Of the available heating technologies for outdoor
use, only electric quartz halogen infra red is suitable for use
under awnings and parasols. Firstly this is because there is no
exposed heat source, as there would be with, say, a gas patio
heater. Secondly virtually all of the heat emitted from a SunSwitch
quartz halogen heater is radiated from the front of the unit.
Correctly installed, with a few cm air clearance above the heater,
there will be no detrimental effect on the canopy material.
Mounting SunSwitch infra-red heaters under an
awning or parasol will tend to trap some of the heat, making them
feel warmer. This means that heat regulation is usually required
on milder days. An example is the SunSwitch CC1 that
will control up to 3kW of quartz halogen heat. It has the added
benefits that when the heat level is turned down, energy is saved
and element life is extended.
SunSwitch does not recommend any products for
use under awnings and parasols that are not completely weather
safe. Theoretically, an awning or parasol provides overhead protection
from rain. However in practice, we feel this does not justify the
use of products with a low IP rating and exposed elements. For
further information on this subject, follow this link:
+ Safety
and outdoor electric heaters
> VIEW RECOMMENDED PATIO HEATER PRODUCTS
We are Trading Standards approved.
