Infrared Heating for Sports halls and Leisure centres
Sports halls and leisure centres are among the most challenging environments to heat efficiently. These large, open spaces often feature very high ceilings, wide floor areas and variable usage throughout the day. Traditional heating systems struggle to deliver consistent comfort without excessive energy use, leaving many facilities under-heated during colder months.
Conventional gas and convection heating systems rely on warming the air, which naturally rises and escapes through doors, windows and roof structures. In busy sports and leisure facilities where access points are frequently opened, this leads to significant heat loss and high running costs. To compensate, systems are often left running long before use, wasting energy while still failing to provide comfortable conditions at floor level.
Infrared heating offers a far more efficient solution. Instead of heating the air, infrared technology delivers radiant heat directly to people, surfaces and equipment. This allows facility managers to focus warmth exactly where it is needed, such as activity zones, courts, training areas or spectator seating, without heating unused ceiling space.
Infrared heating also creates a more pleasant environment. There is no air movement, no fan noise and no circulation of dust, helping maintain a cleaner, healthier indoor atmosphere for both active users and spectators.
For large halls and high ceilings, our infrared bar heaters provide powerful radiant output that reaches floor level even when mounted high. In smaller leisure rooms, studios and reception areas, slimline infrared panels offer discreet, silent warmth with flexible wall or ceiling installation.
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Where infrared heating works best in sports and leisure facilities
Infrared heating is particularly effective in sports halls, gymnasiums and leisure centres where usage patterns vary throughout the day. Instead of attempting to heat the entire space continuously, radiant heat can be directed to specific zones only when they are in use.
This makes infrared ideal for courts, fitness areas, training zones, spectator seating and warm-up areas. Heat remains focused at occupant level and is unaffected by draughts or door openings, ensuring consistent comfort without unnecessary energy consumption.
Because infrared systems respond quickly, facilities can be brought up to temperature shortly before activities begin, rather than hours in advance. This flexibility significantly reduces energy waste while improving comfort for users.
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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
When designing an infrared heating system for a sports hall or leisure centre, factors such as ceiling height, insulation quality, activity type and occupancy patterns are key. High ceilings benefit from bar heaters mounted at suitable heights to maintain a clear line of sight to activity zones.
Zoning is particularly important in multi-use facilities. Different areas can be heated independently, allowing managers to reduce energy use during quieter periods or when only part of the building is occupied.
Infrared heating is also well suited to intermittent use. Heaters reach operating temperature quickly, making them ideal for scheduled activities, training sessions or events without the need for constant background heating.
Because infrared systems have no moving parts, filters or fans, maintenance requirements are minimal. This reduces downtime and long-term operating costs for busy leisure facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Can infrared heating effectively heat large sports halls?
Yes. Infrared bar heaters are designed for high-ceiling and large open spaces, delivering radiant heat directly to people and surfaces at floor level.
Can heating be limited to specific activity areas?
Yes. Infrared systems are ideal for zoning, allowing you to heat only the areas in use while leaving unused zones unheated.
Is infrared heating expensive to run in large buildings?
No. By avoiding heat loss through air movement and reducing preheat times, infrared systems often deliver savings of up to 60% compared to traditional heating.
Does infrared heating affect air quality?
No. Infrared heating does not circulate air or dust, helping maintain a clean, comfortable indoor environment for both athletes and spectators.
