Spring and autumn are fantastic times of the year to entertain outdoors. Eating and drinking alfresco always feels special. However, spring and autumn in Australia still bring some cold days and evenings. Whether offering dining under a pergola, awning, parasol or retractable canopy there is one particular challenge that all premises face – how to heat outdoor dining spaces effectively. In this article, we’ll show you how to effectively heat your outdoor space warm all season long and keep guests and patrons enjoying till late into the night.

1. Choose an efficient short-wave heater to avoid heat loss.

Gas heaters and most electric heaters produce long (known as ‘Far’) or medium infrared, and they are susceptible to poor performance in windy and exposed positions. A large part of the heat will be lost (between 40% and 60%) while there is air movement.

To reduce heat loss, it is important to choose a more targeted type of infrared heater (like Heliosa alfresco heater) for your outdoor heating. Compared to traditional electric panel heaters and commercial gas heaters, short-wave infrared is more intense than medium and long-wave infrared. It warms people and surfaces first and foremost. The short-wave infrared has 92% radiant efficiency. It is nearer the visible light spectrum so the lamp is visible, but this light only accounts for 6% of the energy emitted.

If a short-wave infrared heater is combined with a parabolic reflector, it will offer a larger heating range than all other similar wattage forms of the radiant heater. Make it the option of choice for outdoor venues and large open spaces.

2. Assess your space and install it with a more efficient layout.

While you plan to install heaters in your outdoors or courtyard, they need to be mounted at the correct height and layout, ensuring the intensity is dissipated correctly to maximize the area heated and minimize hot spots. Most electric radiant heaters will need to be mounted above 2.2m. In the case of the short-wave heater, this can be up to 2.2m – 2.7m.

You also need to check the clearance recommended between the top of the heater and the ceiling. In some cases, the heater’s casing can get very hot, potentially damaging your property if they are too close.

Meanwhile, some heaters will have requirements about the mounting angle. For example, Heliosa short-wave heaters should be mounted at an angle off the wall or ceiling to maximise the heated area. This differs from other infrared panel heaters, which are mounted horizontally to maximise their effect over a smaller area.

3. Choose focusing reflectors to maximize heat and safety

Choosing an efficient heater with a focusing reflector can deliver heat more targeted where it’s needed. For example, Heliosa 66 alfresco heatesr and Helios Seaside infrared heaters come with patented polished aluminium reflectors, which help throw heat away from the lamp in a wedge.  More importantly, the heater casing does not get very hot (between 45°C and 70°C dependent upon the model) and can be safely mounted within 200mm of a ceiling, parasol or awning.

4. Consider IPx5 weatherproof rating.

If you are planning to install the infrared heater in an outdoor space, choosing an efficient heater with an appropriate Ingress Protection (IP)rating is essential. For installing heaters outside under cover, you need a less stringent IP rating like IPx3 or IPx4. While if outside in the open, you should look for IPx5-rated heaters. Our Heliosa short-wave infrared heaters are all IPx5, which allows your heaters to work in any harsh weather conditions, and you can enjoy warmth anytime. The Helios Seaside even can help you work out corrosion problems in seafront alfresco.

5. Choose an energy-efficient and reliable heater supplier – Infrared Australia

At Infrared Australia, we pride ourselves on exploring energy-efficient heating solutions for outdoor areas and ‘impossible to heat’ spaces.

We provide a superior range of Heliosa infrared heaters that are now changing Australia’s outdoor living style. Heliosa heater is an economical alternative to conventional heaters, offering substantial advantages through reduced energy wastage and energy savings. The patented parabolic reflector offers wider coverage than others, covering up to 20㎡ with one 2000W lamp. Our Heliosa range of alfresco heaters will be an excellent option for even the most challenging otherwise impossible to heat situations. It has been installed in thousands of homes, hotels, cafes, restaurants, warehouses, and other large spaces since 1993.

Want to customize a heating layout plan for your space?

Get in touch with us via email at [email protected] or call (08) 7122 1114, and our team will help you to find out the best solutions.

Want to know more about our infrared heater via practical applications?

Please assess our case studies to learn more about Heliosa infrared heater use in stylish homes & hospitality. You can also experience our heater in one of the available locations near you or at the Melbourne Home Innovation Centre.