Incorporate Patio Heaters into Your Patio Design

Is a gas or electric patio heater better for my outdoor space? Uncover the benefits and drawbacks of each of these patio heating options, including performance, efficiency, affordability, and ease of integration into your residential pergola design. Whether you choose gas or electric, patio heaters allow you to enjoy your patio or deck into the winter months, blending seamlessly into your outdoor living space design.

Gas Patio Heaters

Gas patio heaters are ideal for use with StruXure louvered pergolas. Open on all four sides, StruXure pergolas offer ample ventilation, with no risks of carbon monoxide issues.

• Gas patio heater performance
  Natural gas (NG) and liquid propane (LP) offer similar heat outputs, producing heat the same way a fire does, by convection (warming the air) and radiation (transferring heat directly to people/objects).
• Efficiency of gas patio heaters
  Gas heaters can really pump out heat, however, convection heat is less efficient than radiant heat, escaping quickly on open patios and decks.
• Installing natural gas vs. liquid propane patio heaters
  The choice between NG and LP is determined by what is available in your area. What are the differences between the two?
• Affordability of gas patio heaters
  Gas heaters cost less to purchase than electric heaters, with installation costs varying depending on LP (which typically costs less than electric heaters to install) or NG (which costs more).
• Gas patio heater maintenance
  Gas heaters should be covered when not in use and kept free of blockages (leaves, insects), which can impact operation. Gas heaters also require annual service from a pro to check for performance and carbon monoxide leaks.

Electric Patio Heaters

Electric patio heaters such as those by Infratech Comfort are favored for use with StruXure residential pergolas. They come in many shapes, sizes, and capacities, offering control by remote, mobile app, switches, or timers.

• Electric patio heater performance
  Outdoor electric heaters instantly give off infrared radiant heat, warming objects directly, much like the sun, without heating the surrounding air.
• Efficiency of electric patio heaters
  Electric heat is a more efficient way of producing heat than combustion, converting 100% of energy consumed into usable heat. Electric heaters are also better at warming enclosed spaces. Unlike convection heat, which dissipates, radiant, directional heat from electric heaters delivers superior performance and efficiency in open outdoor spaces.
• Installing electric patio heaters
  Electric heaters can be seamlessly integrated into your pergola design or mounted on a nearby wall. However, they require professional installation to guard against electrocution and fire risks in the outdoor environment.
• Affordability of electric patio heaters
  Electric patio heaters cost slightly more than LP heaters but less than NG heaters.
• Electric patio heater maintenance
  No professional maintenance is necessary with an electric heater, simply keep it clean.

Feeling the chill? Learn more about ways to warm up your outdoor space, from retractable screens and curtains to the latest patio heater designs. Contact StruXure of the Rockies today.