Outdoor Heating Solutions for Your Venue or Home

February 23, 2023

With the weather getting cooler, outdoor heating is at the top of mind, especially for many businesses and venue owners. Investing in outdoor heating solutions can increase the usability of outdoor spaces, which in turn enables venues to extend their outdoor dining and entertainment options. Even in the cold winter months.

In this blog, we will explore the different types of outdoor heaters available. As well as how to choose the right outdoor heating solution for your needs.

The different types of outdoor heaters

There are various types of outdoor heaters available. These can include:

• Freestanding and
• Wall-mounted heaters
• Radiant tube heating.

Freestanding Heaters

Freestanding heaters are versatile and portable, allowing them to be moved around easily. They are also efficient enough to heat a large area which makes them an ideal option for commercial venues.

These come in a range of sizes and shapes, from tall mushroom-like designs to smaller, tabletop options. You may have seen the portable freestanding units in the alfresco area of your local restaurants, clubs or pubs. They are usually powered by gas and provide portability and ease of use. Freestanding heaters are also easy to move around, making them ideal for outdoor events or for venues that need to rearrange their outdoor seating regularly.

Wall-Mounted Heaters

Wall-mounted heaters are great for homes or smaller outdoor spaces. They are fixed to the wall and don’t require packing away, making them a great space-saving option.

These heaters are a more permanent heating solution that is fixed to an exterior wall. They come in a variety of options including electric or gas. Wall-mounted heaters provide a more discreet and safer heating option. Compared to the freestanding heaters, they easily blend into the surrounding decor and don’t take up valuable floor space.

Radiant Tube Heating

Radiant tube heating is a popular choice for commercial venues. It is a more efficient and effective way of heating large outdoor areas, with a large number of people. This type of heating is usually suspended from the ceiling and emits infrared heat. They are usually powered by gas or electricity. Radiant tube heating also has a higher heat output than freestanding or wall-mounted heaters.

How to choose the right outdoor heater

Choosing the right outdoor heater depends on several factors. These can include:

• Size of the outdoor space
• Number of people around
• Budget

For commercial venues, investing in a heating solution needs to be cost-effective. It also needs to be able to heat a large area efficiently. For homes, it’s important to choose a heater that can fit into the space. Most homeowners want something that is not too invasive and doesn’t take up too much space.

Size of the outdoor space

The size of the outdoor space that requires heating is a factor. When choosing an outdoor heating solution, freestanding heaters are generally a better option, especially for medium to large spaces. Whereas wall-mounted heaters are better for smaller spaces. As they take up less room and allow you to maximise the smaller area. For larger areas, radiant tube heating is generally the best option. It allows the outdoor area to be heated efficiently and cost-effectively.

Number of people using the space

The number of people that will be using the outdoor space is an important factor to consider. If the space is a high-traffic area, then you will need a higher heat output. Ensuring you have enough floor space for people to move around comfortably is essential. This means if you have a large number of people and a smaller space, wall-mounted heating is probably the most space-saving option.

Budget

The biggest factor when considering an outdoor heating option is budget. Freestanding heaters are generally the most affordable option, whereas radiant tube heating is on the higher end of the scale. Wall-mounted heaters fall somewhere in between when it comes to cost.

When deciding on an outdoor heating solution, it’s important to not only consider the initial cost of the heater but also consider the ongoing maintenance and fuel costs. The cheaper outlay can, in some cases, be the more expensive option long-term. Whereas a higher initial outlay can be cheaper in ongoing running costs.

Investing in outdoor heating solutions can increase the usability of outdoor spaces. This can mean an increase in revenue opportunities for commercial venues. It’s important to get advice from a heating expert. One who can assess the size of the space you need to heat and the number of people using the space. They will be able to provide you with advice on the best heating options that suit your budget. As well as the ongoing maintenance and running costs involved.

With winter only a few weeks away, now is the perfect time to invest in outdoor heating. Norwest Gas offers a range of outdoor heating solutions for your restaurant, club, pub or home.  Including freestanding heaters, wall-mounted heaters and radiant tube heating.

Contact Norwest Gas today on 1300 499 169 or contact us here to discuss your outdoor heating needs and to find the perfect solution for your space.