Why isn't my patio heater feeling warm enough?

A patio heater is supposed to ensure you can sit outside comfortably. However, it regularly happens that people think: why do I feel so little heat? The heater is on, the light is burning, but the patio isn't really getting pleasant.

That doesn't immediately mean the patio heater isn't working properly. Often, it's due to placement, power, wind, or the way infrared heat works. In this blog, we explain why a patio heater sometimes doesn't feel warm enough and what you can do about it.

1. The patio heater is mounted too far away

An electric patio heater usually works with infrared heat. This heat doesn't first warm the air but radiates directly to people and objects. As a result, you feel the heat best when you are within the heater's range.

If the heater is hung or placed too far from the seating area, the heat will be less intense.

For a wall-mounted model, it is therefore important that the heater is directed at the spot where you are sitting. Don't just hang it on the wall because there happens to be space there. The direction of radiation must be correct.

For a lounge set, dining table, or veranda, the better the heater is directed at the seating area, the better you will feel the heat.

2. The heater is mounted too high

A common mistake is hanging the patio heater too high. This might seem neat and safe, but it can cause the heat to feel less intense.

For many wall-mounted models, a practical mounting height is between approximately 1.8 and 2.5 meters. If the heater is mounted higher, you often need more power to feel the same warmth.

Under a high canopy, a light heater can therefore be disappointing. In that case, a more powerful model or a different mounting location is often a better solution.

3. The power doesn't match the space

Not every patio heater is suitable for every space. A small balcony requires different power than a large veranda or an open catering terrace.

As a guideline, you can use this:

A 1500W heater can be perfectly fine for a small, sheltered spot. But on an open patio or under a large canopy, that power might be insufficient.

Conversely, a 3000W heater isn't always necessary on a small balcony. It's about finding the right balance between space, shelter, and usage.

4. There is too much wind or draught

Wind greatly influences comfort outdoors. Even with infrared heating, draughts can make you feel colder than expected.

An open patio feels colder faster than a sheltered veranda. Even with a powerful heater, wind can make the heat feel less comfortable.

You notice this particularly with:

• open patios;
• balconies at height;
• verandas with open sides;
• places where wind blows under the canopy;
• long gardens or corners where draughts occur.

A simple solution is to create shelter. Think of glass sliding walls, side walls, windbreaks, or moving the seating area to a more sheltered corner.

5. The heat is directed incorrectly

A patio heater should not just be hung "somewhere." The direction of the heat is crucial for its effect.

If the heater radiates into an empty space, wall, or floor, you will feel less heat where you are sitting. Especially with wall-mounted models, you need to pay close attention to the angle at which the heater is hung.

The best placement is usually:

• angled towards the seating area;
• not too far above the people;
• not behind obstacles;
• not directed at an open passage;
• positioned so that multiple people feel the heat.

At a dining table, one heater on one side can sometimes feel uneven. One person will be comfortably warm, while someone on the other side will feel little. In that case, two heaters might work better.

6. One heater is insufficient for a large space

For a large veranda or spacious patio, one patio heater is often not enough. Not because the heater is bad, but because the heat comes from one direction.

This leads to uneven heat distribution. It's warm near the heater, but it remains cool at the other end of the table.

For larger spaces, it's often smarter to use multiple heaters. This distributes the heat better across the seating areas.

Examples:

• two wall-mounted models along a long table;
• one heater per lounge area;
• multiple heaters distributed across a catering patio;
• a suspended model above a central table.

Multiple heaters on a lower setting can be more comfortable than one heater constantly running at maximum power.

7. The space is too open

A patio heater works best in a place where the heat is used in a targeted manner. In a completely open space, you lose comfort faster.

Under a canopy, veranda, or pergola, the same heater often feels warmer than on an open patio. This is because you are less affected by wind, and the heat stays better around the seating area.

Do you have an open patio? Then you usually need:

• more power;
• better positioning;
• multiple heaters;
• more shelter;
• a heater closer to the seating area.

For an open garden, a wall-mounted model on the facade is sometimes less effective if the seating area is too far from the wall. In that case, a standing model or a different setup might be more suitable.

8. You expect the entire outdoor air to warm up

An electric infrared patio heater works differently than central heating indoors. Indoors, you primarily heat the air in an enclosed space. Outdoors, this doesn't work well, because warm air dissipates immediately due to wind and open space.

An infrared heater primarily heats people and objects in its radiation path. This is precisely the strength of electric patio heating: you use the heat precisely where you are sitting.

But because of this, it feels different from indoor heating. The entire garden doesn't get warm. The seating area becomes more comfortable.

So, a good expectation is: the heater makes the spot where you sit warmer, not the entire patio like an enclosed room.

9. The heater is on too low a setting

Many modern patio heaters have multiple heat settings. This is useful for saving electricity, but it can also mean you feel too little heat if the setting is too low.

In cold weather, it's better to start on a higher setting. Once it's comfortable, you can switch back.

For example:

• start on the highest setting;
• wait until the heat is clearly felt;
• then switch back to a lower setting;
• increase the setting again if it gets colder.

This way, you use the heater more efficiently without immediately losing comfort.

10. The heater doesn't suit your type of use

Not every patio heater suits every situation. A hanging model works well above a table or compact seating area. A wall-mounted model is convenient for a fixed seating area against a wall. A standing model is flexible but takes up floor space.

Therefore, think carefully beforehand about your use:

• Do you mainly sit at a dining table?
• Do you use a lounge set?
• Is your patio open or sheltered?
• Do you want to heat one spot or multiple zones?
• Is the heater fixed or do you want to be able to move it?
• Do you use it at home or in hospitality?

A heater can be technically good, but still disappoint if the type doesn't fit the space.

What can you do if your patio heater gives too little heat?

Before you immediately buy a new heater, you can first check these points:

1. Is the heater hung or placed close enough to the seating area?
2. Is the heater well-directed at people and not at an empty space?
3. Is the heater not hung too high?
4. Are you using the correct heat setting?
5. Is the space very open or windy?
6. Does the wattage match the size of your patio?
7. Do you perhaps need multiple heaters for better distribution?

Often, a better placement can already make a big difference.

When do you need a more powerful patio heater?

A more powerful model may be advisable if you notice that the heater is well-placed but still provides too little heat.

This applies especially to:

• large verandas;
• high canopies;
• open patios;
• catering patios;
• long tables;
• places with a lot of wind;
• seating areas that are further away from the heater.

Are you hesitating between two models? Then a more powerful model with multiple settings is often more practical. You can then switch back when less heat is sufficient.

Conclusion: usually it's due to placement, power, or wind

If your patio heater doesn't feel warm enough, it doesn't immediately mean the device is bad. In many cases, the heater is hung too high, is too far away, the heat is directed incorrectly, or the space is too open.

For small, sheltered spots, a lighter model is often sufficient. For larger verandas, open patios, or hospitality, more power or a combination of multiple heaters is usually better.

A patio heater works best when power, placement, and usage are well-coordinated. Then you feel more warmth, use electricity smarter, and get more comfort from your patio, balcony, or canopy.