How to Heat an Outdoor Room and Stay Toasty Outside
A guide to outdoor heating that will keep more than the marshmallows toasty this winter
There’s no need to live life indoors this winter if you have the right heating outside. Effective and efficient heating will keep your outdoor room warm and comfortable on cold winter days and even cool nights through the rest of the year. Whether you’re entertaining, reading, relaxing or spending time with family and friends, make the most of the Australian lifestyle and keep it outdoors this winter. Here’s a guide to the pros and cons of different outdoor heating options to make the choosing easier.
Radiant heating is most commonly installed as strip heaters on the ceiling of an outdoor room. It can be mounted on a horizontal or inclined surface, recess mounted, or angled to direct heat. Mounting the heater directly overhead provides more coverage than angled mounting.
10 ways to take cover outdoors
10 ways to take cover outdoors
Pros of radiant heating
- Radiant heating is almost instantaneous due to the rapid heat rays, so you don’t have to wait to warm up.
- Even though you’re outdoors, radiant heaters do not reduce humidity or oxygen content in a room, and therefore don’t dry out sinuses and skin.
- Because they provide targeted heat, you can zone the heating so as not to waste energy heating an entire space. Installing more than one heater will increase the zone that receives warmth. As a guide, one 2400W radiant heater will warm approximately five to six square metres.
Cons of radiant heating
- They work best in an enclosed outdoor room with a ceiling.
- They require a power outlet or mounting system.
Fireplaces and Fire Pits
The age-old heating method, fire, has an atmosphere that no other heating system can compete with. Fire transfers heat energy through radiation, convection and conduction, warming surfaces and the air. Because fire provides heat from the side, rather than overhead, only those objects or people closest to the fire are warmed.
Fireplaces and fire pits are two flame-filled heating options for outdoor rooms. A fireplace is a permanent structure or installation, and has a more romantic and cosy ambience. A fire pit is typically freestanding, and feels more outdoorsy and casual.
The age-old heating method, fire, has an atmosphere that no other heating system can compete with. Fire transfers heat energy through radiation, convection and conduction, warming surfaces and the air. Because fire provides heat from the side, rather than overhead, only those objects or people closest to the fire are warmed.
Fireplaces and fire pits are two flame-filled heating options for outdoor rooms. A fireplace is a permanent structure or installation, and has a more romantic and cosy ambience. A fire pit is typically freestanding, and feels more outdoorsy and casual.
Wood, gas or propane can be used to fuel the fire. The flames emitted from a fireplace or fire pit are subject to factors of wind. For more enclosed spaces, there is less risk of flames getting out of control, however, smoke and embers can be an issue in areas with wind. It is also important to be aware of bushfire attack levels if you live in bushfire-prone area.
Browse outdoor areas with fire features
Browse outdoor areas with fire features
Pros of a fireplace
- Atmosphere, ambience, aesthetics.
- Fireplaces can block the wind due to their enclosed structure.
- Fireplaces are a permanent structure. They require a chimney and are typically more expensive than a fire pit.
- Fireplaces require cleaning and maintenance to ensure they are safe and efficient.
Pros of a fire pit
- Fire pits are freestanding and come in a variety of designs to suit outdoor spaces, including table-top and ground-based fire pits.
- They can be placed in the centre of a seating area so people can sit on all sides. And, as they are low, they won’t obstruct views.
- They are typically less expensive than a fireplace.
- A fire pit can be stored away in the warmer months.
- Cons of a fire pit
- Be cautious how close a fire pit is placed in relation to the house, furnishings or objects. Fire pits don’t block the wind, which can cause embers to fly.
- Care is required when young children are about.
Freestanding Gas Heaters
Freestanding gas-powered heaters are a portable option. They can be operated from the main gas supply or with a gas cylinder, and are available in both radiant and convection models. They also come in a variety of designs and styles, including floor and table-top heaters.
Freestanding gas-powered heaters are a portable option. They can be operated from the main gas supply or with a gas cylinder, and are available in both radiant and convection models. They also come in a variety of designs and styles, including floor and table-top heaters.
Pros of freestanding gas heaters
- Gas-powered patio heaters are highly mobile and can therefore be moved where and as needed.
- They have a high heat output that can warm a radius of up to approximately five metres.
- Because they are portable, they can be stored away in warmer months.
Cons of freestanding gas heaters
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- Freestanding gas heaters must be positioned away from ceilings for safety reasons, and make sure there is enough fresh air to circulate.
- If the heater isn’t hooked up to the mains, gas cylinders must be checked regularly, and you need to be sure to turn it off after use.
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Radiant heaters produce gentle, even and comfortable warmth. Using infrared waves, radiant heating directly transfers targeted heat to objects and people in their path. Radiant heating is one of the best options for heating outdoor spaces where there is considerable air movement. The heaters allow for the zoning of heat and can be used to spot heat a dining table or lounge area, so as to not waste heat on unused or lesser-used outdoor areas.