We are the UK Infrared Experts and are here to help

 

Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about outdoor infrared heating systems. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please contact us and one of our experts will answer your question as quickly as possible.

General Use

Of course, infrared heating can be used t outdoor spaces to extend the use of these areas during colder months. Herschel Infrared offer a number of patio heating solutions, including wall-mounted, suspended, and free-standing infrared heaters, all engineered for performance, efficiency, and durability. You can find out more about our outdoor heating range here.

Absolutely! Herschel Infrared outdoor heaters are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and finishes, and are ideal for integration into the design of any outdoor space. Our range includes a variety of heaters, from those installed on the wall or ceiling for a permanent solution, or those that are portable for a less permanent solution. Our sales team will be able to help you choose the best heaters for any space. To book a sales consultation, click here.

Outdoor heaters are becoming increasingly popular, but it can be hard to know when to start given that there are so many different types of heaters available and lots of jargon to go with them. Even on the nicest days in the UK, it very often gets chilly or cold in the evenings, and if you want to enjoy socialising outside, a good heating solution is a must. So we’ve put this handy guide together to help you choose the right heater for you and answer some of the most commonly asked questions. See Herschel’s guide to outdoor heating here.

Infrared heaters heat objects and not the air around us, making them more effective than traditional heating methods that warm the air.

If the area is completely exposed, the heat will disperse quicker than normal. It is, however, possible to combat this by using higher-powered heaters, increasing the number of heaters in the space, and strategically positioning the heaters to maximise coverage. Please contact Herschel who will be happy to advise on the number of outdoor heaters recommended for your space.

Wherever possible, adding a partial shelter or cover will also significantly improve heat retention and overall comfort.

Installation

Yes, all of our patio heaters come with a fitted plug and can be plugged in and run from a standard domestic mains supply. Always refer to the installation guides before installation and make sure all plugs, sockets and switches intended for use outdoors have the appropriate water ingress protection.

Alternatively, the plugs can be removed and the patio heaters fixed to mains wiring by a qualified electrician using appropriate IP-rated electrical fixings. All installation instructions can be seen here. View our full outdoor heating range here.

Yes, certain heater cables in our outdoor range can be extended, including the Colorado, California, Manhattan, Miami, Florida, Havana, Malibu, all using our 3m extension cable (making the total cable length 5m).

In most cases, yes — a separate circuit is recommended.

Herschel outdoor heaters are high-wattage appliances, which means they typically draw a significant amount of power. While it may be possible to connect them to an existing circuit if there is enough spare capacity, this is rarely the case. Most standard circuits are already supporting other loads, and adding high-wattage heaters can easily lead to overloading.

To ensure safe, reliable operation and compliance with electrical regulations, we strongly advise installing your heaters on a dedicated circuit. Always contact a qualified electrician to assess your specific setup and advise on the best solution.

Heater voltage is a common question that relates to single-phase heaters; why Herschel states 240v as the rated voltage limit of its single-phase heaters, and whether this is adequate (high enough) given total supply voltage in the UK can legally reach 253 volts. The regulation on the matter is clear enough: that the input power of a heater must not exceed 5% of its rated power (as it has implications on product longevity, reliability and safety, quite apart from unnecessary extra running cost). We explain more why heater voltage is important here.

For outdoor areas, indicative guides are available on our website to show the size of infrared heaters required. We also offer a free, no-obligation specification service from our team of infrared heating specialists who will tailor a recommendation just for you. Contact our team through the online chat facility or by visiting our Contact Us page.

Maintenance

All of our outdoor heaters are built to withstand the elements. They all have ratings as good as IP65, and none with a lower rating than IP44. This means that all our outdoor heaters can be safely left outdoors, year-round, without the need for a cover or any additional weather protection.

No cover is needed as our outdoor heaters are built to last. All Herschel outdoor heaters are designed with weather resistance in mind and have high IP ratings meaning they are protected against rain, dust, and general outdoor conditions. They have been fully tested against water exposure and can be safely left outside all year round, with no need for additional covers or protection. View our full outdoor heating range here.

Controls

Managing electricity costs is a continuing priority for people as they seek to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels for heating and make the switch to electric heating. Electric infrared heaters will keep you comfortably warm whilst minimising energy consumption and electricity costs.

Will infrared heaters save me money?

Infrared heating offers an energy-efficient heating solution due to the way in which it uses radiant heat technology to warm people. Not only are infrared heaters energy efficient in the way they heat, they can also save you money due to their zero servicing requirement, plus their lower purchase and installation cost than alternative, low-carbon heating solutions. We even offer some DIY-friendly and portable heating options.

Why are infrared heaters energy efficient?

  • Radiant heat technology warms people directly
  • Infrared heaters use radiant heat transfer to warm people and objects directly, this differs from convection-based heating systems that heat the air. Air retains heat poorly and will escape in an outdoor space, making it an inefficient and ineffective way to stay warm outside.
  • Turn your space into a 360° radiator
  • By using radiant heat transfer to warm people and objects directly, infrared heaters are highly effective for outdoor patio heating. Instead of trying to heat the air—which quickly escapes in open spaces—they warm surfaces and bodies, creating a comfortable environment even in cooler weather. The thermal mass of surrounding objects, such as furniture or walls, absorbs and retains this heat, gently radiating it back over time. This means the heaters don’t need to run continuously—just enough to top up the warmth. As a result, Herschel Infrared heaters provide efficient, targeted heating for outdoor areas while saving energy.
  • Targeted zone heating
  • Zero heat loss
  • Infrared heaters are 100% efficient. Every watt of energy is converted into radiant warmth.
  • Leading the way in Innovation Development
  • Herschel is at the forefront of infrared heating, and we have used our experience as UK market leader, alongside extensive research and development, to keep driving innovation in our infrared technology.

Many of our infrared heaters come with built-in on/off switches and remote control options, allowing for easy and flexible operation. Alternative control options can also be used for patio heaters that are hardwired, including push button switches (when the heater is switched to remote bypass mode).   View our full patio heater range here.

Looking for help with your outdoor heating project?

Our experienced team are here to help you find the perfect heaters for your space. Contact us today for a consultation and experience the future of outdoor heating for yourself