Infrared Tube Heaters for Toronto Patios, Restaurants & Decks

Between roughly 200 and 672 square feet per unit, depending on model, output and mounting height. A 50,000 BTU/h heater covers about 200 ft²; an 80,000 BTU/h model about 300 ft²; a 115,000 BTU/h phantomSchwank about 500 ft²; and IR Energy's largest evenTUBE reaches a 672 ft² footprint. Higher mounting spreads the footprint wider but reduces intensity at ground level, so coverage and comfort have to be balanced — that's what the layout drawing is for.

For outdoor radiant heating in the GTA, plan on roughly 140 BTU/h per square foot for a well-sheltered patio with a roof and three sides enclosed, about 180 BTU/h per square foot for a typical covered-but-open patio, and up to 240 BTU/h per square foot for a fully exposed or waterfront space. Add 12–25% on top if you intend to stay open through November and into winter.

So a 30′ × 20′ covered patio (600 ft²) used through late fall works out to roughly 121,000 BTU/h — in practice, two 80,000 BTU/h units rather than one very large heater, because two units give you better coverage and the option to run only half the patio on a quiet night.

For a permanent patio, yes — on nearly every measure that matters. A single tube heater covers two to five times the area of a mushroom heater, costs far less to run on natural gas than bottled propane, takes no floor space, needs no staff labour for tank swaps or daily lighting, and keeps working in wind. Free-standing propane heaters still make sense for events, rentals and seasonal overflow, which is why we stock both.

Yes — that's the main reason they're specified for rooftops and waterfront patios. Because infrared heats surfaces rather than air, there's no warm air pocket for wind to carry away. The IR Energy evenTUBE is rated wind resistant to roughly 12 mph, and the phantomSchwank is a fully enclosed, wind-resistant design with an optimised reflector. Sustained high wind will still reduce perceived comfort somewhat, but the performance drop is a fraction of what you'd see from a mushroom heater. We break the numbers down further in our article on how weather conditions affect natural gas patio heater performance.

Choose natural gas whenever a line is available or can reasonably be extended. Operating cost per BTU is substantially lower than bottled propane, and you never handle a tank. Propane is the right answer when there's no gas service, when the location is remote, or when the installation must stay portable. Both IR Energy and Schwank build models for either fuel, and the phantomSchwank can be field-converted between NG and LP.

phantomSchwank STP models are recommended at 8–12 ft depending on output: 8–10 ft for the 50K, 8–11 ft for the 80K, and 9–12 ft for the 115K. IR Energy evenTUBE units are effective for ceiling and wall heights from 9 ft up to 16 ft. Mount too low and the footprint narrows and can feel intense directly beneath; too high and intensity at seated head height falls off. Get the height right and it feels like standing in sunshine.

Yes, and it's one of the most common installations we do — provided the manufacturer's clearances to combustibles are respected. The evenTUBE ETSV achieves top clearance as low as 2″ and the ETS as low as 4″, which is what makes tucking a heater into a wood ceiling or pergola bay possible at all. Every model has published clearances for top, sides and below; we verify them against your actual structure before installation.

Only vented models. The IR Energy evenTUBE ETSV is CSA approved for indoor and outdoor use and vents combustion products outside — that's the model for enclosed patios, retractable-roof spaces, solariums, garages and workshops. The unvented evenTUBE ETS is CSA approved for outdoor use only. For dedicated indoor spaces like warehouses, arenas and shops, Schwank's superTube, premierSchwank and builderSchwank lines are purpose-built.

A 50,000 BTU/h heater on natural gas consumes roughly 1.4 m³ per hour at full fire. At typical Ontario all-in residential gas rates that lands in the region of $0.50–$0.90 per hour, and running on low fire cuts consumption by around 40%. Rates change and commercial rates differ, so check current Enbridge Gas pricing for an exact figure. Either way, natural gas is the cheapest fuel per BTU of any patio heating option in Ontario — well below electric radiant at current electricity rates and far below bottled propane. Our technical comparison of natural gas vs. electric patio heaters works through the running-cost maths in full.

Unit pricing depends on brand, length, output, finish and controls, and installed project pricing depends heavily on gas line work, mounting structure and electrical. Rather than quote a misleading range, we price each project properly: send us the space and you'll get a fixed, itemised quote covering equipment, installation, gas connection and commissioning. We guarantee the best price in the GTA and will match any Canadian authorized dealer. For the payback side of the decision, read our cost-benefit analysis of natural gas patio heaters.

Gas piping and appliance connection must be carried out by a TSSA-certified G1 or G2 gas technician — that is not optional in Ontario, and an uncertified install can void both your warranty and your insurance. Building permits depend on the work: new gas lines, structural mounting or enclosing a patio commonly require municipal approval, and requirements differ across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan and Markham. We coordinate the licensed gas work and flag what your municipality is likely to want.

Yes. Every phantomSchwank STP includes built-in smart wireless control: on/off, high/low fire, weekly schedules and zone control from a phone, tablet or browser, and it pairs with the Schwank.ONE controller. IR Energy evenTUBE units are compatible with smart control systems as well. For a multi-section patio, zoning is usually the single biggest operating-cost saving — you only burn gas over occupied seating.

Quiet enough to hold a conversation directly underneath. phantomSchwank STP models run in the region of 55–65 dB, and Schwank's Whisper-Jet burner technology measures approximately 46 dB(A) at 10 ft on their tube heater range — about the level of a soft conversation. There are no fans blowing across the seating area, so there's no draught and no napkins moving.

phantomSchwank STP carries a 10-year burner cup warranty and 3-year component coverage, and is UL certified. IR Energy evenTUBE units are CSA approved and factory tested and inspected before shipping; current warranty terms are supplied with your quote. As an authorized dealer for both brands we handle warranty claims locally rather than sending you to a manufacturer helpline.

Yes. We supply and install throughout Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Newmarket, Aurora, King City and Caledon. We also ship equipment supply-only across Ontario and Canada.

Very little, but not none. An annual pre-season service — burner and orifice inspection, reflector cleaning, gas pressure check, ignition and control verification — keeps output where it should be and catches wear early. Reflectors collect dust, pollen and grease on restaurant patios, and a dirty reflector quietly costs you radiant output. Both manufacturers publish seasonal maintenance procedures; we offer scheduled service across the GTA.