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Extend Patio Season with Outdoor Heaters

Updated: 9/23/2019 | Want more? Sign up to our email list today. | © www.patioproductsusa.com


Leaves are changing color and falling off trees. Birds are fleeing south. The sun sets earlier and earlier each day. Pumpkin Spice everything is everywhere.

Many of you are probably looking at those colorful leaves littering your yard or outdoor seating area and thinking, “Well, that’s it, then. Better pack up the barbeque and cover the patio furniture.” However, there are ways to get a little more use out of your patio as summer comes to an end, and those come in the form of heaters.

Let’s talk about two different kinds of heaters you can use to get more use out of your patio well beyond September 23rd.

Three Types of Outdoor Heaters to Help Extend Your Summer

Tip #1: On average, outdoor heaters raise the temperature by 8-12 degrees Fahrenheit and are meant to shave the edges off the cold season. They are ideal for use during fall and spring, not the dead of winter.

Tip #2: Space requirements for these heaters still apply! In our previous article, we mentioned the required dimensions for safely installing a patio heater. Never forget to measure your space first!

Tip #3: Always pay attention to the specifications of the heater you’re considering. For example, some freestanding heaters are mobile—others are not. Make sure you’re looking at the right product before you commit to purchase.

Tip #4: To summarize all of the above: Know your desired application! There are a wide variety of options available to you, so make sure you know exactly what you need in order to help narrow your search down to the fixtures that are going to fill those needs.

Tungsten Smart-Heat Portable Heater by Bromic Heaters Tungsten Smart-Heat Portable Heater by Bromic Heaters BH0510001

In the image above, the Bromic freestanding heater is being used to heat the dining area. It’s a beautiful day to have a meal outside, but the temperature may be slightly below comfortable; the heater restores that comfort to a whole table, allowing diners to enjoy their meal and the outdoors without retreating inside for a bulky sweater. It even features an adjustable tilt head to make sure the heat is directed exactly where you want it to go, giving you even more control over your space.

Freestanding heaters are ideal if you have a larger patio or deck space but only use certain parts of that space more frequently than others.

Freestanding heaters are ideal if you have a larger patio or deck space but only use certain parts of that space more frequently than others. Some freestanding heaters can be moved, which means you can place them wherever you need heat in the moment rather than using energy to heat your entire deck or patio; others are bolted down to a main power source and stay in place. You will need to consider where you need these heaters, if you need them to move, and how they will be powered when deciding if you want to go with a stationary or mobile model. Also bear in mind that like all heaters, these require clearance from combustible objects—there should be at least 13 inches of clearance between the top of the heater and anything combustible, so they may not be the best fit for a covered patio depending on the specific distance between the heater and the deck cover.

Remember to measure your space before committing to a purchase!

Infratech Dual Element Wall Heater Photo from Le Reve Design Architect: Roche + Roche Infratech Single Element 4000 Watt Heater

When you need to heat your entire outdoor space, the best option is probably going to be wall- or ceiling-mounted heaters. These Infratech heaters provide the most even and widespread heating. These Infratech heaters are unobtrusive and do not take up your space—they just warm it. If you want the maximum possible use out of your outdoor space during cool fall and spring days or nights, ceiling/wall-mounted heaters are the way to go.

If you install multiple ceiling- or wall-mounted heaters but are only using a portion of the space in the affected radius, you can choose to only turn on certain heaters. These heaters come with a wide range of control options as well, and many will allow you to set your heat output according to your needs, so you don’t end up getting too toasty on a mild autumn evening.


With all that said, let's review:

  • Keep your application in mind when deciding what kind of patio heater to purchase
  • There are a variety of options available to meet your needs and desires for space
  • Make sure your desired heater meets your needs as well as safety standards
  • Patio heaters generally raise the temperature by 8-12 degrees Fahrenheit to extend your patio use time in the spring and fall

With these tips and the vast array of available patio heaters, you should be able to enjoy your outdoor living space into autumn. You can read even more about the various options available to you in this AEI article on extending your summer parties into the night.

If you have any questions about your options, our patio experts are always on hand to help you make the right decision for your outdoor space.

Shop Outdoor Heaters to Extend Your Summer