A radiant heater — also called an infrared heater — emits infrared energy that warms people, floors and surfaces directly, rather than heating the air. That makes it ideal for spaces that are draughty, have high ceilings, or are only partially enclosed, where conventional convection heating loses most of its energy to ventilation. We stock the Frico HC series for indoor commercial use (warehouses, workshops, garages, churches, gyms) and the IP-rated Frico IHC range for outdoor and semi-outdoor applications (pub gardens, smoking shelters, loading bay entrances, canopy-covered patios). Need sizing help? Email hello@efans.co.uk or call 0161 818 2050.
A radiant heater emits infrared electromagnetic waves that travel through the air without warming it, and are absorbed by people, floors, walls and objects — which then feel warm. Unlike convection heaters that have to heat a whole volume of air, radiant heaters deliver warmth directly to the target area. That makes them efficient in large, draughty or partially open spaces where conventional heating would lose most of its energy to ventilation or infiltration. It also means radiant heat is felt almost instantly — as soon as the element is up to temperature you feel the warmth, with no waiting for the air to heat up.
Where are radiant heaters typically used?
Radiant heaters suit any space where convection heating is inefficient. Common indoor commercial applications include warehouses, workshops, aircraft hangars, garages, churches, sports halls, gyms and logistics yards. Outdoor and semi-outdoor applications include pub gardens, smoking shelters, outdoor seating areas, patios, loading bay entrances and canopy-covered walkways. They are also widely used for spot heating in factories and workshops — warming individual workstations without heating the whole building. Anywhere you need heat on people rather than heat in the air, radiant is usually the right answer.
What's the difference between a radiant heater and a patio heater?
Commercially, they're often the same thing. A "patio heater" is usually a radiant infrared heater marketed for outdoor residential use — the technology is identical. The commercial-grade equivalents like the Frico IHC series are IP-rated for permanent outdoor installation, use more durable materials, and are designed for heavy daily use in hospitality and commercial settings rather than occasional domestic use. If you need an outdoor heater for a pub garden, smoking area or commercial patio, the right product is a commercial infrared radiant heater — not a consumer gas bottle patio heater.
What's the difference between infrared and other radiant heaters?
All radiant heaters emit infrared energy, but the element type changes the wavelength and feel of the heat. Short-wave quartz infrared (used in the Frico IHC) produces instant, intense heat — ideal for outdoor and spot heating because it warms people immediately even with air movement. Medium-wave ceramic or tubular elements (used in the Frico HC series) produce a gentler, more diffuse radiant heat that's more comfortable for extended indoor use. Short-wave for outdoor or intermittent use; medium-wave for continuous indoor occupied spaces.
What size radiant heater do I need?
Sizing depends on whether you're heating a whole space or spot-heating a zone. As a rough guide for spot heating, allow around 1kW per 2m² of coverage for outdoor use, and 1kW per 4–6m² for insulated indoor use. For whole-space heating, factor in ceiling height, insulation quality, air change rate and door usage.
Are radiant heaters safe for outdoor use?
Only if the heater is specifically IP-rated for outdoor installation. The Frico IHC12 is designed and certified for outdoor use with a sealed housing, weather-resistant construction and an appropriate IP rating for exposure to rain and damp. Indoor-only radiant heaters such as the Frico HC series must not be installed outdoors, in bathrooms, or in any environment where they could be exposed to water. Always check the IP rating and the manufacturer's installation instructions before specifying a location, and have the unit installed by a qualified electrician to BS 7671.
How much does it cost to run a commercial radiant heater?
Running cost equals kW rating multiplied by hours of use multiplied by your electricity unit rate. A 3kW indoor radiant heater running for 8 hours on a 25p/kWh commercial tariff costs around £6 per day. Radiant heaters are often cheaper to run than convection alternatives in draughty or high-ceiling spaces because they don't waste energy heating air that escapes — you only heat the people and surfaces actually in use. Controls matter: adding a time switch, thermostat or occupancy sensor can cut running costs significantly by firing the heater only when needed.
Can I control radiant heaters with a thermostat or timer?
Yes. Most commercial radiant heaters can be controlled by an external thermostat, time switch, occupancy sensor or BMS input. For outdoor applications, a simple time clock is often enough — programme it to run during operating hours only. For indoor spaces, a thermostatically controlled setup combined with an occupancy sensor keeps running costs down by firing the heater only when the zone is occupied and below setpoint. Ask our team for a compatible controller recommendation on 0161 818 2050.
