AEI Corporation

The Warmth of Outdoor Living: Patio Comfort Heaters for Any Space

Posted: September 26, 2024 at 11:32 AM

6 minute read | Heaters

Outdoor spaces are an essential feature in modern residential and commercial developments. Be it an apartment complex with a rooftop patio, a bustling restaurant with outdoor seating, or a cozy backyard, the demand for inviting outdoor areas continues to grow. However, cool temperatures can limit the use of these spaces during certain times of the year. This is where patio heaters come in—ensuring that residents, customers, and homeowners can comfortably enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Among the various types of outdoor heating solutions, Patio Comfort heaters stand out as a leading choice, providing efficient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing heating options. These heaters, available in both natural gas mushroom heaters and propane mushroom heaters, offer a versatile solution that can cater to the needs of a wide range of users, from developers and property managers to restaurant owners and homeowners.

The Benefits of Patio Heaters

Patio heaters have become a staple for anyone looking to extend the usability of outdoor spaces. Whether it's a rooftop patio for a luxury apartment complex or a family-friendly barbecue area at a suburban home, patio heaters help ensure comfort. Here are a few key benefits:

1. Increased Space Utilization: For property managers and restaurant owners, heating outdoor areas extends the seasonal usability of patios, poolside decks, or communal courtyards. This means more opportunities for residents or customers to gather and use the space—translating into higher satisfaction for property owners and more revenue for businesses that use mushroom heaters.
2. Comfort Without Compromise: Unlike traditional heaters that blast air in one direction, infrared mushroom heaters like the ones from Patio Comfort provide even heat distribution. This type of heater generates warmth that is absorbed by people and objects, not just the surrounding air, which ensures effective and energy-efficient heating.
3. Customizable Heating Solutions: With multiple models, including portable patio heaters, these units provide flexibility to heat spaces of various sizes and layouts. Patio Comfort heaters can be tailored to the specific needs of residential properties or commercial settings, helping developers, restaurant owners, and homeowners meet their particular demands.
4. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Apart from their practical uses, patio heaters can enhance the visual appeal of outdoor areas. Modern designs, especially from the Patio Comfort line, offer sleek finishes like stainless steel and powder-coated colors that complement any architectural or landscaping design.

Spotlight on Patio Comfort Line

Manufactured by AEI Corporation, a company with nearly 60 years of experience, the Patio Comfort line of patio heaters is synonymous with quality and durability. With a strong focus on delivering efficient and long-lasting heating solutions, Patio Comfort heaters have become a preferred choice for contractors, developers, and business owners.

Key features of the Patio Comfort heaters include:

• Two Fuel Options: Both natural gas mushroom heaters and propane mushroom heaters are available, each offering 40,000 BTUs of infrared heat that radiates in a full 360-degree circle, ensuring comprehensive coverage of any outdoor area.
• Durable Construction: Built with stainless steel and a sturdy anodized aluminum reflector, Patio Comfort heaters are designed to withstand the elements, ensuring longevity and reliable performance. They also come equipped with a solid brass gas valve and piezo match-free ignition for convenience.
• Multiple Finish Options: Property managers and homeowners alike can appreciate the aesthetic flexibility. The natural gas models come in stainless steel or antique bronze, while the propane models offer additional options, including jet/silver vein and the stylish vintage series with its uniquely shaped design.

The combination of function and form makes Patio Comfort heaters an attractive choice for a variety of outdoor settings.

Understanding Infrared Heating Technology

Unlike traditional heaters that warm the air, infrared heaters like those in the Patio Comfort line work by emitting radiant heat. This means the heat they produce is absorbed by people, furniture, and objects rather than being lost to the wind or cooler air. This is particularly advantageous for outdoor settings where wind and weather can make conventional heaters ineffective.

• Energy Efficiency: Infrared heating is more efficient because it directly warms up objects and people. This ensures that energy isn't wasted heating the surrounding air, making these heaters a cost-effective solution for long-term use.
• Comfortable Heat Distribution: The 360-degree heat distribution ensures that everyone in the vicinity feels the warmth, without the need for multiple heaters to cover different directions.

For restaurants and outdoor commercial spaces, this type of heater means less need for high energy consumption to maintain comfortable temperatures. For homeowners, it’s a simple way to enjoy backyard patios or balconies even during chilly mornings or evenings.

Natural Gas vs. Propane Patio Comfort Heaters

Both the natural gas and propane versions of the Patio Comfort heaters offer excellent performance, but there are key differences that may influence which model is best suited for a particular application.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters

• Permanent Installation: These heaters are designed to be installed in a fixed location. They’re connected directly to a natural gas line, which means no need for refueling or tank replacements.
• Ideal for Larger Properties: For apartment complexes, hotels, or large commercial properties, natural gas heaters can be strategically placed to provide heating for expansive outdoor spaces. Since they are stationary, property owners should plan the patio layout carefully during the design phase.
• Cost-Effective Operation: Natural gas tends to be marginally less expensive than propane, so for large-scale heating needs, this option can be more economical in the long run.

Propane Patio Heaters

• Portability and Flexibility: The propane models feature hidden propane tanks in the base, which makes them potentially portable. This is ideal for properties that may need to adapt their outdoor heating layout depending on the season or specific events.
• Easy Installation: Unlike natural gas heaters that require professional installation and gas line connections, propane heaters can be set up quickly and moved around as needed. This makes them perfect for homeowners who want flexibility in how they heat their outdoor areas, and restaurants who need to change their patio layout.
• Stylish Design Options: The propane version comes in a wider range of finishes, including the unique designed vintage series. These heaters can add not only warmth but also a design element to outdoor spaces.

Both versions of the Patio Comfort heaters offer the same high-quality construction and impressive heat output. The choice between natural gas and propane ultimately depends on factors like mobility, installation preferences, and operational needs.

Why Patio Comfort is Ideal for Developers and Property Owners

For developers and property owners of multi-family residential spaces, investing in patio heaters is an easy way to increase the appeal of their properties. Outdoor spaces like rooftop patios, barbecue areas, and courtyards are attractive amenities, but they’re only useful if they can be comfortably used year-round.

• Long-Term Value: With Patio Comfort heaters, property managers can offer residents the ability to enjoy outdoor spaces during cooler months. This creates an attractive selling point and improves tenant satisfaction.
• Durable and Low Maintenance: Patio Comfort heaters are built to last, with stainless steel and rust-resistant finishes. For property owners, this means lower maintenance costs and fewer headaches in the long run.
• Versatile Application: Whether for communal gathering spaces, outdoor dining areas, or poolside lounges, Patio Comfort heaters offer a versatile solution that fits seamlessly into any property design.

Why Restaurants, Bars, and Hotels Should Choose Patio Comfort

Outdoor dining and entertainment spaces are major draws for restaurants, bars, hotels, and similar venues. By installing Patio Comfort heaters, businesses can ensure that these areas remain usable, even during colder months.

• Increased Revenue: When patios are heated, they become functional for more months out of the year. This allows restaurants and bars to seat more customers, maximizing their use of space and increasing revenue.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Comfortable outdoor spaces encourage customers to stay longer, enjoy their time, and return for future visits. Hotels, too, can provide an upgraded experience for guests by keeping outdoor lobby areas or poolside seating areas warm and inviting.
• Design-Friendly Options: The range of finishes ensures that these heaters can blend seamlessly into the aesthetic of any business, contributing to a cohesive design.

Whether you’re a developer looking to add value to a multi-family property or a restaurant owner aiming to maximize the use of your outdoor seating, Patio Comfort heaters are an excellent choice. With high-quality construction, versatile design options, and efficient infrared heating technology, these heaters are built to keep any outdoor space comfortable and functional throughout the year.

By choosing Patio Comfort, you invest in a solution that provides long-term benefits, ensures customer or resident satisfaction, and enhances the overall appeal of your property or business.