Among the most popular forms of outdoor heating are infrared heaters.
Infrared heaters are efficient and effective in providing warmth outdoors.
These devices are available for outdoor use on your patio to keep you and your guests toasty warm on those fridged days and evenings. Infrared heaters can sound scary to some, but they are actually remarkably safe for outdoor use. Patio style infrared heaters come in a wide range of styles and designs to fit your budget and heating needs.
When talking of infrared heating, many people may become nervous as this heating type is a form of radiation. Infrared heaters are safe for use outdoors and deliver heat in a variety of forms.
Infrared heaters work by directly heating objects rather than the air around them.
Some infrared heating units provide a gentle warming effect while others are more prominent in their heat emissions. When shopping for your infrared heater, carefully consider your needs and invest in the right type of infrared heating system for your patio.
FUTURA Purus
- 2500W
- Heats up to 25m²
- Remote control
- Wall Mounting
- 3 power options and timer
Are Outdoor Infrared Heaters Expensive to Run?
The cost of running any heating system will come into focus for a homeowner. Heating your home can cost up to half of your home’s monthly expenses, but remember, we are talking about infrared heaters on your patio, not your sole heat source. These heaters are used only when you are outside, so there is little drain on your monthly energy usage.
Infrared heaters actually run on a good economic format. Heat coming from an infrared system heats around the coils to a certain distance and can be adjusted to make the heat more or less intense, depending on your needs. Direct warmth coming from the coils is far more effective heating than other methods and those that use patio infrared heaters enjoy the experience without a significant increase in their home’s energy usage.
Unlike traditional outdoor heaters, they don’t have to constantly run in order to keep an area warm. Instead, once the desired temperature is reached, the infrared heater can be turned off until more heat is needed.
Another vitally important aspect of any heating system is maintenance. Generally, heating systems have to be checked regularly and lovingly maintained to increase their longevity. However, this is not the case with infrared heaters. These systems run with very little parts and require virtually no maintenance to keep them going. They also last for many seasons without the need to replace or repair the systems. Provided the coils remain in good working order and unfractured, your infrared heater can work for many, many years.
Where Should I Place My Infrared Patio Heater?
Knowing where to place your infrared patio heater is essential to the comfort of you and your guests. Heat from an infrared heater is generated to be direct instead of blown through the air as with a conventional system. This form of heating requires direct access to where heat should be directed to. In the case of your patio, ensure your system remains in a space that is not too close to any furniture, but in direct line with it. Placing the heater in an alcove or out of the way space will do nothing to heat your patio area.
If you have questions about where to place your infrared heater, ask the manufacturer or the one helping your install your system. Some locations may look fine, but can actually impede the use of your infrared heating system. It is best to get an educated opinion from a professional.
What Size Infrared Heater Do I Need for My Patio
1500W per 14 square meters should be sufficient
Every outdoor space is different. Some homes provide larger patio areas while others are a bit smaller. However, a general rule when installing an infrared heating system in your patio is 1500W for every 14 square meters. Larger systems offering up to 6000W can be purchased, but unless you have a very large patio and live in a very cold climate, you do not need a system that powerful. Again, this is an area where asking your infrared heater professional would be best. They can provide information based on your individual climate to point you to the right infrared heater for your patio area.
Heatlab
- 2 x 2000W
- Freestanding Electric Quartz Bulb
- Remote control
- 3 Power Settings
What Are the Disadvantages of Infrared Heating?
Although infrared heaters are among the best outdoor heating options for your patio space, there are some disadvantages you need to be aware of.
Risk to Animals and Small Kids
Anytime you are heating a space, you need to manage your kids and pets accordingly. Infrared heating systems emit very high temperatures the closer you get to the coils. Children and pets may not understand the need to keep their distance. To avoid the potential for injury, consider heating units that are up off the ground where little one’s cannot touch.
Immediate Loss of Heat
Once the heat is turned off, there is no residual warmth as with other heating systems.
They Can Light the Space
Both heat and light are emitted from an infrared heater, so if your space has specific lighting needs, you will need to account for any light emitted from the heating coils.
Potential Moisture Loss
Although it is not commonly thought of, infrared heaters can actually pull moisture from your body. Drink plenty of fluids if you intend on using the unit regularly.
Possible Skin Irritations
Skin irritations can happen from infrared heaters. These units can potentially burn sensitive skin, so if you are among the more sensitive types, keep your distance from the infrared heating system.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an efficient, cost-effective way to heat your outdoor space, infrared heaters can be a great choice. With their ability to warm objects directly and save on energy costs, they make an ideal solution for those who want to enjoy the outdoors even during cold weather. Additionally, since they produce no smoke or harmful emissions, they are much better for the environment than conventional outdoor heaters. With an infrared heater, you can keep your outdoor space warm and comfortable without compromising on energy efficiency.
Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
