What to Look For in an Infrared Heater for Public Buildings

Heating public buildings such as churches, village halls, community centres, museums and civic venues comes with challenges that standard heating systems are simply not designed to handle. These buildings are often large, difficult to insulate, and used intermittently rather than continuously. Many still rely on outdated gas boilers, fan heaters or warm air systems that are expensive to run, slow to respond and inefficient in tall, open spaces.

Infrared heating offers a more intelligent alternative. By delivering targeted radiant warmth directly to people and surfaces, it provides faster comfort, lower running costs and minimal disruption to the building itself.

However, choosing the right infrared heater for a public or heritage setting requires careful consideration. Performance, zoning, safety, appearance and ease of control all play a critical role in achieving good results.

This guide explains exactly what to look for when specifying infrared heating for public buildings, so you can make a confident, long term investment.

Why Public Spaces Require a Different Heating Approach

Unlike homes or offices, public buildings typically feature:

• High ceilings and large open volumes
• Limited or no insulation
• Irregular usage patterns
• Strict accessibility and fire safety requirements
• Heritage features that cannot be altered

Traditional convection heating systems warm the air first. In tall, draughty spaces, that warm air rises above head height and is quickly lost. Many churches and community venues experience long warm up times, only for heat to disappear as soon as doors open.

Infrared heating works differently. It heats people, surfaces and objects directly, delivering immediate comfort while reducing energy waste and helping protect interior materials.

1. Ensure the Wattage Is Suitable for the Space

One of the most common mistakes in public buildings is installing infrared heaters that are underpowered. Large spaces with stone, brick or concrete construction require sufficient radiant output to overcome heat loss.

As a general guide:

You can also use our Wattage Calculator to assess your layout and insulation level. Underpowered systems lead to slow warm up times, poor comfort and higher running costs.

2. Match the Heater Type to the Ceiling Height

Infrared panels designed for domestic rooms are not suitable for large public venues. In buildings with high ceilings, bar style infrared heaters provide the necessary reach and coverage.

Look for features such as:

• Ceiling suspended heaters that project heat downward
• Wall mounted units that can be angled towards seating areas
• High output models in the 2400W to 7800W range
• Wide heat spread with deep radiant penetration

Our Heritage Infrared Bar Heaters are designed specifically for these environments.

3. Consider Appearance in Sensitive Spaces

Public and heritage buildings often have strict visual or architectural requirements. Heating equipment must blend into the space without distracting from historic or civic interiors.

Choose heaters with:

• Slim, unobtrusive designs
• Neutral finishes such as white or black
• No exposed elements or industrial grilles
• Flush mounting or discreet suspension options

This ensures the heating system respects the character of the building.

4. Verify Safety and Compliance

Safety is critical in buildings open to the public. Infrared heaters should always be:

• CE marked and UKCA certified
• Manufactured to EN60335 standards
• Fully enclosed with no exposed elements
• Silent and vibration free
• IP rated where installed near entrances or damp areas

Correct mounting height ensures heaters remain out of reach while delivering effective coverage.

5. Use Smart Controls and Zoning

One of infrared heating’s biggest strengths is zoning. You do not need to heat an entire building at once. Instead, you can focus warmth on occupied areas such as seating, stages or specific rooms.

• Programmable thermostats
• Room by room zoning
• WiFi or app based control
• Timers or PIR sensors for event use

Adding a smart thermostat system significantly reduces energy use while improving comfort.

6. Prioritise Low Maintenance and Long Lifespan

Traditional heating systems require ongoing servicing, inspections and repairs. Infrared heating systems are far simpler.

A quality infrared heater offers:

• No routine maintenance
• No filters, pumps or moving parts
• No fuel deliveries or gas safety checks
• Up to 100,000 hours lifespan
• Long manufacturer warranties

Over time, these savings make a significant difference to operating budgets.

7. Choose Based on How the Space Is Used

Different public buildings have different heating priorities. Learn more about infrared heating for churches or consider the following:

Summary

The right infrared heater for a public building must deliver more than basic warmth. It should provide sufficient radiant output, targeted coverage, discreet integration, full safety compliance and long term efficiency.

When specified correctly, infrared heating keeps public and heritage buildings comfortable, economical and fit for purpose without compromising their character.

Need Expert Advice?

We have helped churches, councils, charities and community trusts specify infrared heating systems that save money and protect historic buildings.

• Use our Wattage Calculator
• Browse public building heating solutions
• Contact our technical team for layout support and tailored advice