How outdoor heating can fire up winter profits By Kate Jackson, Industry Reporter
The question is most commonly about gas verses electricity, and traditionally the winner of this argument has been gas because it has been more effective and less costly than electrical alternatives. ©Serge Touch – stock.adobe.com
Aussies pride themselves on a living an outdoor lifestyle, and that thirst for all things al fresco means we are drawn to exterior spaces all year round. Accom owners are able to extend their outdoor season using costeffective heating solutions will reap the benefits of allowing guests to enjoy gardens, terraces, courtyards, pool decks and smoking areas, even when the nights draw in and the air turns chilly. Having an inviting outdoor space to market can not only put bottoms on your polyprop chairs, but dollars on your bottom line. Sharing his seasoned supplier expertise, Nigel Smalls, director of SBH Solutions told us: “If you are a hotel or resort, offering additional areas for patrons gives them more space and the opportunity to stay outside for longer. “How to do this most cost effectively, and increasingly importantly, energy and environmentally more effectively, is the question.”
Safety Safety is the number one priority when considering your outdoor heating options. Level surfaces which can hold plenty of weight are essential when considering where to place standalone outdoor heaters, while sheltered sites out of high wind areas are also important, with heaters kept a safe distance from low-hanging branches or other combustibles. Safety switches are another essential feature. Propane gas heaters should have a tip-over safety switch for automatic shut-off if the gas is knocked over, while all heaters should have an internal safety switch that turns them off if they get too hot and become a fire hazard. Cool-touch glass is standard on most commercial outdoor
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heaters and safety approval certification, issued by either UL or CSA, ensures all safety requirements have been evaluated and met for each heater.
Heating options When it comes to commercial outdoor heating options, gas, infrared and electric heaters are the three main options. Most models across the board claim a level of environmental friendliness - with green credentials boosted by a concerted effort by manufacturers to enhance efficiency and cut emissions - and a focus on design in recent years means new heaters can fit seamlessly into attractive exterior spaces. The key when selecting a heater is to find what works best in terms of energy efficiency and effectiveness for your space. Outdoor spaces with ceilings up to four metres can use both gas-fired and electrically powered high intensity heaters while mid-intensity electric heaters may be more suitable for low-ceilinged spaces. Zone controls, timers and movementtriggered remotes and switches all allow for better fuel efficiency by ensuring only areas actually being used by guests are heated. Gas heaters throw out more heat than standard electric long wave or medium wave heaters. Propane-bottled, mushroom-
shaped gas heaters offer flexibility of positioning as they can be wheeled around, but are generally un-flued, which means they cannot be positioned in an enclosed area because they release carbon monoxide. Bottles need replacing every ten hours or so, and there are risks associated with the possibility of the heaters being tipped over. Natural gas heaters are usually fixed into position on floors or walls and plumbed by a licensed gasfitter. The gas doesn’t run out and they are fine to run indoors, but they do require an expensive installation. Electric radiant heaters just need to be plugged into a regular electric socket, but more are required to heat the same area as gas heaters. They produce a soft, ambient light and heat and are safe to mount on walls, and under shade sails, umbrellas and other fabric coverings. Infrared heaters, the newest kids on the block, provide a gentle warmth that can feel more comfortable than conventional radiant heat as they heat objects in a space rather than the air. They provide a penetrating and even heat that does not dry out the air and are more efficient than conventional electric heaters.
Industry viewpoint Accom News asked Nigel Smalls to evaluate the latest options for heating your outdoor space…
ENERGY & RESOURCES
Traditional heaters are medium to far infrared heaters and so primarily heat air, which means if the wind is blowing you lose the heat to the atmosphere. Where short wave infrared differs is that these heaters radiate heat off surfaces and people: Air is heated by re-radiation off the surfaces, so the comfort felt does not blow away. This means that short wave can be used in the coldest places. The added benefit of not needing to heat air to create comfort means that you do not have to heat an unoccupied area - the heat is felt instantly, so often these heaters are on proximity sensors or timers. The radiant efficiency of short wave heaters is also very high, so a 2000W heater, combined with an efficient reflector, can give comfort and ‘take the edge off’ over a larger area than traditional options, gas or electric. Which means you generally need fewer heaters to cover an area and your energy costs are lower. Short wave infrared heaters are the most effective means of heating outdoor areas, but also work best in any cavernous indoor area such as a converted warehouse or vaulted roof. This is because heated air rises, so less efficient radiant heaters generally warming air are not as effective at giving comfort. Short wave is the closest to the light spectrum and its brightness has in the past been criticised as too ‘harsh’. Manufacturers have tackled this by coating the lamps or reflectors with gold colour, which gives more of an amber ambient light like you get from a wood fire. However, it is true to say that some people want unobtrusive heating, so are prepared to compromise effectiveness. www.accomnews.com.au
