Let’s face it: British weather is temperamental. It doesn’t allow us many warm evenings in which we can sit outside and enjoy a meal or drink without feeling cold. As soon as the sun goes, so does the chance of a nice evening outside. But why should the weather prevent you from using your outdoor space? Whether for commercial or residential use, electric outdoor heaters can provide a solution to this by extending the outdoor season without completely breaking the bank. Read on to discover the differences between electric and gas heaters, low glare or no glare, and which product is best suited to your outdoor heating needs.
Electric vs Gas
In terms of outdoor heating, the most common methods are electric and gas. Which works best for you depends on your requirements and budget. In the past, gas heaters were most commonly used, but technological advances have seen the introduction of newer, more efficient, electric methods of heating.
Gas patio heaters are often chosen as an option for heating as they are perceived to be less expensive than electric heaters. While this bears some truth in that often the initial product is cheaper, the running costs of a gas heater far outweigh those of an electric heater, as the gas canisters need to be replaced regularly, and maintenance is required to ensure proper functioning of the heater. The cost of running an electric heater for an hour is roughly 15% of that of a gas heater, subject to your energy tariff, meaning that an electric heater could make you significant savings in the long run. Additionally, electric outdoor heaters produce around 15% of the CO2 footprint of a gas patio heater, making them significantly eco-friendlier. This CO2 footprint for infrared heaters can further be reduced by generating the electricity from renewable sources. They are far more efficient, as nearly 100% of the electricity output is converted to heat, whereas energy is lost in gas heaters because of their reliance on inefficient combustion.
Where some customers may prefer the portability of a gas heater, they often can’t compete with the convenience offered by a permanently installed electric alternative. Once installed, electric heaters are very easy to manage, and with the addition of certain accessories, such as the Burda Bluetooth Dimmer Switch, can even be controlled via an app on your phone. In some cases, it is also possible to buy a tripod on which to mount your electric heater, meaning they too can be portable. Electric heaters are more lightweight, far less noisy, and have a greater range of uses than their gas counterparts.
Owing to their features, gas heaters can only be used in well ventilated areas. Although extremely unlikely, there is a small risk of a gas leak, and so, without adequate ventilation, these products can pose a serious risk. Electric heating solutions have no such associated risks so you’ll never need to worry about gas leaks or potentially harmful emissions. Most of our electric outdoor heating products can be wall mounted, meaning once installed, you don’t even need to think about them! They are also suitable for indoor and outdoor use, conditional to their IP rating. You can read more about IP ratings and what they mean here.
Low Glare vs No Glare
The main difference between our two core brands is that Burda supply low glare, whereas Herschel supply no glare, electric heaters. Low glare heaters give out an orange glow, whereas no glare heaters use ceramic heating elements, which give out no light, making for a subtler heat source. These heaters are best suited to different scenarios. Low glare heaters are especially effective in very cold temperatures, as they warm up very quickly and give out an intense heat. Therefore, they make great heaters for draughty, open-plan areas; however, due to the intensity of their heat and type of infrared they use, they’re not designed for long-term heating and provide a shallower sensation of warmth over your skin. It is for this reason that they’re generally used for a quick burst of warmth every now-and-again, rather than a primary heat source. No glare heaters use a form of infrared called far infrared, which is a less intense form of heat. This heat is more easily absorbed by the body, as it has the same frequency and wavelength as that which we emit ourselves. As a result, they are more comfortable to sit under for long periods of time, and do not produce visible light, but take slightly longer to heat up. They tend to make better heaters for large rooms and covered outdoor areas.
The Right Product for You
Our range of electric outdoor heaters caters to every need, whether you are heating a large commercial space such as a warehouse, restaurant terrace or pub beer garden, or simply adding some warmth to your own patio or garage. We stock two brands of electric patio heater: Herschel and Burda.
Heating a large, outdoor space such as a beer garden or restaurant terrace requires a robust heating solution. Depending on the level of protection from the elements, it is important to consider the IP ratings of products to ensure safety. To reduce energy costs, you may also wish to consider purchasing an additional controller for greater heat control, or choose a product that already comes with one. To heat large, industrial covered spaces, or garages, the Herschel Advantage IR360 may be the product for you. This heater provides efficient warmth over larger areas, however due to its IP rating is only suitable for indoor use. To heat a large outdoor area, take a look at the Burda Term 2000 infrared heaters, which, with IP ratings up to 67, are ideal for all outdoor applications.
If you require a portable heater for your garage or conservatory, the Burda Smart Tower is an aesthetically pleasing addition to your space. With the additional purchase of a Burda Freestanding Outdoor Heater Tripod, all our Burda products can also become portable. Alternatively, the stylish Herschel Aspect XL2 produces no light, and comes fitted with a protective grill to keep fingers safe – perfect if the product is to be mounted in a public area. With an IPX4 rating, the product is splash proof, making it suitable for sheltered patio areas, as well as indoors.
If you have any queries regarding any of our products, or which one would be most suited to your requirements, do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable sales team!