AEI Corporation

Condominiums, commonly known as condos, are multifamily properties that offer residents private living spaces within a larger community. Unlike apartments, where units are leased, condos are typically owned by their residents. To attract potential buyers and retain current residents, condo communities often invest in high-quality outdoor amenities, such as pools, clubhouses, and grilling areas.

Outdoor communal spaces are a key selling point for condo properties. However, their usability can be limited during cooler months and chilly evenings. A well-planned patio heating system allows residents to enjoy these spaces year-round, making condo communities more appealing and comfortable.

The Solution: Infrared Patio Heaters For Condos

To ensure that outdoor communal spaces remain comfortable in all seasons, installing robust infrared patio heaters is an effective solution. Patio heaters provide consistent warmth and come in a variety of styles and fuel sources to accommodate different property needs.

Types of Infrared Patio Heaters

Infrared patio heaters fall into two main categories:

Mushroom Heaters: Tall, freestanding heaters with a round top that disperses heat in a circular pattern. Mushroom heaters usually have a heat zone of around 10 to 12 feet, so larger patios can utilize more than one to heat an area comfortably.

Horizontal Heaters: Mounted heaters that direct warmth in a specific direction, often placed overhead or on walls. The heat zone of horizontal heaters will vary depending on the heater, the height of the installation, and the angle of installation.

Fuel Options for Patio Heaters

Electric Patio Heaters: These heaters are energy-efficient and ideal for any sized condominium. Electric patio heaters need to be installed by a licensed electrician or contractor, they are not plugged into a wall outlet. Our electric heaters are all horizontal heaters.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters: Natural gas heaters are connected to your property’s gas line, these heaters offer continuous operation without the need for swapping out a fuel tank. Available for mushroom or horizontal patio heaters.

Propane Patio Heaters: Propane heaters are fueled by a propane tank that is close by. For mushroom propane heaters, their fuel tank is hidden in the base of the heater. Propane mushroom heaters can be portable and therefore ideal for properties that require flexible heating solutions. Portable patio heaters can be repositioned to where they are needed, or stored out of the way when they are not needed.

Mounting Options for Patio Heaters

Condo owners and managers can choose from various mounting options depending on their specific needs and available space. Frequently, more that one type of heater installation option will be needed for different heaters throughout the condo.

Suspended Overhead: Mounted on the ceiling of a sturdy outdoor structure, freeing up floor space. Mostly horizontal heaters, but we also carry a mushroom heater that is suspended overhead.

Wall-Mounted: Horizontal patio heaters can be attached to walls or the eaves of a building and angled down for heating close to a building.

Pole-Mounted: The heater is mounted on top of a pole that is securely embedded in the ground for a permanent heating solution. Usually for mushroom heaters.

Freestanding: Easy to move and reposition as needed for propane mushroom heaters.

Portable: Only available for mushroom heaters running on propane, offering maximum flexibility.

Industry-Leading Brands for Condo Patio Heating

Several top-tier brands offer high-performance patio heaters designed to suit the rigors of daily use that can be expected at a multifamily property like a condo. These brands provide durable and efficient heating solutions, ensuring maximum comfort for condo residents.

Infratech – Premium Electric Horizontal Heaters

• All models are electric heaters. Infratech is the only brand of electric patio heaters we carry.
• Designed to be mounted overhead on walls/eaves or ceilings.
• Offers flush-mount kits to install heaters into walls or ceilings so the bulk of the heater is hidden from view.
• Provides various patio heater control options, from basic on/off switches to advanced universal control panels with scheduling capabilities.
• Eight colors or finishes available for your heaters.
• Custom color matching is available for your heater within the Pantone color system.
• Offers heaters with four decorative faceplate options, such as those in the Motif Collection.
• Available in single and dual-element designs to accommodate different heating needs.

Patio Comfort – Versatile Mushroom Heaters

• Offers both natural gas and propane mushroom patio heaters.
• Can be mounted in the ground, freestanding, or portable (propane models only).
• Available in several finishes, including black, stainless steel, and antique bronze.
• Features the Vintage Series, a uniquely designed heater with a classic look.

Sunglo – Traditional Mushroom Heaters with Overhead Mounting Option

• Available in natural gas and propane mushroom heaters.
• Can be suspended overhead, mounted in the floor, freestanding, or portable (propane models only).
• Available in black or stainless steel finishes.
• Offers an overhead-mountable mushroom heater, allowing for efficient heating while keeping the floor space clear.

Sunpak – Powerful Horizontal Heaters

• Offers natural gas and propane models of horizontal patio heater.
• Designed for wall or ceiling mounting.
• Available in black and stainless steel finishes.
• Offers single and two-stage heaters, allowing residents to adjust heat levels based on their needs.

SunStar – High-Performance Horizontal Heaters with Coastal Protection

• Offers horizontal natural gas and propane patio heaters.
• Designed for wall or ceiling mounting.
• Available in hi-temp black or marine-grade stainless steel, providing enhanced corrosion resistance for coastal condo properties.
• Features an optional heat shield, enabling safe installation closer to combustible materials.
• Includes tinted glass to reduce glare while maintaining heating efficiency.
• Available in various sizes and power outputs to meet diverse heating requirements.

The Benefits of Installing Patio Heaters in Condo Communities

By integrating high-quality patio heaters into their outdoor communal spaces, condo owners and developers can achieve several key benefits.

• Extended Outdoor Use: Residents can enjoy patios, grilling areas, and lounges even in colder months.
• Increased Property Value: High-end amenities make condos more attractive to buyers and renters.
• Improved Resident Retention: Comfortable, well-equipped outdoor spaces encourage residents to stay longer.
• Energy-Efficient Heating: Infrared heaters provide targeted warmth with minimal energy waste.
• Flexible Installation Options: Multiple mounting and fuel choices ensure a tailored heating solution for every condo property.

Conclusion: Why Condo Communities Need Patio Heaters

For condo developers and owners, investing in a well-planned patio heating system is a strategic move that enhances outdoor amenities and boosts resident satisfaction. Whether choosing electric infrared heaters, natural gas heaters, or propane heaters, leading brands like Infratech, Patio Comfort, Sunglo, Sunpak, and SunStar offer industry-best solutions for multifamily properties.

By selecting the right patio heaters and installation methods, condo communities can ensure that their outdoor spaces remain functional, inviting, and comfortable throughout the year.

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