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Outdoor community spaces play a major role in creating a comfortable and enjoyable living environment for apartment and condo residents. Whether its a rooftop lounge, a shared grill station, or a poolside patio, these gathering areas help residents connect with neighbors and spend more time outside.
The challenge is that many of these spaces become uncomfortable once the weather cools down, which leads to unused and abandoned outdoor amenities during fall and winter.
Horizontal heaters help solve this problem. Many owners and managers of multifamily properties now use natural gas horizontal heaters to keep outdoor patios warm throughout the year. These heaters provide steady infrared warmth, long-term reliability, and low operating costs. Because they mount overhead, they keep walkways clear and maintain an uncluttered patio layout. They are one of the most popular upgrades for outdoor amenities at apartment and condo properties today.
What Are Horizontal Natural Gas Heaters
Horizontal natural gas heaters are a type of horizontal patio heater that uses natural gas as the fuel source to generate infrared heat. Instead of heating the air, these heaters warm people and objects directly, which creates a natural and comfortable heat that is very effective outdoors.
Infrared heat is the same type of warmth you feel from sunlight. It heats surfaces instead of blowing warm air, which makes it ideal for open air patios, breezeways, and rooftop decks. Wind does not reduce the heaters performance, which is especially helpful on taller buildings or in open areas that get strong breezes.
Horizontal natural gas heaters are widely used by apartments and condos because they offer consistent heat, an attractive look, and long lasting durability. These heaters help make outdoor spaces usable in more seasons, which increases the overall value of the property.
How Horizontal Patio Heaters Work
Horizontal patio heaters are long, rectangular heaters that mount above the patio area. Because they are installed overhead, they remain out of the way and do not take up any usable floor space.
Mounting Options
These heaters can be mounted in several ways:
- Attached to the rafters of a patio ceiling
- Suspended by chains from a high structure
- Mounted to the eaves of a building
- Attached to an exterior wall
- Installed on top of a sturdy pole or post
How Infrared Heat Works
Infrared heat is a form of harmless light that is invisible and travels in straight lines. When the heater is properly aimed and mounted at the correct height, it spreads warm, even heat across the seating or standing area below. This creates a comfortable and inviting space that feels natural instead of overly hot or concentrated in one spot.
Because the heaters stay overhead, residents can move freely around the patio without worrying about bumping into a heater, touching a hot surface, or navigating around equipment. This makes horizontal heaters ideal for tight or crowded spaces, including shared grill areas and small rooftop patios.
Why Natural Gas Is a Popular Fuel Source
Natural gas is one of the most popular fuel sources for outdoor patio heaters because it offers a steady supply of fuel and has a low operating cost. It is supplied directly from a utility company, which means there is no need to order, store, or replace fuel tanks.
Benefits of natural gas:
- Always connected and ready to use
- No tanks or storage areas needed
- Lower long-term fuel cost
- Clean burning and efficient
- Works well for heaters used frequently
Where Apartments and Condos Use Horizontal Patio Heaters
Horizontal patio heaters are used in many shared spaces at apartments and condos. Because they mount overhead, they work well in both small patios and large outdoor gathering areas.
Common installation areas:
- Outdoor grilling stations and barbecue areas
- Rooftop lounges or rooftop dining areas
- Poolside patios with lounge chairs
- Community recreation areas with covered patios
- Walkways and breezeways between buildings
- Shared outdoor kitchens
- Fire pit patios with built in seating
- Mail center patios or package pickup areas
Brands of Horizontal Natural Gas Heaters We Carry
We carry several brands of horizontal natural gas heaters with strong reputations for quality, durability, and performance. Two brands used widely in multifamily properties are SunStar and Sunpak. Both offer reliable heating solutions designed for long-term use in outdoor community spaces.
SunStar Horizontal Natural Gas Heaters
SunStar heaters are known for strong build quality and advanced features. These heaters provide dependable heat and installation flexibility for different patio layouts.
Key features:
- Two stage heat output with HIGH and LOW settings
- Tinted glass faceplates that reduce glare and improve looks
- Heat shields that allow for reduced clearance to combustibles
- Durable 316 marine grade stainless steel or black aluminized steel construction
- User friendly control options like 3 position wall switches and wireless remote controls
SunStar Heat Output
MGL35 and SGL35 heaters: 24,000 BTUs per hour on LOW and 35,000 BTUs per hour on HIGH. SGL50 heater: 34,000 BTUs per hour on LOW and 50,000 BTUs per hour on HIGH.
SunStar Material Options
316 marine grade stainless steel
High temp black aluminized steel
Both materials resist rust very well, but 316 stainless steel offers superior protection near coastal areas where salt exposure is high.
Sunpak Horizontal Natural Gas Heaters
Sunpak has been a leader in the patio heating industry since 1961. Their products are made in the United States and are designed to provide reliable infrared heating for many years.
Key features:
- Trusted performance built on decades of experience
- Smooth and consistent infrared heat
- Multiple control options including ON/OFF switches, 3 position switches, and wireless remotes
- Available in black or stainless steel finishes
Sunpak Heat Output
SG25 heater: 25,000 BTUs per hour.
SG34 heater: 34,000 BTUs per hour.
S34 TSH and S34 TSR heaters: 25,000 BTUs on LOW and 34,000 BTUs on HIGH.
Why Horizontal Heaters Are Ideal for Multifamily Properties
Multifamily properties need heating solutions that are safe, efficient, and easy to maintain. Horizontal natural gas heaters meet these needs and more.
Benefits for multifamily use:
- Space efficiency: mounted overhead, freeing the patio floor for furniture and activity.
- Consistent warmth: infrared heat warms people directly and does not blow away in the wind
- Better resident experience: warm outdoor spaces encourage amenity use
- Durability: quality materials resist rust and harsh weather
- Low operating cost: natural gas is one of the most affordable energy sources for patio heating
- Easy controls: wall switches and wireless remotes make operation simple
Important Considerations Before Installation
Before installing a horizontal patio heater, property owners should review a few important details:
- Gas line availability (or the ability to install natural gas fuel lines)
- Mounting structure strength
- Required clearance to combustibles
- Patio layout and seating plan
- Electrical connection for heater controls (if applicable)
- Local building codes and permit requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a horizontal patio heater?
A long, rectangular heater that mounts overhead and provides infrared heat to people and objects directly. - Are natural gas horizontal heaters safe for apartment and condo patios?
Yes. They include safety features such as ignition controls and flame-sensing systems, and require proper clearances. - How much heat does a natural gas horizontal heater produce?
Most models produce roughly 24,000 to 50,000 BTUs per hour depending on model and settings. - Do horizontal heaters work in windy areas?
Yes. Infrared heat warms surfaces directly and does not drift away like warm air. - What maintenance is required?
Typically cleaning, annual inspections, and periodic checks of the gas line and ignition system.
Conclusion
Horizontal natural gas heaters are one of the best upgrades for outdoor community spaces at apartment and condo properties. They provide steady infrared heat, save valuable patio space, and use natural gas to keep operating costs low.
Whether you are building a new patio or updating an existing one, a natural gas horizontal heater helps create a warm, inviting space that residents will enjoy year round.
Learn more at jetlivingproducts.com or contact us for project support.