3 Tricks To Ensure Proper Outdoor Heater Placement

As the popularity of outdoor heaters continues to rise among homeowners and businesses alike, it's becoming increasingly important for business owners to understand how to properly place these heaters to ensure maximum guest comfort. Whether you're investing in high-end brands like AEI’s Patio Comfort and Sunglo natural gas heaters or the efficient Infratech and Sunpak electric heaters, the positioning of these units can significantly impact customer satisfaction. Placing heaters too close together can overwhelm guests, while spacing them too far apart creates cold spots that detract from the overall experience. Getting this balance right is crucial for maintaining a pleasant atmosphere.

Types of Outdoor Heaters

The type of heater you choose will influence the best placement strategy. There are primarily two shapes to consider: mushroom heaters and box heaters. Mushroom heaters, with their iconic round heating plates, are the most common. Box heaters, on the other hand, feature rectangular designs with embedded cylindrical heating rods, like the Infratech and Sunpak models.

Both types rely on natural gas, propane, or electricity to power their heating elements, emitting safe infrared rays to warm outdoor spaces. Mushroom heaters, such as the Sunglo and Patio Comfort models, distribute heat in a circular pattern, covering a wider area effectively. This makes them ideal for both residential and commercial settings. Box heaters, however, offer more targeted heating due to their design, making them especially useful in enclosed areas. Here are three key tips to optimize your outdoor heater setup.

1: Position Heaters at the Right Distance from Guests

No matter if you opt for mushroom heaters or rectangular models, the first step is determining the appropriate distance from your guests. Ceiling-mounted Infratech heaters, for instance, can emit radiant heat up to 14 feet, depending on environmental conditions. In a closed space, they might be installed further back than in open-air environments. Business owners need to take into account ceiling height and seating arrangements when deciding placement. Mushroom heaters, with their fixed height and circular heat dispersion (typically 12 to 20 feet in diameter), cover about 100 to 300 square feet. Overlapping heat sources slightly can help maintain consistent warmth throughout the area.

2: Space Heaters Appropriately

Consistency is key when it comes to keeping guests comfortable. While it’s important to keep guests warm, ensuring even heat distribution is equally vital. Uneven temperatures can leave guests feeling uncomfortable. To maximize satisfaction, calculate the minimum heat coverage required for your outdoor space and ensure you have enough heaters to cover the area effectively. While you don’t need to run heaters at full capacity all the time, they won’t be able to extend their heat range beyond their limits during colder weather. Allowing heaters to overlap slightly ensures that peripheral areas remain just as cozy as those closer to the source. Factors such as insulation levels and exposure to the elements play a role in how closely heaters should be spaced. The more open the space, the closer heaters will need to be placed.

3: Use the Heater's Dispersion Angle Effectively

Manipulating the angle of your heaters can enhance their performance. Safety-wise, mushroom heaters should never be tilted unless they are completely turned off and cooled down. If tilting is necessary for moving them, do so carefully. Fixed infrared heaters, however, can be mounted at various angles to target specific areas. Even ceiling-mounted heaters can be adjusted to direct heat towards colder spots. This flexibility allows business owners to fine-tune their heating strategy.

Aim to install heaters in the direction of prevailing cold air flows. While this isn’t always feasible, doing so reduces the workload on the heaters and improves efficiency. Tailor your approach to fit your unique outdoor space. Outdoor heaters are a great way to boost customer satisfaction and retention, as well as attract new patrons. Planning for consistent warmth is essential, along with investing in quality commercial heaters like those from AEI’s Sunglo, Sunpak, Infratech, and Patio Comfort lines.