There are plenty of heating options for an outdoor patio. But one of the most popular is infrared heaters.
They are sleek and stylish and can be mounted on the ceiling to keep the guests away but warm. So, do infrared patio heaters work?
Yes. Infrared heaters are an effective way to heat an outdoor area. By replicating the sun’s power, the wind won’t affect them. They get up to temperature quickly, and the heat can be focused on key areas. Over the long run, infrared heaters will be easy to maintain and inexpensive to run.
Infrared heaters are a good option for outdoor areas. Not only will they provide plenty of heat, but they are also cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Keep reading to learn more about what makes infrared heaters so effective.
Why Are Infrared Heaters So Effective?
To understand why infrared heaters produce so much heat, we need to understand how they work. These heaters are based on the type of heat that comes from the sun.
Technically, this is a form of light. Infrared means that our eyes won’t be able to see it. This is why you get cold when you are sitting beneath a tree.
The leaves and branches are blocking the light from reaching you.
There are a few components that an infrared heater needs to thrive. First, it will need a heating element.
Then, there will be a reflective shield behind it. This directs the heat, ensuring that 100 percent of it is channeled into the outdoor area.
In most cases, there will be a metal grate over the face of the heater. This ensures that no one can touch the heating element.
Depending on the model, there might be a small fan. This helps the heat travel faster. Though this usually isn’t needed with this type of heater.
In most cases, these heaters will be powered by electricity, though some models will rely on propane.
Since they resemble the process used by the sun, the heat will be reflected off items.
For example, if you have metal chairs, they will become warm through an infrared heater. There are a few other reasons why this type of heating is preferred for outdoor spaces; these include:
- Powerful. Though they are compact, an infrared heater will pack enough punch to warm the entire patio area. For a large area, you might need to install a few heaters.
- Easy to control. Most of these devices will come with easy controls that allow you to regulate the amount of heat they produce precisely.
- Low maintenance. While they might be powerful devices, you won’t need much time caring for your infrared heater. Most of the time, a quick wipe-down to remove any dirt and grime will be enough to keep it in good condition. Many of these devices will last for ten years or more.
- Won’t be affected by the wind. Using other types of heaters on a windy night can become a nightmare. All the heat they generate will be blown away before it can warm you up. An infrared heater, though, won’t be affected by wind, as it replicates the sun’s rays.
- Good for the environment. It’s also worth remembering that many infrared heaters will rely on electricity. This is easier and cleaner to generate than other fuel methods, like propane gas.
What Infrared Heater Size Is Right For Your Patio?
Most of the time, a 2000W heater will be powerful enough to warm around 100 square feet. For a larger patio, a more powerful heater will be needed. Infrared heater capacities go up to 3,200W. A second heater might have to be used if more heat is required.
If you want to heat your patio effectively, you will need to choose the right size infrared heater like this Sunwave 3000 Watt version of an infrared Patio Heater.
You need to consider a few things as you make this selection. These include:
- Size of the outdoor area. The bigger the patio, the larger the infrared heater. You might need to consider getting more than one heater and spacing them around your patio. Generally, the warmth of a heater will be felt by those who are six to ten feet away.
- Power of the heater. Most of the time, the power from a heater will be measured in watts. Most will be around 2,000W, though some models can go up to 3,200W. Under most conditions, this will be powerful enough to heat around 100 square feet.
If you doubt the size or number of heaters you need, it’s best to overestimate. You’ll always be able to turn down the heat if the area becomes too hot.
How To Heat An Outdoor Area More Effectively?
Choosing the right heater for your patio is a good first step. But there are a few other tips to keep an outdoor space warm during winter.
These include:
- Add a roof and walls. An enclosed space will be much easier to heat, as you can block the wind. Plus, you’ll find it a lot easier to keep it warm. If you don’t want to wall off the area completely, you can use thick blinds instead.
- Add other heat sources. You might want to add a fireplace. The flickering flames will be aesthetically pleasing while helping you stay warm on chilly winter nights.
- Include a soft throw. If you have an outdoor couch, you might consider using a blanket. Guests can then rug up for some extra warmth.
- Utilize sunshine. During the day, you should find a way of letting the sun into your patio. This might mean cutting a skylight in the roof. When designing the patio space, think about the amount of sunlight the area will receive.
The good news is that you don’t need to spend much money to heat your patio space. But you will need to ensure that you consider heat conservation when setting up the area.
Can Using a Hot Tub Before a Game Impact the Efficiency of Infrared Heaters on a Patio?
Using a hot tub before game may impact the efficiency of infrared heaters on a patio. The heat from the hot tub can warm up your body, causing the heaters to work less. Consider using the hot tub after the game to enjoy the benefits without affecting your outdoor heaters.
Final Thoughts on Whether Infrared Patio Heaters Work
Infrared heaters are one of the most popular and effective ways of keeping a house warm during the cold winter.
They are light on the hip pocket and good for the environment.
