As successive generations become less resilient and more accustomed to being comfortable I think we can safely say that the days of making our guests huddle together for warmth while we pretend it’s barbecue weather are well behind us. Heating your outdoor area is a no-brainer, as the longer your guests stay outside, the less cleaning you have to do once they leave, and it’s nice for the bloke, or blokes, in charge of the barbecue to be able to socialise while they’re cooking.
The best heating option is one that suits both your circumstances and your budget. I’m sure we don’t need to point out that a fire pit won’t work on the balcony of your inner-city apartment! There are three main options when it comes to outdoor heating in an entertainment area: gas heaters, fire pits, or radiant heaters.
Cooking with gas
Gas patio heaters are typically powered by propane or natural gas, which they burn to produce heat that radiates from a metal reflector at the top of the heater.
The initial investment for a gas heater can range anywhere from $200 to $1,200, depending on the model. Additionally, gas costs can vary, but on average, running a gas heater for a few hours costs around $5–$10. The inconvenience of getting your gas bottle filled at the 11th hour also needs to be factored in, as it will invariably run out just before your guests are due to arrive, but the good news is your gas heater does have a high heat output. Unfortunately, it won’t be as efficient as a radiant heater in larger spaces, as some heat is always lost to the surrounding air.
Heat your guests, not the air around them
Radiant heaters use infrared technology to generate heat. These rays directly warm your guests by causing the molecules in their bodies to vibrate and heat up, rather than the surrounding air, making them incredibly effective in outdoor settings (don’t be alarmed, this process is perfectly safe!).
Radiant heaters can range in price from $150 to $700, and you can add installation costs if you need an electrician to install them discreetly under the eaves for you. Their running cost is generally lower than that of a gas heater at around $1–$3 per hour, but this will depend on the wattage of your chosen model and your electricity rates.
Electric heaters are more energy-efficient than gas options, as they provide targeted warmth rather than heating the surrounding air.
There’s something about a fire
Fire pits burn wood to produce both heat and light, can be standalone units or built into outdoor structures, and possess an ambience that radiant and gas heaters lack.
Fire pits can vary widely in price and can even be created at home from a $50 converted washing machine tub. A large designer option, on the other hand, could set you back a cool $2,000, depending on the design and materials. Wood fuel costs can vary, but expect to pay around $100 for a cubic metre of seasoned firewood.
While fire pits create a warm, inviting atmosphere, they are not particularly efficient at heating larger spaces and usually require people to stand directly in front of them in order to warm up. However, they are perfect for creating a social focal point on your patio – you may just need more than one. Bear in mind that fire pits involve more admin than gas or radiant heaters, as you have to set them and clean them out, along with stacking wood and gathering, or buying, kindling.
Choosing the best heating option for your outdoor patio in Christchurch or the South Island will largely depend on where you live and what best suits your lifestyle. Gas heaters provide quick and powerful heat, while radiant heaters are easy, effective, and energy-efficient. Wood-burning fire pits create a cosy ambience but may not provide extensive warmth and are probably better suited to people who live rurally, with easy access to wood.
Budget, patio size, and whether or not your deck or patio is in an exposed position will all have a bearing on your decision. For our money, radiant heating is where it’s at, with its discreet, economical, and targeted warmth.
The team at Pye Electrical can install your heater on an overhead beam or under the eaves of your house, and we can even utilise Smart technology to ensure that your heater switches off and on at a time that suits you. No more running down to the local garage to fill the gas bottle or faffing around trying to light the fire – just instant, radiant heat. Call Pye Electrical on 03 3650907 today or email us at info@pyeelectrical.co.nz and we’ll have your radiant heater installed in time for the silly season.