AEI Corporation

The Ultimate Guide to Infrared Patio Heaters for Multifamily Properties and Hospitality Businesses

Posted: December 23, 2024 at 01:46 PM

7 minute read | Heaters

Outdoor patios are more than just spaces—they’re opportunities to create welcoming environments for guests, customers, or residents. For restaurants, hotels, resorts, and multifamily properties, patios extend usable space and provide additional revenue opportunities. However, colder evenings and seasons can make these spaces less appealing.

Infrared patio heaters offer an effective solution to this challenge. These heaters create warm, comfortable outdoor environments, allowing businesses and properties to maximize the use of their outdoor spaces year-round. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of infrared patio heaters, their energy sources, and the benefits they provide. By the end, you’ll understand which heater is right for your outdoor space.

Why Choose Infrared Patio Heaters?

Infrared patio heaters stand out because of their unique heating technology. Unlike traditional heaters that warm the air around them, infrared heaters emit harmless rays that warm people and objects directly—similar to the sun's warmth, but without harmful UV radiation.

These heaters use materials such as ceramic and quartz, which emit infrared light rays when heated. Infrared light rays transfer heat efficiently, even in windy conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use. Infrared heating is also energy-efficient, requiring less energy to produce the same level of warmth compared to conventional methods.

One of the primary advantages of infrared heaters is their wind resistance. Unlike traditional heaters, which warm the surrounding air, infrared heaters deliver warmth directly to objects and people, ensuring consistent comfort. They are also energy-efficient because they focus heat exactly where it is needed, reducing energy waste. These features, along with their versatility, make infrared heaters an excellent choice for a wide range of outdoor settings, from restaurant patios to apartment courtyards.

Types of Patio Heaters

Infrared patio heaters come in two primary designs: mushroom heaters and horizontal heaters. Each type has unique features, making them suitable for different outdoor settings.

Mushroom heaters, named for their distinctive shape, feature a round heat emitter mounted on a pole, creating a “mushroom” appearance. They radiate heat in a 360-degree radius, which makes them ideal for open spaces where guests or residents gather. Mushroom heaters are available in propane and natural gas models. Propane models, which are portable, store their fuel in a tank at the base of the heater, allowing flexibility in placement. Natural gas models connect directly to a property’s gas line and are installed permanently. Mounting options include securing the heater to the ground for fixed use or opting for portable heaters with wheels, available only for propane heaters. Mushroom heaters work well for restaurants with outdoor seating that shifts based on customer needs or for apartment complexes with common patio areas that require versatile heating solutions.

Horizontal heaters, on the other hand, are sleek, rectangular units typically mounted overhead. They emit heat in a directed arc, which makes them perfect for covered or semi-enclosed spaces. Horizontal heaters can run on natural gas, propane, or electricity. Unlike mushroom heaters, they are non-portable and are installed permanently by suspending them overhead, either pointing straight down or angled, or mounting them on walls or the eaves of a structure. Horizontal heaters are ideal for hotels with covered outdoor dining areas or for valet waiting zones in shopping malls or resorts.

Energy Source Options

When choosing a patio heater, the energy source is an essential consideration. The three primary options to power patio heaters are natural gas, propane, and electricity, each with its benefits and limitations.

Natural gas patio heaters are connected directly to a property’s gas line, offering reliable and uninterrupted heating. This eliminates the need for fuel tank replacement, which lowers operating costs over time. However, these heaters are non-portable and require professional installation, which increases upfront costs. They are best suited for large outdoor areas with consistent heating needs, such as hotel patios or restaurant courtyards.

Propane patio heaters store their fuel in tanks, making them portable and flexible. This portability allows the heaters to be moved and repositioned as needed. Propane heaters are especially convenient for businesses or properties changing seating arrangements. However, propane tanks must be replaced periodically, and the cost of propane can be slightly higher than natural gas. These heaters are a great option for restaurants or multifamily properties that need heaters for temporary or seasonal use.

Electric patio heaters are connected to a property’s electrical system and provide an eco-friendly alternative for heating outdoor spaces. They produce zero emissions at the point of use and do not require fuel replacement. Additionally, electric heaters often feature modern designs that complement upscale environments. However, these heaters are non-portable and require installation by a licensed electrician. They are ideal for covered patios in luxury hotels or apartment complexes that prioritize sustainability and aesthetics.

Our Patio Heater Brands

We offer a range of high-quality patio heaters, each designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses and multifamily properties.

Infratech is our electric patio heater brand, offering horizontal designs with various heat outputs and sizes. These heaters are perfect for modern, upscale properties that want an eco-friendly and stylish solution for outdoor heating.

Patio Comfort offers both natural gas and propane mushroom heaters. Known for their dependability, this brand has over 50 years of experience in creating versatile heaters. These heaters are excellent for restaurants and multifamily properties looking for flexible and reliable options.

Sunglo, with over 60 years of expertise, specializes in durable mushroom heaters. These heaters are ideal for outdoor areas that require classic and time-tested solutions.

Sunpak focuses on horizontal heaters fueled by natural gas or propane. These heaters are particularly suited for large, open spaces where permanent installations are required.

Sunpak manufactures horizontal patio heaters with natural gas and propane models available. Their heaters are made with either 25k BTU output, 34k BTU output, or two-stage heaters which allow for the user to toggle between the two outputs.

SunStar offers horizontal patio heaters made with marine-grade stainless steel, which provides additional durability in coastal or damp environments. These heaters are designed for beachfront properties, coastal resorts, or areas with high humidity.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Patio Heater

Selecting the right patio heater involves assessing factors such as patio size, layout, fuel availability, usage frequency, and aesthetic preferences.

The size and layout of the space play a significant role in determining the type of heater. Mushroom heaters work well in open spaces, while horizontal heaters are better suited for covered patios or semi-enclosed areas. Fuel availability is another critical factor. Natural gas heaters are ideal for properties with access to a gas line, while propane heaters are better for flexibility and portability. Electric heaters are the top choice for eco-conscious properties looking for a sleek, modern design.

The frequency of use also matters. High-use spaces may prioritize natural gas heaters for their lower operating costs, while seasonal-use spaces might prefer propane heaters for their portability. Finally, aesthetic preferences can guide the decision. Modern electric heaters are ideal for upscale environments, while classic mushroom heaters are perfect for traditional settings.

Infrared patio heaters are an excellent investment for creating warm, inviting outdoor spaces. Whether you manage a restaurant, hotel, or multifamily property, these heaters offer reliable, energy-efficient solutions tailored to your needs. With various designs, energy sources, and trusted brands, there’s a perfect heater for every application.

Discover our selection of infrared patio heaters today, and let us help you create comfortable outdoor spaces that impress your guests and residents. Contact us for expert guidance on choosing the ideal heater for your property.