Several patio heaters are on sale now. Prices go up in fall.

It’s may be hot outside now but August is when you should be thinking about how to prolong that summer warmth into late September and even throughout October/November. Think patio heaters -- tabletop for small dining areas and tall for conversation groupings. We’ll let you in on a little secret: Prices are expected to rise when fall arrives. Some heaters also are discounted now and will return to full price between Aug. 31 and Sept. 30 when the chill in the air arrives and people start ordering heaters en masse. So, the logical conclusion is to buy before prices go up.

Be sure to assess your outdoor space. If you’re entertaining around a patio table, a compact and portable tabletop unit may meet your needs. These put out 10,000 to 11,000 BTUs and raise the air temperature around the table 10-25 degrees Fahrenheit in a limited area around the table.

If you want to provide comfort in a conversation area -- about 1,500 to 2,000 square feet -- consider one or two tall patio heaters. You may need more if you’re warming a larger space, for example, a pool area. Tall heaters put out 40,000 to 48,000 BTUs. One heater will probably heat 1,500 to 2,000 square feet of covered space or a 20-foot diameter area of uncovered space.

When you’ve defined your space decide if you want natural gas or propane. Natural gas heaters cost more and are anchored to the gas supply line, but they cost less to operate and are easier to maintain. Propane heaters are convenient and portable. We didn’t consider electrical because cords are awkward.

If you want something commercial, you’ll pay $2,000 and up. For a home unit you’ll pay about $100 and up. Remember, these prices are expected to rise when fall arrives.

Order fire pit now for S’mores and to enjoy your patio well into fall season

Wood fired outdoor pizza ovens, accessories

You'll appreciate the efficient burning system with a flame failure device and anti-tilt switch. (Courtesy of Wayfair)

Heatmaxx 10,000 BTU Propane Tabletop Patio Heater ($119.94, Wayfair) has a hammered bronze finish with stainless steel heating grids. It’s lightweight and easy to carry.

A one-step ignitor makes this patio heater easy to start. (Courtesy of Lowe's)

The Fire Sense 10,000 BTU Propane Bronze-finish Tabletop Patio Heater ($169, Lowe’s) has a hammered bronze finish. Safety features include auto shut off tilt valve and an oxygen depletion sensor.

Add warmth and ambiance to any outdoor table top setting with a simple stainless steel patio heater. (Courtesy of Lowe's)

This Fire Sense 10,000 BTU Propane Stainless Steel Tabletop Patio Heater ($159, Lowe’s) has a stainless steel table finish. It raises outdoor temperatures 10 to 25 degrees.

Purchases are limited to four patio heaters per customer. (Courtesy of Home Depot)

The AZ 10,000 BTU hammered-bronze pyramid Patio Heater ($145.49, Home Depot) has a fiery-hot quartz glass tube. It is surrounded by a safety cage and has a no-tilt four-legged base.

This tabletop patio heater has multiple heat settings. (Courtesy of Walmart)

Fire Sense 10,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater ($105.99, originally $171.58, Walmart.com) has multiple settings and heats up to 75 square feet.

Serious entertainers can crank up patio temperatures in a 15-foot diameter space. (Courtesy of Wayfair)

Belleze 48,000 BTU Propane floor-standing patio heater ($189.99, Wayfair) is 87 inches tall. It’s both stylish and heavy duty.

A standard propane tank can run this heater for 10 hours. (Courtesy of Lowe's)

CASAINC 48,000 BTU Bronze Aluminum, Floor-Standing Patio Heater ($114.79, originally $469, Lowe’s) heats up to 78.5 square feet. The sale ends Sept. 28.

A coordinating cover is available. (Courtesy of Lowe's)

Hanover 42,000 BTU Pyramid Propane Patio Heater ($319.99, originally $479.99, Lowe’s) has a simple, battery ignition start with adjustable low to high heat control. Sale ends Aug. 31

This heater has an easy access door for propane tank exchange. (Courtesy of Home Depot)

Legacy Heating 40,000 BTU Hammered Black Propane Patio Heater ($317.58, Home Depot) is 89-inches tall and has a solid one-piece Quartz Glass Tube heater. Purchases limited to two per customer.

This heater includes a remote control to change the temperature.. (Courtesy of Home Depot)

The Lava Heat Italia 92.5-inch, 66,000 BTU Stainless Steel Propane Flame Tower Heater ($2,213.08, Home Depot) is a heavy-duty commercial grade option for home use. It comes with remote control to change the temperature.

Wheels are included with this heater for easy mobility. (Courtesy of Walmart)

Mainstays 7-foot, 48,000 BTU Patio Heater ($89, originally $119, Walmart) should warm an area 10- to 15-feet in diameter.

See more patio heaters: Wayfair | Lowe’s | Home Depot | Walmart

I am a commerce writer for cleveland.com. I help readers find the best deals on life’s necessities and indulgences. You can reach me at pwolfe@cleveland.com. Here’s a directory of my posts.

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