During the winter, patio heaters are one of the best ways to heat an outdoor area. The good news is that these devices are very efficient and produce a lot of heat.
But how many heaters will you need to install to keep your patio or deck area toasty and warm?
One to two outdoor heaters will be required for a standard-sized patio. However, it’s best to calculate the heater’s size based on the patio area’s size. It’s also important to factor in the ceiling height and the temperature change needed.
Keeping your patio area warm doesn’t have to be complicated. The hardest part is deciding how many patio heaters you require.
Keep reading to calculate the heat you’ll require to warm your outdoor area.
How Many Heaters Are Needed To Warm Up An Outdoor Area?
To calculate the number of heaters you’ll need, there are a few elements that you will need to take into account. These are:
- The structure of the outdoor area. Larger areas will require a bigger heater to warm up. Because of this, you will need to know the square footage of the area. Furthermore, if there are walled-off areas, you will find it easier to retain the heat.
- Type of heater. Some heaters will produce more heat than others. Additionally, some models will allow you to adjust the heat reflector, targeting what areas will be warmed. This is typically measured in terms of British Thermal Units (BTUs). You should be able to find this information in the product description part of the website.
- Temperature. You need to expend more heat to warm the area if you have colder winters. This means that you will need to choose a more powerful heater.
- Weather. A cold wind can blow away the heat for some types of heaters. This isn’t a problem if you have an enclosed outdoor space.
Once you know these elements, you can determine the heat you require to warm your patio area. To find this, you will need to do a little maths.
You will need to multiply the following elements:
- Square footage of the area.
- Ceiling height. This element is measured in feet
- Temperature change. This measures how much heat you want to add to the area. It will be measured in Fahrenheit. For example, if you want a 65-degree area, and the starting temperature is 35 degrees, the temperature change is 30.
- Multiply by .133
Once you have finished this calculation, you will know the BTU your heater will need to produce each hour.
Most manufacturers will list the output of a heater in BTU on their website, though you might need to delve into the specifications table to find it.
Here’s an example of how this process would work:
Imagine you have a 750-square-foot patio with a 5-foot-high ceiling. You want to warm the area by 40 degrees. In this case, you would require a heater that produces 19,950 BTU per hour.
For a standard patio, you should be able to get away with one powerful heater. Most of the time, a decent patio heater can produce at least 40,000 BTUs.
However, for a larger area, you might need two.
How Far Can A Patio Heater Warm?
Most types of heaters will be able to provide a 20-foot heat radius. However, this might vary slightly, depending on the model. Furthermore, the heating set-up will determine how effectively the heat will be dispersed to guests.
While knowing how powerful your heater should be is essential, there is a limit to the distance the warmth will travel. So, how far do patio heaters heat?
You can expect a heat radius of around 20 feet for most heaters.
This might not be important if you are holding an event where all the guests will be gathered in one area.
For example, at a dinner party, you will all be sitting around the table. But if you are creating something where people will be more spread out, you might need a few heaters.
Because of this, it’s important to consider the heater layout. You might want two heaters at either end in an ample space.
Alternatively, you can choose a smaller gas heater, which can sit in the middle of a dining table. It’s also important to consider the convenience of the placement. You don’t want to put the heater in the middle of a walkway.
Most of the time, you will need to experiment with the placement a little until the whole patio area can be appropriately warmed.
What Should You Consider When Choosing A Patio Heater?
It’s important to consider how much heat the unit will be able to provide. But this isn’t the only element you need to consider.
Here are some of the other things you should think about:
- Type of heater. There is a wide range of heaters for you to pick from, each with its unique pros and cons. For example, infrared heaters can be mounted on the wall so they won’t get in your guest’s way. But they will require a steady supply of electricity to operate correctly. Alternatively, a propane gas model is powerful but can be a little awkward position.
- Cost. With so many heaters on the market, you should be able to find one that suits your budget. Different types of gas models will tend to have different price points. However, it is often best to pay a little more upfront to get something that will last a long time. It’s also important to factor in the fuel costs of running the heater.
- Aesthetic. Though this is a less important aspect, some people prefer to choose a specific design or color so it conforms to the aesthetic of their patio area.
– What is the Relationship Between Patio Heater Distance from Ceiling and Overall Heating Coverage?
When considering patio heater ceiling distance, it’s important to understand its impact on overall heating coverage. Ideally, the heater should be mounted at a sufficient height to distribute warmth across the entire patio area. A balance between distance from the ceiling and maximum heating coverage is essential for optimal performance.
Final Thoughts on How Far Patio Heaters Can Heat
Finding the proper spacing for your patio heaters can be a little tricky. First, you need to decide how powerful the heater should be.
Then, you will have to experiment to find a layout that effectively distributes the heat across the entire area. If you don’t do this, you may find your overall patio too cold to enjoy, even with a group.
Overdo it, and you are spending excess money to warm air without benefit.
