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How outdoor heating can fire up winter profits By Kate Jackson, Industry Reporter
Kiwis love the great outdoors and have a unique relationship with it. Let us be honest, even when we are at home we would rather be out on the deck. Nothing quite matches the satisfaction of a deck, and that thirst means we are drawn to exterior spaces all year round. Accom owners able to extend their outdoor season using cost-effective 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.
Industry viewpoint As Nigel Smalls, director of SBH Solutions told us: “If you are a hotel or resort, offering additional
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AccomNews - Winter 2020
If you are a hotel or resort, offering additional areas for patrons gives them more space and the opportunity to stay outside for longer.
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 shutoff 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. Cooltouch glass is standard on most commercial outdoor heaters and safety approval certification, issued by either UL or CSA,
ENERGY & RESOURCES
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. www.accomnews.co.nz
