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Hanging Heaters Explained

You step out onto your veranda. In the afternoon sun, the birds are chirping, children are playing, while a breeze ruffles the trees. You take a moment to enjoy the view.

However, after a few minutes the nippy air starts getting into your exposed hands and face. Instead of sitting pleasantly on your patio chair, you retreat back to the warmth  of the house.

“An outdoor heater sure would’ve been useful right now,” you sigh as you go back to the couch and immerse yourself in old reruns of Friends.

This is what hanging heaters are for.

What are hanging heaters?

As their name suggests, hanging heaters are miniaturized heaters that can be hung from the ceiling. They are typically used in outdoor spaces such as gazebos, patios, and balconies to provide a measure of warmth against the chill. They can also be used in less insulated parts of the property, such as a shed or garage.

How do they differ from other heater types?

Compact size

Hanging heaters provide a better alternative when traditional standing heaters are too bulky, or where space heaters aren’t a good option.

Outdoor rated

Since they are meant to be used outdoors, most hanging heaters are rated for the elements, with robust housing and waterproofing not usually found in indoor heaters.

Aesthetically pleasing

Some hanging heaters have stylish designs that mimic the appearance of chandeliers or ceiling lights, in order to blend well with the patio or gazebo.

Types of Hanging Heaters

There are three types of hanging heaters, based on power source:

The different kinds of hanging heaters

1. Natural gas

These use either natural gas using the existing gas line to produce heat. Gas units tend to heat up an outdoor space faster than electric ones. However, they require professional installation.

2. Propane

Like gas heaters, propane provides quicker warmth than electric heaters. They are more flexible, since they can be installed in areas with no existing gas lines, but they do require a propane tank.

3. Electric

Electric models form the vast majority of hanging heaters, for three reasons: they only require a electrical main, they can be set up easily, and they can be used safely in confined spaces since they don’t need venting. The tradeoff is that they are slower to heat up the surrounding space.

How to Choose a Hanging Heater

Determine where you’ll use it

Look up the requirements of the space where you intend to install it —  this will determine which type of heater you need. Is it a large area or a smaller space? Is there a gas line or power outlet? Does it have enough space for venting, or is it enclosed? 

To help you narrow down the factors, here’s a handy table we created:

Criteria

Natural Gas Propane Electric
Requirement

Gas line

Propane line or tank Power mains

Installation

Professional Professional Homeowner or Professional

Warmup time

Fast Fast Slow

Ventilation

Required Required Not required

Cost

Equal Equal

Lowest

Ideal use case

Large open areas with plenty of people

Areas without a gas or power line

Smaller spaces 

Sizing

After pinpointing the heater type, it’s time to choose the size. In general, electric heaters are good for about 65-108 sq. ft, while gas models can service between 160-215 sq. ft.

However, sizing also depends on other factors like geography. A gas heater that is ideal for an outdoor patio in warm states like Nevada may be inadequate for colder climates like Maine. For cost efficiency and long-term effectiveness, location, seasonality and application have to be taken into account. For help sizing an outdoor heater for your specific needs, please contact us.

Altitude

As surprising as it may seem, altitude plays a role in determining the size of your hanging heater. If you live higher than 8,000 feet above sea level, the air is less dense, which makes heaters less efficient. This means you need a more powerful hanging heater to compensate for the lower air density.

If you live in a high elevation, choose a heater that is specifically rated for high altitude use.

Budget

Out of the three, electric heaters are usually the least expensive, but are also the least efficient in terms of heating vs. cost. Natural gas and liquid propane-powered heaters are roughly equal in price, but require professional installation.

Other factors that affect the price include the BTU rating, brand name and warranty, and features like wireless capabilities.

The Best Hanging Heaters for 2021

Natural Gas

Bromic Heating BH0110001-1 Platinum Smart-Heat 300 Series Gas Heater

Bromic Heating BH0110001-1 Platinum Smart-Heat 300 Series Gas Heater

This ceiling or wall mounted outdoor gas heater has a heat output of up to 23,600 BTU. It uses Bromic’s patented ceramic technology that focuses the heat for vastly improved energy conversion, making it up to 300% more efficient than traditional heaters. It can also handle winds up to 11mph.

Bromic Heating BH0110001-1 Platinum Smart-Heat 300 Series Gas Heater - Natural Gas
Price: $2,028.00 Bromic Heating BH0110001-1 Platinum Smart-Heat 300 Series Gas Heater - Natural Gas

Extend your outdoor dining season for your home or establishment with the sleek, modern lines and stainless steel structure of the Platinum Smart-Heat Series ...

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Rinnai RSE2S50BN 50,000 BTU Overhead 2-Stage Gas Heater

For larger spaces that need heating, Rinnai/s 50,000 BTU gas heater has you covered. This infrared heater is made with 316 marine-grade stainless steel to prevent rusting and prolonged resistance to the elements. It can also be paired with an optional matched assembly to help it blend into your outdoor space more stylishly.

It is available in single stage or two-stage options, and four units can be hooked up to a single switch.

DISCONTINUEDRinnai RSE2S50BN 50,000 BTU Overhead 2-Stage Gas Heater - Natural Gas - Black
Price: $2,859.00 DISCONTINUEDRinnai RSE2S50BN 50,000 BTU Overhead 2-Stage Gas Heater - Natural Gas - Black

With so many people still uncertain about indoor dining, you can comfortably meet their needs with an outdoor Rinnai Infrared Patio Heater. The new Rinnai hea...

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Propane

Bromic Heating BH0110002-1 Platinum Smart-Heat 300 Series Gas Heater - 

Bromic Heating BH0110002-1 Platinum Smart-Heat 300 Series Gas Heater – 

Liquid Propane

Like its natural gas counterpart, this heater is rated for 23,600 BTU and can cover about 160 sq. ft. of outdoor space. It can operate in wind speeds of up to 11mph, and even comes with wireless connection capabilities that allows seamless integration with your home.

Bromic Heating BH0110002-1 Platinum Smart-Heat 300 Series Gas Heater - Liquid Propane
Price: $2,028.00 Bromic Heating BH0110002-1 Platinum Smart-Heat 300 Series Gas Heater - Liquid Propane

Now you can extend the outdoor entertainment and dining season for your home or establishment with the sleek, modern lines of the Platinum Smart-Heat Series R...

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Rinnai RSE1S50SP 50,000 BTU Overhead Single Stage Gas Heater – Liquid Propane

This infrared heater offers one of the most flexible installation options among liquid propane heaters. It can be installed suspended from the ceiling, mounted on a post or support column, or extended from the wall. Like its gas-powered cousin, it is constructed out of long-lasting 316 marine grade stainless steel that’s highly resistant to rust. It comes in 35,000 or 50,000 BTU capacities, and one or two-stage heating options.

DISCONTINUEDRinnai RSE1S50SP 50,000 BTU Overhead Single Stage Gas Heater - Liquid Propane - Stainless Steel
Price: $2,599.00 DISCONTINUEDRinnai RSE1S50SP 50,000 BTU Overhead Single Stage Gas Heater - Liquid Propane - Stainless Steel

With so many people still uncertain about indoor dining, you can comfortably meet their needs with an outdoor Rinnai Infrared Patio Heater. The new Rinnai hea...

View Product

Electric (Entry level):

Bromic Heating BH0420030 Tungsten Smart-Heat 2000 Watt Electric Heater - 220-240V

Bromic Heating BH0420030 Tungsten Smart-Heat 2000 Watt Electric Heater – 220-240V

This tungsten infrared heater uses a spectral reflector for efficient directional heating, with minimal light emission. It is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. It also includes wireless capabilities for seamless integration with your home.

Bromic Heating BH0420030 Tungsten Smart-Heat 2000 Watt Electric Heater - 220-240V
Price: $704.00 Bromic Heating BH0420030 Tungsten Smart-Heat 2000 Watt Electric Heater - 220-240V

Who says the cool weather has to keep you inside? The Bromic Heating Tungsten Smart-Heat™ electric infrared heater is perfect for use in either a commerci...

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Electric (Premium):

Bromic Heating BH0320003 Platinum Smart-Heat 2300 Watt Electric Heater

Bromic Heating BH0320003 Platinum Smart-Heat 2300 Watt Electric Heater

This 2300-watt heater can cover 65 sq. ft., or a space that’s about 10 ft x 6.5’. 

It has a sleek and stylish look, boasting a blacked out glass ceramic face. The glass front is not just for form: the tint helps minimize any excess light, while spreading the heat evenly across the front. 

The housing itself is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, in a slim frame that’s only 8 inches wide. This makes it suitable for recessed or flush mounting on the ceiling. It even comes with Wi-Fi capability so you can integrate it seamlessly with your smart home.

Bromic Heating BH0320003 Platinum Smart-Heat 2300 Watt Electric Heater
Price: $1,289.00 Bromic Heating BH0320003 Platinum Smart-Heat 2300 Watt Electric Heater

Who says the cool weather has to keep you inside? This 2300 Watt PlatinumSmart-Heat™ electric heater offers a slim, low clearance opportunity for open or ...

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For other types of outdoor heaters, you can refer to our comprehensive guide to outdoor heating.

Mickey Luongo

Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.

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