Better Homes Hearth & Patio Inc: Is It Legit for Patio Heaters?

Better Homes Hearth & Patio Inc is a real, physical retail and service business located at 386 Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills, PA 19030 (phone: 215-269-9900). It is not a product brand or a national chain, it's a local hearth and patio dealer in Bucks County, Pennsylvania that sells and services gas-burning and wood-burning hearth products, patio heaters, and related outdoor gear. The business has been operating on Lincoln Highway since 1994 and has been under the ownership of Peter Stillitano since 2009, when it was incorporated. If you're in the Philadelphia/Bucks County area and you searched for this company, you've found the right place. If you're somewhere else in the country, you'll want a local dealer instead, but the buying checklist and heater guidance below applies everywhere.

What Better Homes Hearth & Patio Inc actually is

This is a specialty hearth and patio retailer, not a big-box store and not a product manufacturer. That distinction matters because specialty dealers like this one typically offer something the big-box stores don't: in-house installation, service, and repair. The company's own website lists "Full-Service Repair & Installation" as a core offering, which means they'll handle the gas line hookup, venting, and any required clearance work, not just drop a box on your porch.

A quick note on naming confusion: there is a separate nonprofit called "Better Homes Inc" based in nearby Bristol, PA, registered with the IRS for a completely different purpose. Don't mix them up. The hearth and patio shop at 386 Lincoln Highway is the one you're looking for if you want a patio heater or fireplace insert.

The business is also listed as a vendor on the Bucks County Veterans Discount Card program, which is a small but meaningful signal that it has community ties and engages with local government initiatives. That's worth knowing if you're a veteran in the area.

Legitimacy checks before you buy

Let's be honest about what the third-party data shows. The BBB lists Better Homes Hearth & Patio Inc with a B- rating and notes the business is not BBB Accredited. The BBB file dates back to 1984, which tells you this business has been around for decades, but a B- rating means there have been unresolved complaints or issues flagged over time. Revdex also shows at least one complaint, and one complaint narrative specifically raised a concern about a permit not being obtained for a gas appliance installation.

That permit issue is the most important red flag to address upfront. Gas appliance installations almost always require a permit in Pennsylvania and most other states. If a contractor skips that step, you're left with an unpermitted install that can affect your homeowner's insurance, your ability to sell the house, and your safety. Before you commit to any installation work with this company (or any local hearth dealer), ask directly: "Will you pull the permit for this job?" If the answer is evasive, walk away.

Your buying-safety checklist for any hearth or patio dealer

1. Verify the physical address and call the listed phone number before placing an order or scheduling service. For Better Homes Hearth & Patio, that's 386 Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills, PA 19030 and (215) 269-9900.
2. Ask whether installation will be permitted and inspected by the local building department. This is non-negotiable for gas appliances.
3. Confirm that the gas connector used meets safety standards: listed metal flexible double-wall non-corrosive connectors with an accessible individual shutoff valve upstream of the appliance.
4. Check the warranty terms on whatever product you're buying. Manufacturer warranties are typically handled directly with the manufacturer, not the dealer. Clarify who handles warranty claims and what the dealer's own return/exchange policy is.
5. Read recent reviews on Angi and Google, not just the BBB rating. Angi shows both positive and negative reviews for this business, so read through several to get a real picture.
6. For any propane or LPG portable heater, look for safety labels indicating a Low Oxygen Automatic Shut-Off System or Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) — these are CPSC-recognized safety features.
7. If you're buying an electric heater, never use an indoor extension cord outdoors. Only use cords specifically marked for outdoor use with the proper jacketing and wire gauge.

Bottom line on legitimacy: Better Homes Hearth & Patio Inc is a real, long-established local business, not a scam. But like any specialty contractor, your experience will depend heavily on asking the right questions upfront, especially about permits and installation standards. Do that, and you'll have a much smoother transaction. If you’re in Albany, NY, start by comparing local hearth and patio options that can handle installation, permits, and ongoing service best fire hearth and patio albany ny.

Choosing the right patio heater for your space

Before you even think about fuel type or brand, you need to know two things: how many square feet you're heating, and whether your space is covered or open. A good rule of thumb is 20 BTU per square foot. So if you have a 300 sq ft covered patio, you need roughly 6,000 BTU. A larger 1,500 sq ft open patio needs closer to 30,000 BTU. Most freestanding propane patio heaters top out around 40,000-48,000 BTU, which handles most residential patios comfortably.

Covered vs. uncovered matters as much as size. In a covered or partially enclosed space, heat stays in longer, so you can often get away with a lower-BTU unit. In a fully open, exposed yard, especially in a windy location, you'll lose heat fast and need either a higher-output unit or an infrared heater (more on that below). Also think about clearances: any heater needs breathing room. For wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted infrared heaters specifically, you'll want at least 18 inches of clearance on all sides and 36 inches directly in front of the heating element. Measure your space before you buy.

Space types and what works best

• Open backyard patio (no cover): A tall freestanding propane mushroom-style heater or a natural gas post heater works well. Wind is your enemy, so a higher BTU output helps compensate.
• Covered patio or pergola: Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted electric infrared heaters are ideal here — safe for covered spaces, no open flame, and highly efficient when the heat can't escape upward.
• Screened-in porch: Electric only. No propane or natural gas in an enclosed screened space — you need ventilation for combustion appliances.
• Small deck or balcony: A tabletop propane or electric heater is your best bet. Freestanding tall heaters are often too large and a tipping hazard on elevated, narrow decks.
• Restaurant or commercial outdoor seating: Overhead natural gas infrared heaters are the professional standard — high output, low maintenance, and they don't take up floor space.

Fuel-type comparison: propane, electric, natural gas, and pellet

Each fuel type has genuine trade-offs. There's no universal winner here, the right choice depends on your space, your existing infrastructure, and how you use your patio.

Propane is the most flexible option and makes sense if you rent, move seasonally, or just want something you can position anywhere. Natural gas is the best long-term value for a permanent patio setup where you use the heater frequently, the per-BTU cost is lower than propane, but you'll pay for the gas line installation upfront. Natural gas heaters do require "special plumbing and installation," which is exactly the kind of service a full-service dealer like Better Homes Hearth & Patio is set up to handle. Electric is the cleanest and safest for covered or enclosed spaces but costs more to run at the same heat output. Pellet heaters are more of a hearth/ambiance product than a pure patio heating solution, great for atmosphere, but more maintenance than the others.

Infrared vs. traditional heating: when each style makes sense

Traditional patio heaters (think: the tall stainless mushroom-style propane heaters you see at restaurants) work by heating the air around them. They're effective in calm conditions but lose efficiency fast when wind carries that warm air away. Infrared heaters work differently, they emit radiant heat that warms objects and people directly, the same way the sun warms you even on a cold day. Wind doesn't affect infrared heat the way it does convective air heating.

If your patio is exposed and gets any kind of breeze, infrared is worth the investment. Wall-mounted electric infrared heaters (like those from Infratech or similar brands) are particularly effective on covered patios and pergolas. They mount overhead or on a wall, don't take up floor space, and deliver consistent heat in a directed pattern. The clearance requirements are real though, at minimum 18 inches on the sides and 36 inches directly in front of the element. Measure your ceiling height and wall space before ordering.

Traditional convective heaters still have a place. They're cheaper upfront, widely available, and work fine for calm, sheltered patios. If you're outfitting a small backyard patio for occasional evening use and you're not dealing with wind, a standard propane heater at a lower price point does the job well. Infrared shines in high-use, windier, or more permanent setups where efficiency and performance under real conditions matter more than upfront cost.

Tabletop and small-space heaters: what works on a balcony or small patio

If you're working with a small footprint, a balcony, a bistro-style patio, or a dining area where you want warmth close to the table without a floor-standing unit in the way, tabletop heaters are worth a serious look. These are typically propane-fueled (using a small 1 lb. cylinder) or electric, and they top out around 10,000-12,000 BTU for propane models and around 1,500W for electric versions.

They won't heat a large open area, but for two to four people sitting around a table, a quality tabletop propane heater is surprisingly effective. The main safety consideration on a balcony or elevated deck is stability, make sure the base is solid and the unit can't tip over. A tipping propane heater is a serious hazard. Most quality tabletop models have a tip-over auto-shutoff, but verify that feature before you buy.

For entertaining, tabletop units also pull double duty as ambient centerpieces. If you're hosting a dinner party and want warmth at the table without a tall heater blocking conversation sight lines, a low-profile tabletop model is the practical choice. Electric tabletop infrared options are also available and are the safest bet for any partially enclosed entertaining space.

Quick size guide for tabletop vs. freestanding

How to actually compare brands and models before you buy

Whether you're buying from Better Homes Hearth & Patio Inc locally or ordering online from another retailer, the comparison process is the same. Don't just look at BTU output and price, those two numbers alone will lead you to the wrong heater half the time. Here's what to actually evaluate.

1. Calculate your BTU needs first: measure your patio's square footage and multiply by 20. That gives you a minimum BTU target. Add 20-30% buffer if your space is open and exposed to wind.
2. Check the coverage claim against real-world reviews, not just the spec sheet. A heater rated for 300 sq ft in still air may cover only 150 sq ft effectively on a windy evening.
3. Verify outdoor safety certifications: look for CSA, ETL, or UL listings on the product. For propane and gas heaters, look for Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) labeling if you'll ever use the heater in any semi-enclosed area.
4. Ask about the warranty before you buy: who handles it (manufacturer or dealer?), what it covers (parts, labor, freight?), and how long it lasts. Most quality patio heaters carry a 1-2 year manufacturer warranty on parts.
5. For gas heaters from a local dealer: confirm the installation includes a permitted inspection, a proper individual shutoff valve accessible near the appliance, and listed flexible connectors compatible with your gas type (natural gas vs. propane — they are NOT interchangeable without conversion).
6. For electric heaters: confirm your outdoor outlet is on a properly rated circuit. Many wall-mounted infrared heaters require a 240V dedicated circuit — if you only have a standard 110V outdoor outlet, that affects which models you can use.
7. Read reviews on Angi, Google, and retailer sites — look specifically for comments about heat output in real conditions, durability after one or two seasons, and ease of ignition in cold weather.

One more thing worth asking any local dealer, including Better Homes Hearth & Patio: "What brands do you stock parts for?" A dealer who can actually service what they sell, not just install it and walk away, is worth a lot more over the 5-10 year life of a hearth product. If they stock parts and have technicians who know the product line, that's a genuine advantage over buying the same brand online from someone who can't help you with a repair two years later.

If you're comparing retailers beyond just this one local dealer, it's worth looking at what other full-service hearth and patio shops offer in your region. If you are looking for an alternative energy hearth and patio shoppe LLC, compare their service and permit process just as carefully full-service hearth and patio shops. Businesses positioned as full-service specialty dealers, similar to Better Homes Hearth & Patio's model, tend to offer better post-sale support than big-box stores, but quality varies significantly. Reading hearth and patio reviews across multiple dealers in your area before committing to an installation is always a smart move, especially for gas appliances where the installation quality matters as much as the product itself.

Your next steps in a nutshell: measure your patio, calculate your BTU target, decide on fuel type based on your infrastructure and use frequency, then shortlist two or three specific models that meet your specs. If you're in the Bucks County/Fairless Hills area and want a full-service gas installation, calling Better Homes Hearth & Patio at (215) 269-9900 and asking the permit and service questions listed above is a reasonable starting point. If you're elsewhere, use the same checklist to evaluate your local dealer. Either way, you now have everything you need to buy the right heater for your space, safely.