How do patio heaters work

Each form of outdoor heating comes with its own unique appeal: you might like the elemental heat of a fire pit or a chimenea, or if you prefer flames but with less of the mess, gas heaters are a popular alternative. The big draw of electric, however, is the instant and convenient heat it can provide, as well as its more efficient form of heating.

Once your outdoor electric heater is plugged in or wired into the mains, the most effort you need to expend to enjoy instant warmth is flicking a switch or pressing a button. Gas and solid fuel heaters often look appealing at first glance but few people realise just how much effort they are to prepare and maintain. The electric outdoor heaters people are most familiar with are quartz heaters, also known as halogen heaters or low-glare heaters.

These patio heaters emit shortwave infrared — the strongest form of infrared — which is perfect for outdoor heating, particularly in areas that are quite chilly and prone to more air movement. As their vigorous heat is designed to offset cooler temperatures, their warmth can eventually start to feel overwhelming over longer periods. We highly recommend purchasing products that have staged levels of output, such as our Ecostrad Sunglo , so you can switch to a lower heat setting on warmer days and save energy.

Do patio heaters work in the winter? Yes, patio heaters work in the winter by emitting radiant heat and infrared rays that travel through the air to your body, just like the sun.

Patio heaters are far more effective for winters compared to other appliances like space heaters which only blow hot air that will just dissipate into the air between you and the heater.

They provide a warm area for people to comfortably enjoy the outdoors during the coldest months. Radiant heat is effective in the winter because it travels through the air, rather than into the air.

This means that objects in line with the radiant heat will receive that heat first. This is different than space heaters, which heat the air it comes into contact with. Space heaters are effective in the winter when they are used indoors , but they can take a while to effectively heat a room and person, which is why some are designed to be left on overnight.

Patio heaters outdoors are effective in the winter because the temperature of the air does not impact their ability to heat objects in line with their radiant heat, like a person.

The sun heats earth with infrared rays that travel incredibly far distances. Invisible electromagnetic infrared waves are what make up radiant heat. This is why you see a lot of patio heaters outdoors in smoking sections at bars and restaurants, usually on the wall.

So a W or 1kW heater will consume 1kW of electricity per hour that it is running. The average price of 1 kWh of electricity in the UK is currently about 15 pence.

For heaters with different heat settings the usage could be lower than the stated wattage for example our W California has a half power setting, so on half power would only consume 1kWh of electricity on this setting. However, whilst the energy consumption of all heaters will be the same as their power wattage rating, there are big differences in the efficiency and the effectiveness of different makes of heaters.

Each kW of electricity consumed needs to be properly and efficiently turned into effective infrared or some of it will be wasted heating the air, and heating air outdoors is extremely wasteful as it simply rises and disappears into the atmosphere. When powered by clean, renewable electricity we believe that our outdoor heaters provide a sustainable way to allow people to enjoy time outdoors with zero harmful fumes, air pollution or CO2 emissions.

The majority of the components in our heaters are metal and a very high percentage c. They are designed to last and there are no harmful chemicals used in the production process, or in the heaters. They do all make sense, but they can be confusing so this simple guide to outdoor heating looks to explain in more detail.

Thankfully outdoor heating technology has moved a long way and we only supply much more comfortable low glare or zero light types of heater.

Because the level of heat is less intense, when used outdoors they are only effective in covered, sheltered areas. They are very popular in rooms which open to the outdoors and high-end bars and restaurants where discreet heating is required without any light. This products a very comfortable level of heat with a deep orange warm glow. They create a very cosy atmosphere and the lamps are ultra-long life up to 10, hours.

They are best for covered or sheltered areas will low levels of wind. Most people really enjoy the warmth and ambiance from these heaters. Florida , Hawaii , California , Colorado and Havana are all warm glow heaters.

They are hotter and more intense than the sunset or zero light range, but unlike quartz halogen heaters on the market, the lamps on our performance range are all low glare. The result is a nice orange glow and level of heat which will keep you warm on even the colder days or in colder places. Choose the range of heater that best matches your requirements, the location and how you expect to be using them — read our simple guide to outdoor heating.

All of our heaters can be run from a standard domestic mains supply. Any competent electrician can install them and run the necessary wiring for outdoor installation, using appropriate IP rated electrical fixings. The Florida and Havana come with a plug and require no electrical installation.

Alternative control options are available. For outdoor heaters, it is the second digit that is important as this relates to the protection provided against harmful ingress of water.