What is the best way to keep your outdoor igloo warm in the winter? This is a question often asked by those who want to make the most of their garden dome come rain, snow, hail or sunny.
Here are our top tips for heating your igloo during the cold winter months – including which GAXDOME accessories will best improve thermal performance, and the safest patio heating solutions for the inside of your dome.
First, we’ll talk about sunlight and heat sources – like any other type of building, you need a heat source to heat the inside. Then we’ll look at insulation. The better your GAXDOME is insulated, the easier it will be to heat it up (and keep the warmth inside the dome).
Natural Sunlight
Whenever possible, it’s best to use this free, natural resource to heat your patio dome. It works especially well with GAXDOMEs with clear finishes, but grey, mirrored and cream domes will also gain some heat from sunlight.
By building your GAXDOME in a sunny location, you can use the sun’s rays to raise the temperature inside. If you have a clear dome without insulation, this is the easiest way to keep your dome warm.
If you already have insulation and curtains for your geodesic dome kit, we recommend opening the curtains on sunny days to let the sun work its magic.
When natural sunlight isn’t enough to keep your patio igloo warm, additional outdoor heating solutions can help maintain a comfortable temperature. Having a heated igloo means you can relax outdoors in a warm climate, even during the colder months. Discover the best ways to heat your garden dome so you can enjoy your GAXDOME all year round.
Pro Tips:
Already have a GAXDOME, but it’s been placed in a shady corner of your garden? Want to install it somewhere that gets enough sunlight during the winter?
Sigh, you can move it in one piece; no need to dismantle it. Simply gather five or six friends or family members, unhook the dome from the ground, and lift the dome together. Then, you can slowly move it to its new sunny spot.
Effective Heating Solutions for Your Outdoor Dome in Winter
There are many types of heating devices on the market, but some are better suited for use inside a GAXDOME. Some are simply not recommended for performance or safety reasons. Here are things to consider when choosing the best heater for your outdoor igloo in winter.
GAXDOME Wood-burning Stoves
Our wood-burning stoves not only heat, but enhance the entire igloo experience, adding a touch of traditional warmth to your GAXDOME. Designed specifically for the GAXDOME M and GAXDOME L, this stove blends rustic charm with modern efficiency. It’s ideal for those who value the classic feel of real fire without sacrificing convenience. The installation process is simple and can be easily retrofitted to your existing GAXDOME setup. This add-on turns your igloo into a cozy retreat, perfect for those chilly nights, where you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a natural flame.
Electric Heater Fans
One of the best ways to heat your outdoor patio dome (especially the smaller ones like the GAXDOME Mini or GAXDOME S) is with an electric heat fan. Because the GAXDOME is hemispherical, you’ll find that air circulates evenly, warming the dome, reducing condensation and keeping the dome clean.
Dyson fans are our favorites because they can connect to your home Wi-Fi and be remotely controlled via an app, or automatically turn on to maintain the desired temperature inside the GAXDOME. Many other brands now offer this feature, and they’re likely to be suitable for the job, as long as they provide enough heating power.
Standalone infrared heaters for winter igloos
While electric heating fans are the preferred heating solution for winter igloos due to their ease of use, reliability and safety, there are other options worth considering. Electric infrared heaters are an alternative.
Unlike space heaters, which blow out hot air and heat the air throughout the dome, infrared heaters heat surrounding objects directly through infrared radiation.
Heat energy is transferred directly to the lower temperature substance through electromagnetic waves in the infrared region. The surrounding air is not heated and does not participate in the transfer of heat, so infrared heaters are energy-saving, convenient and healthy.
Unlike fan heaters, which take time to heat the air, infrared heaters provide instant warmth within seconds of being turned on. They are also very quiet in operation.
For use inside the GAXDOME, we recommend a stand-alone patio heater, preferably one with a large base for increased stability. It should also provide variable heat output, which can reduce electricity consumption when full-power heating is not required.
Biofuel Fireplaces
While our GAXDOME models are flexible to adapt to a variety of heating solutions, some customers prefer the unique atmosphere of a biofireplace, which is designed for safe indoor use.
Among biofuel fireplace manufacturers, Danish brand Le Feu is a favorite among customers for its beautifully designed and functional products. Their Le Feu Ground Low is a portable freestanding fireplace with 45 cm long wooden legs, suitable for both indoor and outdoor patio areas. With a total height of 80 cm, it can bring warmth whether placed on an armchair or lying on the sofa. According to Le Feu, the Ground Low fireplace can provide about 2.5 kWh – 3.0 kWh of heat and requires about one liter of bioethanol fuel for every four hours of burning.
Safety notes:
Bioethanol fireplaces are safe to use indoors as the amount of CO2 produced by the fireplace is minimal, comparable to the emissions of candles. Bioethanol fuel produces clean, smoke-free warmth without the harmful emissions produced by traditional fossil fuel fires and wood burners.
Nevertheless, if you want to use this heat source inside your GAXDOME, we recommend equipping the dome with a window panel and keeping the windows open when using the fireplace to allow for better air circulation.
Care needs to be taken when handling biofuels. Denatured bioethanol is a highly flammable Class 1 fuel. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you prefer a low-maintenance solution, consider choosing a different heat source for your dome.
Electric blankets and blankets
If you plan to use the PC dome tent alone, or as a couple to relax on the sofa, electric blankets are a great energy-saving solution. Modern electric blankets heat up in less than five minutes and offer a range of temperatures to keep you warm but not too hot. And because they only heat a small area around you, they typically require around 100 – 150 W of power, making them very cost-effective.
They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs. In winter, they have USB heating functions and can even be customized with name embroidery, which is suitable for curling up on the sofa to watch TV series or camping to watch the stars.
Insulation Solutions
Heating is one thing, but to keep your GAXDOME warm in the winter, you should also pay attention to its insulation. We prepare custom accessories to improve the insulation of your dome, keeping you comfortable during the colder months.
Insulated Flooring
Installing a solid floor inside your GAXDOME ensures that you have a completely flat surface to place your interior furniture. It also insulates the dome from the ground, providing protection from the elements.
Insulated Wall Panels
To better retain heat, consider using Hype.Wall panels in addition to insulated flooring. These are padded, insulated hexagonal panels that attach to your GAXDOME’s polycarbonate panels, covering nearly 70% of its surface.
Curtains
Curtains have been used for centuries to reduce heat loss, block light, and make windows look more aesthetically pleasing. You can use this age-old method in your GAXDOME with our blackout privacy curtains. Made from thick, hotel-grade fabric, they are tailored to fit neatly over the entrance of your dome and feature a snap-on magnetic closure.
As the saying goes, “good things come in threes,” this is certainly true when you use these curtains with insulated wall panels and flooring. Combining these three solutions is the best way to increase the thermal insulation performance of your GAXDOME.
You can use your GAXDOME year-round
The many uses for a garden dome include outdoor dining, a garden gym or office, a craft room, a quiet space to rest and relax, and more. And since it’s completely possible to heat a patio dome, you can enjoy your extended living space for any of these uses year-round, no matter what the weather.
In fact, as the snowflakes gently fall, there may be no cozier place to be than a backyard winter dome, complete with insulated floors, walls, curtains, and patio heaters. Add a set of twinkling fairy lights to illuminate the view outside, and you’ll really feel the warmth as you take in the beauty before you!
FAQ: Common Questions About Heating Outdoor Domes in Winter
What’s the Best Way to Heat an Outdoor Igloo in Winter?
The ideal way to heat an outdoor igloo is to combine one of several energy-efficient heating solutions with proper insulation. Options include electric infrared heaters, oil-filled radiators, or electric heat fans—each of which provides targeted warmth while remaining safe. For best results, consider adding insulated wall panels and insulated floors, which will help retain heat, reduce energy usage, and keep your winter igloo cozy.
How to keep your outdoor heated dome warm in the winter?
Proper insulation is key to keeping your polycarbonate dome warm. Insulated wall panels and a solid floor, like the GAXDOME’s modular base, help retain heat and make the dome more comfortable. For extra warmth on cold days, consider adding electric blankets and blankets.
What types of heaters are safe for outdoor winter domes?
Safe heating options for outdoor winter domes include energy-efficient devices like oil-filled radiators, infrared heaters, and electric heat fans. These options provide constant warmth without the risks that come with open flame heaters, and are perfect for enclosed spaces like igloos. Choosing a heater with safety features like automatic shutoff and temperature control adds extra protection to help you maintain a comfortable and safe environment.
Is it safe to sleep in an outdoor dome tent with a heater in the winter?
It is generally safe to sleep in a heated igloo as long as you use a heater designed for indoor use. It is best to use an electric heater with a timer and safety shut-off feature. Ensure adequate ventilation and never leave an open flame heater unattended.
How can I keep my garden igloo warm in the winter when there is no electricity?
If you don’t have electricity, consider using a wood-burning stove or biofuel fireplace. Adding extra insulation such as carpeting, wall panels, and insulated curtains can also help to naturally retain warmth.
Can I use a propane heater in a winter garden dome?
While propane heaters can produce a lot of heat, they are not the best choice for enclosed spaces like the GAXDOME for safety reasons. If you choose to use a propane heater, consider using one on an open-air winter patio.
