My club has several of these style heaters on a covered patio. They work well when the plastic walls/curtains are down. As with any outdoor heater, however, they don't do as well in wind -- so when the walls are up and the wind is blowing they're not effective at all. If you have a way to block the wind, they should work for you. Placement is also key. If you're sitting directly under them they'll roast your head, but too far away and you won't feel them at all. We've found the "sweet spot" is to position them over the dining table (or coffee table in a lounge/conversation set-up). I thought about getting some of these for the house but ended up going with the portable heaters for versatility.