Picture this: it's a crisp October evening in Potomac. The leaves are turning. There's a light chill in the air. And you're sitting comfortably on your screen porch, a glass of wine in hand, completely warm — because you had the foresight to install the right heating system when you built your space.

That's not a fantasy. That's what the right infrared heater makes possible.

And now, for the first time, DMV homeowners can find out exactly what that system will cost — instantly — with our free online Infrared Heater Estimator.

Why Infrared Heating Changes Everything for DMV Outdoor Spaces

Maryland and Virginia are notoriously tough on outdoor living spaces. Summers are hot and humid. Fall arrives fast. And by November, most screen porches and covered patios sit empty for five months.

The homeowners who use their outdoor spaces year-round — and there are more of them every year — have one thing in common: they invested in quality infrared heating.

Here's why infrared is the right technology for the DMV climate:

Infrared heats people, not air. Unlike forced-air or propane tower heaters that waste energy warming the atmosphere, infrared heaters emit radiant heat that warms surfaces and people directly — just like the sun. This means no heat loss when a breeze comes through, no waiting for the space to warm up, and dramatically lower operating costs.

They're silent and unobtrusive. Quality infrared heaters like Bromic and Infratech mount cleanly to the ceiling or walls of your screen porch or covered patio. No tanks to refill, no flames, no noise. Just instant, comfortable warmth at the touch of a button.

They're built to last in this climate. The DMV's freeze-thaw cycles and humidity swings are hard on outdoor equipment. Premium infrared heaters are engineered for exactly these conditions — and they carry warranties that reflect that.

Introducing the Design Builders Infrared Heater Estimator

Design Builders has launched a free Infrared Heater Estimator specifically designed for DMV homeowners with screen porches, covered patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens.

The tool helps you understand:

• How many heaters your space needs based on square footage and ceiling height
• Which heater model is right for your application — Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat or Infratech for different configurations
• Electric vs. natural gas options based on your existing utility setup
• Estimated installed cost based on real Design Builders project pricing

In under 5 minutes, you get a real number — not a vague range — for what it will cost to heat your outdoor space properly.

Bromic vs. Infratech — Which Is Right for Your Space?

We install both premium brands and recommend each for different applications:

Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat

Bromic is our go-to recommendation for open-air spaces and larger screen porches. The Platinum Smart-Heat series delivers exceptional heat output with a focused, directional beam that maximizes efficiency. Available in both electric and gas configurations, Bromic heaters are as much a design statement as a functional appliance — their sleek, architectural profile looks intentional in any premium outdoor space.

Best for: Open screen porches, covered patios, outdoor kitchens, larger spaces requiring directional heat

Infratech

Infratech's electric infrared heaters are our recommendation for enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces like four-season rooms and covered porches with lower ceilings. Their slim, low-profile design integrates seamlessly with ceiling structures, and their single-element design makes them exceptionally efficient in contained spaces.

Best for: Four-season rooms, enclosed screen porches, tighter ceiling heights, spaces requiring even heat distribution

How Much Does Infrared Heating Cost in Maryland and Virginia?

Here's what DMV homeowners typically invest in a quality infrared heating system:

Single heater installation (one Infratech or Bromic unit with basic wiring): $1,500 – $3,500

Standard screen porch heating package (2-3 units, full electrical, smart controls): $4,500 – $8,500

Premium outdoor kitchen or large porch system (4+ units, dedicated circuit, Bromic Smart-Heat controller, gas option): $9,000 – $18,000+

The estimator gives you a project-specific number based on your actual space dimensions and configuration.

Spring Planning = Fall Comfort

Here's the timing insight that most homeowners miss: the best time to add infrared heating to your outdoor space is during a construction or renovation project — not as an afterthought.

When we're already on-site building your screen porch, deck, or outdoor kitchen, adding a heating system is significantly more cost-effective than returning later to run new electrical, patch ceilings, and work around a finished space.

Homeowners who add heating during their spring construction project are warm and comfortable by their first fall evening in the space. Homeowners who skip it spend that first October wishing they hadn't.

The Design Builders Difference

We've been installing infrared heating systems across Maryland and Virginia for years. Here's what sets our installations apart:

Proper load calculations. We calculate the exact BTU or wattage requirement for your space before recommending a system — not after. Undersized heating systems are the number one reason homeowners are disappointed with infrared installations.

Clean, integrated installation. Our heaters don't look like afterthoughts. They're positioned, wired, and mounted as part of the overall design — with conduit concealed, controls integrated, and everything finished to the same standard as the rest of your project.

Smart control integration. Bromic's Smart-Heat wireless system allows full control from your phone or a wall-mounted controller. We set up every system so it's intuitive and ready to use from day one.

Try the Infrared Heater Estimator Free

Spring is when smart homeowners plan. Fall is when they enjoy the results.

If you're building a new outdoor space this year — or adding heating to an existing one — run the estimator now and find out exactly what a year-round outdoor living space will cost you.

FAQ

What's the difference between electric and gas infrared heaters? Electric infrared heaters are easier to install (no gas line required), produce zero emissions, and are ideal for enclosed spaces. Gas infrared heaters (natural gas or propane) produce higher heat output and are better suited for open or semi-open spaces. The estimator helps you determine which is right for your specific setup.

Can infrared heaters be added to an existing screen porch? Yes — though the cost is typically higher than installing during original construction due to the need to run new electrical or gas lines in a finished space. The estimator accounts for both new construction and retrofit scenarios.

How much does it cost to run an infrared heater? Operating costs depend on your utility rates and usage patterns. A typical Infratech 4,000-watt heater running 3 hours per evening costs approximately $1.50-$2.00 per session at average Maryland/Virginia electric rates — far less than propane alternatives.

Do Bromic and Infratech heaters work in freezing temperatures? Yes. Both brands are rated for outdoor use in all weather conditions, including freezing temperatures. They're engineered for exactly the climate conditions we experience in the DMV.

Does Design Builders handle the electrical work for heater installations? Yes — we coordinate all electrical and gas work as part of our project scope, including permitting where required. You work with one team from design through installation.