Top Heating Add-Ons to Make Your Covered Patio Winter-Ready

A covered patio is usually one of the most enjoyable spots in your home until winter rolls in and the temperature drops. But here’s the good news: cold weather doesn’t mean you have to give up outdoor living. With the right additions, you can still relax, entertain guests, or sip your morning coffee outside, even when it’s frosty or snowing. Thanks to modern insulated patio covers, efficient heating options, and a few smart upgrades, keeping your patio warm and cozy is easier than ever. This blog covers some simple, practical, and genuinely helpful tips to make your covered patio fully winter-ready.

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Top 9 Heating Add-Ons To Keep Your Patio Warm This Winter

1. Ceiling-Mounted Electric Heaters

Ceiling-mounted electric heaters are one of the safest and most effective heating options for covered patios.

Special Features

• No open flame (great for safety under patio covers)
• Even direct heat
• Zero fumes
• Sleek designs that blend into your patio structure
• Can be hardwired with a dimmer or smart switch

Electric radiant heaters warm people and surfaces, not the air. So even if the wind is chilly, you stay comfortable. If you have insulated patio covers, these heaters perform even better because the heat doesn’t escape upward.

2. Infrared Patio Heaters

If you don’t want any noise, fumes, or mess, infrared heaters are your best option. They deliver warmth instantly, so you won’t be standing there shivering while the heater warms up.

Special Features

• Instant warmth
• Energy-efficient
• Great for partially enclosed patios
• Can be wall-mounted or recessed

Some models even come with remote controls or smartphone app integration. If you host guests often and want a “switch on → instant comfort” setup, install infrared patio heaters.

3. Portable Propane Heaters

Freestanding propane heaters are also very popular among patio owners.

Special Features

• Easily movable
• No installation needed
• Produce strong heat output
• Perfect for renters or temporary setups

If your patio cover has plenty of open space around it, propane heaters can work beautifully. However, you must follow the guidelines. Propane heaters release heat upward and must be placed safely away from the patio ceiling.

4. Fire Pits & Fire Tables

Nothing beats the feeling of gathering around a warm fire. Today’s fire pits and fire tables come in many modern, low-smoke, gas-powered designs, and they can work under covered patios when used safely and correctly.

What Makes Them Popular

• Create a cozy ambiance
• Act as a focal point for gatherings
• Provide soft, surrounding warmth

Things to Keep in Mind

• Many models can’t be used under patio covers without proper ventilation.
• CSA-certified low-clearance fire tables are safer but must be used with caution.

If you love the look of real flames and want your patio to feel like an outdoor lounge, a fire table is a great upgrade. Just follow all safety requirements.

5. Outdoor Rugs & Heavy-Duty Floor Insulation

You may add heaters or fire pits, but if the patio floor is cold, you still won’t feel warm. A cold surface pulls heat from your body. That’s why adding outdoor rugs or insulated flooring makes such a big difference. You can add – 

• Insulated outdoor rugs
• Woven mats
• Composite deck tiles

They make the floor feel much more comfortable and help keep the heat from escaping too quickly. This small upgrade can make a big difference, especially when paired with radiant heating.

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6. Weatherproof Curtains & Wind Barriers

Even the strongest heater won’t feel warm if cold wind keeps blowing in from the open portions of your patio cover. That’s where wind-blocking add-ons come in. They trap the warmth and turn your patio into a cozy, sheltered spot. You can use –

• Outdoor weather curtains
• Vinyl drop-down panels
• Retractable screens
• Acrylic or polycarbonate side panels

These accessories don’t fully enclose your patio, but they reduce heat loss significantly. If your patio opens on multiple sides or you have a lattice patio cover, then adding wind barriers is one of the best upgrades you can make.

7. Insulated Patio Covers

Installing insulated patio covers can really make a difference in winter. It acts more than any add-ons.

Benefits of Insulated Patio Covers

• Reduce heat loss
• Prevent condensation
• Create a stable temperature under your patio
• Help ceiling heaters work more efficiently
• Offer better comfort year-round

Think of them as the “roof insulation” of your outdoor space. Without insulation, much of your heat simply escapes. If your patio isn’t built with insulated panels yet, upgrading this feature can instantly transform your winter outdoor experience.

8. Smart Controls & Thermostats

How would it feel to step outside and find your patio already warm? Sounds great, right? Just imagine, not having to shiver in the cold or wait for the space to heat up.

How Smart Heating Controls Help

• Automate when heaters turn on/off
• Control warmth levels remotely
• Reduce energy waste
• Maintain steady comfort

This is more helpful if you regularly use your patio for morning routines or evening relaxation.

9. Cozy Accessories

Sometimes, the smallest additions make the biggest difference. Just like you use fans, light-colored curtains, and soft cushions in summer, you can switch to winter-friendly accessories that help retain warmth under your patio.

Winter-Friendly Patio Accessories

• Thick outdoor cushions
• Heat-retaining blankets
• Insulated throws
• Warm LED lighting (contributes to psychological warmth)

These accessories help you enjoy your patio without increasing your energy bill.

How to Choose the Right Heating Add-Ons?

Before picking any heater or other add-ons, ask yourself a few questions.

Question	What It Means	Best Option
How enclosed is my patio?	The more open the space, the more heat escapes.	Completely open: Propane heaters Partially enclosed: Infrared heaters Mostly enclosed: Electric ceiling heaters
What is the ceiling height?	Low ceilings need safer, low-clearance options.	Low-clearance radiant heaters or wall-mounted units
Do I prefer silent heating?	Some heaters hum or produce flame noise.	Electric heaters or infrared heaters
Do I want ambiance or pure performance?	Do you want heat for comfort or a beautiful visual flame?	Ambiance: Fire tables Performance: Ceiling-mounted radiant heaters
Is this for long-term or temporary use?	Are you upgrading the patio permanently or just for this winter?	Long-term: Installed heaters + insulated patio covers

Patio Safety Checklist for Winter Heating Add-Ons

• Maintain manufacturer’s clearance distances.
• Never use indoor heaters outdoors.
• Make sure there is proper ventilation when using fuel-based heaters.
• Avoid placing heaters near curtains or soft furnishings.
• Secure cords to avoid tripping hazards.
• Schedule regular checks for electrical fixtures.
• Supervise fire pits at all times.

If you’re unsure about installation or heater placement, always check with a licensed patio cover contractor to keep your setup safe and compliant.

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