In order to give your garden some additional warmth, you may have looked into the possibility of buying an outdoor heater. These are perfect for when the summer evenings get a bit chillier and also during winter if you make use of your outdoor space all year round. However, do a quick search for outdoor patio heaters and you’ll be greeted with a plethora of different products. Some are fuelled by gas, others take advantage of more innovative technology, but nearly all will promise the ultimate in heat and efficiency.
Two of the most popular options are infrared outdoor heaters and propane outdoor heaters. But what are the pros and cons of both? And which one should you consider investing in?
Infrared Outdoor Heaters
As opposed to the alternatives, infrared outdoor heaters will heat objects in the vicinity rather than relying on convection currents to heat the air around them. This brings about a myriad of benefits, which other options cannot provide.
- Instant heat – You won’t have to wait long to feel the welcoming warmth of an outdoor infrared heater. For this reason, indoor infrared heaters are increasingly popular too, as you can step in from the cold and warm up instantly.
- Quiet operation – Seeing as outdoor infrared heaters radiate light and do not require a fan, they are incredibly quiet. This means an outdoor space can remain peaceful and serene.
- Safe to use – Outdoor infrared heaters do not require fossil fuel like gas or oil, which means they do not produce harmful and toxic carbon emissions. What’s more, it is a pure form of heat generating no radiation or bright light.
- Cost-effective – Owing to the fact outdoor infrared heaters will only warm up objects and not the surrounding air, energy isn’t wasted, which brings about lower utility bills.
- Environmentally friendly – As mentioned previously, outdoor infrared heaters won’t fill the air with nasty pollutants that damage the environment. It is the most eco-friendly heating option available.
- Minimal maintenance – Once installed, you won’t need to do much to maintain your outdoor infrared heater. There are no moving parts, no motor that could wear out, no filters to replace and no lubrication required.
Some people still have concerns about safety, as a tremendous amount of heat is generated. But the very best outdoor infrared heaters will have protective guards to ensure children and pets won’t be able to touch the element. They can also be ‘cieling mounted‘.What’s more if installed by a professional electrician, you’ll be guaranteed a high level of safety.
Propane Outdoor Heaters
Quick heat – Propane outdoor heaters aren’t as efficient as infrared alternatives and will warm up the air rather than surrounding objects, but they can still deliver quick bursts of heat. No electricity required – Due to the fact they run on fuel, propane outdoor heaters do not need an electrical source in order to work. Therefore, they can be positioned almost anywhere.
In many respects, this is where the advantages of propane outdoor heaters end, especially when compared to infrared counterparts. Propane options aren’t as efficient, can cost a lot more money in the long run, are far from environmentally friendly and have a few health and safety issues too.
Although a lot depends on where you live, the cost of propane can be astronomical. So much so that you’ll probably end up inside rather than enjoying the great outdoors. On top of that, the risk of carbon monoxide build-up means you can’t use a propane outdoor heater in an enclosed area or small garden. You’ve also got to think about where a sizeable propane tank will live as well and the ongoing maintenance issues associated with this kind of heater and the safety of your family or friends when using a highly flammable fuel.
For these reasons, an infrared outdoor heater is the only way to go, as its boons and benefits far outweigh those of a propane-fuelled alternative.