May 10, 2025

Powering Your Pergola Comfort: Energy Consumption Considerations

Dreaming of toasty pergola nights without melting your wallet? The short answer: choose the right heater type, size, and usage habits to balance warmth and costs. From savvy insulation tricks to smart controls, our Outdoor Heating and Firepits Collection has you covered—read on to heat smarter, not harder!

Understanding the Costs and Efficiency of Pergola Heaters

Picture this: a crisp autumn evening, your friends are gathered, the fairy lights are twinkling—and you’re not all huddled under one blanket because your pergola heater is working a treat. Getting that perfect balance of comfort and cost comes down to knowing how different heaters chew through energy.

Both electric and gas heaters have their charms, but also their quirks. The type of heater you choose, how big your pergola is, and how often you plan to use it all play a part. Let’s break it down so you can stay warm without getting burnt by your energy bill.

Electric Heater Energy Consumption

Electric heaters are the “plug and play” champions of pergola heating. No faff with gas bottles or ventilation—just plug them in and enjoy the glow.

Wattage and Hourly Costs

Most electric pergola heaters run between 1,500 and 4,000 watts. To get a rough idea of running costs, here’s a simple formula:
Watts ÷ 1000 × hours used × your electricity rate = running cost.

For example, a 2,000W heater used for 3 hours, with electricity at 30p/kWh, works out at £1.80. That’s about the same as a posh takeaway coffee for an evening’s warmth.

Potential for Higher Overall Costs with Frequent Use

That said, the pennies add up quickly if you’re firing it up every evening or using multiple heaters. Covering a larger pergola space might mean doubling up on units, which naturally doubles the cost.

Think of it like leaving the kettle boiling all night—not ideal for the bill or the planet.

Gas Heater Energy Consumption

Gas heaters are like the big brother of outdoor heating—more powerful, and often quicker at getting things warm. Perfect for when you’ve got a larger space or a few more people to keep toasty.

BTU Output and Fuel Costs

Gas heaters are rated by BTUs (British Thermal Units). Most outdoor models sit between 30,000 and 50,000 BTU.

A 40,000 BTU patio heater, for example, burns through about 1.85 lbs of propane an hour. Depending on where you buy your gas, you’re looking at roughly £2.40 an hour. It’s a bit like keeping the barbecue going on full blast all evening.

Can Be More Economical for Extended Use in Some Regions

Here’s where it gets interesting: in areas where gas is cheaper, or if you’re planning long evenings under the pergola, a gas heater can actually work out more affordable than electric. Especially when you’re heating a larger area where one electric heater just won’t cut it.

It’s the outdoor equivalent of “go big or go home.”

Comparing Energy Efficiency of Different Heater Types

If we’re talking smart energy use, infrared heaters deserve a mention. These clever devices don’t waste time heating the air (which just floats away, especially on breezy evenings). Instead, they warm up people and objects directly—like the sun on a cool day.

They’re brilliant for targeted heating and can often be more efficient than traditional gas or electric convection heaters. It’s the same reason you feel warmer sitting in a sunny spot even if the air’s chilly.

Tips for Reducing Energy Consumption

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: how to stay warm without draining your wallet.

Using Timers and Smart Controls

Modern heaters aren’t just about brute force heat—they come with brains too. Many models have timers, thermostats, or even remote controls.

Setting a timer means you won’t accidentally leave it running until midnight (we’ve all done it). And smart controls let you fine-tune the temperature so you’re not overheating your space when a gentle glow will do.

Heating Only Occupied Areas

Think of your pergola like your house. You wouldn’t blast the radiators in every room if you’re only sitting in the lounge, right?

The same goes for outdoor heating. Focus the warmth where you’re actually sitting—like under the dining table or near the sofa area. Directional heaters, portable units, or even a stylish firepit from our Outdoor Heating and Firepits Collection can do the trick nicely.

Choosing Energy-Efficient Models

If you’re shopping for a new heater, look out for models with reflective panels, low-emission designs, or high-efficiency ratings. They give you more bang for your buck (or more toastiness for your tenner, if you like).

And don’t forget—you can give your pergola a helping hand with simple things like outdoor curtains, screens, or pergola blinds. They trap the heat in and keep those chilly breezes out.

It’s like giving your pergola a cosy jumper.

Wrapping Up: Stay Warm, Spend Smart

Heating your pergola doesn’t have to mean sky-high bills. Whether you go electric, gas or infrared, the key is matching the right heater to your space and using a few clever tricks to keep energy use down.

With smart controls, efficient models, and targeted heating, you can enjoy those crisp, starlit evenings for less. So go on—light the lanterns, pour the mulled wine, and let your Outdoor Heating and Firepits Collection shine.

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