Extend Your Outdoor Living Season: The Best Heating Options for Awnings and Canopies

Enjoy Your Outdoor Space All Year Round

There’s nothing better than relaxing under your awning or canopy on a summer evening — but as the temperature drops, that same space can quickly go unused. At Aura Awnings, we believe your outdoor living area shouldn’t be limited to one season. With the right heating solution, you can enjoy your terrace, patio, or garden room in total comfort all year round.

Whether you’re hosting friends, dining al fresco, or simply unwinding outdoors, adding a premium infrared heater can make your awning space warm, welcoming, and practical — even in winter.

Why Combine a Heater with Your Awning or Canopy?

Pairing a heater with your awning is one of the simplest ways to extend your outdoor lifestyle. Here’s why more homeowners and hospitality venues are choosing to do it:

• 🌡️ Comfort in every season – Enjoy cosy evenings outdoors, even on crisp autumn nights.

• 🏡 Better use of space – Turn your patio or terrace into a usable “outdoor room.”

• 💡 Instant warmth – Modern infrared heaters provide targeted, immediate heat without pre-heating.

• 🌍 Energy efficiency – Infrared technology warms people and surfaces directly, not the air, making it more cost-effective than gas alternatives.

• 💬 Stylish integration – Slimline heaters blend seamlessly into awnings and canopy structures, complementing your home’s design.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Heater

When it comes to heating an outdoor covered area, not all heaters are equal. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Electric Infrared Heaters — Our Top Choice

Infrared heaters emit radiant warmth that feels like natural sunlight. They’re weatherproof, silent, odourless, and ideal for installation beneath awnings or within canopies. They provide instant heat and are maintenance-free, which makes them a perfect match for residential patios, café terraces, or garden rooms.

At Aura Awnings, we recommend the British-made Tansun Rio Grande — a sleek, fully weatherproof infrared heater designed specifically for outdoor environments.

2. Gas Heaters

While gas patio heaters have long been popular, they’re less efficient outdoors and not suitable for enclosed awnings due to ventilation and safety requirements. They’re also bulkier and more costly to operate, making them a less sustainable long-term option.

3. Wall-Mounted vs. Freestanding Heaters

For awnings and canopies, we suggest wall-mounted or bracketed heaters positioned at a 45° angle. This ensures even heat distribution and keeps valuable floor space clear — perfect for dining or seating areas.

Safety and Installation Considerations

Safety is key when introducing heating beneath a fabric or metal canopy. Our team ensures that every heater installation meets manufacturer and safety guidelines:

• Maintain minimum clearances between heater and awning fabric.

• Use IP-rated weatherproof units (such as the Rio Grande, rated for all-season use).

• Mount using purpose-built brackets to guarantee safe airflow and proper angle.

• Always install via a qualified electrician for reliability and warranty compliance.

We’ll assess your layout and recommend the best position for comfort and safety.

Style That Complements Your Space

Your outdoor area should look as good as it feels. That’s why our recommended heaters come in custom RAL colours, allowing them to match your awning frame or canopy structure perfectly. Whether you prefer a discreet black finish or a tone that blends into your home’s architecture, the result is always sleek, modern, and refined.

Energy Efficiency & Running Costs

Electric infrared heaters are surprisingly efficient. A single 2 kW heater typically costs around 20–30 p per hour to run (depending on your energy tariff) — far less than gas alternatives. As they heat people and surfaces directly, you’re not wasting energy heating the air that quickly escapes outdoors.

The result? Lower operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint — all while keeping your outdoor space comfortable.

Heater Highlight: Tansun Rio Grande

We’re proud to offer the Tansun Rio Grande — one of the UK’s leading infrared heaters for outdoor use.

Key features:

• Weatherproof aluminium body (IP rated)

• Power options: 1.5 kW, 2.0 kW, or 3.0 kW

• Wall-mounted design (45° angle)

• Safety guard and two-year warranty

• Custom RAL colour options to match your awning

It’s the perfect companion for any Aura Awning, providing reliable warmth and timeless style.

If you are looking to heat an outside area, get in touch with the team today for a free estimate on heating solutions for your space. Get in touch here