May 10, 2025

How Weather Affects Your Patio Heater

Chilly breeze stealing your patio party’s vibe? Weather can zap patio heater power—wind, rain, and cold all play spoiler. The short answer: yes, weather affects performance, but smart tweaks fix it. Discover how to outsmart the elements (and save your s’mores) with our Outdoor Heating and Firepits collection tips!

The Elements and Your Heater: How Weather Impacts Performance

Your patio heater is the unsung hero of garden gatherings. But even the mightiest garden gadgets can get rattled by the Great British weather. From gusty winds to biting cold and surprise showers, the elements can throw a serious spanner in the works.

Knowing how weather affects your heater isn’t just handy — it’ll save you from shivering through your next BBQ or firepit evening. Let’s break it all down so you can keep things warm and welcoming outdoors.

Understanding the Influence of Weather on Outdoor Heating

Outdoor heaters aren’t miracle workers. They’re constantly battling the environment around them, and things like wind, rain, and snow can make it harder for them to do their job.

But don’t worry — once you know what you’re up against, you can plan smartly and stay comfortable all year round.

Wind

Heat Loss Due to Convection

Picture this: You’ve got the heater fired up and the drinks poured, but a sneaky breeze keeps whisking the warmth away. That’s convection at work. Wind speeds up heat loss by carrying warm air off before you can enjoy it.

It’s like trying to warm your hands next to a campfire on a blustery beach — toasty one second, chilly the next.

Importance of Windbreaks

Here’s a simple fix: block that wind. Adding a windbreak, like a fence, screen, hedge, or even the wall of your house, gives the warm air a chance to settle where you need it.

A neighbour of mine swears by her pergola draped in outdoor curtains. On breezy nights, they trap the warmth beautifully — and they make her patio look like a chic outdoor lounge too.

Some Heaters are More Wind-Resistant

Not all heaters throw in the towel at the first gust. Infrared electric heaters, for instance, heat objects and people directly rather than the air around them — so the wind won’t steal all their hard work.

Models with wind guards or directional heat reflectors can also make a big difference. If your garden’s a bit of a wind tunnel, these might be just what you need.

Temperature

Lower Ambient Temperatures Require Higher Heat Output

When the temperature drops, your heater needs to work overtime to keep you comfy. On crisp winter nights, it’s not just about flicking the switch and hoping for the best. Colder air cools things faster, so your heater has to pump out more energy to compensate.

It’s like trying to heat a conservatory in December — you’ll need a bit more oomph than on a mild autumn evening.

Heater Efficiency Can Be Affected

It’s not just output that takes a hit. Cold weather can mess with how efficiently your heater runs. Gas heaters, for example, can struggle because low temperatures make propane condense, leading to weaker flames.

And while electric heaters don’t deal with gas, they can still take longer to warm up or distribute heat less evenly if it’s bitterly cold.

Rain and Moisture

Safety Concerns with Electric Heaters

We all know Britain doesn’t hold back on the rain. And when it comes to heaters, rain isn’t just annoying — it can be dangerous. Electric heaters and water are a risky mix, with the potential for short circuits or shocks.

Unless your model is rated for outdoor, wet conditions, it’s safest to unplug and cover up when the heavens open.

Potential for Corrosion on All Heater Types

Even if you dodge the rain showers, moisture in the air can slowly chip away at your heater’s lifespan. Metal parts on both electric and gas models can rust or corrode if left exposed.

I’ve seen a neighbour’s once-shiny stainless-steel heater develop a patchy rust coat after just one soggy winter left uncovered. Not ideal.

Some Heaters are Designed for All-Weather Use

Thankfully, some heaters are built to handle our unpredictable climate. Look out for models with waterproof casings, rust-resistant finishes, and sealed electrical components.

Our Outdoor Heating and Firepits collection has plenty of all-weather options that will keep going strong through drizzle, damp, and everything in between.

Snow and Ice

Potential for Damage

Snow might look magical — but your heater won’t agree. Heavy snow and ice can block ventilation, crack components, or weigh down delicate parts like ignition systems.

Think of it like leaving your barbecue under a foot of snow. Things won’t be in great shape by spring if you don’t take precautions.

Need for Proper Protection or Storage

A bit of TLC goes a long way. Using a weatherproof cover or moving your heater into a shed, garage, or sheltered spot during long cold snaps can save you a world of hassle later.

I always stash my gas heater under the covered veranda once December rolls around. It’s dry, protected — and ready to go the moment the sun peeks back out.

Final Thoughts

The British weather is nothing if not unpredictable. But with the right knowledge and kit, your patio heater can be ready for just about anything. By shielding it from wind, protecting it from moisture, and giving it a little extra love in cold or snowy conditions, you’ll make sure those outdoor evenings stay cosy year-round.

And if you’re in the market for something sturdier? Have a browse through our Outdoor Heating and Firepits collection — because nothing should stand between you and a cracking evening under the stars.

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