In the vast majority of cases, the answer is ‘no’ – outdoor heaters are specialised products with a specialised use and it would be unwise to use them outside of their intended context. The only occasional exception to this rule is infrared patio heaters. The broad spectrum of electromagnetic radiation makes infrared heaters some of the most versatile heating products available. At one end of the scale, they can produce a radiant warmth gentle enough for chick incubators, and at the other end, they’re capable of creating a vigorous heat to keep you cosy outdoors. This refusal to be pigeonholed is infrared’s greatest strength – there are no defined boarders and you’ll find that many heaters work in a variety of installation locations. Even products that fall under the mantle of ‘patio heaters’ can still be used indoors but, as with all things in life, everything depends on the circumstances.
Which outdoor heaters can be used indoors?
Electric patio heaters are actually one of the only outdoor heaters you can feasibly use indoors. Fire pits and chimeneas are an obvious no-no (unless you’re living in a gothic castle) and gas patio heaters bring a whole host of possible hazards not least due to their fuel source, so electric heaters are by far the most adaptable. You might think that with their orange glow and hardy heat, patio heaters couldn’t possibly be used for indoor applications, but in fact there are plenty of interiors where they make convenient solutions.
Instant, on-demand heating
Let’s start by outlining which indoor spaces are not suitable for halogen heaters. As you’d expect, they should never be installed in any of your main spaces like bedrooms, living rooms and hallways because they’re not designed for all-day heating. Furthermore, their more intense heat can cause a potential hazard in rooms with plenty of soft furnishings like curtains, carpets and cushions. Primary heating in homes is exactly what infrared panels are designed for so it makes no sense to install outdoor heaters where they’re least effective.
This leaves patio heaters with the secondary spaces we use less often. Typically, they’ll be the places with the fewest home touches, like utility areas and boot rooms, or less insulated property extensions, like garages and conservatories. Heating these spaces with conventional methods can be an uphill struggle because they’re so prone to heat loss. Warmth can dissipate under doorframes or creep away through the gaps around windows, quickly diminishing any accumulated heat created by your appliances. Patio heaters don’t have this problem because they’re designed for spot heating in outdoor conditions. All of the radiant heat they produce can’t be blown away, nor will it disperse around the room – any warmth created by these outdoor heaters goes to exactly where it’s needed.
Where to use outdoor heaters inside
Portable halogen heaters are a boon for conservatories and garages that are used for short periods during the week. If you’re looking to curl up with a good book whilst looking out over your garden, or if you’re hoping to get started on your classic car project over the weekend, a portable heater might be just the ticket. Products like the Mensa Heating Imus let you pick up and place your heater wherever you need warmth, then when you’re done, simply switch it off and pack it away for later. If you require a heater with a broader spread of heat, e.g. for an industrial unit or a workshop, there are still portable options available. Some wall mounted outdoor heaters can be fitted with tripods and stands so they can act as a freestanding unit that can be angled toward workstations. A portable solution isn’t always the best option, which might be the case if your garage or home workshop only has one workbench that needs heat. In these instances, a wall mounted outdoor heater will do the job just fine, but should you opt for a halogen heater or one of our gentler no glare heaters?
Gentle heating with greater reach
No glare heaters are the mystery men of the infrared heating world, able to integrate themselves into almost any location with their unobtrusive appearance and smart black exteriors. Out of all the heater types, they’re the hardest to pin down in terms of usage because their versatility gives them such a wide scope of application. It could be argued that they’re a victim of their own success. They’re heaters that won’t be type cast for a specific use but this can also leave customers struggling to create a mental picture of where they could be beneficial.
Outdoors, no glare heaters are used for sheltered spaces that need round-the-clock warmth. It might be for a busy café terrace where customers sit for long periods of time, or a hotel veranda that provides guests with a place to watch the sunset in the evenings. Indoors, these heaters are fantastic for lofty spaces that are difficult to keep warm using conventional means. Their higher wattage allows them to project heat effectively over a larger area and the direct warmth they produce means that even the largest indoor spaces can be comfortably heated. Barn or church conversions with pitched rooves are the best candidates for ceramic heaters because their radiant heat can be directed toward any key occupancy areas of the room, ensuring it’s always inviting and cosy whenever you come to sit down. Over time, their far infrared warmth will also be absorbed by the surrounding walls and furniture, then re-emitted around the room to create a uniform warmth from floor to ceiling. These outdoor heaters are also fantastic for conservatories and garages if you tend to use them infrequently but for long durations. Wire element heaters, such as the Herschel Summit or the Ecostrad Thermostrip produce the gentlest heat and are excellent choices for domestic or commercial applications. However, if you need warmth for a particularly open and lofty interior, such as a leisure centre, multi-tiered office space or a business lobby, commercial ceramic heaters will be the better choice.
Outdoor heaters for hard-to-heat indoor spaces
So, if you want to use an outdoor heater indoors, just make sure it’s an infrared product. Halogen heaters can be used for on-demand heating in the chillier secondary areas of your home, or no glare outdoor heaters can be used if you need gentle heat throughout the day. If you’re not sure whether an outdoor heater is suitable for your interior space, or if you’d like to discuss your installation with an expert, get in touch with our Sales team. They’ll be happy to run through your options and can even create a free, no obligation quote for your project.