Outdoor Patio Heaters for Fickle Spring Weather

Spring is a beautiful time of year. During this time, restaurants usually see an increase in the number of patrons who want to dine and socialize on an establishment’s patio. As lovely as spring is, though, sometimes its weather can be fickle — morning chills are followed by bright sunny afternoons, only to return to some pretty frosty evenings. This can present quite a few challenges for restaurant owners and staff as they try to create — then maintain — a comfortable outdoor environment for their guests. Installing an outdoor heater can help counteract the temperature changes that accompany springtime, at least on a small scale.

Indoor Versus Outdoor Heaters

Chances are, someone you know has a small indoor heater, something like a space heater. It can be tempting to use this device outside, but you really shouldn't. Generally, indoor heaters are much smaller and put out much less heat than their outdoor equivalents. It's better in the long run to invest in a good outdoor model. By that same train of thought, it can be tempting to bring your outdoor heaters inside. That's definitely not a good idea. Outdoor patio heaters are often large and put out quite a bit of heat, making them much too big and hot for any indoor space. There's a high risk of starting a fire if these appliances are used inside a building. Additionally, outdoor heaters have different emissions than those made for indoor use. Because outdoor heaters are intended to be used in areas with unrestricted ventilation, they can release more of the suffocating gases that result from producing heat, mainly carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide — dangerous fumes that you never want inside your restaurant.

What Makes a Patio Heater?

Patio heaters come in a range of sizes, shapes and colors. They're typically either very tall stand-alone units, table-top units or wall-mounted units. The goal of a patio heater is to warm a specific area to a constant temperature. Unlike a space heater, outdoor heaters do not contain a fan to distribute the heat. Instead, they use radiant heat. The heat you feel from the sun and those green images in night-vision goggles are both examples of radiant heat. Because the radiant heat from a patio heater heats whatever is in its direct path, it must be centered in the area where it will be used. Full-sized tall patio heaters, as well as most table-top units, are open and heat in all directions. The total distance the heat will cover depends on the make and model you purchase, but manufacturers usually build within a range from 3 feet to 10 feet. Other units are designed to heat in a specific direction. These are usually installed as wall-mount or ceiling-mount units. Outdoor patio heaters come equipped with a variety of safety and convenience functions. Most are heavy enough that they won’t fall over if accidentally bumped. Many have an automatic shut-off for the unlikely event that they do tip over. They can also be equipped with screens to keep people from touching hot parts. Turning them on and off is quick and easy, so your heater won’t become a daily distraction. None should require that you ignite the burner manually.

How Outdoor Heaters are Powered

Outdoor heaters are generally fueled by one of three sources: natural gas, propane or electricity.

Natural gas

Natural gas heaters need to be professionally installed, but there is little need to worry about constant refilling. These produce a lot of instant heat and tend to be quiet. And while they come in many designs, it's worth noting that they can't be moved after installation because they're tied to a fixed gas line. Natural gas is a good option if you have no plans to redesign your space.

Propane

Propane heaters don't require professional installation and can be set up just about anywhere. You do need to consider, though, where and how you will conceal the fuel tank. These can produce a large amount of heat in a short time, but larger models may also consume large amounts of fuel. These are a good choice for medium-to-large open spaces that you want to heat quickly.

Electric

Electric heaters may or may not need professional installation, depending on the model you choose. Some can just be plugged into a wall outlet or extension cord. These heaters produce no emissions and are energy-efficient. Electric heaters are good for small enclosed spaces where it wouldn't be safe to use the other fuel sources due to limited ventilation. An outdoor patio heater makes it easy to deal with spring's temperamental weather changes. Whether you're looking to heat a huge patio or an intimate dining area, there are several options in your budget and your style.