HEATER SIZING GUIDELINES
Radiant heaters work like the sun to emit radiant heat directly to the space to increase the comfort of
the patio guests. Suitable applications include patios, porches, outdoor shopping areas and pathways.
The amount of temperature increase in outdoor patio spaces will be dependent on the following factors:
1. The number of heaters in the space is important to provide good coverage of the area to be heated.
2. Take care not to mount the heaters too low or too close together this can make people directly below the
heaters uncomfortable.
3. It is recommended to use a suitable windbreak to reduce the effects of direct wind on the patio. If an area
is going to be unprotected and is a breezy location then heaters may need to located closer together. Wind
breaks must be designed to allow fresh air for ventilation.
4. Angling the heaters greater than 30 degrees should be avoided unless the mounting height is low, when
the heaters are angled more than 30 degrees the radiant intensity is lower and will reduce the amount of
heat felt by the guests.
5. It is recommended to place the heaters in the area of greatest heat loss facing into the patio area.
The table below shows minimum area coverage per heater for outdoor patio heating based on a 5 to
10°F (2.8 to 5.6°C) temperature rise.
Mounting Angle
Horizontal
Up to 30 Degrees Angled
30 to 60 Degrees Angled
Mounting Height
8ft. – 11ft.
(2.5 – 3.0m)
7ft. – 9ft.
(2.1 – 2.7m)
6ft. – 8ft.
(1.8 – 2.5m)
Breezy Exposed
Moderately
Location
Protected
8 x 8 ft
10 x 10 ft.
(2.5 x 2.5m)
(3.0 x 3.0m)
8 x 8 ft
9 x 9 ft.
(2.5 x 2.5m)
(2.7 x 2.7m)
Not Recommended
Well
Protected
12 x 12 ft.
(3.7 x 3.7m)
11 x 11 ft.
(3.3 x 3.3m)
8 x 8 ft.
(2.5 x 2.5m)
Note: When sizing the number of heaters to warm the patio, the area coverage given above may not
provide the stated temperature rise under all weather conditions and will be dependent on heater
placement. Minimums are shown as a guideline for human comfort. For more assistance with patio
heater sizing and layout please contact your local Sunstar representative.
TYPICAL HEATER LAYOUTS
The diagram below shows the recommended spacing layout between heaters.
Dimension
A. Mounting Height
Horizontal
Min.
8ft (2.5m)
Max.
11ft
(3.4m)
6ft (1.8m)
15 to 30 degree angle
Min.
Max.
7ft (2.1m) 9ft (2.7m)
Above 30 degree angle
Min.
Max.
6ft (1.8m) 8ft (2.5m)
B. Distance to the end 0ft (0m)
0ft (0m)
6ft (1.8m) 0ft (0m)
of the patio
C. Distance between
8ft (2.5m) 12ft
7ft (2.1m) 11ft
6ft (1.8m)
heaters.
(3.7m)
(3.4m)
D. Distance between
8ft (2.5m) 16ft
8ft (2.5m) 18ft
8ft (2.5m)
heaters*
(4.9m)
(5.5m)
*Note the distance D for angled heaters applies when they are facing towards each other.
6ft (1.8m)
10ft
(3.0m)
16ft
(4.9m)
Note: Local codes may have special requirements regarding head clearance requirements. Some local
codes require all portions of overhead radiant heaters to be located at least 8 feet above the floor.
Below are examples of patio heating applications.
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