As the summer months come to a close, restaurant owners are preparing to roll up the awning and proclaim the end of this year’s patio season. Avoid falling into this seasonal trap by investing in an energy efficient patio heater and keep your patio open longer.

Step away from the traditional propane heater and try out a natural gas or electric heater; heaters that run on natural gas or electricity come in a variety of styles and sizes, require less energy than traditional propane gas heaters and are better for the environment, and your budget.

Natural gas patio heaters

  • Patio heaters that run on natural gas use up to 81% of their energy towards heating and produce fewer carbon emissions than traditional propane gas heaters.
  • Remote-control switches allow instant starting so you don’t need to run the heater longer than needed, saving you money on energy bills.
  • Most natural gas patio heaters are shaped like mushrooms and can be placed easily on the floor or on the table, depending on their size.
  • Natural gas patio heaters negate the need for gas tanks by running off your existing gas line.

Electric patio heaters

  • Electric patio heaters blend in easily to any environment and are available in an array of styles that can be mounted, hung, or placed in any size and type of venue.
  • Heaters that run on electricity are easy to mount and install, plugging in to any standard electrical outlet.
  • According to patio-heater.ca, electrical heaters are over 90% energy efficient, produce zero carbon emissions, and require little maintenance beyond periodic cleaning.
  • Electric heaters do not produce any sound and have no open flames, providing your customers with a quiet, relaxed dining environment.

For the greenest patio heater on the market, explore the many infrared heaters available, powered through either electricity or natural gas. Unlike heaters that circulate warm air throughout a larger space, infrared heaters are able to project heat directly on customers. They don’t release harmful fumes into the air, and don’t contribute emissions in the atmosphere making them most efficient choice for you and your business.

Don’t forget to visit our rebates and incentives page for more information about energy efficient equipment!

image credit: NickH2009