Why Choose Infrared to Heat Commercial Buildings?
Power 3.2 – 6.4kW Workshop Heater
Manhattan 3000W Infrared Patio Heater
Advantage IR 1300 / 1950 Watts
How Does it Work in Commercial Spaces?
As infrared heats people and objects directly, as opposed to conventional heating systems which heats a volume of air, Herschel heaters allow you to target specific zones to heat. In large industrial spaces, you can target your heaters to gently warm anything from a single workbench, to heating every occupied space. This is also a much more efficient way of heating, provides much faster warm-up times, creates a more comfortable environment, and can be powered with renewable energy to help business reach sustainability goals.
Benefits of Using Infrared in Commercial Buildings
Superior Energy Efficiency
Infrared heaters operate by emitting radiant heat that directly warms people and objects, rather than wasting energy heating the air. This makes them significantly more efficient than convection-based systems, particularly in spaces with high ceilings where warm air tends to rise and escape.
Their directional heating capability allows for zoned heating, focusing warmth precisely where it’s needed—such as occupied workstations—without expending energy on unoccupied areas. This is especially effective in large, open, or draft-prone environments.
Reduced Maintenance Requirements
Infrared heaters are solid-state units with no moving parts, resulting in minimal wear and tear over time. Unlike HVAC systems or heat pumps, they do not require annual servicing, lowering ongoing maintenance costs and reducing system downtime.
Increased Reliability with No Single Point of Failure
Each infrared unit operates independently or in configurable groups, minimising the risk of a complete system outage. If one unit malfunctions, this can be isolated and the rest of the system remains fully operational. This distributed architecture enhances reliability and simplifies troubleshooting.
Simple Installation Process
Installation is straightforward and cost-effective. Infrared heaters require only electrical connections—no ductwork or plumbing—allowing for rapid deployment by qualified electricians. Their modular nature also means systems can also be scaled incrementally in line with operational needs and budget constraints where a full system is not installed. Hear Tom from Daley’s Electrical’s thoughts on the installation of Herschel heaters compared to others.
Rapid Warm-Up and Enhanced Occupant Comfort
Radiant heat delivers warmth rapidly, significantly reducing heat-up times in large commercial areas. This results in a more comfortable and responsive heating solution for staff and visitors alike.
Precision Control and Smart Integration
Infrared heating systems offer exceptional controllability, enabling localised heating where and when it is needed. Advanced control options are available, including:
- Programmable timers
- Thermostatic control
- Motion and occupancy sensors
- App-based remote management
- Energy monitoring and analytics
These systems can be integrated with Building Management Systems (BMS) and include tamper-proof settings to ensure consistent operation.
Optimal for Large, High-Ceilinged Spaces
Infrared heaters are ideal for commercial and industrial applications such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, distribution centres, gyms, and sports facilities. Infrared heaters can be ceiling or wall mounted, freeing up valuable floor space while effectively delivering heat from above.
Supports Sustainability and Decarbonisation Goals
Electric infrared heaters contribute to carbon reduction strategies, especially when powered by renewable electricity or paired with on-site solar PV and battery storage. Time-of-use tariffs and off-peak charging can further enhance cost and energy savings, supporting corporate responsibility and Net Zero objectives.
Promotes Healthier Indoor Environments
Because infrared heating does not rely on air circulation, it minimises the spread of dust, allergens, and airborne pollutants. It also maintains natural humidity levels and produces no on-site emissions, offering a cleaner, healthier heating solution. Hear Dave’s experience with how switching to infrared heaters in his home provided his family with invaluable benefits to his son’s health condition where other heating systems couldn’t.
Silent Operation
Infrared heaters operate silently, making them well-suited for noise-sensitive environments such as offices, studios, and healthcare facilities.
Read Commercial Case Studies
Customer Testimonials
“We think the infrared heating is fantastic”
We think the infrared heating is fantastic, it warms the space quickly and efficiently, and we love the discreet design. Having a ceiling-mounted heater has also enabled us to free up valuable floor space.
“Unobtrusive, efficient, and maintenance-free.”
“Well it’s over 2 years since I installed the heater panels in the Men’s Shed. Sadly the members have been unable to meet at the Shed for a year now due to Covid, but we do inspect 2 or 3 times a week just to check everything is in order. I was doing an inspection a few days ago, and I thought I would just share with you that the heaters have been just amazing with no problems since installed. They provide adequate warmth even in the coldest weather, are unobtrusive, have been maintenance free apart from an occasional dusting and are aesthetically pleasing, blending in with the LED lighting panels. They have fulfilled all the criteria set at the start and have thus been the ideal solution for the building and its users.
The ceiling installation has kept the wall clear and they just work day after day, doing their thing without intervention. Many visitors have commented on them and I have been contacted by others to discuss our installation. All in all, they are just perfect for us and I look forward to them just giving us the clean, unobtrusive heat we have enjoyed, for years to come. 2+ years on, we are very happy indeed with our choice!
I have to update my flat now and I will be looking at replacing the old storage heaters with infrared panels, for the ease of installation and the aesthetics, never mind the efficiency”.
“The Herschel team provided exemplary support throughout the project life cycle.”
The Herschel team provided exemplary support throughout the project life cycle. As our designs were refined, these were checked against heat loss calculations, and we worked together to finalise the heating system specification. Herschel visited site to meet our M&E team in advance of installation, and maintained contact throughout, including site visits to ensure a hassle-free programme. This is exactly how we deliver our own Design & Build projects, and we look forward to a long partnership with Herschel as we grow.
“Great addition to our outdoor seating area”
We’ve been thrilled with the support from a whole host of local companies in helping us complete our project – the newly installed Herschel heaters are a great addition to our outdoor seating area, helping visitors to enjoy the space in comfort.
“You wouldn’t believe the difference”
“You wouldn’t believe the difference it’s made…as certainly makes it comfortable for the team to work whilst based in that area!”
SG Gaming, Warehouse
“Keep our paint shop drying area warm”
“I just wanted to thank you for your advice on the type and number of fittings to keep our paint shop drying area warm and dry (from air moisture), they work perfectly, thank you. The units are really compact and suit our requirements to a tee, we now have a happy spray team”.
Welham Distribution Centre
“The ideal industrial heating solution”
“The heaters were simple to install, silent in operation and feature no ongoing maintenance. You can feel the heat within a couple of minutes and the area remains warm for some time after the heaters are turned off. We only need to heat a specific area of the warehouse, and the area is not in constant use. Herschel Infrared is the ideal industrial heating solution, providing comfort when and where needed.” Eugene Donnelly, Dalradian Gold
Professional Specification Service
Herschel has a team of in-house surveyors who perform on-site and desktop estimating services for commercial heating projects.