Home Outdoor
HEATSCOPE® infrared heaters for patios, balconies and pergolas
BF Engineering presents infrared heating solutions for private outdoor spaces. HEATSCOPE® heaters direct warmth towards seating areas on patios and balconies or beneath pergolas. Choosing a suitable model depends on the site: wind exposure, overhead cover, mounting height and the size of the area in use all affect the heating plan.
The heater also needs to fit its surroundings. HEATSCOPE® models differ in their front design, visible light output and suitability for sheltered or more exposed locations. These differences make it possible to plan the heating around both the way an outdoor space is used and its architectural design.
BF Consulting supported the development of the HEATSCOPE® PURE series from the technical concept through design and prototyping to production readiness. BF Engineering subsequently took over industrial series production. This overview presents four different models.
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The starting point is the place where people actually sit: a dining table, a sofa group or a favourite spot on the balcony. Directing heat towards that area can be more useful than planning around the entire floor area of the patio. The dimensions of the seating area and the usual number of people help determine how many heaters are needed.
The position of the heater matters as much as its power. A beam aimed past the seats will provide little benefit, while furniture, awnings or structural elements may limit the available mounting positions. If a patio has separate dining and lounge areas, each should be considered on its own. This allows the heaters to be positioned and controlled according to how those spaces are used.
A roof, an enclosing wall or a recessed balcony can reduce exposure to wind and rain. In these settings, the choice of heater can give greater weight to its appearance and visible light output. HEATSCOPE® VISION has a restrained visual presence; PURE has a curved glass ceramic front and offers a different design option.
“Sheltered” still needs to be assessed at the intended mounting point. Rain can reach beneath an overhang, and the direction of the wind may change through the day. Before selecting a model, check the actual exposure, the available mounting height and the manufacturer’s installation requirements. In particular, VISION must be installed in a location that meets its requirements for a protected installation.
On an open balcony or patio, moving air can noticeably affect how warm a seating area feels. The heater therefore needs to be selected and positioned with the local conditions in mind. HEATSCOPE® SPOT and NEXT offer different approaches for areas where a more direct or broader heat output is required.
For planning, consider:
- How exposed the seating area is to wind and rain
- Whether an awning or roof provides reliable protection
- Where the heater can be aimed towards the occupied area
- The selected model’s IP rating and installation instructions
An IP rating is one part of that assessment. It does not replace the manufacturer’s rules for mounting position, clearances and weather protection.
The right control setup depends on how the outdoor space is used. A single heater above a small seating area may be operated differently from several heaters serving separate dining and lounge areas. Independent switching makes it possible to use warmth only where it is needed at a given time.
Control options vary by model and version. For VISION and SPOT, the desired version should be chosen before ordering. PURE is designed for external control and can be combined with suitable accessories. If the heaters are to be integrated into an existing control system, the electrical connection and compatibility should be checked during planning.
The mounting surface and electrical supply should be considered before a model is selected. A wall, ceiling or pergola structure must provide a suitable fixing point. The heater’s position must also allow its heat to reach the seating area while meeting the required clearances.
Key checks include:
- Permitted mounting height and minimum clearances
- Load-bearing capacity and material of the mounting surface
- Electrical supply and cable routing
- Exposure to weather and any required protection
- Access for operation and maintenance
The installation instructions for the chosen HEATSCOPE® model determine the final arrangement.
| Model | Typical setting | Distinguishing feature | IP rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEATSCOPE® VISION | Sheltered, covered seating area | Restrained visible light output | IP44 |
| HEATSCOPE® PURE | Design-led patio or pergola | Curved glass ceramic front | IP65 |
| HEATSCOPE® SPOT | Partly open or wind-exposed seating area with suitable weather protection | Direct, quickly perceptible heat | IP24 |
| HEATSCOPE® NEXT | More open, wind-exposed areas; installation according to manufacturer instructions | Broader heat output | IP25 |
The suggested settings are a guide for initial selection. The suitability of a specific installation must be checked against the chosen model’s technical data and mounting instructions.
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BF is a forward-looking company that specializes in the development, manufacture, and optimization of high-precision systems and specialized irradiation equipment for test benches.
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Danelis Diaz
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BF is a forward-looking company that specializes in the development, manufacture, and optimization of high-precision lighting systems and specialized illumination systems for test benches.
