for keeping your patio cozy, safe, and functional well into fall. With more than 25 years of patio expertise behind us, we’re here to make sure your outdoor space is ready for whatever the weather brings.

Avoid These Common Patio Heater Mistakes

Patio heaters are a game-changer, but only if you’re using them safely and effectively. Todd sees these five mistakes all the time. Luckily, they’re easy to avoid with a little guidance:

1. Placing heaters too close to flammable materials

It’s tempting to squeeze a heater into a tight space, but Todd recommends keeping a 3-foot clearance from anything flammable to avoid fire risk.

2. Skipping regular maintenance

Dust, debris, and spider webs can build up quickly. Use compressed air to clean your heater monthly so it runs smoothly and safely.

3. Using the wrong fuel or tank size

Incorrect fuel or a tank that’s too small can reduce heat output or damage the unit. Always match your fuel to the manufacturer’s specs.

4. Forgetting to weatherproof

Don’t let sudden rain or early snow catch you off guard. Use a quality cover to protect your heater when not in use.

5. Ignoring safety features

Tip-over shutoffs and oxygen sensors are non-negotiable. Look for models with built-in safety systems for peace of mind.

Pick the Perfect Patio Heater

Not all heaters are created equal, especially when you live in a place where the weather can shift fast. Todd recommends looking at these key features:

  • Heat Output (BTUs): Choose a unit with the right power for your patio size.
  • Fuel Type:
  • Propane heaters are easy to set up and move.
  • Natural Gas options connect to your gas line for long-term use.
  • Electric (220-volt) heaters work well for covered or mounted setups.
  • Build Quality: Durable materials like stainless steel or powder-coated finishes hold up in mountain climates.
  • Safety Features: Look for tip-over protection, flame failure devices, and oxygen depletion sensors.
  • Setup Style: Freestanding models are flexible, while wall-mounted units save space.

At Christy Sports and Leisure Living, we only carry heaters that meet these standards, because your comfort and safety come first.

Get Ready to Heat Safely

Before you switch on your heater, Todd recommends a quick pre-check to keep things safe:

  • Place the unit on a flat, stable surface away from kids, pets, and flammable items.
  • Check local codes for outdoor heating regulations.
  • Inspect fuel lines, ignition systems, and connectors for leaks or damage.
  • Avoid using heaters in high winds.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.

These simple steps let you enjoy every cozy evening with confidence.

Cozy Up Your Patio

Fall is about more than just staying warm, it’s about creating a space you want to spend time in. Christy Sports and Leisure Living offer all the extras to make your patio feel like an extension of home:

Every piece we carry is curated for mountain living, so you can trust it to last through the season and beyond.

Find a Patio Showroom Near You

Pick your perfect patio furniture, and Christy Sports will take care of the rest. With free in-store design consultations, white glove delivery, and expert setup, we’re the go-to patio destination in the Rockies.

Patio Showroom Locations

Colorado

πŸ“ Arvada – 7715 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003

πŸ“ Avon – 182 Avon Rd, Avon, CO 81620

πŸ“ Boulder – 2000 30th St, Boulder, CO 80301

πŸ“ Cherry Creek – 201 University Blvd, Denver, CO 80206

πŸ“ Colorado Springs – 5294 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

πŸ“ Denver West – 14371 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80401

πŸ“ Dillon – 817 US-6, Dillon, CO 80435

πŸ“ Fort Collins – 3500 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525

πŸ“ Littleton – 8601 W Cross Dr, Littleton, CO 80123

πŸ“ Park Meadows – 9607 County Line Rd, Englewood, CO 80112

πŸ“ Steamboat – 1835 Central Park Dr, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Utah

πŸ“ Salt Lake City – 3939 S Wasatch Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124

πŸ“ Kimball Junction – 6622 N Landmark Dr, Park City, UT 84098

πŸ“ Leisure Living – 2208 S 900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

πŸ”— Connect with our patio experts or request a consultation

ο»Ώ

Ready to Warm Things Up?

Browse cozy patio upgrades for fall to make the most of your outdoor space this season. From personalized advice to expert setup, Christy Sports and Leisure Living have everything you need to extend your patio lifestyle well into fall.


Last updated: July 30, 2025