Propane vs. Natural Gas Patio Heaters

When it comes to extending the comfort of your outdoor space into the cooler months, a reliable patio heater can make all the difference. But one of the most important decisions you'll make isn’t just about style or size, it’s about fuel type. Choosing between propane and natural gas will directly affect your heater’s performance, cost, installation, and environmental impact.

At Calcana, we specialize in high-performance infrared patio heaters that are designed to be mounted overhead, whether on a ceiling, wall, or beam, providing safe, efficient heat without sacrificing floor space. While many other heaters are portable and rely on exposed flames, Calcana’s units offer clean, consistent warmth that’s engineered for permanent outdoor installations.

Propane vs. Natural Gas Patio Heaters: Choosing the Right Fuel Type for Your Outdoor Heating Needs

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the key differences between propane and natural gas patio heaters. We’ll explore their respective pros and cons, typical use cases, installation requirements, costs, and more, so you can make the most informed decision for your home, business, or commercial space.

Understanding Patio Heater Fuel Types: The Basics

Before diving into comparisons, it’s essential to understand how fuel type affects heater performance.

Propane and natural gas are both hydrocarbon-based fuels that burn cleanly and are commonly used for heating, cooking, and other residential or commercial purposes. In outdoor heaters, both can power infrared heating systems, which radiate heat directly to people and objects rather than heating the air.

But while they’re similar in many ways, they differ significantly in delivery method, installation process, heat output, and cost structure.

Propane Patio Heaters: High-Heat Output with Flexible Applications

What Is Propane?

Propane is a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that’s stored in tanks and can be easily transported. It’s commonly used for barbecues, portable fire pits, RV appliances, and outdoor heaters.

Advantages of Propane (For General Heaters)

While Calcana heaters are not portable, many of the propane patio heaters on the market are. This makes propane an appealing choice for users who need flexibility or plan to rearrange their patio layout frequently.

For context and comparison, here are some general advantages of propane-powered heaters in other formats:

• Mobility: Portable propane heaters are often equipped with wheels or handles, allowing users to move them to different spots on a patio or bring them indoors for storage.

• No Gas Line Required: Because propane heaters use refillable tanks, they can be used in locations where natural gas lines aren't available.

• High Heat Output: Propane burns hotter than natural gas, making it ideal for quickly warming up smaller spaces.

• Clean Combustion: Propane produces low levels of greenhouse gases and fewer carbon emissions compared to oil-based fuels.

• Readily Available: Propane tanks can be purchased or refilled at many hardware and grocery stores.

Why Choose Propane with Calcana?

While most consumers associate propane with portability, Calcana’s propane infrared patio heaters offer a fixed, mounted solution that still delivers the high efficiency and clean-burning benefits of propane, without the safety concerns of open flames or bulky, space-hogging towers.

Benefits of Calcana's Propane Heaters:

Clean, Radiant Heat: Our heaters warm people and surfaces directly, rather than wasting energy heating air that quickly dissipates.

High BTU Performance: Propane provides a higher BTU output per cubic foot than natural gas, making it especially effective for medium-to-large outdoor patios.

Tank or Bulk Supply Options: While most residential users opt for propane tanks, commercial venues may choose bulk propane delivery for extended use.

No Visible Flame or Red Glow: Calcana heaters have a sealed combustion system that delivers efficient heat without visible flames, improving aesthetics and safety.

Low Clearance Installation: Mount safely under pergolas, awnings, and wooden structures with our low-clearance design.

Considerations with Propane:

While propane offers excellent heating performance, there are factors to consider when choosing this fuel type:

• Tank Refills & Management: Propane tanks need to be monitored, refilled, or replaced regularly.

• Storage Space: You’ll need a safe place to store the tank(s), which can be challenging in tighter patios.

• Higher Fuel Cost per Unit: Propane typically costs more per BTU than natural gas, which may affect long-term expenses.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters: Cost-Effective for Long-Term Use

What Is Natural Gas?

Natural gas is a fossil fuel delivered through municipal pipelines. It’s commonly used for home heating, cooking, and commercial energy needs.

Natural gas patio heaters are generally installed permanently and are ideal for locations that already have gas lines in place.

Advantages of Natural Gas (Especially for Calcana’s Mounted Units)

Natural gas is a natural fit for Calcana’s mounted heater systems, especially in commercial or long-term residential installations.

Here’s why:

Unlimited Fuel Supply: No need to manage tanks or worry about running out mid-service or during a gathering.

Lower Long-Term Costs: Natural gas tends to be cheaper per BTU than propane, especially if you use your heater frequently.

Environmentally Friendly: Natural gas burns cleaner than propane and releases fewer emissions per unit of energy.

Minimal Maintenance: With direct connection to the utility grid, you reduce mechanical wear associated with tank changes or regulators.

Professional Look: Calcana’s heaters offer sleek, ceiling-mounted designs that maintain the visual integrity of your outdoor space.

Is Natural Gas Right for You?

Natural gas heaters are the go-to solution if your property already has access to gas lines. They’re cost-effective, convenient, and sustainable.

However, the installation process is more involved and may require:

• Professional Gas Line Connection

• City Permits or Inspections

• Planning for Permanent Heater Placement

While this makes them less flexible than propane heaters used with tanks, the trade-off is convenience and cost-efficiency over the long run.

Propane vs Natural Gas: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Choosing the Right Calcana Heater for Your Space

Whether you opt for propane or natural gas, all Calcana infrared patio heaters share the same premium features:

• Radiant Infrared Heat: Heats people and objects directly, not the air.

• Low Maintenance: No filters or fans to clean, and fewer moving parts.

• All-Weather Durability: Built for Canadian winters, coastal rain, and desert heat alike.

• Ceiling or Wall Mounting: No floor space required.

• Safe, Flame-Free Operation: No exposed elements or glowing parts.

Real-World Use Cases

Residential Patios:

Homeowners with covered decks, pergolas, or roofed patios love Calcana for its quiet, powerful performance. If you already have a gas hookup, natural gas is a clear choice. If not, propane provides similar comfort with a different fuel source, without sacrificing aesthetics or safety.

Restaurants & Commercial Spaces:

Calcana heaters are already in use at top restaurants, breweries, golf clubs, and rooftop lounges across North America. These businesses rely on the consistent performance and professional appearance of our heaters to keep guests warm, and revenues high, year-round.

Installation Considerations for Mounted Patio Heaters

One of the most important (yet often overlooked) aspects of choosing a patio heater is the installation process, especially when dealing with mounted units like Calcana’s.

Unlike portable towers or tabletop heaters that require little more than a match and a gas tank, mounted heaters must be installed strategically for both performance and safety. But that added effort comes with major benefits: cleaner design, safer operation, and better long-term value.

Key Factors to Consider:

1. Mounting Location

Calcana heaters can be mounted to ceilings, walls, or overhead beams. Optimal placement ensures:

• Maximum heat coverage.

• Minimal wind interference.

• A discreet footprint with zero loss of floor space.

If you're mounting under a pergola, canopy, or awning, you'll appreciate Calcana’s low-clearance certification, which allows for safe installation in areas where other heaters wouldn’t pass code.

2. Clearances to Combustibles

All Calcana models are engineered with clear safety distances to adjacent materials like wood, fabric, and vinyl siding. These specs are crucial when planning installations in residential backyards, restaurants, or gazebos.

3. Fuel Line Routing

If you’re connecting to a natural gas line, you'll need a certified technician to handle the hookup and pressure testing. Propane installations may require tank storage considerations and regulator fittings to ensure safe, uninterrupted performance.

4. Ventilation

Though Calcana infrared heaters are designed for outdoor or semi-enclosed areas, proper ventilation is still essential. Unlike flame-based units, our heaters produce minimal combustion by-products, but air flow remains key for long-term safety.

5. Electrical Requirements (Optional Add-Ons)

Some installations may include ignition systems or remote controls that require a standard electrical outlet. These convenience features offer enhanced usability, especially for commercial setups or integrated smart systems.

Long-Term Performance and ROI of Calcana Infrared Heaters

Investing in a high-performance patio heater isn’t just about comfort, it’s about making a smart decision that adds value, saves money, and delivers consistent returns over time. This is where Calcana heaters truly stand out.

How Calcana Delivers Long-Term ROI:

Fuel Efficiency

Because our infrared systems heat people and surfaces directly (rather than the air), they use significantly less energy than traditional forced-air or flame-based heaters. This translates into:

• Lower monthly gas bills.

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

• More heat delivered per BTU burned.

Durability & Lifespan

Calcana heaters are built to withstand the harshest environments, from Alberta winters to Florida humidity. Features like stainless steel construction, sealed combustion, and powder-coated finishes extend product life well beyond industry averages.

Minimal Maintenance

There are no moving parts, fans, or filters to service regularly. Once installed, Calcana heaters require little upkeep other than occasional cleaning and safety checks.

Consistent Heating Performance

Other heaters may struggle in windy or open spaces, but Calcana's mounted units retain directional efficiency. They are engineered to provide consistent, even heating without heat loss caused by wind or air circulation.

Versatility Across Property Types

From residential patios to restaurant courtyards, brewery decks, rooftop lounges, and poolside areas, Calcana heaters are used across a broad spectrum of industries. This adaptability increases their utility and value across multiple use cases.

Improved Guest Experience

In commercial settings, providing guests with a warm, comfortable outdoor space can extend dwell time, increase revenue, and boost customer satisfaction. Many businesses see a return on their heater investment within the first season.

Ready to Warm Up Your Outdoor Space?

Choosing between propane and natural gas is just one part of the equation. At Calcana, our goal is to help you find the perfect mounted infrared patio heater that fits your space, budget, and climate.

Whether you’re a homeowner upgrading your backyard retreat or a restaurateur preparing for a busy patio season, we’ll guide you through fuel selection, sizing, and installation planning.

Let's Talk

• Browse our full lineup of propane and natural gas infrared heaters online.

• Contact our expert team for custom quotes, technical specs, or layout assistance.

• Find out why Calcana is trusted by restaurants, resorts, and homeowners across North America.

Enjoy powerful, clean, and efficient heat year-round, with a fuel source that fits your needs. Experience the Calcana difference today.