Your screened-in porch is your happy place, and you would spend time there all year round if it was just a little warmer in those cold-weather months. Infrared electric heaters are the answer, and in this article, we cover how to choose the best heaters for screened porches so that you can indeed spend more time in your happy place.
A screened-in porch combines the best of both worlds: inside coziness with fresh air and wonderful views outside. Cold temperatures, on the other hand, can make it tough to use your porch all year. After all, sweating or shivering is no way to enjoy the outdoors!
Best Heaters for Screened Porches – Our Top Picks
What are Infrared Electric Heaters and How do they Work?
You may have come across this word while looking for your new gas barbecue, and it’s the same technology! Because it is a source of direct radiant heat, infrared technology is suitable for outdoor heating. Infrared heat, like the sun, warms the thing directly, as opposed to conventional heat, which heats the entire room.
Infrared heaters are a type of heating system that transmits heat directly to people and furnishings. The heated quartz elements in these heaters radiate rays absorbed by other objects, distributing heat uniformly throughout the environment.
Infrared heaters have several advantages over fireplaces and typical space heaters when it comes to screened porch heating systems, including:
- Environment-Friendly
- Easy on the eyes
- Efficient Heating
- Cost-effective
Best Freestanding Infrared Heater
Fire Sense Pole Mounted Heater
- 🔥 FIRE SENSE 02117 ELECTRIC PATIO HEATER: Our patented heavy duty Stainless Steel Offset Infrared Patio Heater introduces a new revolution in outdoor heating.
- 🔥 STAINLESS STEEL TELESCOPING OFFSET POLE MOUNTED INFRARED PATIO HEATER: Operating at 90% heating efficiency, this infrared patio heater runs on regular household electric current and is...
- 🔥 PREMIUM QUALITY: This adaptable unit can be used indoors and outdoors and has wheels for easy mobility.
- 🔥 FEATURES: 1500 watt | On/off toggle switch | Powder coated steel construction | 90% energy conversion | 100% heat production within seconds | 9-foot blanket of heat, not affected by wind | 6-foot...
The most popular type of outdoor patio heater is a freestanding heater. They run on propane, natural gas, or electricity and have a sturdy base where you can stow the propane tank out of the way. They have a hooded top that reflects heat to the earth and is tall and slender.
Fire Sense is our #1 selection for the best freestanding infrared heater. It is a patio heater that is mounted on a pole and is powered by regular household electricity. This makes it a convenient and adaptable alternative that doesn’t take up a lot of floor space when set up and can be quickly picked up and moved from one location to another. Another aspect that puts this in our top selection category is that the body is made of heavy-duty stainless steel, making it ideal for outdoor use or as a long-lasting patio concept that won’t rust or corrode season after season.
Best Tabletop Infrared Heater
Star Patio Outdoor Freestanding Electric Patio Heater
- Easy to Use: Provides instant, steady, quiet heating with one simple power setting (1500W). Heats up to 12 sq.ft. Minimal set-up required with just a pull string switch. 5100 BTUs. Don't forget to...
- Safe to Touch: Safety auto shut-off in place for tip-over protection. Constructed with high-end materials and an anti-skid design on the heater base. This heater is stable and a functional addition to...
- Newest Unique Designed Extras: It is perfect for 4-5 peoples sitting around the tabletop heater and enjoy your heating together, spend your time together. Built to be portable and fashionable in a...
- Safe and Environmentally Friendly: This electric patio heater produces no odors, chemicals, or fumes. The high quality, infrared heating is hardly affected by wind. Industry leading halogen tube...
Tabletop heaters are designed to sit on a table or other stable surfaces. They might seem like little freestanding heaters, or they can be more attractive, like a light. They are usually less than three feet tall and can be powered by propane or electricity. These heaters are suitable for occasional usage because they are simple to store and use. They don’t produce as much heat as a full-size freestanding heater, but they’re perfect for informal parties around a picnic table or a strong patio table.
This Star Patio Outdoor Freestanding Electric Patio Heater is ideal for people looking for a patio heater explicitly designed for outdoor dining. Thanks to its halogen tube technology, it heats up swiftly and quietly, giving ample warmth for groups to enjoy family dinners, happy hours at home, and game evenings. The weather-resistant patio heater is a perfect choice for fall and winter activities like holiday celebrations and outdoor movie nights. It is suitable for both inside and outdoor use.
- Easy to Use: Provides instant, steady, quiet heating with one simple power setting (1500W). Heats up to 12 sq.ft. Minimal set-up required with just a pull string switch. 5100 BTUs. Don't forget to...
- Safe to Touch: Safety auto shut-off in place for tip-over protection. Constructed with high-end materials and an anti-skid design on the heater base. This heater is stable and a functional addition to...
- Newest Unique Designed Extras: It is perfect for 4-5 peoples sitting around the tabletop heater and enjoy your heating together, spend your time together. Built to be portable and fashionable in a...
- Safe and Environmentally Friendly: This electric patio heater produces no odors, chemicals, or fumes. The high quality, infrared heating is hardly affected by wind. Industry leading halogen tube...
Best Wall Mount Infrared Heater
Dr.Infrared Carbon Infrared Heater
Electric wall heaters are the most common type. They can be hung on the wall or suspended from the ceiling. Some variants include a stand, making them portable as long as there is an outlet nearby. Wall-mounted heaters are ideal for tiny places, such as balconies or under gazebos, where a freestanding or tabletop unit would be too large.
As we enter the winter season, our thoughts turn to all things warm and comfortable, and Dr.Infrared wall-mounted patio heater delivers those warm, fuzzy feelings outside. This wall-mounted electric patio warmer is one of Amazon’s most popular selections, with over 200 five-star ratings. You can put this on ceilings and walls, but a tripod stand option is also available.
We also recommend these infrared heaters since they are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and come in various styles.
Best Fireplace Stove
Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Heater
- 5,200 BTU heater provides supplemental zone heating for up to 1,000 square feet to help you save money
- Patent pending 3D flame effect technology features realistic flames that dance on and behind the logs, including five adjustable color, brightness, and speed settings
- The infrared quartz heat helps to maintain the natural humidity in the air, resulting in comfortable heat without drying out the room's
- Overheat protection, heater will instantly shut off to prevent overheating. Volts : 120. Amps : 12.5
Best Budget
Costway Infrared Heater
- 🏆 Compact and Portable Infrared Heater-----Cold winter has come, and its compact size allows you to put the quartz radiant heater next to desk to warm your hands and feet whether in office or home....
- 🏆 Fast and Safety Heating-----Our tower infrared heater for indoor uses high quality quartz heating element and radiation wave heating method, which is more uniform and faster than traditional...
- 🏆 Energy Saving & Adjustable Power-----Our electric quartz heater has a knob at the top to regulate the heating power and it works by heating objects rather than the whole room. So you don't have...
- 🏆 Quiet and Automatic Thermostat-----Our Portable quartz heater will be based on its thermostat settings and indoor temperature automatic cycle switch to maintain temperature consistency. The low...
Best Portable
Dr.Infrared Portable Heater
- Can heat up a large room with Auto Energy Saving Model With High and Low Feature. Tip-over protection and Overheat protection.Heat Up for a large room - Dual Heating System: Infrared Quartz tube + PTC...
- Dual Heating Systems featuring infrared quartz tube + PTC with 12hr automatic shut-off timer. Amperage: 12.5 Amps
- IR Remote Control, High Pressure Low Noise Blower with Noise level 39 dB super quiet. Heating can cover for a large room.
- Electronic Thermostat: range 50 to 85 degrees. Caster Wheels and Lifetime Filter
Best for Large Rooms
Duraflame Infrared Heater
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Best Hanging
EnerG+ Hanging Infrared Outdoor Heater
- Perfect for gazebos, pergolas porches and anywhere that you can hang a heater from
- Provides the maximum 1500 Watts of instantaneous radiant heat
- IPx4 certified weatherproof rating makes this safe for use outdoors, even in wet or rainy environments. No need to put it away every day.
- Stylish modern look with an aluminum finish for durability.
What to Consider when Choosing an Infrared Heater for Your Screened Porches
There are various considerations to consider before installing an infrared heating system on your screened porch.
Area Size
Determine how much room you need to heat and where the heater will go before purchasing a patio heater. A simple, single-element heater may be all you need if your screened porch is small. It can typically heat an area of 10 by 10 feet. Consider installing a dual element type or two smaller units for larger space.
Number of Heaters Needed
A single infrared heater is not meant to heat a large space. These are meant to heat specific areas where they are located. For example, if your porch has a small table where you plan to spend time, you may just need a single hanging infrared heater. However, if you want to cover a larger area, then a wall-mounted option is best since they are usually bigger and hard-wired to your electric system. (which may require an electrician)
Location
It would be best to strategically place your infrared heaters above or around seating areas where they are most likely to be used.
Style
There are various styles of heaters for your screened porch. Some are meant to sit on the floor, some are meant to be mounted on the wall, some are small enough to sit on the tabletop, and some are to be hung from above. Here are our recommendations for each style…
What are the Different Patio Heater Fuel Sources?
Propane is perhaps the most popular fuel source for this type of appliance. Many propane patio heaters are not only stylish and well hidden, but they are also a cost-effective way to heat your outdoor living space so you can get the most out of it.
However, electricity is the most convenient way to power your screened porch. All you have to do with electric choices is plug them into a regular outlet. They do use electricity, but maybe not as much as you would think, so they are environmentally favorable. And they work great in locations like a screened-in porch. We recommend infrared electric heaters.
Are Infrared Patio Heaters Safe?
Yes! Infrared heaters are completely safe. Don’t be alarmed by the words “electromagnetic” and “radiation”; infrared heating is a sort of visible light. It means it is harmless and natural (except powerful light that can cause eye damage, such as high-powered lasers, which infrared does not fall into).
Safety Precautions to Remember
Keep in mind that no matter what type of heater you use, it is a piece of machinery operating and blowing or radiating heat to combat the chill of cold weather. That is why it is critical to remember these safety precautions so that you can enjoy pleasant nights with your infrared heaters just during the winter.
1. Touching a hot exterior may result in burns. With young children or curious pets, this can be an issue. If this is the case, consider using a wall heater or one with a cool-to-the-touch exterior.
2. A perfectly functional heater is entirely safe, but a damaged one is not. Make sure it doesn’t get bashed around too much, just like any other heating item, and have it checked if you have any suspicions.
3. You’re asking for problems if you (or any children) leave flammable materials on a heater. Infrared is no exception. Keep excellent practices in mind and clear the area in front of the heater.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are patio heaters a fire hazard on screened porches?
If misused, any heating equipment can result in personal harm, property damage, or fire. Following all manufacturer directions, limiting direct contact with the heater, and providing lots of free space around the heater are the best ways to use a patio heater safely.
Can You Put a Propane Patio Heater on a Covered Porch?
No, because of the risk of fire, propane heaters should not be used on covered porches. It’s also a recipe for disaster because it provides the necessary ventilation for the heater to function. Electric, particularly infrared heaters, are safer to use in enclosed parts of your home.
Is it worthy to Put a Heater on a Screened-in Porch?
A patio heater is an essential addition to any outdoor space since it provides warmth and allows you to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year. Don’t let the cold tempt you inside before you’re ready; invest in a heating system to make the most of your outdoor activities, even when it’s chilly.
The Final Verdict
Given that open-flame and ordinary heaters are ineffective at providing outdoor patio comfort, an infrared patio heater appears to be the best heater for screened porches. This form of heating can help you save electricity while yet providing adequate heat in your covered patios.