Glowing near infrared heaters are usually the best choice for outdoor fitting because they give off heat at a higher intensity, counteracting chilly outdoor temperatures more effectively.
Propane and natural gas-fueled patio heaters give off much more heat than electric models. The amount of heat produced by propane and natural gas heaters is around 30,000 to 50,000 Btus per hour, while electric patio heaters give off around 5,200 Btus per hour.
Whether you choose electric or gas, freestanding or mounted, an infrared patio heater is a highly efficient and effective option for outdoor spaces. (Essentially, all patio heaters create infrared heat, and AuthenTEAK carries only infrared patio heaters from leading brands).
Runs on expensive electricity – Infrared panels use electricity, which is currently more expensive than gas (from 1st January 2025 to 31st March, costs will be 24.86p/kWh vs. 6.34p/kWh respectively). While their efficiency can lower energy bills, electricity prices may still impact overall savings.
Depending on its intensity, proximity and the duration of exposure, infrared radiation can be harmful to the eyes as well as to the skin. The eyes generally react much sooner and are much more sensitive than the skin to the effects of IR radiation, which can be harmful from a certain degree of intensity and exposure.
But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible.
What are the disadvantages of infrared light? People who work in industries which expose them to infrared radiation for long periods of time may experience eye damage. The human eye is sensitive to all of the radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum, especially if that radiation is at very high levels of intensity.
To give you the quick answer, the majority of good infrared heating panels are designed with safety and efficiency in mind, allowing them to be left on throughout the day without major safety issues or costing you a small fortune.
High up on the wall or ceiling are the best locations for infrared panels.
Average: 25-60 Watts per Square Foot Calculation: Sq. Ft. of Area x 1 x Desired Temp Rise = Total Watts Required.
The main difference between infrared heating and space heating is that space heaters heat the air within a space, whereas infrared heaters heat objects, surfaces and people directly rather than the air.
What type of heater puts out the most heat? The type of heater that puts out the most heat depends on various factors, but generally, infrared heaters (such as the radiant heaters in this article) are known for emitting a significant amount of heat.
Choose from standing electric patio heaters or units that mount on ceilings, posts, roof lines or under canopies. Outdoor heat lamps offer instant heat with very little warm-up time and are perfect for patios, gazebos, terraces, porches and pergolas.
Infrared patio heaters are the perfect solution to keep you warm. Infrared patio heaters are not like conventional forced air heaters that use fans to blow out hot air to warm a space. Instead, infrared heaters use radiant heat technology to warm people and objects directly, not the air.
So the 1500 watt will usually heat up to 150 square feet.
Lifespan of infrared panels vs traditional heating
When considering heating options, longevity is a crucial factor. Infrared panels are known for their durability and should last around 20 years, but depending on the quality of the panel, this could be anywhere from 10 to 30 years.
Higher Initial Cost: Infrared heaters can be more expensive upfront compared to basic traditional electric heaters. Long-Term Savings: Their energy efficiency and lower running costs can offset the initial investment over time, providing better value in the long run.
We understand why people look at infrared heating—it sounds energy efficient. But in reality, infrared heaters need to stay on longer to maintain warmth, and because they only heat what they directly touch, they often end up using more energy than expected.
Results: Detrimental effects such as thermal burns, photocarcinogenesis, and photoaging have been reported, though evidence suggests that these may be due to the thermal effects produced secondary to IR exposure rather than the isolated effect of IR.
That means it has the potential to burn, and exposure to near infrared has been found to burn the retinas of the eyes. Far-infrared, by contrast, is completely safe. It's known as the 'light of life' – we said earlier that 49% of the light from the sun is infrared.
Infrared panels are suitable for all-day heating.
The gradual build-up of heat ensures a comfortable environment, allowing them to be left on for extended periods without making a room feel stuffy.
Quartz infrared heaters offer very fast heat-up and cool down times. Ceramic heaters, however, require more time to heat circulating air and warm up the room via convection. Quartz heaters can be used to create quieter heating equipment as in most cases air movement from noisy convection blowers is not needed.