Optimizing Infrared Heater Clearance for Outdoor Dining Revenue

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:04:15 +0800

Getting Your Outdoor Heating Right (Without Burning the Roof Down)

If you’re putting infrared heaters in your patio or restaurant, you’re probably thinking about one thing: keeping people in their seats. But there’s a bit of a science to it. You want your guests to feel a nice, steady warmth around their shoulders, not feel like they’re being grilled from above while their toes are freezing.

Give Your Ceiling Some Breathing Room

Here’s the thing about radiant heat—it moves in straight lines. If you slap a high-powered heater too close to your ceiling or awning, you’re just creating a pocket of trapped heat. You’re wasting electricity and, in some cases, actually damaging your roof. I usually suggest leaving at least 2 to 3 feet of space between the heater and the ceiling. But don’t go too low either. If the heater is too close to the customer’s head, you get that annoying “hot head, cold feet” feeling. It’s uncomfortable. And when guests are uncomfortable, they leave. You want the heat to spread out and cover the whole table.

HVAC on The Warm IR Heater Hub

Optimizing Infrared Heater Clearance for Outdoor Dining Revenue

Getting Your Outdoor Heating Right (Without Burning the Roof Down)

Give Your Ceiling Some Breathing Room