Plan Your Patio Heating with AEI’s Heatmap Service
When you’re running a hospitality business or managing a multifamily property, your patio spaces play an important role. For restaurants and bars, patios are where guests gather for drinks, meals, and socializing. For hotels, resorts, and venues, outdoor spaces add an attractive atmosphere that can extend a customer’s stay. For apartments and condos, patios are communal areas where residents host gatherings, barbecues, or simply relax outside.
But keeping these outdoor spaces comfortable year-round requires more than just good furniture and décor. You need the right patio heaters.
Choosing the right heaters can feel overwhelming. There are different types, sizes, fuel sources, and installation options. Even once you’ve narrowed it down, you still need to figure out how many heaters you need and where to place them for the best results.
That’s where AEI’s new Heatmap Service comes in.
With more than 50 years of experience in patio heating, AEI knows how to make your outdoor spaces work. Our heatmap service helps you visualize exactly how your heaters will perform before you buy or install a single unit.
What Is a Patio Heatmap?
Think of a patio heatmap as a blueprint for comfort. It’s a bird’s-eye diagram of your property’s outdoor areas with heater coverage zones overlaid on top. Each heater’s range is shown with color-coded zones so you can see exactly how far the warmth will extend.
A heatmap of your patio lets you quickly answer key questions:
- How many heaters do I need to cover my patio space?
- Where should patio heaters be placed?
- Will guests or residents be comfortable no matter where they sit?
- What heater models best fit the layout of my property?
Instead of guessing, you’ll have a clear visual guide that makes planning much easier.
Why Do You Need a Heatmap?
A heatmap lets you properly plan out your patio space, and work out any errors before you install your heaters:
- Avoid leaving cold spots where guests or residents don’t feel comfortable.
- Ensure you don’t waste energy from heater coverage zones overlapping each other too much.
- Prevent safety concerns from arising when heaters are installed too close to ceilings, walls, or furniture.
- A detailed plan can save on costs in the long run by avoiding reinstalls, or by buying more heaters than you actually need.
A heatmap solves many issues with installing patio heaters by providing a visual installation plan. Whether your patio is large or small, you’ll know how to achieve balanced heat distribution without overspending or creating risks.
AEI’s Heatmap Service: How It Works
Here’s how the process works when you request a complimentary heatmap from AEI:
- Submit Your Patio Details
Fill out our heatmap form with your patio layout and dimensions. The more details you provide, the more accurate the heatmap will be. - Tailored Design by Experts
Our heating specialists will analyze your patio’s layout and select the best heater types, models, and mounting options for your needs. - Custom Heatmap Delivered
We’ll send you a detailed diagram showing heater placement, coverage zones, and recommended control options. - Installation Guidance
With your heatmap in hand, you’ll have a clear roadmap for installation. We’ll also be available for further support.
It’s simple, straightforward, and designed to save you time, money, and stress.
Heaters We Cover in Our Heatmaps
At AEI, we only carry the best patio heaters from trusted manufacturers. That means every heatmap we design includes equipment we know will deliver lasting comfort and reliability.
Infratech – Electric Infrared Patio Heaters
- Type: Overhead electric horizontal heaters
- Strengths: High efficiency, quiet operation, precise controls, and eco-friendly heating.
- Best For: Restaurants, hotels, and condos that want a sleek look and easy integration with smart systems.
- Options: Wide range of control packages, including smart dimmers and zoning controls.
SunStar – Natural Gas and Propane Heaters
- Type: Overhead horizontal heaters
- Strengths: Durable build, available in marine-grade stainless steel for coastal environments.
- Best For: Outdoor spaces in coastal or humid regions where corrosion is a concern.
Sunpak – Gas-Fueled Overhead Heaters
- Type: Natural gas and propane heaters
- Strengths: Reliable performance, simple design, and decades of manufacturing experience.
- Best For: Hospitality businesses that want dependable, easy-to-install heaters.
Sunglo – Mushroom-Style Patio Heaters
- Type: Natural gas and propane mushroom heaters (including portable propane models)
- Strengths: Classic design, mobile options available, great for flexible layouts.
- Best For: Restaurants, bars, and apartment communities that want portable heating options.
Brand Comparison Table
| Patio Heater Brands | Heater Type | Fuel Source | Mounting Types |
| Infratech | Horizontal | Electric | Ceiling-mounted Wall-mounted Pole-mounted |
| SunStar | Horizontal | Natural Gas, Propane | Ceiling-mounted Wall-mounted |
| Sunpak | Horizontal | Natural Gas, Propane | Ceiling-mounted Wall-mounted |
| Sunglo | Mushroom | Natural Gas, Propane | Portable Hanging In-Ground |
Patio Heaters for Hospitality Businesses
For hospitality businesses, outdoor patios can be just as valuable as indoor dining areas. In many cases, outdoor seating can increase revenue significantly during the cooler months if it’s properly heated.
AEI’s heatmap service makes sure your restaurant patio heaters or hotel outdoor heaters are placed for maximum comfort. This can help you:
- Extend your patio season into colder months.
- Seat more guests comfortably.
- Improve customer satisfaction and keep patrons staying longer.
- Boost revenue by making outdoor spaces usable year-round.
Imagine a restaurant with a large L-shaped patio. Without a heatmap, you might install too few heaters, leaving one corner uncomfortably cold. With AEI’s heatmap, you’ll know exactly how many heaters are needed and where they should go, so no guest is left out in the cold.
Patio Heaters for Multifamily Property
For apartments and condos, communal outdoor areas are a key selling point for residents. These areas are often used for grilling, lounging, or community events. But without heating, these spaces sit empty for months at a time.
AEI’s heatmap service ensures your outdoor patio heaters are set up to cover the entire gathering space. For property owners and managers, this means:
- Increased resident satisfaction.
- Higher property value.
- Year-round usability of outdoor amenities.
- Fewer complaints about poorly heated common areas.
Whether you’re planning heaters for a small shared barbecue space or a large rooftop lounge, our heatmaps help you get it right the first time.
Fuel Source Options
When designing a heatmap, one of the first decisions is which fuel source to use for your patio heaters. Each has its own advantages.
Natural Gas Heaters
- Best for permanent installations.
- Low operating cost.
- Consistent heat output.
- Requires a natural gas line.
Propane Heaters
- Great for patios without natural gas access.
- Portable options available.
- Propane tanks need to be refilled periodically.
Electric Heaters
- Clean, quiet, and efficient.
- Easy integration with smart systems.
- Requires electrical wiring.
Your heatmap will be customized to your preferred fuel type, whether you need natural gas heaters, propane heaters, or electric heaters.
Mounting Options and Layouts
Patio heaters aren’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we offer a variety of heater mounting options. Depending on your property, you may need:
- Ceiling-mounted overhead heaters for large covered spaces.
- Wall-mounted heaters for smaller patios with limited room.
- Pole-mounted heaters for flexibility in open areas.
- Portable mushroom heaters for layouts that change often.
AEI’s heatmaps take all of these into account, showing you the ideal placement and mounting style for your heaters.
Control Systems Overview
Comfort isn’t just about placement. It’s also about control. AEI’s heatmap service includes recommendations for heater controls, which may include:
- Simple on/off switches for small spaces.
- Zone controls for dividing large patios into manageable areas.
- Smart dimmers and remote systems for maximum flexibility.
This ensures you’re not just heating your space—you’re controlling it efficiently.
Why Choose AEI?
AEI has been a trusted leader in patio heating since 1968. We don’t just sell heaters; we help property owners and hospitality businesses create outdoor spaces that truly work.
By offering heatmaps for all four of our trusted brands—Infratech, SunStar, Sunpak, and Sunglo—we give you the tools to make the right decision before making a purchase.
Our service is complimentary, and it’s backed by decades of expertise. When you partner with AEI, you’re not just buying heaters—you’re investing in proven solutions designed for your unique space.
The Benefits of AEI’s Heatmap Service
- Clear visual plan for your heaters.
- No wasted money on unnecessary units.
- Proper coverage for guest and resident comfort.
- Safer installations that meet clearance requirements.
- Professional guidance from industry experts.
How to Get Started
Ready to see how your patio could look with the right heaters? Getting started is simple:
- Visit our Heatmap Service Page.
- Fill out the form with your patio layout and details.
- Receive your customized heatmap and recommendations.
It’s quick, free, and could save you thousands in heating costs.
FAQ: Heatmap Service and Patio Heaters
1. Is the heatmap service free?
Yes, AEI offers this service at no cost.
2. How long does it take to get my heatmap?
Most heatmaps are completed within a few business days once we receive your patio details.
3. What if my patio layout changes?
No problem—we can update your heatmap to reflect the new design.
4. Do I need professional installation?
For most overhead heaters, yes. AEI can connect you with trusted installation partners.
5. Which heater brand is right for me?
That depends on your needs. Infratech is best for electric systems, SunStar and Sunpak are strong gas options, and Sunglo offers portable mushroom heaters. Your heatmap will reflect the best choice for your space.
6. Can I use multiple fuel sources in one space?
Yes. Some properties benefit from a mix, like fixed natural gas heaters for main areas and portable propane heaters for flexible spaces.
Conclusion: Make Informed Patio Heating Decisions with AEI
Choosing patio heaters doesn’t have to be stressful. With AEI’s heatmap service, you can clearly see how your outdoor space will be heated, where heaters should be installed, and which models will work best for you.
Let AEI’s experts take the guesswork out of patio heating. Start planning your patio heatmap today and create a comfortable, welcoming outdoor space year-round.
Have a Question?
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.