What is infrared heating in patio heaters?

Infrared heating is currently the standard for patio heating. Not only because it's energy-efficient, but mainly because it works much better outdoors than traditional heating methods. Still, there's a lot of confusion about terms like shortwave infrared, longwave infrared, halogen, carbon, quartz, and which patio heater is truly suitable for a veranda, balcony, or covered patio.

In this very comprehensive SEO blog, we will explain everything in detail. This article is intended as a complete knowledge base on infrared patio heating.

🌞 What is infrared heating?

Infrared heating is a form of radiant heat. Unlike convection heating (such as radiators or gas heaters), infrared does not heat the air, but directly heats people, furniture, floors, and walls.

This is a crucial advantage for outdoor heating:

• Air hardly warms up outdoors

• Wind blows warm air away immediately

• Infrared remains noticeable, even in cold and wind

An infrared patio heater works similarly to solar radiation: as soon as the radiation hits your body, you immediately feel warmth.

🔬 The infrared spectrum explained

Infrared radiation falls within the electromagnetic spectrum and is divided into three categories:

The shorter the wave, the:

• Higher the element temperature

• Deeper the heat penetrates

• Less the wind influences it

For patio heating, this is essential.

🔥 SHORTWAVE infrared (IR-A) – the best choice for outdoors

Shortwave infrared is by far the most commonly used technology in modern electric patio heaters.

Technical characteristics

• Element temperature: up to ± 2000°C

• Direct heat emission (within 1 second)

• High radiation intensity

• Hardly any heat loss due to wind

Heat sensation

The heat feels intense, deep, and comparable to solar heat. Even at low outdoor temperatures, the effect remains strongly noticeable.

Visible light

Shortwave infrared emits visible light (orange/red). This is technically necessary: the higher the temperature, the more light emission.

Application

✔ Open patios
✔ Covered patios
✔ Balcony heating
✔ Veranda heating
✔ Wall-mounted and suspended patio heaters

Almost every Eurom patio heater and Heatix heater works with shortwave infrared.

🌡️ MEDIUMWAVE infrared (IR-B)

Mediumwave infrared is between short and longwave and is less often used for fully open outdoor spaces.

Technical characteristics

• Element temperature: ± 800–1200°C

• Less visible light

• Heats surfaces well

• Moderately sensitive to wind

Heat sensation

The heat feels softer and more even, but takes more time to become effective.

Application

✔ Semi-enclosed veranda
✔ Covered patio with side walls
✔ Outdoor areas with windbreaks

For fully open patios, mediumwave is less efficient.

♨️ LONGWAVE infrared (IR-C)

Longwave infrared is mainly used for indoor heating and wellness applications.

Technical characteristics

• Low surface temperature (up to ± 300°C)

• No visible light

• Partially heats the air

• Very sensitive to wind

Why unsuitable for patio heating?

• Heat disappears immediately outdoors

• Long warm-up time

• Only effective in fully enclosed spaces

👉 Longwave is not a good choice for a patio, veranda, or balcony.

🔧 Different heating elements in infrared patio heaters

🔹 Halogen infrared element

The most powerful and commonly used element in patio heaters.

Characteristics:

• Shortwave infrared

• Very high heat intensity

• Immediate heat sensation

• Visible light

• Lifespan ± 5000 hours

Ideal for:

• Covered patio heating

• Open patio

• Balcony heating

🔹 Quartz infrared element

Quartz is similar to halogen, but slightly less intense.

Characteristics:

• Short to mediumwave infrared

• Fast warm-up

• Lower priced

• Slightly shorter lifespan

Ideal for:

• Budget-friendly patio heating

• Patio heater offers

🔹 Carbon infrared element

Carbon elements provide a softer, diffuse heat.

Characteristics:

• Mediumwave infrared

• Less bright light

• Energy-efficient

• Longer warm-up time

Ideal for:

• Covered veranda

• Electric heater for covered patio

• Areas without wind

⚡ Wattage & power: how to choose correctly?

The wattage determines the heat intensity and range of a patio heater.

For electric veranda heaters and covered patio heaters, we almost always recommend 2000–2500 Watts.

🔌 Electric patio heater vs. gas patio heater

A gas patio heater heats the air. Infrared heats people.

Electric infrared patio heating

✔ Energy-efficient
✔ No gas bottles
✔ No emissions
✔ Immediate heat sensation
✔ Safe under covered patios

Gas patio heater

✖ High gas consumption
✖ Heat blows away
✖ Less suitable for balconies

🏗️ Types of infrared patio heaters

▪ Wall-mounted patio heater

Fixed mounting, maximum efficiency.
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/wand-terrasverwarmer

▪ Hanging patio heater

Space-saving, ideal above seating areas.
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/terrasverwarmer-hangend

▪ Standing electric patio heater

Flexible and portable.
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/staande-terrasverwarmer

▪ Parasol patio heater

Targeted heating under a parasol.
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/parasol

🧠 Smart infrared patio heating

Smart heaters offer:

• Remote control

• App control

• Timer

• Eco modes

https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/slimme-terrasverwarmers

🛡️ Maintenance & protection

Always use a patio heater cover:

• Protects against moisture

• Extends lifespan

• Maintains performance

🏡 Which infrared patio heater suits your situation?

• Open patio → Short-wave halogen 2500W

• Balcony → 1500W hanging

• Veranda → Wall-mounted model 2000–2500W

• Roofing → Eurom heater or Heatix

🛒 Buying patio heaters?

View the complete range of patio heaters via:
👉 https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/terrasverwarmers

Popular brands

• Eurom patio heaters
  https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/eurom

• Heatix heaters
  https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/heatix

• Sunred patio heaters
  https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/sunred