Patio Heater Guide for Ontario: Gas, Electric, and Infrared

You've invested in a beautiful deck or patio, and now you want to use it past September. Patio heaters extend your outdoor season by weeks or even months in Ontario, but choosing the wrong type means wasted money and cold guests.

The right heater depends on your setup: freestanding propane units work anywhere but need tank refills, natural gas models tie into your home's supply, electric heaters run silently but cost more to operate, and infrared units heat people directly instead of warming air that blows away.

Here's how each type performs in Ontario's freeze-thaw climate, what you'll actually pay in 2026, and which regulations apply in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge.

Propane Patio Heaters

The tall mushroom-style propane heater is what most people picture. You wheel it into position, hook up a 20 lb tank, and you're heating.

How they work: A burner at the top radiates heat downward and outward through a reflector dome. Most units produce 40,000 to 48,000 BTUs, heating a circle roughly 15-20 feet in diameter.

Upfront cost: $200-$600 for residential models. Commercial-grade stainless units run $800-$1,500.

Operating cost: A 20 lb propane tank costs $20-$25 in Ontario (2026) and lasts 8-10 hours on high. That's roughly $2.50 per hour.

Pros:

• No installation required
• Move it anywhere on your deck or patio
• Works during power outages
• Strong heat output even in cold weather

Cons:

• Tank refills every few uses
• Takes up floor space (18-24 inch base)
• Wind reduces effectiveness
• Can't use under covered areas in most municipalities (fire code)

KWC regulations: Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge follow Ontario Fire Code rules that prohibit propane heaters under roofs or enclosed spaces. You can use them on open decks and patios. Keep them at least 3 feet from combustibles.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters

These look similar to propane models but connect to your home's natural gas line with a permanent installation.

How they work: Same radiant heat principle as propane, typically 40,000 BTUs. Requires a licensed gas fitter to run a line from your meter to the heater location.

Upfront cost:

• Heater unit: $400-$900
• Gas line installation: $500-$1,200 depending on distance from meter
• Total: $900-$2,100

Operating cost: Natural gas costs approximately $0.30 per cubic meter in Ontario (2026). A 40,000 BTU heater uses about 1 cubic meter per hour, so $0.30 per hour to run.

Pros:

• Cheapest fuel cost long-term
• Never refill tanks
• Higher-end look with no visible propane cylinder
• Consistent heat output

Cons:

• Requires professional installation and permit
• Fixed location—you can't move it
• Upfront cost 3-4x higher than propane
• Gas line must meet setback rules from property lines

Permit requirements: You need a gas permit in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge for new gas line installations. Your TSSA-licensed contractor pulls this as part of the work. Budget $150-$250 for permit fees.

If you're planning other outdoor projects, check out deck setback rules in KWC to understand property line restrictions that also apply to permanent gas installations.

Electric Patio Heaters

Electric models mount to walls, ceilings, or freestanding poles. They're the cleanest option—no fuel, no emissions, just plug and heat.

How they work: Most use infrared heating elements that warm objects and people directly rather than heating air. Common outputs are 1,500 watts (5,100 BTUs) for small units or 3,000 watts (10,200 BTUs) for larger models.

Upfront cost: $100-$400 for wall-mount units, $300-$800 for freestanding infrared towers.

Operating cost: Ontario electricity averages $0.14 per kWh (2026 mid-peak rate). A 1,500-watt heater costs $0.21 per hour; a 3,000-watt unit costs $0.42 per hour.

Pros:

• Silent operation
• No fuel storage or refills
• Safe for covered patios and pergolas
• Instant on/off with no warm-up time
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Lower heat output than gas models
• Requires nearby outlet or hardwiring
• Higher operating cost than natural gas
• Shorter heat radius (8-12 feet typical)

Installation notes: Most electric heaters simply plug into a weatherproof outdoor outlet. Hardwired models need an electrician and may require an electrical permit for new circuits.

For covered deck projects, see pergola and covered deck permits in KWC to understand when electrical work triggers additional permit requirements.

Infrared Patio Heaters

Infrared technology appears in both electric and gas models, but standalone infrared units deserve separate discussion because they heat differently than traditional radiant heaters.

How they work: Infrared heaters emit electromagnetic waves that heat solid objects (people, furniture, deck surfaces) without warming the air between the heater and the target. You feel warm instantly, and wind doesn't carry the heat away.

Types available:

• Electric infrared: Wall or ceiling mount, 1,500-3,000 watts
• Gas infrared: Tube-style overhead units, 30,000-50,000 BTUs
• Portable infrared: Freestanding towers, 1,000-1,500 watts

Upfront cost: $200-$500 for electric infrared panels, $600-$1,200 for gas infrared tube systems.

Operating cost: Same as electric or gas options above, depending on fuel type.

Pros:

• Works better in windy conditions
• Feels warmer at lower wattage/BTU
• No light glare (some models)
• More energy-efficient for targeted heating

Cons:

• Heating pattern is directional—shadows feel cold
• Gas infrared models need professional installation
• Higher upfront cost than traditional electric heaters

Best applications: Infrared excels on windy sites, under pergolas where you want heat without visible flames, and for heating specific seating areas rather than entire patios.

Comparing Patio Heater Types

| Type | Upfront Cost | Operating Cost/Hour | Heat Output | Mobility | Permit Required |

|------|--------------|---------------------|-------------|----------|-----------------|

| Propane | $200-$600 | $2.50 | 40,000-48,000 BTU | Full | No |

| Natural Gas | $900-$2,100 | $0.30 | 40,000 BTU | Fixed | Yes |

| Electric | $100-$800 | $0.21-$0.42 | 5,100-10,200 BTU | Depends | Sometimes |

| Infrared (electric) | $200-$500 | $0.21-$0.42 | 5,100-10,200 BTU | Varies | Sometimes |

| Infrared (gas) | $600-$1,200 | $0.30 | 30,000-50,000 BTU | Fixed | Yes |

Sizing Your Patio Heater

For propane and natural gas heaters:

• 100-150 sq ft patio: 40,000 BTU minimum
• 150-200 sq ft patio: 48,000 BTU
• 200-300 sq ft patio: Two 40,000 BTU units or one commercial unit
• Over 300 sq ft: Multiple heaters spaced 15-20 feet apart

For electric and infrared heaters:

• 60-100 sq ft zone: 1,500 watts
• 100-150 sq ft zone: 3,000 watts
• Larger areas: Multiple units

Ontario's cold weather reduces efficiency. These guidelines assume outdoor temperatures between 5°C and 15°C (40-60°F). Below freezing, add 20-30% more capacity.

Safety and Installation Requirements

Clearances (Ontario Fire Code):

• 3 feet from any combustible material (deck railings, siding, furniture)
• 36 inches overhead clearance minimum
• 10 feet from propane tank storage when not in use

Covered areas:

• Electric heaters: allowed under pergolas and covered patios
• Propane heaters: prohibited under roofs or enclosed on 3+ sides
• Natural gas heaters: allowed if area has adequate ventilation (typically open on 2+ sides)

Carbon monoxide risk: Gas heaters (propane and natural gas) produce CO. Never use them in enclosed spaces like screened porches with windows closed. If you're considering enclosing a covered deck, verify ventilation requirements first.

For structural considerations when adding heaters to existing decks, read about hot tub structural requirements—similar load and mounting principles apply to ceiling-mount heaters.

Which Patio Heater Type Is Best for Ontario?

Choose propane if:

• You want heat anywhere without installation
• Your patio is 150-250 sq ft
• You use the heater occasionally (10-20 times per season)
• You're okay with tank refills

Choose natural gas if:

• You use your patio 30+ times per season
• You're building or renovating and can add gas lines
• You want the lowest operating cost long-term
• You don't mind fixed heater location

Choose electric if:

• You have a covered patio or pergola
• Your heating zone is under 150 sq ft
• You want zero maintenance
• You prioritize silence and cleanliness

Choose infrared if:

• Your site gets consistent wind
• You want targeted heating for seating areas
• You're mounting heaters overhead
• You need heating without visible flames

Most Ontario homeowners with 200+ sq ft decks and regular use get the best value from natural gas if installing new, or propane for flexibility. Smaller covered patios under 120 sq ft work well with electric infrared panels.

Extending Your Outdoor Season

Patio heaters work best as part of a complete comfort system:

Add windbreaks: Even a 3-foot glass panel or privacy screen increases effective heating by 30-40%. Check local rules—see privacy screen permit requirements.

Layer with fire features: A fire pit or table provides supplemental radiant heat and extends the effective range of overhead heaters.

Improve your patio surface: Concrete and stone retain heat better than wood. Dark colors absorb daytime sun and release warmth into the evening.

Protect from snow: If you heat a patio into winter, plan for snow management. Salt damages most patio surfaces—see winter deck care practices that also apply to patios.

Buying and Installation Timeline

Off-season pricing: Buy patio heaters in late fall or winter for 20-30% discounts. Retailers clear inventory from October through February.

Installation lead time:

• Propane: same day (just buy and set up)
• Natural gas: 2-4 weeks for gas fitter availability plus permit time
• Electric (plug-in): same day
• Electric (hardwired): 1-2 weeks for electrician

Where to buy in KWC:

• Home Depot and Lowe's (Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo)
• Canadian Tire locations region-wide
• RONA (various locations)
• Specialty hearth and BBQ stores for high-end models

Common Questions

Can I use a patio heater on a composite deck?

Yes. Propane, natural gas, electric, and infrared heaters are all safe on composite decking as long as you maintain proper clearances (3 feet from deck railings and surfaces). The heater base doesn't get hot enough to damage composite materials. Just ensure the unit sits level and stable.

For more on composite deck surfaces, see composite vs wood decking in Ontario.

How cold is too cold for a patio heater to work?

Propane and natural gas heaters work effectively down to -10°C to -15°C (14-5°F). Below this, propane can struggle to vaporize and heat output drops. Electric and infrared heaters work at any temperature but feel less effective because cold air requires more energy to offset. Most Ontario homeowners find patio heaters practical from September through November and March through May, with limited mid-winter use on milder days.

Do I need a permit to install a patio heater in Kitchener, Waterloo, or Cambridge?

No permit for freestanding propane or plug-in electric heaters.

Gas permit required for natural gas line installations. Your licensed gas fitter handles the permit application. Expect $150-$250 in permit fees plus inspection.

Electrical permit sometimes required for hardwired electric heaters if you're adding a new circuit. Plugging into an existing outdoor outlet needs no permit.

See deck permit costs in KWC for related fee structures when combining patio heaters with deck projects.

What's the most economical patio heater to run in Ontario?

Natural gas at $0.30 per hour is cheapest to operate, but requires high upfront investment ($900-$2,100).

Break-even analysis: If you use a heater 50 hours per season, natural gas saves $110 per year versus propane ($15 vs $125 in fuel costs). You'll recover the extra installation cost in 8-10 years.

Propane makes more sense for occasional use (under 30 hours per season) or if you rent and can't install permanent gas lines.

Can I leave my patio heater outside all winter in Ontario?

Propane and natural gas heaters: Store indoors or use weatherproof covers. Ontario freeze-thaw cycles damage control valves and ignition systems. Remove propane tanks and store separately.

Electric heaters: Most outdoor-rated units tolerate winter weather, but manufacturers recommend covering or storing to extend lifespan.

Infrared heaters: Permanently mounted units are designed for year-round exposure, but verify the IP rating (IP65 minimum for Ontario weather).

Clean and inspect all heaters before storage and again before each season. Replace worn hoses, check gas connections, and test igniters.

Related: Concrete vs Interlock Patio in Ontario.