Patio Heat and Shade

Electric infrared heat is the perfect solution to heat any indoor and outdoor space. Infrared heat technology utilizes radiation heat transfer to heat people and objects directly, not the air. Although infrared heat is the most efficient technology used to heat a space, not all electric infrared heat is the same. We learned in our “infrared heat explained” article that out of the three technologies to choose from, short wave infrared heat is by far the most efficient. The winters in upstate New York are much different that the winters in Northern California, so why should your heating solutions be the same? The short answer is they shouldn’t. Below we will review the benefits of short-wave infrared heat and why this type of technology is best suited for applications with colder climates.

a snowy landscape with a gazebo featuring short wave outdoor heaters

Long Wave

Heat Source

Low (unit produces 575°F)

Least Radiant Efficiency

40% radiant heat and 60% convective

Heat Distribution

Susceptible to wind dispersal

Warm Up Time

Average 5 minutes

Element Lifespan

5,000+ Hours

Medium Wave

Heat Source

Moderate (unit produces 1652°F)

Medium Radiant Efficiency

60% radiant heat and 40% convective bi-product

Heat Distribution

Limited susceptibility to wind dispersal

Warm Up Time

Average 30 seconds

Element Lifespan

5,000+ Hours

Short Wave

Heat Source

High (unit produces 3992°F)

Most Radiant Efficiency

90% radiant heat and 10% convective bi-product

Heat Distribution

Warms people and objects directly

Warm Up Time

Instantaneous

Element Lifespan

20,000+ Hours

Short Wave

Short wave infrared heat technology is the most efficient type of Infrared heat output from the three options. All objects absorb heat and radiate it away again. Short wave heaters are so efficient because 90% of the heat that is felt is coming directly from the heater, the other 10% of heat is coming from the other objects in the space that are absorbing those infrared rays from the heater and radiating the heat back out to the space.

two patio heaters mounted on the wall of an outdoor dining area in the evening

Element Glow

Arguably one of the downfalls of short wave heaters is the glow that is reflected from the elements. Short wave heaters typically contain halogen gas within the bulbs to increase the brightness of the bulb, help prevent the bulb from blackening and extending the lifespan of the element. This allows short wave heaters to operate at much higher temperatures compared to medium and long wave heaters and thus producing a more efficient heat output. The photo below shows the difference in glow for each wave technology. In short, if you don’t mind a bit of a brighter light, short wave heaters are the perfect solution for any outdoor space.

Short Wave

short wave icr series heater by solaira mounted in the ceiling above an outdoor kitchen

Shown: ICR by Solaira

Medium Wave

infratech medium wave heater heating an outedoor living room with a stone fire place and outdoor tv

Shown: W Series by Infratech

Long Wave

an entirely black, zero light wifi controlled heater mounted on a wall

Shown: WiFi by RadTec

Heat Distribution

Short wave heaters warm people and objects within the beam rather than the air, resulting in a comfortable environment. The output from short wave heaters is virtually unaffected by the wind making the heaters ideal for patio and terrace heating, as well as heating the outdoor areas of bars and restaurants. Medium wave heaters are inversely proportional to temperature. As the temperature goes up, the wavelength goes down. Medium wave heaters are better suited for indoor heating or outdoor semi-enclosed environments where a more gentle heat is required. Long wave heaters are highly unsuitable for outdoor heating as the heat emitted is susceptible to air movement and is easily affected by the wind.

Environments

The heat efficiency of short wave heaters make them the perfect solution for applications in all regions of the globe. For applications in colder climates, short wave heaters are the recommended choice because they can distribute an even blanket of heat that is unaffected by wind.

Warm up Time

Unlike the other technologies, short wave heaters will deliver heat output instantaneously. As soon as you flip the heater on, you will feel the heat output at full potential instantly. You will not need to turn your heater on a head of time to “warm up” before you start feeling warmth in your space.

Element Lifespan

Infrared heaters are an investment that will last you for years to come. On average, the element lifespan of a short-wave heaters is roughly 5,000 hours. If you use your heaters every single day for two hours, you will not need to replace your elements until roughly 7 years from now. In addition to being long lasting, when the time comes that your elements need to be replaced, the cost to replace the elements is on average about $100 each

Top Shortwave Brands

Inspiration for Short Wave Heaters

Ski Resorts

Rooftop Bars

Open Terraces

Industrial Buildings

solaira heaters at an industrial building

With our list of industry-leading brands to choose from, we are confident we can help you find the perfect solution to accommodate your application. Our trained staff has years of experience and are happy to help you choose the best solution for your outdoor space. Our Patio Specialists are ready to answer all of your questions, give us a call today and take advantage of our FREE heating design consultation at 855-298-4922.

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Short Wave Heat Technology

Long Wave

Low (unit produces 575°F)

40% radiant heat and 60% convective

Susceptible to wind dispersal

Average 5 minutes

5,000+ Hours

Medium Wave

Moderate (unit produces 1652°F)

60% radiant heat and 40% convective bi-product

Limited susceptibility to wind dispersal

Average 30 seconds

5,000+ Hours

Short Wave

High (unit produces 3992°F)

90% radiant heat and 10% convective bi-product

Warms people and objects directly

Instantaneous

20,000+ Hours

Short Wave

Element Glow

Heat Distribution

Environments

Warm up Time

Element Lifespan

Top Shortwave Brands

Inspiration for Short Wave Heaters

Ideas & Inspiration

Heating

Shading

Cooling

Outdoor Living

Commercial Applications

Follow PatioHeatandShade on Social Media

Long Wave

Low (unit produces 575°F)

40% radiant heat and 60% convective

Susceptible to wind dispersal

Average 5 minutes

5,000+ Hours

Medium Wave

Moderate (unit produces 1652°F)

60% radiant heat and 40% convective bi-product

Limited susceptibility to wind dispersal

Average 30 seconds

5,000+ Hours

Short Wave

High (unit produces 3992°F)

90% radiant heat and 10% convective bi-product

Warms people and objects directly

Instantaneous

20,000+ Hours

Ideas & Inspiration

Heating

Shading

Cooling

Outdoor Living

Commercial Applications