Heater for Screened in Porch: Top Options in 2026

TLDR: For a screened-in porch, a heater must be safe for semi-enclosed, potentially damp spaces. Electric heaters with outdoor ratings, such as infrared or radiant models, provide reliable warmth while ensuring safety. Eagle Peak heaters feature weather resistance and overheat protection, helping extend porch use comfortably.

The right heater transforms a screened-in porch from a seasonal space into a year-round retreat. While protected from direct rain, a screened porch still faces humidity, temperature swings, and breezes, making a safe, effective, and durable heater essential.

Eagle Peak outdoor and semi-enclosed heaters are designed for these conditions, combining safety, efficiency, and long-lasting performance to keep porches warm and comfortable.

How We Chose the Best Heaters for a Screened Porch

Our selection is based on key factors for porch heating. Safety is the most critical consideration for any semi-enclosed space.

We evaluated each heater on these essential criteria: * Safety Rating: We prioritized heaters with IPX4 or higher water resistance and built-in overheat protection. * Heating Technology: We compared radiant, infrared, and fan-forced heat for effectiveness in a breezy porch. * Installation & Portability: We considered both portable plug-in models and permanent wall-mounted options. * Coverage Area: We matched the heater's output (measured in watts or square feet) to typical porch sizes. * Ease of Use: Features like thermostats, remote controls, and adjustable heat settings add convenience.

All products listed are from Eagle Peak's outdoor essentials collection, ensuring they align with the needs of canopy, tent, and outdoor shelter users.

Top Heaters for Your Screened-In Porch

1500W Greenhouse Heater w/thermostat

Best Basic Radiant Heater for Small Porches

Price: $94.99

This portable 1500W radiant heater is a versatile and affordable entry point for porch heating. Its design for greenhouses and grow tents translates perfectly to a screened environment, as it handles humidity well.

It provides effective radiant heat for spaces up to 120 sq. ft., making it ideal for smaller porches or for heating a specific seating area. The low-noise fan distributes heat gently without creating a disruptive draft.

Key Features: 

• 1500W Radiant Heating: Effectively warms small rooms and spaces up to 120 square feet. 
• Infinite Heat Adjustment: Offers a fan-only mode and adjustable heat up to 1500W for customized comfort. 
• IPX4 Splash-Proof: Water-resistant rating makes it safe for humid porch environments. 
• Overheat Protection: Automatically shuts off if internal temperatures become unsafe. 
• Portable Design: Easy to move and place where you need heat most.

Pros:

• Very affordable price point.
• Simple, plug-in portability.
• Effective for targeted heating in a small zone.

Cons:

• Lacks a built-in thermostat for automatic temperature control.
• Basic design without remote control.

Shop the 1500W Greenhouse Heater.

EAGLE PEAK 1500W Greenhouse Heater with Thermostat

Best Value Heater with Automatic Temperature Control

Price: $114.99

This model builds on the basic heater by adding a crucial feature for comfort: a digital thermostat. This allows you to set your desired temperature, and the heater will cycle on and off to maintain it, saving energy and providing consistent warmth.

Like its counterpart, it's a 1500W radiant heater with IPX4 splash-proof construction and overheat protection. The inclusion of the thermostat makes it a significantly more "set-it-and-forget-it" option for your porch.

Key Features: 

• Digital Thermostat: Measures ambient temperature and maintains your set heat level automatically. 
• 1500W Output: Provides ample heat for areas up to 120 sq. ft. 
• Full Safety Suite: Includes IPX4 water resistance and automatic overheat shutdown. 
• Low-Noise Operation: Gentle fan distributes heat without disturbance.

Pros:

• Excellent price for a heater with thermostat control.
• Maintains a consistent temperature effortlessly.
• All the safety features needed for porch use.

Cons:

• Still a portable floor model that requires floor space and an outlet.
• Heating coverage is best for small to mid-sized porches.

Shop the 1500W Greenhouse Heater with Thermostat.

Infrared Patio Heater 1500W Carbon Fiber

Best Permanent, Weather-Resistant Heating Solution

Price: $119.99

For a clean, installed look, this wall-mounted infrared heater is a top choice. It uses carbon fiber infrared technology to deliver instant, sun-like warmth directly to people and objects without heating the air—ideal for a breezy screened porch.

With an IP65 weatherproof rating, it's built to withstand dust and water jets, offering superior durability for outdoor conditions. The included remote control adds convenience, and its wall-mounted design saves valuable floor space.

Key Features: 

• Wall-Mounted Infrared Heating: Provides instant, directional warmth; installs out of the way. 
• IP65 Weatherproof: Highly resistant to dust and water, more durable than basic splash-proof ratings. 
• Remote Control Included: Adjust settings from your seat without getting up. 
• Carbon Fiber Element: Energy-efficient and provides quick heat. 
• Sleek Design: Powder-coated black housing looks built-in and professional.

Pros:

• Frees up floor space and creates a permanent heating solution.
• Superior weather resistance (IP65).
• Instant heat with remote control convenience.

Cons:

• Requires installation on a wall or post.
• Heats a more localized area (up to 50 sq. ft.) directly in its path.

Shop the Infrared Patio Heater 1500W Carbon Fiber.

Best Overall: EAGLE PEAK 1500W Greenhouse Heater with Thermostat

Our top pick combines effective heating, automatic control, and porch-ready safety at the best value.

After comparing all options, the EAGLE PEAK 1500W Greenhouse Heater with Thermostat earns the #1 spot for most screened porch owners. It strikes the perfect balance between performance, convenience, and cost.

The 1500W output is powerful enough to take the chill out of a typical porch space. The built-in digital thermostat is the game-changer, allowing for automatic, energy-efficient operation. You won't have to constantly adjust it as the evening cools down.

Crucially, it carries the IPX4 splash-proof rating and overheat protection required for safe use in a semi-enclosed outdoor space. Its portable design offers flexibility—you can use it on the porch and easily store it or move it to a garage or shed when not in season.

For a plug-in heater that requires no installation, offers automatic temperature control, and comes from a trusted outdoor brand like Eagle Peak, this model provides the most complete package. Explore all heating and outdoor comfort solutions in the Outdoor Essentials collection.

Efficient Heat for Greenhouses, Grow Tents & More

Best Video Overview of a Porch Heater Solution

Sometimes, seeing is believing. This short video provides a visual demonstration of a powerful 1500W heater in action. It shows the heater delivering consistent warmth, which is crucial for understanding how it might perform on your porch.

This resource is excellent for visual learners deciding on a heating solution. It demonstrates the heater's capability to maintain stable temperatures, a key factor for enjoying a chilly evening outdoors.

Key Takeaway: A 1500W heater provides substantial heat output suitable for many screened porch setups. Watching a demo can help you visualize the warmth and effectiveness before you purchase.

Watch the product demonstration video on YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What type of heater can be used in a screened porch? 

For a screened porch, you can safely use electric patio heaters, such as infrared or ceramic models. Always ensure the heater is rated for outdoor or semi-enclosed spaces. The Eagle Peak heaters listed, with their IPX4 or IP65 ratings, are excellent examples of safe, splash-proof options for this purpose.

Q: How to heat a screened-in porch in the winter? 

A portable electric heater like the Eagle Peak 1500W greenhouse heater is effective because it provides direct warmth without needing ventilation. For a more permanent solution, a wall-mounted infrared heater designed for outdoor use can provide targeted, instant heat.

Q: Can you put a heater on a covered porch? 

Yes, you can put a heater on a covered porch if it is specifically designed for outdoor or covered use. Ensure the heater is rated for the conditions, like the IP65-rated Eagle Peak infrared heater, and placed on a stable, non-flammable surface away from any walls or fabrics.

Q: How to heat an outdoor covered porch? 

You can use portable electric heaters or infrared heaters designed for outdoor use. Ensure the heater is rated for outdoor conditions and always follow safety guidelines for clearance. Products like those from Eagle Peak's outdoor essentials line are built for these environments.

Q: How long will a 20 lb propane tank last in a patio heater? 

A 20 lb propane tank will typically last between 8 to 12 hours on a standard patio heater set to high. The exact duration depends on the heater's BTU rating and how often you adjust the heat setting.

Q: What are the downsides of infrared heating?

Infrared heaters primarily heat objects and people directly, not the air. This means they provide localized warmth, so you must stay within the heater's line of sight to feel its effect. This can be ideal for a seated area on a porch but less effective for evenly heating a very large space.

Final Recommendations

Extending the usability of your screened-in porch is all about choosing the right heater for your specific needs and layout.

• Choose the EAGLE PEAK 1500W Greenhouse Heater with Thermostat (#1) for the best overall value, automatic temperature control, and flexible portability.
• Choose the Infrared Patio Heater 1500W Carbon Fiber (#2) for a permanent, space-saving installation with superior weather resistance and instant heat.
• Choose the basic 1500W Greenhouse Heater (#4) if you need an effective, no-frills heater at the most budget-friendly price point.

All recommended products are backed by Eagle Peak's commitment to quality and their 1-year limited warranty. Remember to always plug outdoor heaters into a GFCI outlet for added safety. With the right heater, you can enjoy your outdoor sanctuary for many more months of the year.