How to Select the Correct Heater for Your Space

September 10, 2025

Why Choosing the Right Heater Matters

Outdoor heating isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about creating a comfortable space where people actually want to spend time. The challenge? Every patio, deck, or dining area is different. Some people want to heat their entire space, while others only need to warm a specific seating area.

At Kelray Heating, we design our stainless-steel infrared heaters to adapt to your unique setup — but picking the right one starts with understanding your space.

Step 1: Decide Where You Can Mount the Heater

Mounting location is the number one factor in choosing the correct heater. Both the height and position matter:

Mounting too high with a smaller heater: You won’t feel the warmth.
Mounting too low with a powerful heater: It’ll be uncomfortably hot.

This is why the first thing to figure out is:

Mounting Height – How high is your ceiling or wall clearance?
Mounting Orientation – Do you want to mount on the wall or the ceiling?

Flush Mount vs. Ceiling or Wall Mount

If you like a sleek, built-in look, you can install a Flush Mount Kit. Just keep in mind your ceiling space needs to accommodate it. If flush mounting isn’t an option, a hanging ceiling mount or a wall mount is still an excellent choice—both give great coverage without taking up floor space.

Step 2: Measure Your Space (and Decide What You Want to Heat)

Once you know where you can mount your heaters, the next step is understanding your space. But here’s the thing: you don’t always have to heat the entire area.

Full-space heating – Perfect if you want consistent comfort across the whole patio.
Zone heating – Ideal if you just want to keep a dining table or lounge area warm.

Taking measurements helps you figure out whether a single heater will do the job, or if you’ll need multiple heaters to cover the space.

Step 3: Match Heater Size to Your Setup

The heater you choose depends first and foremost on where you can mount it—both the height and the orientation (wall or ceiling/flush mount). From there, you can figure out how many heaters you’ll need to cover the area.

Wall Mounting: Works well for most patios where side walls are available. Each model has a recommended wall mounting height. For example, the I-20 is designed for 7–8 ft, while the I-40 can go up to 10 ft. Mounting too high with a smaller model means the heat won’t reach you, while mounting too low with a larger unit can feel too intense.
Ceiling Mounting - Flush mount or Hanging: Great for covered decks, pergolas, or restaurant structures with higher ceilings. Each model also has a ceiling mounting range — smaller heaters for lower ceilings (9–11 ft), and more powerful dual-element models like the ID-60 or ID-80 for higher ceilings (14–20 ft).

Once you know your mounting height and style, look at the coverage area (see chart below). A smaller enclosed space may only need a single heater, while a large or partially open patio may require multiple units for even warmth.

Step 4: Think About Power & Installation

Kelray heaters run on electricity, so it’s important to confirm:

The amperage and voltage you have available.
Whether you’ll need a dedicated circuit (common for larger models).

👉 Pro Tip: Always use a licensed electrician for installation. It ensures safety, performance, and compliance with local codes.

Step 5: Style & Aesthetics

Finally, don’t forget the design factor. Kelray heaters are built with marine-grade stainless steel, and can come in a range of finishes from exposed Stainless Steel, to custom Powder Coating in any colour of your choice, offering a clean, modern look that blends into both residential and commercial spaces. Whether you go flush, wall, or ceiling mount, the heater should enhance—not distract from—your outdoor atmosphere.