Patio heater number 'may double'

The Energy Saving Trust indicated ownership of domestic patio heaters was set to double in the near future.

It said NI had the most householders who own or plan to buy a patio heater.

It estimates 91,000 patio heaters in NI would emit the same amount of CO2 in a year as driving from Belfast to Giant's Causeway and back 116,000 times.

The Green Barometer report is the first UK-wide index to track the public's attitudes to green issues and is issued quarterly.

Noel Williams, Head of the Energy Saving Trust in Northern Ireland, said: "Patio heaters across the UK and Northern Ireland will soon emit the same amount of carbon dioxide as around 19,000 households do in a year.

"However, Northern Ireland has the most householders who own or are planning to buy a patio heater compared to England, Scotland and Wales.

"The question is - why don't people just wear a jumper?"

Hob energy

Following the introduction of the smoking ban in Northern Ireland, there has been an increase in the number of bars and restaurants providing patio heaters for customers who want to smoke outside.

Alan Mercer of Hillmount Nursery Centre in County Down said patio heaters had become increasingly popular.

"A lot more people are asking: 'What is the biggest patio heater you have on a domestic scale?' because they want it to be as warm as possible for their friends when they come over for a barbecue."

He said some people had environmental concerns and pointed out that there were alternative ways to heat the patio, such as chimineas.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that per year the average patio heater uses the same amount of energy as a gas hob uses in six months.

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