As homeowners and business owners strive to create comfortable outdoor spaces, finding the right heating solution becomes critical, especially when the weather gets cooler. Two of the most popular options for heating outdoor spaces are infrared patio heaters and gas patio heaters. While both have their advantages, they differ significantly when it comes to energy consumption, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. This blog will explore these differences, helping you decide which option is better suited for your needs.
How Infrared Patio Heaters Work
Infrared patio heaters operate by emitting radiant heat, which warms up objects and people directly, rather than the surrounding air. This process is akin to how the sun heats the earth—by sending out infrared radiation. The heat is absorbed by the objects and people within the heater's range, creating an immediate sensation of warmth.
Energy Efficiency of Infrared Patio Heaters
One of the standout features of infrared patio heaters is their energy efficiency. They don’t lose heat to the air, making them a more effective choice for outdoor areas, where winds and open spaces can dissipate heat quickly. Infrared heaters typically run on electricity and come with wattage options ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 watts. Based on electricity rates, this translates to an operating cost of roughly $0.20 to $0.60 per hour, depending on the heater’s power and your local energy rates.
The ability of infrared heaters to deliver instant heat without wasting energy on heating air makes them ideal for patios, especially in environments where wind or outdoor elements could undermine the effectiveness of traditional heaters.
How Gas Patio Heaters Work
Gas patio heaters, commonly powered by propane or natural gas, work by heating the air around them. These heaters often feature large burners that emit heat in a wide radius. Because they heat the air rather than directly warming people or objects, gas heaters can cover larger spaces, making them a good option for big, open patios.
Energy Consumption of Gas Patio Heaters
While gas patio heaters can offer broader heat coverage, their efficiency tends to be lower compared to infrared heaters. Propane heaters typically consume about 1 gallon of propane every 3 to 4 hours, translating to $3 to $5 per hour in fuel costs. Natural gas heaters are slightly less expensive to run, costing about $1.50 to $2 per hour, depending on the local gas prices. However, due to the heat loss to the air, gas heaters often need to work harder to provide the same level of comfort as infrared patio heaters.
Additionally, gas heaters can be less efficient in windy conditions, where much of the warm air can be blown away before it can heat the area effectively.
Initial Costs: Infrared vs. Gas Heaters
Purchase Price
When it comes to upfront costs, infrared patio heaters are generally priced higher than gas heaters. High-quality infrared patio heaters can cost anywhere between $300 and $700 depending on the brand, size, and output. In contrast, propane gas heaters are usually more affordable, with prices ranging from $100 to $400, although premium models can exceed this range.
Installation Costs
The installation costs for infrared heaters can also be higher, especially if the heater needs to be hardwired into your electrical system by a professional. Some infrared patio heaters come with plug-in designs, but these are typically less powerful. In contrast, gas heaters may require a gas line to be installed, which can also add to the cost if you’re opting for a natural gas-powered model. Propane heaters, however, are relatively easy to set up, requiring only a propane tank.
Maintenance Costs
In terms of maintenance, infrared patio heaters require minimal upkeep since there are no fuel tanks to refill or burners to clean. On the other hand, gas heaters, especially propane models, require regular refilling of propane tanks, as well as occasional checks on gas lines and connections for safety. This can add to the long-term operational cost of gas heaters.
Operational Costs: A Closer Look
Electricity Costs for Infrared Patio Heaters
A key benefit of infrared patio heaters is their low operational cost. Most models use about 1.5 to 3 kilowatts of power, with the average cost per kilowatt-hour being around $0.13 in the U.S. This means that even at the highest setting, an infrared heater could cost as little as $0.40 per hour to operate, making it an economical choice in the long run.
Gas Costs for Patio Heaters
For gas heaters, the cost of fuel adds up over time. A propane patio heater that burns 1 gallon of propane every 3 hours can quickly become expensive if used frequently. Propane typically costs around $3 to $5 per gallon, meaning that operating a gas heater for an evening could cost $10 to $20. Natural gas models are slightly more affordable to operate, but the long-term operational costs of gas heaters are still higher than those of infrared patio heaters.
Environmental Impact: Infrared vs. Gas Heaters
Infrared Heaters' Green Credentials
From an environmental perspective, infrared patio heaters are the clear winner. Since they run on electricity, especially if sourced from renewable energy, their carbon footprint is minimal. Infrared heaters also don’t produce emissions like gas heaters, making them a more eco-friendly choice for homeowners who are mindful of their environmental impact.
Gas Heaters and Carbon Emissions
Gas heaters, particularly propane models, produce carbon dioxide and other emissions as they burn fuel. While natural gas is a cleaner-burning fossil fuel, it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, switching to infrared patio heaters is a more sustainable option.
Heat Distribution and Comfort Levels
Direct and Instant Heat with Infrared Heaters
One of the biggest advantages of infrared patio heaters is their ability to provide instant and direct heat. Because they warm up objects and people directly rather than the surrounding air, the warmth is felt almost immediately. This makes infrared heaters a great choice for small or medium-sized patios where guests are sitting close to the heater.
Wider Coverage with Gas Heaters
While infrared patio heaters offer targeted warmth, gas heaters can provide a broader range of heat. This makes gas heaters ideal for larger outdoor spaces or commercial settings, such as restaurants, where many people are spread out. However, in windy conditions, much of the heat generated by gas heaters can be lost, making them less efficient.
Safety Considerations
Infrared Heater Safety Features
Infrared heaters are generally considered safer due to their enclosed heating elements and lower surface temperatures. Many models come equipped with safety features like tip-over protection and automatic shutoff systems in case of overheating, reducing the risk of accidents.
Gas Heater Risks
Gas heaters, on the other hand, come with a higher level of risk due to the open flame and the potential for gas leaks. Propane tanks and gas lines require regular checks to ensure they are safe to use, and gas heaters should never be used in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
Final Thoughts: Infrared vs. Gas Patio Heaters
When it comes to heating your outdoor space efficiently, infrared patio heaters offer a clear advantage in terms of energy consumption, long-term savings, and environmental impact. While gas heaters may be better suited for large, open areas, the low operational costs, instant heat, and sustainability of infrared heaters make them the smarter choice for most homeowners.
If you’re ready to make your patio a cozy, year-round space, explore our collection of high-quality infrared patio heaters that offer both style and efficiency for any outdoor setting.