Herschel's Guide to Outdoor Heaters
Helping you choose the right patio heaters for your space
Choosing the right outdoor heater can be a difficult task, especially with so many outdoor heaters available
That’s why we’ve created this handy guide to help you choose the right infrared patio heater and answer some of the most common questions
Colorado Infrared Patio Heater with Remote and Stand
Types of Outdoor Heaters
An outdoor or patio heater uses infrared (also known as radiant) heat to directly warm people within proximity of the heater. These come as electric infrared/patio heaters, gas heaters, or firepits/chimineas.
Herschel’s patio heaters are the most efficient form of electric outdoor heating. The infrared heat output can be directed exactly where it is required; they are totally silent, maintenance-free, have long lifetimes and are the most environmentally friendly form of outdoor heating, especially when powered by a renewable energy source. As the energy grid continues to decarbonise, the environmental credentials will improve further.
Gas heaters are highly inefficient as they consume a high amount of gas for the relative heat output, and are very bad for the environment due to the high CO2 levels. They are also very inconvenient with heavy gas canisters or complex installations.
Fire pits/chimineas are a bit better for the environment and can create a nice atmosphere. However, they are usually very smelly and of course need constant attention, supplies of wood etc and are not practical for most urban areas or anything more than occasional use.
Outdoor Heater Type
How do electric patio heaters work?
Electric infrared patio heaters convert electricity into infrared heat via a heating element or lamp. This heat is transmitted by electromagnetic waves through the air until it reaches an object (they do not heat the air itself).
The objects (and that includes us humans) absorb the electromagnetic waves which has the effect of warming us. It is similar to the heat transfer from the sun, but due to the lower intensity there are no harmful effects such as UV. Infrared is completely safe.
Infrared is a form of light and just like light, it travels in straight lines and reduces over distance. So like a light bulb, the closer you are to it, the more of the infrared heat is absorbed by you and the warmer you feel. The further away, the less of it reaches you and the colder you feel.
In terms of your comfort outdoors, you can compensate for feeling cold by having several heaters, hotter heaters or being closer to the heater. These are the main things you can adjust.
How do I work out how many patio heaters or what size I need?
We give a heated area guide for each patio heater, but this is a guideline only, and the area covered will depend on the ambient temperature, level of wind and mounting height.
As a general rule, any cover (whether temporary or permanent), such as an awning, will help to keep the area warmer and cosier, and the more shelter in terms of walls or wind blocks that exist, the better. Even though you are still absorbing the infrared heat from the heater, a cold wind will prevent you from properly feeling the benefit, just like the effect that a chilly wind has on a sunny day.
Installing more patio heaters in an area is preferable to installing too few because you only turn them on when you need them, and you won’t risk under-heating an area on colder days. People will usually need to be within 2-3m of the infrared heater to feel the warmth from it, so it is important to consider the location of the outdoor heaters to ensure good coverage. We have a range of mounting options from wall to ceiling, hanging, freestanding and under table patio heaters– so a combination may well be the best solution for larger areas.
Herschel has experts on hand to respond to your calls, emails or online chat, so if you are in any doubt, please ask for help.
How much do electric patio heaters cost to run?
The amount of electricity consumed by a patio heater is measured by its wattage (power). So a 1000W (or 1kW) patio heater will consume 1kW of electricity per hour that it is running. The average price of 1 kWh of electricity in the UK is currently about 15 pence. So, a 2000W (2kW) infrared heater will cost 2 x 15p = 30p per hour to run. For outdoor heaters with different heat settings, the usage could be lower than the stated wattage (for example, our 2000W California has a half power setting, so on half power would only consume 1kWh of electricity on this setting).
However, whilst the energy consumption of all patio heaters will be the same as their power (wattage) rating, there are big differences in the efficiency and effectiveness of different makes of patio heaters. Each kW of electricity consumed needs to be properly and efficiently turned into effective infrared heat, or some of it will be wasted heating the air, and heating air outdoors is extremely wasteful as it simply rises and disappears into the atmosphere.
Are patio heaters bad for the environment?
When powered by clean, renewable electricity, we believe that our outdoor heaters provide a sustainable way to allow people to enjoy time outdoors with zero harmful fumes, air pollution or CO2 emissions.
The majority of the components in our patio heaters are metal, and a very high percentage (c.95%) can be recycled at the end of life. They are designed to last, and there are no harmful chemicals used in the production process or in the heaters.
What is the difference between zero light, warm-glow, quartz halogen, shortwave, middlewave and longwave patio heaters?
The level of emitted light, heat and their electromagnetic “wavelength” tends to dictate the different classifications of patio heater types you will come across. They do all make sense, but they can be confusing, so this simple guide to outdoor heating looks to explain in more detail.
Most people’s experience of electric outdoor heaters will be from those outside pubs, restaurants and cafes. The vast majority of these are older style “quartz halogen” type of patio heaters, which are “shortwave”. These heaters can give off a high level of light, which “glares”, making them uncomfortable to be near for any length of time. Thankfully, outdoor heating technology has moved a long way, and we only supply much more comfortable, low-glare types of patio heaters for outdoor use.
Choose the range of heater that best matches your requirements, the location and how you expect to be using them
How easy are Herschel patio heaters to install?
All of our patio heaters can be run from a standard domestic mains supply. Any competent electrician can install them and run the necessary wiring for outdoor installation, using appropriate IP rated electrical fixings. The Florida, Malibu and Havana come with a plug and require no electrical installation.
How do I control patio heaters?
Many of our infrared heaters come with remote control options and have on/off switches on the heater. Alternative control options are available.
Do I need a cover for my patio heater?
The straight answer is, no. All our outdoor heater have an IP rating which describes exactly how resistant they are to the weather and water ingress. Our outdoor heaters have IP ratings as good as IP65 and none with a lower rating than IP44. This means that all out outdoor heaters can be left outdoors, year-round without the need for a cover or any additional weather protection.
Miami Black Infrared Patio Heater and Stand
What IP rating of a patio heater makes it suitable for outdoor use?
An IP rating consists of two digits which show the ‘ingress protection’ rating for an electronic item, and the exposure it is protected against for solid objects and water. For outdoor heaters, it is the second digit that is important as this relates to the protection provided against harmful ingress of water.
We have a range of outdoor heaters and their IP ratings range between IP44/IPX4 and IP65. Protection level 4 (second digit) provides protection against splashing water from all directions. Protection level 5 (second digit) provides protection against water jets from any direction. IP44 is generally recognised as being sufficient for most applications outdoors with all year round outdoor use. IP65 is suitable for exposed outdoor use, in all weathers.
Miami Infrared Patio Heater
Why are Herschel heaters more expensive than some others?
A good outdoor heater should:
- Provide a comfortable level of heat without glare
- Be efficient and effective when running with a high proportion of Infrared output
- Be safe to use
- Enhance the look of your property
- Last for many years.
Patio heaters at the cheaper end of the market are made from low-grade materials and components, cheaply made heating lamps and are often far less efficient at projecting out usable infrared, with heat wasted by convection from the unit. A patio heater has to withstand all sorts of weather conditions, and if the components rust, the heater will not last long.
Built to Last
All Herschel patio heaters are built with longevity in mind. None of the components, including fixings, can rust, and they have high IP ratings. Where appropriate, we use mirror reflectors or special infrared-emitting coatings to ensure that the heater is efficient. They are tested at least to UK and international safety standards by independent testing labs and are all commercial grade heaters. Our lamps are very long-lasting and made from premium materials. All paintwork and coatings are fully tested against fading, discolouring or flaking.
We believe that Herschel infrared patio heaters represent the best value and best performing outdoor heaters on the market.
Where our heaters are used around the world
Benelux
Colorado warm glow heaters used to heat outdoor seating area at a café in Holland.
Mexico
Colorado warm glow heaters provide heat for diners at “La Popular” bar and restaurant in Mexico City.
UK
Manhattan heaters provide warmth at Mommi, an outdoor bar and restaurant in South West London.
Customer Testimonials
Our outside area is transformed
“After extensive research into outdoor heaters, we decided to purchase the Herschel heaters. We have been an existing customer of their indoor heaters for the last few years. We couldn’t be more delighted. The heaters in design are cool and contemporary, there was simply nothing to compare to the design in the marketplace.
More importantly, wow, the heat they give! Our outside area is transformed, and we can use it even on a cold evening! We are property developers, and these heaters have resulted in creating the most cost-effective outdoor extension! The customer service from Herschel, as always, is first class.
We opted for the matte black option, but the Rose gold heaters looked very impressive too. Highly recommend this product”
Fantastic difference to my clientele in their warmth and enjoyment outdoors
“Thanks for the heaters. They look and feel extremely cosy and have made a fantastic difference to my clientele in their warmth and enjoyment outdoors. I have no hesitation in recommending these low glare, powerful Herschel heaters and have already purchased for a second site”.
A perfect combination of heat distribution and stylish looks
“The pub invested heavily in our Burleigh’s Gin Terrace, which we wanted to make an all-year-round space. Key to enabling that was the installation of the Manhattan heaters, which we chose as a perfect combination of heat distribution and stylish looks. They work brilliantly, and the space has become the most popular area in the pub. All the team at Herschel-Infrared were friendly, super helpful and very efficient. We at The Lancaster Arms are happy to recommend both the heaters and the team at Herschel.”
Definitely made our outdoor spaces more comfortable for clients
“We’ve installed Herschel Manhattan and Miami infrared heaters at two of our venues, MOMMI restaurant in Clapham and The Rose & Crown Bar in Goldalming, respectively. Very happy to recommend both the heaters and Herschel. Great service, fast efficient delivery, responsive team with great technical understanding of their products and advice on our specific installation requirements. Definitely made our outdoor spaces more comfortable for clients”.
We set out to create outdoor spaces that have a real wow factor and the Herschel team really stepped up to help with this.
“We set out to create outdoor spaces that have a real wow factor and the Herschel team really stepped up to help with this. We have used a combination of Manhattan heaters and Miami heaters to achieve all-around heat in stretch tents. Not only do the heaters look great, but they give off a captivating warming glow, which has made our spaces feel cosy and inviting.”
The Herschel heaters have proved invaluable for enabling our students to meet together outside even in the coldest weather
“The Herschel heaters have proved invaluable for enabling our students to meet together outside even in the coldest weather. They look extremely attractive in their specially designed fixings and have added to the overall aesthetics. Thanks also to the friendly Herschel staff who provided excellent guidance to help us make our plans work effectively”.
With the unpredictable Welsh weather the heaters are working as a lifesaver for outside seating
“Our garden in Gin and Bake seats 12 tables of 6. Penarth roof top has 22 tables outside split between a roof and front terrace. With the unpredictable Welsh weather, the heaters are working as a lifesaver for outside seating. The sun goes down around 5:30/5:45pm at Penarth seafront so people can now stay for the evening in the warm rather than want to go and sit inside. They can enjoy the sea view”.
[We] can’t believe the feel of heat you get from such a small heater
“We purchased four for our home and everyone loves them, please see pictures. They were easy to install and the whole family is really impressed with them. [We] can’t believe the feel of heat you get from such a small heater. I will be recommending these in the future”.
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