Patio heater on a balcony: what's allowed and what's not?

A balcony is a great place to sit outside, but it can quickly get chilly. Especially in the evening, in spring or in autumn. A patio heater can then be a good solution. However, balcony heating requires a little more attention than heating on a large terrace or under a spacious canopy.

On a balcony, you often have less space, you are closer to walls or balustrades, and you need to consider safety, power connection, and neighbours. In this blog, we explain what to look out for when choosing a patio heater for your balcony.

Can a patio heater be used on a balcony?

Yes, a patio heater can be used on a balcony, as long as you choose a suitable model and install the heater safely. Electric patio heaters are particularly popular for balconies. They provide heat quickly, are easy to switch on and off, and take up little space when mounted on a wall.

A gas heater is usually less practical on a balcony. Gas cylinders take up space, pose more risk if used incorrectly, and are often not ideal in smaller or semi-enclosed outdoor spaces.

For a balcony, an electric infrared patio heater is therefore usually the best choice.

Why electric is often better than gas on a balcony

On a balcony, you want targeted heating. You usually sit in one fixed spot, for example, at a small table or on a compact lounge set. An electric infrared heater directly heats people and objects in its radiation direction.

This has several advantages:

• no gas cylinder needed;
• no open flame;
• heat quickly noticeable;
• compact to install;
• suitable for wall mounting;
• easy to switch on and off;
• often controllable with a remote control or app.

For small outdoor spaces, electric is often safer, more practical, and more comfortable.

What power do you need on a balcony?

For a balcony, you usually don't need an extremely powerful patio heater. Because the space is small, you are often relatively close to the heater. A model between 1500W and 2000W is sufficient for many balconies.

If your balcony is larger or very open, 2500W might be more suitable. Especially in windy conditions or at a higher mounting position, extra power can be pleasant.

As a guideline, you can use the following:

Don't automatically choose the heaviest model. On a small balcony, an overly powerful heater can be too intense. A model with multiple heat settings is therefore useful.

Wall-mounted model: often the best choice for a balcony

A wall-mounted model is the most logical solution for many balconies. You hang the patio heater on the wall, so you don't lose any floor space. This is especially useful on a small balcony.

A wall-mounted model works well for:

• narrow balconies;
• apartments;
• fixed seating areas;
• small tables;
• balcony lounge sets;
• sheltered exterior walls.

Make sure the wall is strong enough and that you can direct the heater properly to the spot where you are sitting. The heat should not radiate over you or be directed at an empty wall.

Standing patio heater on a balcony

A standing patio heater is also an option, but less ideal on small balconies. It takes up floor space and can get in the way. You also need to make sure it stands stably and cannot tip over.

A standing model can be useful if you:

• are not allowed to drill into the wall;
• want to be able to move the heater;
• have a larger balcony or roof terrace;
• do not have a fixed mounting spot.

Only use a standing heater on a flat, stable surface. Do not place it too close to furniture, curtains, plants, or the balustrade.

Hanging patio heater on a balcony

A hanging model can be pleasant if your balcony has a sturdy ceiling or canopy. You then heat from above, for example, above a small table or seating area.

However, a hanging model is not suitable for every balcony. You need sufficient height and a secure attachment. Do not hang the heater too low, as it can get in the way or feel too intense.

When choosing a hanging model, pay attention to:

• sufficient ceiling height;
• sturdy attachment;
• distance to head height;
• distance to ceiling and furniture;
• safe cable routing;
• suitable IP rating for outdoor use.

When in doubt, a wall-mounted model is often easier and safer to install.

Pay attention to the IP rating

A balcony is an outdoor space. Rain, moisture, and wind can affect your patio heater. Therefore, the IP rating is important.

The IP rating indicates how well an electrical appliance is protected against dust and moisture. For outdoor use, IP44 is usually the minimum. For an open or semi-open balcony, IP65 is often a better choice.

Choose IP44 especially for:

• a well-sheltered balcony;
• a covered balcony;
• a place where no direct rain falls.

Choose IP65 especially for:

• open balconies;
• balconies where rain blows in;
• long-term outdoor use;
• places with a lot of moisture or wind.

Not only the heater itself must be suitable for outdoor use, but also the power connection.

Power connection on the balcony

An electric patio heater needs a safe power connection. Preferably use a suitable outdoor socket. Avoid loose indoor extension cords that are left outdoors.

Pay attention to these points:

• use a socket suitable for outdoor use;
• do not leave plugs on the ground;
• prevent cables from lying in rainwater;
• do not use damaged extension cords;
• unroll cable reels completely when in use;
• check if the circuit can handle the power.

A 2000W heater requires a fair amount of power. Therefore, do not connect too many heavy appliances to the same circuit at once.

Are you allowed to install a patio heater on a balcony just like that?

In many cases, yes, but in apartments, you sometimes have to take into account rules from the landlord or the Owners' Association (VvE). Especially if you want to drill into the exterior wall, facade, or ceiling.

Therefore, for rental properties or apartments, check:

• if you are allowed to drill into the facade;
• if there are rules for electrical appliances outdoors;
• if the appearance of the facade can be modified;
• if fixed mounting is allowed;
• if fire safety rules apply.

If you don't want to drill, a standing model or a clamp bracket can sometimes be an alternative, depending on your balcony.

Consider neighbours

An electric patio heater usually makes little noise and does not produce smoke. Nevertheless, it is good to consider neighbours, especially in an apartment complex.

Pay attention to:

• do not direct the heater towards the neighbours' balcony;
• avoid bothersome bright light;
• do not use a gas heater that produces smoke or odour;
• ensure cables and mounting remain safe;
• do not place the heater in a way that poses a danger.

A well-placed electric heater usually causes little nuisance.

Safety on a small balcony

On a balcony, everything is closer together. Furniture, cushions, plants, cloths, and balustrades are often close to the heater. Therefore, you need to pay extra attention to distance and placement.

Important safety rules:

• keep a distance from flammable materials;
• do not hang the heater directly against wood, cloths, or curtains;
• do not place cushions or furniture directly against the heater;
• do not leave the heater on unnecessarily;
• switch it off when you go inside;
• never cover the heater when it is warm;
• always check the model's manual.

A patio heater is safe to use if you install and use it correctly.

How to place the heater for the best warmth?

On a balcony, you want the heat to be directed at the seating area. The best place is usually on the wall, diagonally above or in front of where you are sitting.

It is better not to place the heater:

• too high;
• too far behind you;
• directed at an empty wall;
• behind a beam or obstacle;
• too close to one person;
• completely in the rain.

A practical mounting height for a wall-mounted model is often around 1.8 to 2.3 metres, depending on the model and the layout of your balcony.

Patio heater on a small balcony

For a small balcony, compact and targeted heating is most important. A wall-mounted model of 1500W to 2000W is often sufficient.

A good setup is, for example:

• heater on the side wall;
• directed at two chairs or a small bench;
• short distance to the seating area;
• sufficient distance to ceiling and furniture;
• power cable neatly concealed.

For a small balcony, a model with multiple settings is ideal. Then you can adjust the heat to the weather.

Patio heater on a large balcony or roof terrace

On a large balcony or roof terrace, you will experience more wind and open space. One small heater may then be insufficient. In that case, a more powerful model or multiple heaters is more sensible.

For a large balcony, you could consider:

• a 25nl00W wall-mounted model;
• two heaters at different seating areas;
• a standing model for flexible use;
• windbreaks or glass panels for extra comfort.

A roof terrace is often much windier than a normal balcony. Sheltering makes a big difference there.

Common mistakes with balcony heating

With patio heating on a balcony, these things often go wrong:

1. Choosing a heater that is too weak

A small model seems logical, but on an open or windy balcony, 1500W might be too little. So, don't just look at the surface area, but also at wind and shelter.

2. Hanging the heater too high

If the heater is hung too high, you will feel less direct heat. On a balcony, you are often close, so the heater usually does not need to be hung extremely high.

3. Not considering rain

A balcony is not always dry. Even under an overhead balcony, rain can blow in. Therefore, choose a model with a suitable IP rating.

4. Using the wrong power connection

Using an indoor extension cord outdoors is not a good idea. Ensure a safe connection suitable for outdoor use.

5. Keeping too little distance from furniture

On a small balcony, furniture is often close together. Always keep sufficient distance from cushions, wooden furniture, cloths, and plants.

Which patio heater is best for a balcony?

For most balconies, an electric wall-mounted patio heater is the best choice. It doesn't take up floor space, provides direct heat, and can be easily directed at the seating area.

Preferably choose a model with:

• 1500W to 2500W power;
• multiple heat settings;
• suitable IP rating;
• wall mounting;
• remote control or app operation;
• safe mounting bracket;
• compact design.

For small balconies, 1500W to 2000W is usually sufficient. For open or larger balconies, 2000W to 2500W is often better.

Conclusion: patio heater on balcony is fine, if you choose wisely

A patio heater on a balcony is definitely possible. Electric infrared patio heaters are particularly suitable because they provide direct and targeted heat without a gas cylinder or open flame.

For small balconies, a wall-mounted model of 1500W to 2000W is often sufficient. For larger or open balconies, 2000W to 2500W may be better. Always pay attention to the IP rating, safe power connection, mounting height, and distance to furniture.

With the right patio heater, you can make your balcony much more comfortable, allowing you to sit outside longer even on chilly evenings.