Turning Your Outdoor Spaces into Winter Havens

Winter is here, and patios that once buzzed with life are now feeling the chill. Just a few weeks ago, they were alive with laughter and conversation, but without the right preparation, these valuable spaces — and your revenue — could face a long, cold, quiet winter season.

For many restaurateurs and brewery managers, outdoor patios and beer gardens are key moneymakers during warmer months. Watching them sit empty as temperatures drop can feel frustrating. You’ve poured effort into creating spaces your guests love, but the cold weather threatens to drive your patrons indoors toward more limited capacity or, worse, away altogether.

But with the right heating solutions, your outdoor spaces can thrive year-round. 

Efficient electric heating keeps guests warm, extends seating capacity and helps maintain the lively, inviting atmosphere your business is known for — no matter the weather. 

Electric Heating: Efficiency Meets Comfort

Electric heating solutions offer practical, eco-friendly and efficient ways for business owners to extend the usability of outdoor spaces year-round. Unlike traditional gas systems, electric heaters provide direct, immediate warmth, making them effective even in windy conditions. They emit no harmful emissions, improving environmental safety for guests and staff while only requiring an electrical outlet to operate.

Electric heaters can accommodate a wide variety of applications providing guests year-round comfort no matter the need or configuration. Built with weather-resistant materials, electric heaters are durable, require minimal upkeep and eliminate the need for refueling or managing open flames. 

Additionally, their ability to provide instant heat helps lower operational costs by eliminating the need to preheat your space. With electricity costs averaging 16 cents per kWh in the United States, they serve as a formidable solution in intermittent applications, such as outdoor winter patios, where convenience outweighs long-term infrastructure costs. 

Additionally, many businesses may qualify for government incentives or rebates when upgrading to energy-efficient electric heating systems, further offsetting initial investment costs.

Infrared Solutions

Infrared heaters are among the most popular electric heating solutions in challenging environments as they are designed to provide comfort and warmth no matter what the forecast brings. 

Infrared heat, like sunlight, warms objects directly by exciting surface molecules. Unlike traditional systems, this efficient and reliable warmth doesn’t rely on surrounding air temperature.

When guests step into an outdoor space comforted by infrared heat, they feel the warmth right away. This focused, instant warmth provides comfort on demand, regardless if visitors are dining on a chilly patio or relaxing on an observation deck. 

Infrared heaters are great for the environment because they don’t release fumes, smoke or odors, offering an electric-powered alternative to gas heaters, which produce combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide. The lack of an open flame means minimal maintenance and a lower risk of breakdowns since they have fewer moving parts. 

Infrared solutions are also very versatile. Whether you need ceiling-mounted units for a large patio, wall-mounted units for an observation deck or  a unit directed towards a walkway, electric infrared heaters can be integrated into almost any space with minimal disruption. This broad applicability and versatility ensures consistent warmth across different areas of the resort, such as patios and dining areas, observation or event decks, and cold-weather areas. 

Transitioning from Gas to Electric Heating

Switching to electric heating is fairly straightforward with the right planning. Start by assessing your current setup. Check if gas units are portable or hardwired, and ensure your electrical system can support the electrical load necessary for one or multiple units.

Depending on your location, electrical infrastructure upgrades, such as new circuits or wiring, may be required. Review your local building codes and secure any necessary permits to ensure compliance. Consulting with an HVAC professional or electrician can ensure you select a system tailored to your space’s unique needs, optimizing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. 

Proper placement is key to maximizing heater performance, whether wall-mounted for compact areas. Finally, train your staff on safe operation to ensure your new electric heating system runs efficiently and reliably throughout the season.

Through it all, consider the upfront investment versus long-term savings, including potential rebates for energy-efficient upgrades to ensure the project is economically viable. 

Embrace a Warm, Profitable Future for Your Outdoor Spaces

As restaurants, breweries and other venues strive to boost revenue and enhance guest experiences, transitioning to electric heating  can offers an impactful, long-term solution. With the right systems in place, you can not only maintain outdoor seating year-round but also create an atmosphere that keeps guests coming back for more.

Efficient electric heaters extend your patio season, improve customer comfort, and encourage longer stays and higher spending. These small upgrades can lead to big returns, including increased positive reviews and repeat business — all of which contribute to the continued success of your venue. Don’t wait for the cold to drive your customers indoors; take the first step in future-proofing your outdoor space and reaping the benefits today.