AEI Corporation

Picture this.

It is a cool evening. Your restaurant’s indoor seating is full, but your patio sits empty. Or your apartment’s outdoor lounge looks great, but no one is using it once the temperature drops.

This is a common problem.

Outdoor spaces have huge potential, but without the right heating solution, they often go unused when it matters most. That is where horizontal propane patio heaters make a real difference.

These commercial heaters are designed to keep outdoor areas warm, comfortable, and usable, even in cooler weather. And for many properties, horizontal heaters directly translate into more revenue, better experiences, and higher satisfaction.

In this guide, we will break down how horizontal propane patio heaters by Sunpak and SunStar work, where they are used, and how to choose the right option for your property.

Why Businesses Choose Horizontal Propane Patio Heaters

For restaurants, apartments, and hotels, outdoor space is valuable. The challenge is making sure patio spaces stay usable.

Horizontal propane patio heaters solve that problem by delivering consistent, directional heat exactly where it is needed.

Unlike most mushroom patio heaters, horizontal heaters are mounted overhead (mushroom heaters vs horizontal heaters). This gives them a few key advantages:

• They do not take up floor space
• They can provide more even heat coverage
• They are harder to tamper with or move
• They create a cleaner, more organized layout

Because of these benefits, horizontal heaters are widely used across commercial properties.

How Infrared Patio Heaters Work

Both Sunpak and SunStar heaters are infrared patio heaters. That means they heat people and surfaces directly, instead of heating the air.

If you have ever stood in the sun on a cool day, you have felt this effect.

Infrared heat is an invisible form of light that warms objects directly, and is completely safe. This makes it ideal for outdoor use because:

• Wind does not carry the heat away
• Heat is felt almost instantly
• Energy is used more efficiently

This is one of the main reasons propane heaters are so effective for patios and open air environments.

Real World Use Cases for Horizontal Heaters

Let’s take a closer look at how different properties use horizontal propane patio heaters to improve their spaces.

Restaurants and Bars

A restaurant adds 8 to 12 tables to its patio. During warmer months, those tables are always full. But once evenings cool down, the patio empties out.

After installing horizontal propane patio heaters, those same tables stay occupied well into the night. That is additional revenue every single day.

Restaurants and bars benefit by:

• Increasing total seating capacity
• Extending patio use into cooler seasons
• Improving guest comfort
• Boosting overall revenue

Apartments and Condos

An apartment community builds a rooftop lounge with grills and seating. It looks great, but during cooler months, residents rarely use it.

After adding horizontal heaters, the space becomes active year round. Now residents gather in the evenings, host small events, and actually use the amenity.

This leads to:

• Higher resident satisfaction
• Better retention rates
• Stronger leasing appeal

Resorts and Hotels

A coastal resort wants to maximize its outdoor dining and lounge areas. Guests expect to enjoy the space regardless of temperature.

By installing commercial heaters, the resort keeps those areas active even on cooler nights.

This improves:

• Guest experience
• Online reviews
• Occupancy rates
• Revenue from food and beverage service

Sunpak vs SunStar: Which Horizontal Propane Patio Heater Is Right for You

Both Sunpak and SunStar offer high quality horizontal propane patio heaters, but they are designed with slightly different strengths in mind.

Here is a simple comparison to help guide your decision:

Sunpak Heaters

Sunpak has been a leader in commercial heaters since 1961! Their units are known for reliability and long term performance.

They carry multiple heaters with high or low BTU outputs, and a two-stage heater with both high and low BTU outputs, so you can choose the heater that best fits your needs.

They are a great choice for:

• Restaurants
• Apartment communities
• Standard outdoor installations

If you want something dependable and straightforward, Sunpak is a strong option.

SunStar Heaters

SunStar heaters stand out for their design and durability.

Their tinted tempered glass reduces glare and helps protect the flame from wind, and their heat shields allow the heater to be safely installed closer to combustible materials. They also offer marine grade stainless steel, which is ideal for coastal environments.

Another key advantage is all of their heaters are two-stage heaters. With options from 24,000 up to 50,000 BTUs, SunStar heaters give property owners more flexibility when designing their heating layout.

SunStar is often chosen for:

• Resorts and hotels
• Coastal properties
• High end patios and lounges

If aesthetics and enhanced durability are priorities, SunStar is worth considering.

Installation Best Practices for Horizontal Patio Heaters

Proper installation plays a big role in how well your horizontal propane patio heaters perform.

These heaters can be mounted:

• From overhead rafters
• On building eaves
• On exterior walls
• On dedicated mounting poles

Key Installation Considerations

To get the best results, keep these factors in mind:

Mounting Height
Most heaters are installed between 8 to 12 feet high, depending on the model and coverage needs.

Spacing
Heaters should be spaced to ensure even heat coverage without leaving cold spots. AEI makes this easy to do with their free heat map service.

Coverage Area
Higher BTU models, like 50,000 BTU SunStar units, are ideal for larger or more exposed areas.

Wind Exposure
In windy environments, placement and model choice matter. Infrared heaters help reduce wind impact. 

Working with an experienced supplier like AEI helps ensure your layout is efficient and effective.

Are Horizontal Propane Patio Heaters Worth It

This is one of the most common questions.

The short answer is yes, especially for commercial properties.

Understanding the ROI

For restaurants, the math is simple. If heaters allow you to fill even a few extra tables each night, they can pay for themselves quickly. We offer a free revenue boost calculator to help estimate the potential revenue increase for restaurants that install heaters for their patio seating.

For apartments and hotels, the return shows up in different ways:

• Increased resident retention
• Higher occupancy rates
• Better reviews and guest satisfaction
• Stronger overall property value

Compared to major renovations, installing propane heaters is a relatively low cost upgrade with high impact.

Why Propane Is a Smart Choice

Propane offers flexibility that other fuel types cannot always match.

Benefits of Propane Heaters

• No need for a natural gas line
• Lower upfront installation cost
• Ideal for remote or hard to reach areas
• Reliable heat output

This makes propane patio heaters a great option for properties that want strong performance without major infrastructure changes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best horizontal heaters can underperform if they are not installed or used correctly.

Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

Mounting Too High
If heaters are placed too high, the heat will not be as effective.

Poor Spacing
Too much distance between units can create cold zones.

Blocking Ventilation
Always ensure vents are clear of debris like leaves or dust.

Avoiding these issues will help you get the most out of your investment.

A Smarter Way to Use Outdoor Space

Outdoor areas should work for you, not sit empty.

With the right horizontal propane patio heaters, you can turn patios, lounges, and communal spaces into year round assets.

Whether you choose Sunpak for its proven reliability or SunStar for its advanced features and design, both offer dependable solutions built for commercial use.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, horizontal propane patio heaters are about more than just warmth.

They help:

• Restaurants serve more guests
• Apartments keep residents happy
• Hotels deliver better guest experiences

If you are planning a new outdoor space or upgrading an existing one, choosing the right commercial heaters is an important step.

AEI works with property owners, developers, and operators to design heating layouts that maximize comfort and performance.

If you are not sure where to start, our team can help you select the best patio heaters for your space and make sure they are installed for optimal results.

Have a Question?

Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.