Electronics & Gadgets Blog
Infrared Patio Heaters, The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect One for Your Outdoor Space
by Samuel Kalenga on Oct 06, 2024
Picture this: a crisp autumn night, a breeze tinged with the smell of fallen leaves. You are with your friends and family on your patio, but instead of shivering uncontrollably, you are warm and enjoy this time with the people you love the most. And while you enjoy a glass of red wine to quench your thirst that chill evening, you are comforted by the soothing warmth of an infrared patio heater. This fantasy is becoming a reality, thanks to the growing popularity around the world of these magnificent pieces of heating apparatus. Infrared patio heaters give you the ability to extend your outdoor living season, use your patio, your deck or your porch.
Understanding the Magic of Infrared Heat
Unlike regular heaters, infrared patio heaters produce infrared radiation. This is a kind of energy that travels in waves. In some cases, like with lasers, the radiation consists of only one frequency, but many radiation sources emit a band of frequencies. The energy in this radiation is absorbed in a different way by the objects and people in its path – it is converted to heat. This direct heating offers several important benefits:
- Instant Warmth: Infrared heaters that instantaneously heat the cold air In contrast to traditional heaters, which take time to heat up the air, infrared lamps are known for their instantaneous hotness. In less than a minute, people start to feel the warmth from such lamps turned on and are comfortable in no time at all.
- Direct Heating: Because IR radiation can be focused, it can heat people and specific objects directly, while a volume of air must be heated in conventional heating. As a result, this approach is more efficient than having to heat everything in the room.
- Comforting Heat: It’s why after a session in an infrared sauna people report that it feels ‘natural’ and ‘pleasant’, like the sun, because infrared heat warms your body directly and not the air around you; there is no dry, uncomfortable sensation as with traditional heating methods.
- Reduced noise: One of the other advantages of using the infrared heater is that it operates without producing any embarrassing noisy sound, unlike others that are designed using the gas heaters to create a roaring sound when working. This makes it easier for your outdoor area to enjoy a quiet and peaceful time to get relaxed and enjoy a conversation.
Beyond the Basics: Enhancing Your Infrared Patio Heater Experience
And once you have selected your ideal infrared patio heater, some accessories can round out your outdoor heating experience.
- Protective Covers: Getting a protective cover for your heater can prolong its life and keep it from being exposed to the elements – especially during periods of non-use. This cover protects your heater from rain, snow, dust and debris, keeping it clean and functional. For a heater that will be outside and visible for long periods of time (like your deck heater), the cover can prevent it from fading or dying due to exposure to the sunlight.
- Timer Settings: 30 or 60 min infrared patio heaters with timer setting allow you to program the heating schedule according to your needs. This will not only help save the consumption of power, but also cut down the heating bills.
- Remote control: The user can control the heating setting through remote control; the user does not need to get up and go there to adjust the setings.(This increases user comfort and also improves the overall user-experience.)Generally, the remote conrtol allows you to control the heatings setings, switch the heater on or off, switch other settings etc., without physically getting up from your seat.
- Ambient Lighting: Your patio heater should be installed while considering ambient lighting. How would you like the heater to light up after dusk? Add lighting fixtures around the heater or use models with integrated lighting features to create the perfect ambience. Ambient lighting will make your patio appealing to hang out with your family and friends even on cool nights. You can turn your patio into a mini oasis, wind down and relax.
- Protective Screens: It is a good idea to invest in protective screens for freestanding infrared heaters to prevent accidental contact with the heating element. This adds another element of safety, especially if there are young children or pets around.
Unlocking the Potential of Your Outdoor Space
An infrared patio heater will take your outdoor living to the next level and allow you to use your patio, your deck or your porch all year round, regardless of weather. As long as you stand right in front of the heater, you will enjoy its effective, powerful and healthy warmth. Have a party with your friends or a quiet evening under the stars – install an infrared patio heater and make your outdoor space a paradise, filled with comfort and warmth. Carefully consider the available types, features and brands of infrared heaters to choose the ideal heater for your home and its planned outdoor space, and start getting the most out of it.FAQs: Answers to Your Infrared Patio Heater Questions
Q: How much do infrared patio heaters cost?
Q:How much do infrared patio heaters cost?A: Depending on the type, price of infrared patio heater varies widely with different size, brand, models of features you require. Electric heaters are usually cheaper then gas patio heater. Basic models are usually start at a few hundred dollars. More advanced or higher capacity models can cost from a few hundred dollars to above thousand dollars. However if considering enjoy time ouside longer, as well as possibly energy saving afterwards, an infrared patio heater can better you outdoor living experiences.Q: Are infrared patio heaters safe?
Q: Are iners safe to use when used properly with recommended precautions? A: Absolutely, if you choose a model with safety features built-in, like tip-over protection, overheat protection, and flame-out sensors, and if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using your heater. Also, keep the heater away from combustible materials and give it proper ventilation if it is a gas heater, such as outside the garage or on a covered patio. When safety precautions are followed, you can sit back and enjoy the warmth and comfort of your infrared patio heater.Q: How far can infrared patio heaters heat?
A: The heating distance of the heater depends on the model and their power output. Some have the capacity to go up to 20 feet or more. Check manufacturer’s specifications for the model you’re eyeing. The heating distance also depends on the weather conditions and the size and shape of the outdoor space. Larger areas or more challenging weather conditions demand a heater with a longer heating range.Q: How much energy do infrared patio heaters use?
A: Infrared patio heaters use energy for both electric and gas models. Electric heaters use less energy than gas heaters because they maintain their general output. If you intend to use it for direct heating purposes, you will likely use less energy than with a gas patio heater heater where you are trying to heat up a larger space. You can estimate the energy that your infrared heater uses based on wattage of the heater, the amount of time you are using it, and your area rates. Many infrared patio heaters will also come with energy-saving features, such as timers and thermostats, that allow you to control usage when your patio heater is not needed in order to maximise energy usage and minimise the cost of patio heating.Q: Can I use an infrared patio heater in a screened porch?
A: If used as described, yes. I would consider an infrared patio heater to be a fitted use, but of course take into account ventilation (in the case of gas heaters) to avoid carbon monoxide build-up. All this, of course, depends on the manufacturer’s guidelines: you need to know how to vent the heater. You also must be alert to carbon monoxide production in all heaters. If you are in doubt, consult with a professional.
