Gardening and Winter aren't supposed to mix. When you think of the Winter months, you're undoubtedly thinking about staying warm and toasty indoors, maybe curled up in front of a nice big fire with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. There are plenty of reasons to think that way. The weather is much colder, there's snow and rain... It can sometimes feel like all of that hard work that you spend on your garden during the Summer is wasted in the Winter. Let's be completely honest; when you think of Christmas time, snow and darker nights, the furthest thing from your mind is going out in the garden.
But what if this was an old fashioned way of thinking?
As technology advances, it also becomes stronger. Sturdier. Able to handle adverse weather conditions like snow, sleet and rain. In this article, we're going to be taking a look at the revolutionary rise of outdoor heaters. Questioning why they're so popular, what do they cost to run and- eventually- is an outdoor heater right for your home?
Why are outdoor heaters so popular?
Why would someone want to own an outdoor patio heater? Well, the answer might be a bit obvious, but let's not start putting words into anyone's mouths. The primary reason why someone would choose a patio heater is to keep warm whilst outside during cold weather. Seems, fairly straight forward. But there are much more valid and nuanced reasons entirely.
When the Winter sets in, the grass is covered in a film of frost and there's a sharp chill on the air. Needless to say, gardens aren't exactly "in fashion" during the Winter months. But, in reality- we're losing a large part of our home as just a "casualty of the weather." When we think of our homes, we actually don't tend to naturally think of our garden space. However, for those who enjoy the fresh air (even when it's cold) losing out on garden space can be upsetting or even wasteful. Which is why patio heaters, garden heaters and general outdoor heaters are becoming a lot more popular additions to UK homes.
Are patio heaters energy efficient?
Believe it or not, patio heaters are almost always designed to be as energy efficient as possible. Through efficient technologies like infrared heating and variable heat settings and timers, patio heaters are usually incredibly energy efficient- helping you to reduce your energy bills. At Senelux, we always like to take a look at costs to run. Also known as the "hidden costs," taking a look at how much a patio heater costs to run is essential for understanding the increasing popularity of outdoor heaters.
Before we dive into the numbers, let's go over the different types of patio heater that you're likely to come across in the UK. Firstly, we have gas patio heaters. These are the most common and, depending on when your outdoor area was built, may be what you currently have access to. Gas patio heaters provide a good amount of warmth by warming in a direct radius. Gas patio heaters typically cost around £3 per hour to run. This may seem like a lot, however that's nothing compared to traditional propane patio heaters. These propane heaters last for around 10 hours and cost around £45 to replace. This comes out to an average of £4.50 to run a propane patio heater for just one hour.
So far, so expensive. But what are the options available for those who want to keep running costs low? Thankfully, that's relatively straight forward.
Infrared patio heaters
Infrared technology allows for more focused heating, a broader range of heat and reduced energy bills. Again- it all comes down to superior technology. Whilst gas and propane heaters are certainly more traditional, there's simply no denying that technological advancements yield greater results whilst keeping costs minimal. And infrared patio heaters make cost-cutting, highly efficient outdoor heating a reality for all.
But how is this possible?
Compared to gas patio heaters (£3 per hour) and propane heaters (£4.50 per hour,) the average infrared heater costs just 36p per hour to run. Obviously, this does depend on the model of heater that you're looking at- but the general rule for infrared patio heaters is that they consume 18p per kW per hour. As most infrared patio heaters consume 2kW per hour, this gives us our 36p per hour figure.
This is a huge difference over more old fashioned heaters but there are other advantages to be had with an infrared heater. Heating the air, propane and gas patio heaters have heating radiuses that need to be taken into account. In other words, the amount of heat that you will get out of a gas or propane heater depends on how close you are to the heating source. Infrared heaters work on a zoning basis. With an infrared heater, you'll see an orange, glowing light and (more often than not) silvery components around it. This acts as a way to project heat outwards in an opening arc. Whilst this may seem like a difference more than an advantage, with a bit of planning, infrared heaters can project heat further and with a greater amount of precision. In short- instead of heating particulates in the air, infrared heating specifically targets objects and people and provides dedicated warmth rather than general warmth.
Brand new heaters to look out for
For the more astute reader, you may have noticed that we're quite big fans of infrared heaters. But despite this, it can be quite difficult to get them in the UK. Granted, as they become more popular, more and more types of infrared heater are being developed for the British market.
And nothing personifies this more than the latest range of infrared patio heaters available at Senelux. Using the same easy-to-use and lightweight design with different assembly methods, we're proud to introduce the latest tripod mounted patio heater, free standing patio heater and wall mounted patio heater. Energy efficient, robust and ideal for any UK garden, these patio heaters are more than able to stand up to every type of weather that can be thrown at them.
Each heater is outfitted with IP65 protection meaning that the internal components of each heater is more than able to withstand rain, dust and even light snow fall. This means that, not only can these heaters provide exceptional levels of heating at reduced energy costs, but you won't have to be carting these heaters in and out of the house every time you want to enjoy your garden space this winter. Great for gardeners who won't be deterred by the frost, these heaters are light enough to be easily moved around the garden and use various overheat and tip over safety functions that prevent any unnecessary damage to your garden space.
Make the most out of your home this Winter
Whether you're an avid gardener or simply want to start enjoying your outdoor spaces during the Winter months, there's no longer a reason to associate your garden as a "no-go-zone" during the colder weather. Instead of cowering away from the frost and chill, with a patio heater by your side, you can conquer the elements and start enjoying the entirety of your home on your terms yet again. When you choose a Senelux patio heater, you're choosing cutting edge technology that does far more than simply keep you warm outside. Our range of infrared patio heaters are able to withstand all kinds of adverse weather conditions and are built from sturdy metals whilst also keeping a lightweight, slimline design.
Currently, our three new patio heaters are available for pre-order. Please note that they will be dispatched in mid-December.
