AEI Corporation

Creating a comfortable outdoor space is more than just good design—it’s about extending the usability of your patios year-round. Whether you’re managing a luxury apartment complex, a resort, or a bustling restaurant patio, keeping guests warm directly affects satisfaction, occupancy, and revenue. That’s where Infratech’s W Series and WD Series electric horizontal heaters come in.

These dependable electric patio heaters deliver efficient infrared warmth in a sleek, streamlined design that blends seamlessly into modern architecture. Both series are part of Infratech’s American-made line of infrared electric heaters, known for reliability, longevity, and precision heating performance.

Why Electric Patio Heaters Are a Smart Investment

Electric patio heaters have become the go-to choice for both hospitality businesses and multifamily property developers. Unlike propane or natural gas systems, electric heaters are ideal for spaces where gas lines or propane storage aren’t practical.

For multifamily properties—like apartments, condos, and townhomes—electric heaters offer the perfect solution for shared amenities such as:

• Poolside patios
• Grilling stations
• Clubhouse decks
• Rooftop lounges

For hospitality venues, the benefits multiply. Restaurants, bars, and hotel patios can use electric horizontal heaters to:

• Extend seating during cooler months
• Improve guest comfort
• Increase revenue by keeping outdoor areas open longer

As AEI has explored in previous blogs about Infratech’s C-Series and CD-Series heaters, efficient infrared heating can turn an underused patio into one of your property’s most profitable spaces.

The Science Behind Infrared Electric Heaters

Both the W-Series and WD-Series are infrared electric heaters. Infrared patio heaters don’t heat the air, they heat people and objects directly. This technology harmlessly warms your skin on a cool day.

Inside each heater, one or two quartz elements convert electricity into waves of infrared heat. This heat travels through the air without dissipating, ensuring comfort even when there’s a light breeze.

Infrared heating offers several key advantages:

• Even, targeted warmth focused on people and furnishings
• Instant heat with no preheating required
• Silent operation, ideal for restaurants and residential patios
• Eco-friendly efficiency, converting nearly all energy to usable heat

Infratech’s W & WD Series: The Foundation of Performance

The W-Series heaters and WD-Series heaters are Infratech’s base models. They share the same design, construction quality, and control options as the brand’s premium lines, but with a budget conscious focus on straightforward, effective performance.

Shared Features

Both series include:

• Quartz heating elements, which are rods of quartz that span the length of the heater and emit infrared heat when electrified.
• Durable stainless steel construction for long-term outdoor use
• Slim, horizontal design that fits under ceilings or the eaves of a building
• Stainless steel mounting brackets adjustable from 0° to 60°
• Mounted from ceilings, walls/eaves, or on poles
• Flush mount compatibility for a clean, modern look
• Versatile control options, from basic switches to smart systems
• UL listing for outdoor and select indoor use
• Made in the USA and backed by a three-year warranty

These heaters are meant for permanent installation by a licensed electrician. AEI provides free resources and services to make the planning and installation process smooth and painless. We provide necessary product documentation, as PDF files (user manuals, CAD drawings, brochures, and more) on our individual heater pages. We offer installation support to ensure a safe, professional setup. Use our complimentary custom heater heatmap to see your patio’s heating needs.

The W-Series: Compact and Efficient Single Element Heaters

The Infratech W-Series is ideal for smaller patio spaces or areas with lower ceilings. Each model in this line features a single quartz element. A single element heater uses half as much electricity as a heater using two heating elements and provides moderate yet comfortable infrared heat.

Key Advantages of W-Series Heaters

• Five different heater models (W-1512, W-2024, W-2624, W-3024, and W-4024)
• Single element design produces consistent, even heat
• Energy efficient for smaller areas or limited electrical capacity
• Works with mounting heights between 7 and 10 feet
• Available in five power levels (1500, 2000, 2600, 3000, and 4000 watts)
• Four different lengths (33”, 39”, 48”, and 61.25”)
• One 120-volt, and four 240-volt heaters

Typical Use Cases

• Poolside seating or cabanas
• Small café patios
• Outdoor dining spaces with limited ceiling height

Because of their compact design, W-Series heaters are often chosen for tight installations where subtle, reliable warmth is needed.

The WD-Series: Powerful Dual Element Heaters for Larger Spaces

The Infratech WD-Series takes everything great about the W-Series and doubles it, literally. These heaters feature two quartz elements, allowing operators to use one or both depending on the heat intensity required. When using only one of the quartz elements to heat, WD-Series use the same amount of electricity as their single element counterparts. 

Key Advantages of WD-Series Heaters

• Four different heater models (WD-3024, WD-4024, WD-5224, and WD-6024)
• Dual element design allows for more heat and larger coverage areas
• Adjustable output for mild or cool conditions
• Perfect for high ceilings from 8 to 14 feet
• Available in four power levels (3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000 watts)
• Each power level corresponds to a different length (33”, 39”, 48”, and 61.25”)
• 240-volt heaters

Typical Use Cases

• Restaurant patios with high ceilings
• Rooftop bars and lounges
• Large hotel terraces
• Clubhouse patios in multifamily communities

When properly installed, WD-Series heaters create expansive zones of consistent warmth, making them a favorite among architects and property developers.

Installation and Mounting Options

Both the W Series and WD Series are horizontal patio heaters designed for overhead or angled installation. Because these systems are hardwired, they must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Mounting Configurations

1. Ceiling mounting for a clean, balanced layout
2. Wall mounting for patios bordered by walls or the eaves of a building
3. Flush mount frames for a hidden, integrated appearance
4. Pole mounted for locations without suitable overhead structures (the heater is mounted at the top of a single thick, sturdy pole, that is installed in the ground)
5. Drop pole mounts for locations with ceilings that are too high, or are uneven (the heater is mounted to two small poles, which are installed into the ceiling). For high ceilings, drop poles allow you to lower your heater to its effective range, and/or keep the heater level even on slopped ceilings.

Each mounting bracket allows for a 0° to 60° installation angle for your heaters, providing flexibility to direct heat exactly where it’s needed.

Electrical Requirements

These are not plug-in heaters. Each unit is wired directly into the property’s power grid and might require their own dedicated circuits. AEI provides wiring diagrams and support materials to ensure proper installation.

Control Options for Maximum Comfort

One of Infratech’s biggest advantages is its variety of control options. Both the W and WD heaters work with simple manual switches or advanced automation systems.

Available Controls

• Simple on/off switches for small areas
• Smart dimmers and smart switches with “Smart by Bond’s” ecosystem, allowing you to control your heaters via the Bong Home App or voice assistants
• Duplex switches to control WD heater elements individually
• Variable controls to adjust power output
• Timers for safety and energy management
• Zone controls for managing multiple heaters
• Smart home integration for centralized automation

Property managers and business owners can easily balance comfort with energy efficiency using these customizable controls.

Designed for Longevity and Style

Infratech heaters are made with 304-grade stainless steel for excellent durability and outdoor use. Any W-Series or WD-Series heater can also be ordered to be built with marine-grade stainless steel, ensuring additional resistance to corrosion, moisture, and salt; which can be a concern for properties located within 10-20 miles from the ocean. Their minimal design complements modern architecture and blends into almost any aesthetic, from coastal patios to upscale rooftop terraces.

Infratech heaters can also be ordered with custom finishes, allowing seamless design integration into new developments or remodeled hospitality spaces. Not only do we offer 8 basic color options (almond, beige, biscuit, black, bronze, copper, gray, and white), we can also color match any PANTONE color to paint your heater, ensuring they match your properties aesthetic.

Combined with low maintenance requirements, they’re a long-term investment that delivers both performance and visual appeal.

Choosing Between W and WD Series Heaters

The right choice depends on your patio’s layout, mounting height, and coverage needs. Many properties use a mix of both for complete comfort coverage.

Why Choose Infratech Heaters from AEI Corporation

For over 50 years, AEI Corporation has supplied premium outdoor heating and grilling solutions for both multifamily properties and hospitality businesses. AEI is proud to be a trusted distributor of Infratech patio heaters, providing expert product support and service every step of the way.

When you choose AEI, you get:

• Expert advice for selecting the right heater model and configuration
• Free services for planning and installing your heaters
• Access to full product documentation and wiring guides
• Dedicated U.S.-based support for installation and warranty assistance
• Reliable inventory and quick distribution

AEI also carries replacement parts and accessories for Infratech products, ensuring your investment continues to perform year after year.

The Bottom Line: More Comfort, More Revenue

Whether you manage a restaurant patio or a residential community, electric horizontal heaters like Infratech’s W-Series and WD-Series heaters can dramatically enhance comfort and extend outdoor use. These durable, American-made heaters combine power, style, and energy efficiency, helping you create inviting spaces that drive business and resident satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Infratech’s W-Series and WD-Series heaters be used indoors?
Yes. They are UL-listed for select indoor environments, such as covered patios or enclosed pool areas. Always follow clearance guidelines in your product manuals.

How do they perform in windy conditions?
Infrared heat warms people and objects directly, so light wind has little impact. However, very windy conditions can reduce heat effectiveness.

Do they need a special power source?
No. These heaters are powered by your property’s electric grid. They are hardwired and require installation by a licensed electrician with a dedicated circuit.

Can I manage multiple heaters together?
Yes. Infratech offers several solutions for managing multiple heaters, like the zone analog control package. Zone controls let you manage multiple heaters from one control box or integrate them into building automation systems.

Ready to Warm Up Your Patio?

If you’re ready to transform your outdoor spaces with reliable, energy-efficient electric patio heaters, AEI can help you choose the perfect setup.

Contact AEI using the form below to learn more about Infratech W-Series and WD-Series infrared electric heaters and how they can improve comfort, extend patio use, and increase your bottom line.

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