AEI Corporation

Outdoor patios are some of the most important gathering spaces for restaurants, hotels, resorts, apartments, and condos. Guests want warm and comfortable seating areas so they can enjoy the outdoors all year long. The challenge is that not every patio is protected from the wind. Some locations face strong gusts throughout the day, especially at high elevations, in valleys, on coastal properties, or on rooftops. This is where SunStar patio heaters stand out.

SunStar patio heaters are known for their strength, reliability, and consistent heat in tough outdoor conditions. They are horizontal heaters that mount overhead and deliver wide and even infrared heat. These heaters are designed to work well even where other outdoor heaters struggle.

This blog explains why SunStar heaters excel in windy locations, why they are a great choice for hospitality and multifamily properties, and how AEI Corporation can provide a complimentary heat map for your patio.

Understanding SunStar Patio Heaters

SunStar patio heaters have earned a strong reputation among commercial and residential users. These heaters are designed to provide dependable outdoor heat in difficult environments. They are suspended patio heaters, which means they hang from ceilings, rafters, eaves, pergolas, or other strong outdoor structures.

Their rectangular or box shaped design gives them a clean and modern appearance. Since they mount overhead, they do not take up floor space. This helps keep patios open, easy to move through, and more enjoyable for guests.

SunStar offers heaters in natural gas and propane models. These fuel options make installation flexible for many kinds of properties.

The Power of Infrared Heat

Infrared heat is one of the biggest advantages of SunStar patio heaters. Infrared heat warms people and surfaces directly instead of warming the surrounding air. This makes a big difference outdoors because warm air can easily blow away in the wind.

With infrared heat, the warmth stays consistent and comfortable even when the air moves. Many restaurants, hotels, and apartment communities choose infrared outdoor heaters for this reason. Guests feel warm faster, and energy is used more efficiently.

Why SunStar Heaters Excel in Windy Conditions

Wind is one of the top challenges for many outdoor heaters. Some heaters use open flames or exposed heating elements that can be disrupted by wind. This can lower heat output or make the heater unreliable.

SunStar heaters solve this problem in several ways.

Tinted glass face for wind protection

SunStar uses a tinted glass panel on the front of the heater. This protects the burner from strong wind and helps the heater operate smoothly in tough conditions.

Infrared heat is not affected by wind

Since infrared energy warms people directly, wind does not blow the warmth away.

Strong and weather resistant construction

SunStar heaters use a solid box style design that stands up to wind, dust, and outdoor debris. This helps the heater perform well year after year.

These features make SunStar patio heaters a smart choice for mountain towns, open courtyards, high rise patios, valley locations, and waterfront properties where wind is common.

Durable Materials for Harsh Environments

SunStar patio heaters are built with high quality materials. You can choose between two strong and corrosion resistant options.

Zinc plated black aluminized steel

This metal is naturally strong and rust resistant. SunStar adds a high temperature silicon powder coat to the outside for extra protection.

Marine grade 316 stainless steel

This marine grade stainless steel offers even stronger resistance to corrosion and salt air than normal stainless steel. Properties located near the ocean often prefer this option because it resists corrosion and rust for much longer.

Both material options offer long lasting durability and a clean, stylish look. They also help reduce maintenance needs over time.

Flexible Heat Output for Any Weather

SunStar patio heaters feature two stage heat output with a 3 position switch and a wireless remote control. The settings are OFF, HIGH, and LOW. This makes it simple for staff to adjust heat based on weather conditions.

SunStar offers small and large heater models so you can choose the right size for your patio.

SunStar Heater Size and BTU Output Table

These heaters offer enough flexibility to heat small restaurant patios, large hotel courtyards, apartment rooftop decks, and more.

Smart Ignition and Safety Features

Safety and reliability matter on every outdoor patio. SunStar patio heaters include several automatic systems to keep the heater running safely.

Direct Spark Ignition

Helps the heater start quickly.

Auto Re light System

If the flame goes out due to wind, the heater automatically lights itself again.

Flame Sensor System

If the heater detects a problem, it shuts down to prevent safety issues.

These features reduce the need for manual adjustments and help keep outdoor areas warm without interruptions.

A Clean and Polished Look for Outdoor Spaces

SunStar patio heaters are not just functional, they also look great. The tinted glass face gives the heater additional wind resistance along with a smooth and finished appearance. It also reduces glare while still allowing the same level of warming infrared heat.

This makes SunStar heaters a popular choice for restaurants, rooftop lounges, and other spaces where design and atmosphere matter.

Where SunStar Patio Heaters Work Best

Because of their wind resistance and durable construction, SunStar patio heaters work well in a wide range of locations.

Commercial properties

• Restaurants
• Cafes
• Bars
• Hotels
• Resorts
• Event venues

Multifamily properties

• Apartment complexes
• Condo communities
• Courtyard patios
• Rooftop lounges
• Poolside seating areas

Residential backyards

• Pergolas
• Covered patios
• Outdoor kitchens
• Decks

They are especially effective in:

Windy locations such as mountains, valleys, high-rise patios, and open courtyards
Coastal locations within 20 miles of the ocean

Since they mount overhead, they help maintain open floor space and improve the overall layout of your outdoor area.

Made in the USA with a Strong Warranty

SunStar patio heaters are made in the USA with a 3 year warranty on the infrared burner assembly. This provides peace of mind that your heater is backed by quality craftsmanship and long-term reliability.

Getting the Right Patio Heater Layout

Picking the right patio heater model is important, but placing it correctly makes the biggest difference in real world performance. Proper spacing, mounting height, and heater direction all help determine how warm the patio will feel.

AEI provides complimentary heat map planning to help owners and managers see exactly how their patio will warm up with SunStar heaters. A heat map shows the coverage area, allowing you to choose the best heater layout for your outdoor space.

This service is helpful for builders, property managers, contractors, restaurant owners, and anyone designing an outdoor patio.

Final Thoughts

If you manage a restaurant, hotel, resort, apartment building, or condo community, keeping your outdoor spaces warm can help extend your season and improve guest satisfaction. Wind can make this difficult, but SunStar patio heaters offer powerful solutions that keep patios warm even in challenging weather.

Their tinted glass protection, reliable ignition systems, infrared heat, and strong construction make them a top choice for windy and coastal locations. With small and large models available, you can find the right fit for your space.

To see how SunStar patio heaters can heat your patio, contact AEI’s patio design experts for a complimentary heat map. It is the best way to plan a warm and comfortable outdoor area for year round use.

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