Outdoor Heaters
Outdoor heaters are infrared radiant heaters used for spot heating in outdoor areas, such as patios, and for snow and ice melting. Outdoor heaters use infrared heat because it is not affected by wind, heating objects instead of the air around them. An infrared heater starts by heating the floor, objects, and people and then radiates heat into the air, keeping the area warm without wasting energy. Outdoor heaters are often used on patios, decks, golf courses, loading docks or for restaurants, cafes, or bistros.
Electric outdoor heaters may be mounted to a wall or an overhang to heat an outdoor area near a building. Natural gas or propane heaters may be freestanding units that do not need any outside power supply. These outdoor heaters can be classified as standing outdoor heaters or tabletop outdoor heaters and resemble lampposts and table lamps in appearance. Most outdoor heaters have temperature controls, are portable, and have a safety switch to turn off the heater if it gets tipped over or becomes too hot.
Most types of infrared heaters can be used outdoors, provided they are shielded from rain, but quartz lamp heaters are most often used because they are able to reach higher temperatures. They are also less susceptible to heat loss from wind.