Whether your garden has been primed to perfection or if you’ve been meaning to rejuvenate it for a while, sourcing a reliable, affordable and attractive heating option can be a difficult task. There’s three main options on the market: gas, solid fuel and electric. At Infrared Heaters Direct, we champion the energy-efficient, lasting warmth produced by infrared technology. Here, we’re detailing the ins and outs of how to heat your garden with infrared patio heaters – including our recommendations, how they’re installed, and how to best maintain them.
Why do infrared patio heaters make the best outdoor heaters?
The three types of outdoor heaters available (solid fuel, gas and infrared) all transfer heat in the same way: through radiation. Radiation is a brilliant option for outdoor heating as it’s unaffected by wind or ambient temperatures, similar to how the sun’s warmth is still felt on a cold day. It is able to travel in a direct line towards people and objects, heating them soothingly.
That’s about the only thing they all have in common, though. Whilst solid fuel and gas outdoor heaters do have their advantages, they both lack on the efficiency front, mainly because they take advantage of natural resources to generate and maintain heat. They can be attractive to look at but this comes at a price: their high levels of maintenance and consumption of costly combustibles add up with every use.
Infrared heaters are different. They work by converting electricity into 100% infrared warmth, a harmless form of radiation which creates a comforting outdoor ambience – minus the harmful combustibles. Boasting high levels of controllability, they are much more user-friendly, energy-efficient and cost-effective than their gas and solid fuel counterparts. For a full breakdown of the three different types of outdoor heater, check out our dedicated blog.
In summary
| Solid fuel & gas patio heaters | Infrared patio heaters |
| ✖ High maintenance | ✔ Zero required maintenance |
| ✖ Not environmentally friendly | ✔ Can be totally sustainable |
| ✖ Usually difficult to control | ✔ Various control methods on offer |
| ✖ Expensive | ✔ Affordable |
| ✖ Require a steady supply of fuel | ✔ Do not rely on combustibles like fuel |
How are infrared patio heaters controlled?
Electric patio heaters generally come with some level of in-built control as standard. This is sometimes in the form of a press-down button at the side of the heater, allowing for on/off control. As is the case with our range, IR remote controls are just as common, and offer more sophisticated features like timers and heating modes for personalised heating that can be implemented from afar. For the particularly tech-savvy out there, some models can even be paired with WiFi enabled controllers, for app-based heat management anywhere in the world (when connected to the internet!).
In summary: Infrared patio heaters offer a range of control functions – from simple manual management to advanced app compatibility via WiFi.
What are the best forms of infrared for outdoor use?
There’s three different types of infrared patio heater, and each one has its own bonuses, depending on intended installation location and the intensity of heat required. When fitting an infrared heater outdoors, opting for a shortwave or mediumwave model is best practice.
| Shortwave infrared | Mediumwave infrared | Far infrared |
|---|---|---|
| The most instantaneous form of infrared heat. Ideal for spot heating outdoors | Still very responsive, begins warming in minutes | It is the most long-lasting out of the three – it absorbs deeply into objects |
| An intense form of heat – perfect for heating people close to the unit for short bursts of time | The perfect blend of vigour and comfort | It is the most far-reaching option |
| Deals well in totally exposed outdoor areas | Comfortable for lengthier periods of time | Ideal for concealed indoor locations, particularly open plan spaces |
| It is not as far reaching as the other two types of infrared | Can travel further than near infrared heat | It is the most natural form of infrared. Not overwhelmingly warm – a gentle, comforting kind of heat |
| Can be too overwhelming for long periods of time | A brilliant choice for semi-exposed locations | Not suitable for exposed outdoor locations, but can work well in semi-exposed areas like garages |
| Doesn’t deliver instantaneous warmth | ||
| Rating: ★★★★ | Rating: ★★★★★ | Rating: ★★★ |
How are infrared patio heaters installed?
With infrared patio heaters, there’s a few different options on offer when it comes to installation. First things first, there is no plumbing required. As long as your outdoor space has access to a standard plug socket with a suitable IP rating, installing a patio heater yourself is a straightforward job. If you’re opting for permanent outdoor fitting, your electric patio heater will need hardwiring into your mains electricity – a simple job for a qualified pro. Speaking of IP ratings – all the models on our site are at least IPX4 rated – meaning they’re resistant to water splashes from all angles. An absolute must when living in wetter climes!
Of course, each specific model has its own particular requirements, but generally infrared patio heaters are suitable for wall-mounting, attaching to solid walls or awnings for an out-of-eyeline heating source that won’t take up floor space. Some models, like the Ecostrad Solaglo, are able to be attached to a compatible stand for a freestanding, portable option – perfect for more focused, spot-based heating.
In summary: Infrared patio heaters are easily installed, attaching to walls or standing freely with a compatible stand. Some models are DIY compatible, but usually they will need hardwiring – a simple job for an electrician.
How are infrared patio heaters maintained?
This one’s easy – infrared patio heaters are totally maintenance free. Unlike solid fuel heaters, there’s no messy day-to-day cleaning to be done, and unlike gas outdoor heaters, there’s no required annual servicing. Once the unit has been installed securely, all that’s needed is a quick clean every now and then to make sure the unit remains debris-free. For total peace of mind, all of the infrared patio heaters on offer at Infrared Heaters Direct come with robust warranties of up to 5 years – a seal of approval on their high quality.
In summary: Infrared patio heaters require zero mandatory maintenance.
Are infrared patio heaters environmentally friendly?
Infrared patio heaters are a completely safe and healthy method of heat transfer. As we mentioned earlier, infrared patio heaters do not use combustible materials like gas or wood to create and maintain their heat. All heat is sourced from its electrical input, so it does not release any harsh smells or contaminants when in use.
Infrared patio heaters are 100% efficient from point of use – which means, from the moment they are plugged into a power supply. Of course, this isn’t the whole story, as its electricity has to be generated before this – and there is a chance this can come from unsustainable sources like fossil fuels. To make your electric patio heater totally sustainable from start-to-finish, pair your home electricity with a green energy tariff or a renewable energy source, like wind or solar power.
In summary: When paired with green energy, infrared patio heaters are 100% sustainable from start-to-finish, and do not release carbon into the atmosphere.
In the spotlight: Ecostrad Thermaglo
A mediumwave electric patio heater with sleek, stylish aesthetics, the Thermaglo delivers lasting infrared warmth to gardens large and small.
Ecostrad Thermaglo: The Basics
- Soothing mediumwave infrared warmth
- Unique teardrop design
- Remote control included
- Weatherproof IP55 rating
- 2 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Working especially well in partially covered outdoor areas, the Thermaglo warms via its cutting-edge carbon fibre heating element, creating warmth that feels soothing, not overwhelming. With a range of sophisticated control functions, its remote control allows for seamless heating management from afar – perfect if you plan on installing your outdoor heater high up. The Thermaglo has a convenient in-built timer, ideal for set-and-forget heating. User-friendly, attractive and effective – the Thermaglo ticks all the boxes for fuss-free outdoor heating.
Outdoor heating: a breeze with Infrared Heaters Direct
Seamless control, affordable running and simple installation make electric patio heaters the ideal choice for every garden area. Providing robust infrared heat that’s unaffected by the elements, it has the potential to be completely carbon-free when paired with a green energy source. Zero maintenance or need for a constant supply of fuel make infrared heaters one of the most affordable choices on the market. To speak to an advisor about the options on offer for your particular space, contact us today, or simply browse our range of infrared patio heaters here.