Infrared Heating for Offices
Offices are often more challenging to heat than they appear. Staff are typically desk based for long periods with little physical movement, making them more sensitive to cold temperatures. At the same time, offices experience frequent door use, open plan layouts, and inconsistent occupancy, all of which reduce the effectiveness of traditional heating systems.
Conventional gas and electric convection heating works by warming the air. In office environments, this heat is quickly lost as doors open, windows are adjusted, or ventilation systems cycle throughout the day. The result is uneven temperatures, rising energy costs, and uncomfortable working conditions.
Infrared heating offers a more efficient approach. Instead of heating the air, infrared panels deliver radiant warmth that heats people, desks, floors, and surrounding surfaces directly. This creates a more stable and comfortable environment, even in open plan offices or buildings with regular airflow.
Infrared heating is silent, maintenance free, and produces no dry air or draughts. This makes it particularly suitable for offices, meeting rooms, reception areas, and shared working spaces where comfort, concentration, and wellbeing matter.
If you are new to the technology, our Infrared Heating Guide explains how infrared heating works and why it is increasingly adopted in modern commercial buildings.
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Where infrared heating works best in offices
Infrared heating performs exceptionally well in offices because it delivers warmth exactly where people are working. Desk areas, meeting rooms, and collaborative spaces benefit from steady radiant heat without the noise or air movement associated with fan heaters or air based systems.
Open plan offices are particularly well suited to infrared heating. Radiant warmth is not affected by air circulation, meaning temperatures remain consistent even as doors open or staff move throughout the space.
Ceiling mounted infrared panels are commonly used in offices with suspended grid ceilings, allowing heating to be integrated discreetly without occupying wall or floor space. Portable infrared heaters can also be used where flexibility is required.
Infrared systems support zoned heating, allowing different areas of the office to be heated independently. This is ideal for hybrid working environments where occupancy varies throughout the day.
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Calculate the right infrared heating for your space
Use our wattage calculator to determine the correct infrared heating setup based on room size, insulation, and how the space is used.
Performance and efficiency considerations
Infrared heating is well suited to offices because of its low maintenance requirements. Panels contain no moving parts, no water, and no gas, eliminating the need for annual servicing and reducing long term maintenance costs.
Ceiling mounted infrared panels integrate neatly into suspended ceiling systems, providing even heat distribution while remaining visually unobtrusive. Wall mounted options can be used where ceiling installation is not suitable.
Because infrared heat warms people and surfaces directly, it remains effective in offices with high ceilings, frequent ventilation, or changing occupancy. Floors and furnishings gradually retain warmth, helping stabilise temperatures throughout the day.
Infrared systems can be paired with thermostats to support timed schedules and zoned control, ensuring only occupied areas are heated. This reduces wasted energy and improves overall efficiency in flexible working environments.
For organisations working towards sustainability targets, infrared heating helps reduce reliance on gas and supports lower carbon operation. Learn more about the environmental benefits of infrared heating.
Frequently asked questions
Can infrared heating work in open plan offices?
Yes. Infrared heating is ideal for open plan offices because it does not rely on heating the air. Radiant warmth remains effective even with frequent door use and airflow.
Is infrared heating suitable for suspended ceiling offices?
Yes. Many infrared panels are designed to fit standard ceiling grid tiles, providing a flush, discreet installation in modern office environments. See the top benefits of ceiling mounted infrared heaters
Are portable infrared heaters suitable for offices?
Yes. Portable infrared heaters can be used to provide targeted warmth in smaller offices, temporary spaces, or areas without fixed heating.
Will infrared heating improve staff comfort?
Infrared heating provides silent, draught free warmth that helps maintain a more comfortable working environment, supporting concentration and productivity.
