IN Peters Township February/March 2020 | Page 45

Many homeowners add fire features to their outdoor area, which functions as a gathering point for both family and guests. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces not only add physical warmth and beauty, but emotional warmth as well. Contemporary homeowners are opting for very modern linear gas fireplaces, with smooth, clean lines to mirror the style of their home. For homeowners who don’t have the space for a traditional fireplace, fire pits make a great feature, creating a beautiful flame that glows through crystal rock. They’re available in three different heights, with a lower coffee table height, dining table and bar height. The homeowner also has the option of selecting wood‑ or gas-burning fire pits. OUTDOOR KITCHENS – FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T STAND THE HEAT When the summer heats up, the prospect of slow-cooking a roast or searing some ribs is just not as appealing when you know it’s going to heat up your house and drive up your air conditioning bill. Take a tip from our pioneer ancestors who baked their bread and cooked their meats outdoors in the summer in order to maintain a cool house. This simple idea can really help keep your home cool during the dog days of summer, while saving you money on energy costs. With an outdoor oven and grill, barbeques can be a spontaneous dinner idea, rather than a major event that must be planned days in advance. The grilling process gives steaks, chicken, fish and pork a wonderful smoked flavor, while reducing the overall fat content. And it’s not just meats that can benefit from grilling. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini and tons of other vegetables take on a wonderful flavor when tossed lightly with olive oil, wrapped in foil and cooked on a grill. With an outdoor kitchen, grilling is not just for summer either. With a covering for rainy days and outdoor heating available, it can be used virtually year round. Although just a simple oven and grill can change the way you live, a sink with running water and an added fridge can really make cooking outdoors convenient. For entertaining, the outdoor kitchen offers a way that you can spend time with your guests while preparing the meal. There’s also an entire line of in-ground sound equipment and specially made outdoor TVs for entertaining. The televisions are completely waterproof and three times as bright as a normal TV, so they can be viewed even in strong direct sunlight. Serving the South Hills for over 40 Years. • Furnace & AC Service & Sales • Duct Cleaning • Boiler & Hot Water Tank Repair & Sales Commercial & Residential 24 Hour Emergency Service 724.941.2037 Live Chat - fifehvac.com Continued on page 46 > PETERS TOWNSHIP ❘ FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 43