How to Choose an Infrared Patio Heater
Infrared heating behaves differently from a standard space heater, and that changes how you pick a model, a voltage, and a control setup. The sections below cover what matters most for each.
How Infrared Patio Heating Works
Infratech heaters warm people and objects directly with radiant heat from a quartz element, rather than warming the surrounding air the way a convection heater does. Because the heat isn't carried by air movement, it holds up in open, breezy patio settings where a fan-driven heater loses effectiveness. The tradeoff is that infrared heat only warms what it can reach in a straight line, so placement and mounting height matter more than they would with a heater that circulates warm air around a room.
Choosing a Series
The Slimline series has the lowest profile of the group, built for wall or ceiling mounting where a compact housing matters. The C-Series is a low-profile single-element heater suited to both indoor and outdoor spots with limited clearance. The CD-Series shares that same streamlined housing but steps up to higher wattage options, which makes it a better fit for larger or more exposed areas. Check the specific listing for the wattage and coverage area of each model rather than assuming one series always outperforms another, since coverage depends on the individual unit's output.
Voltage and Coverage
Infratech heaters come in multiple voltage options, and getting the voltage right matters more here than with most fixtures. A 120-volt heater tops out around 1,500 watts, which suits small, enclosed spaces like a garage bay or a seating area roughly 5 by 5 feet. Larger or more open patios generally call for a 240-volt circuit, which delivers meaningfully more heat output for close to the same wiring effort, just two breaker spaces instead of one. Running a 240-volt heater on a 208-volt supply, which some newer commercial buildings use instead of standard 240-volt residential service, noticeably cuts the heat output, so confirm the building's actual voltage before ordering.
Control Options, From a Single Switch to a Full Panel
A single heater can run on a basic on/off switch or a simple analog dimmer for one fixed heat level. Stepping up to a solid-state control adds infinite adjustment between zero and full power from one switch. For a multi-heater install, a relay panel or home management panel lets several zones run independently, and some panels integrate with third-party smart home systems for remote or scheduled control. Match the control to how many heaters are on the circuit and how much adjustment the space actually needs, since a simple switch is often enough for a single heater and a relay panel only pays off once multiple zones are involved. Lumera's smart controls collection covers the whole-home integration options for larger systems.
Installation and Electrical Requirements
Patio heaters connect to dedicated circuits, and higher-wattage models draw enough current that the circuit sizing isn't something to guess at. Have a licensed electrician confirm the panel has capacity and run the correct wire gauge and breaker for the heater's actual draw before installation. Lumera's circuit breakers collection covers the amperage and pole configurations that pair with these heaters.
Outdoor circuits in many jurisdictions also require ground fault protection. Lumera's GFCI collection covers that protection where local code calls for it.
Rounding Out the Patio
Heat is usually only part of an outdoor living space. Pair a heater installation with outdoor lighting to cover the space after dark as well as keep it warm.
For any simple on/off controls on the same project that don't need the dimming or scheduling a relay panel provides, standard switches cover that more basic need.
Questions About Infratech Patio Heaters
What's the difference between the Slimline, C-Series, and CD-Series heaters?
Slimline has the lowest profile, built for a compact wall or ceiling mount. C-Series is a low-profile single-element heater for indoor or outdoor spots with tight clearance. CD-Series uses the same streamlined housing as C-Series but offers higher wattage options for larger areas. Check the specific listing for exact wattage and coverage.
Do I need a 120-volt or 240-volt heater?
A 120-volt heater tops out around 1,500 watts, enough for a small enclosed space like a garage bay or a seating area up to about 5 by 5 feet. Larger or more open patios generally need a 240-volt circuit for adequate coverage. Confirm your building's actual supply voltage, since 208-volt service will noticeably reduce a 240-volt heater's output.
How high should a patio heater be mounted?
Mounting height affects coverage area and varies by series and wattage, so check the specific product listing for the recommended range. As a general rule, higher-wattage heaters mount higher and cover more floor area, while lower-wattage units mount closer to the seating area they're meant to warm.
Can I control multiple heaters from one switch?
Yes, with the right control. A single on/off switch or dimmer typically handles one heater. For multiple heaters or zones, a relay panel or home management panel lets you control each independently from a shared control point.
Do I need a licensed electrician to install a patio heater?
Yes. These heaters run on dedicated circuits sized to the unit's wattage, and higher-output models draw enough current that incorrect wiring is a real fire risk. A licensed electrician should confirm panel capacity and install the correct breaker and wire gauge.
