AEI Corporation

Extend Outdoor Comfort: Winter Heating Tips for Multifamily Patios

Posted: November 14, 2024 at 03:13 PM

6 minute read | Heaters

As winter approaches, outdoor spaces in multifamily properties need a little extra preparation to remain inviting and comfortable. Communal patios, popular for gatherings or quiet relaxation, can quickly become underused during colder months. By investing in efficient outdoor heating, property owners can extend the usability of these spaces, providing residents with warm, enjoyable areas to socialize or unwind, no matter the temperature.

Adding proper heating to outdoor communal areas can be an excellent way to boost resident satisfaction and make the property feel more welcoming. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to heat these spaces effectively, focusing on heater types, placement tips, and safety considerations to keep your outdoor areas warm and safe throughout the winter.

Understanding Patio Spaces in Multifamily Properties

Outdoor communal spaces are essential features in multifamily properties. These areas can include poolside lounges, open-air community centers, grilling spots, and other shared spaces where residents gather. Unlike individual, private patios, which are often small and may not benefit from a heater, communal patios are designed to support multiple people comfortably. As such, they’re ideal candidates for heating solutions that encourage resident engagement, even when temperatures drop.

With the right heating, these outdoor areas can remain vibrant and active during colder months, allowing residents to enjoy these amenities without discomfort. By providing a warm, inviting atmosphere, property owners can maximize the value of their outdoor spaces and support a sense of community among residents.

Why Infrared Heaters Are Ideal for Outdoor Spaces

Infrared heaters are a top choice for heating outdoor areas because of their unique way of delivering warmth. Unlike traditional heaters that warm the air, infrared heaters produce infrared waves that directly heat the people and objects in their path. This method is highly effective in outdoor settings, where heated air can quickly disperse due to wind and open space. By focusing heat precisely on surfaces and people, infrared heaters ensure a cozy environment, even on chilly days.

One common question about infrared heaters is whether the waves they emit are safe. Unlike ultraviolet rays, which can be harmful in large doses, infrared waves are harmless. They provide safe, effective warmth, making them suitable for communal spaces in multifamily properties where resident safety is essential. Choosing infrared heaters means residents can enjoy comfortable outdoor areas without concern for their health or safety.

Types of Patio Heaters for Multifamily Properties

When selecting patio heaters for communal spaces, property owners typically choose between two main types: mushroom heaters and horizontal heaters. Each type has unique benefits and is suited for different heating needs, making them versatile options for various layouts.

Mushroom Heaters

Mushroom heaters are easy to recognize due to their distinctive circular tops, often mounted on tall poles. These heaters distribute heat in a full 360-degree circle, creating a warm area with a radius of about 6 feet. This circular design is ideal for settings where people gather around tables or seating areas, as the heat radiates evenly in all directions.

• Natural Gas Mushroom Heaters: These models are fueled by natural gas and are typically fixed in place, making them a stable, permanent heating option. They are ideal for areas where a stationary heat source is sufficient.
• Propane Mushroom Heaters: Propane-powered mushroom heaters are unique in their portability. The propane tank stored in the base allows them to be moved easily to areas where additional warmth is needed, providing flexibility as outdoor gatherings shift.

Horizontal Heaters

Horizontal heaters, often rectangular or box-shaped, are typically mounted on walls or ceilings. Unlike mushroom heaters, horizontal heaters direct their heat in a wide arc, covering an area approximately 12 feet in the direction they’re aimed. This makes them suitable for larger patios or spaces with high foot traffic where targeted warmth is needed.

• Fuel Options: Horizontal heaters can be powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity, giving property owners flexibility in choosing an energy source that best suits their needs. However, these heaters are mounted securely to prevent movement, making them a more permanent installation.

Choosing the right type of heater will depend on the layout of the communal space, the type of gatherings anticipated, and whether a stationary or portable heating option is more suitable.

Effective Placement for Optimal Heating Coverage

To ensure a comfortable environment across the entire patio area, proper heater placement is essential. Different types of heaters have specific guidelines for spacing and positioning to maximize their warming effect.

Spacing Mushroom Heaters

For mushroom heaters, spacing is critical to provide consistent warmth across the patio. As a general rule, mushroom heaters should be placed approximately 12 feet apart. This distance allows the heaters to cover overlapping zones, preventing cold spots and ensuring even warmth throughout the space.

• Portability Benefits: One key advantage of propane mushroom heaters is their portability. Since they’re not fixed in place, they can be repositioned as needed. If there’s a larger group gathering in one area, a propane mushroom heater can be easily moved to provide additional warmth.
• Portable Heater Storage: Another key advantage of propane heaters is that they can be stored out of the way when they aren’t going to be needed, freeing up valuable patio space.

Horizontal Heater Placement

For horizontal heaters, the placement depends largely on the height of the ceiling or overhead structure and the strength of the heater itself. Heaters placed on higher ceilings may require closer spacing or dual-element heaters (with two heating elements) to deliver sufficient warmth. Additionally, horizontal heaters can be angled up to 30 degrees to direct heat more effectively over a specific area.

• Configuration Options:
  • Cluster Arrangement: Heaters are positioned to face outward, which is ideal for centrally located heat sources where warmth spreads in multiple directions.
  • Uniform Spacing: Heaters pointed directly down, providing uniform warmth across a patio area.
  • Opposite Arrangement: Heaters are positioned to face inward toward each other, creating a focused area of warmth in the middle.

These configurations allow flexibility in setting up heating layouts that match the space’s design and maximize warmth coverage.

Safety Considerations: Clearances from Combustible Materials

When installing and operating patio heaters, especially in communal areas, safety is paramount. Patio heaters generate substantial heat, so it’s essential to ensure they are positioned with adequate clearances from any combustible materials. This prevents accidental fires and ensures safe use in high-traffic areas.

• Clearances for Mushroom Heaters: Mushroom heaters need clear space above and around them to prevent nearby objects from overheating. Keep materials like wood, canvas, plants, or any flammable decor away from the heater’s top and sides. This is especially important for propane mushroom heaters that might be repositioned around the patio.
• Clearances for Horizontal Heaters: Since horizontal heaters are typically mounted on walls or ceilings, clearances are vital here as well. Make sure to check the product’s owner manual for specific clearance requirements, as these may vary by model. Generally, heaters should be placed away from overhead materials that could ignite, like wooden beams or fabric awnings.

Encourage regular checks to ensure clearances are maintained, particularly if heaters are moved or if new patio decorations are added. Following these clearance guidelines helps protect both residents and property, allowing everyone to enjoy the warmth safely.

Customizing Heating Solutions for Varied Multifamily Layouts

Multifamily properties come in all shapes and sizes, from sprawling complexes with multiple outdoor areas to compact buildings with a single shared patio. Given this variety, heating solutions need to be flexible and adaptable. Property owners should consider the specific layout and usage patterns of their communal spaces when planning for outdoor heating.

Adapting to Different Property Layouts

Some properties may have multiple communal areas, such as separate lounging, grilling, and poolside patios. Each of these spaces may benefit from a different type or combination of heaters. For example:

• Lounging Areas: Mushroom heaters work well in spaces where residents gather around tables or seating clusters, as the 360-degree heating distribution keeps groups comfortable.
• Poolside Patios and Grilling Areas: Horizontal heaters mounted on walls or ceilings are ideal for larger, more open spaces like pool decks. Their directional heat is effective in covering wide areas and keeping residents comfortable without crowding the space.

Scalability for Larger Properties

For large properties, scalability is key. Owners may need to install multiple heaters—often a mix of mushroom and horizontal styles—to create a cohesive heating system that covers the entire outdoor area. Strategic placement and layering of heaters help provide warmth across expansive layouts, ensuring that every corner of the patio area is inviting during colder months.

Tailoring heating solutions to the property layout maximizes both comfort and efficiency. By selecting the right heater types and configurations, property owners can ensure that residents enjoy outdoor spaces even as temperatures drop.

Enhancing Outdoor Comfort for Residents

Investing in outdoor heating for communal spaces in multifamily properties is a valuable step toward creating welcoming, year-round amenities. By understanding the types of heaters available—mushroom and horizontal—and knowing how to place them effectively, property owners can ensure that their outdoor areas remain comfortable and inviting even during the colder months.

Keeping safety top of mind, especially regarding clearances from combustible materials, protects residents while they enjoy these heated spaces. Additionally, adapting heating solutions to match the property’s unique layout maximizes warmth and efficiency. With careful planning, multifamily property owners can foster a sense of community, allowing residents to gather, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors despite chilly temperatures.

Preparing outdoor spaces for winter with thoughtful heating solutions is more than just a seasonal upgrade; it’s an investment in resident satisfaction and property value. By following this guide, property owners can confidently design heated patio spaces that enhance comfort, promote safety, and make outdoor areas a true asset year-round.