One of the most common questions we get at Infracenter is not about power or energy consumption.
It's about which type of infrared heating is actually best suited.
Many people assume that all infrared heating works the same way. This is not the case.
If you choose the right type of infrared heating for the right environment, the results can be fantastic. However, if you choose the wrong solution, you may be disappointed, even though the product itself works exactly as it should.
When we help customers choose a heating solution, we usually start with a much more important question than how many watts are needed:
How open is the space to be heated?
It is often the answer to that question that determines which type of infrared heating is best suited.
Glazed balconies and conservatories often have completely different conditions than open balconies.
A conservatory or glazed balcony usually has both a roof and walls. This means that the heat remains significantly better than on an open terrace.
In addition, there are plenty of materials that can absorb and store heat. Floors, walls, furniture and other surfaces act as heat reservoirs and help create an even and comfortable temperature.
In these environments, long-wave infrared heat often works very well.
That's why products like Dark Heater and Infracenters
Long-wave infrared heat provides a soft and comfortable warmth
One of the reasons why many customers appreciate long-wave infrared heat is that the heat is perceived as natural and pleasant.
Unlike traditional patio heaters with a bright red glow, the Dark Heater and our infrared heating panels work discreetly in the background.
The Dark Heater is also available in both black and white and retains its color even during operation. You avoid the strong orange glow that many people associate with traditional patio heaters.
The result is a stylish installation that fits just as well in modern conservatories as on exclusive glazed balconies.
The biggest mistake is often the floor
When customers contact us, the question is almost always about which heater they should choose.
In reality, it is often the floor that determines the outcome.
If the outdoor space has an uninsulated concrete floor or if the stone slabs lie directly on the ground without insulation, a large part of the heat will be dissipated through the structure.
This makes it more difficult for all types of heating systems to provide even and comfortable heat, regardless of how much power is installed.
A carpet, wooden decking or other insulating surface can often make a bigger difference than many people think.
The more materials that can absorb and store the heat from infrared heating, the better the comfort.
How much power is needed in a conservatory?
As a general rule of thumb, we usually recommend around 200W per square meter to extend the season in a conservatory or on a glazed balcony.
| Surface | Recommended power |
|---|---|
| 5 m² | 1000W |
| 8 m² | 1600W |
| 10 m² | 2000W |
| 15 m² | 3000W |
| 20 m² | 4000W |
The table should be seen as a guide. Glazing areas, insulation, ceiling height, direction and desired temperature always affect the final requirement.
Our experience is that it is often better to choose a little too much power than a little too little. If you have more power than needed, the thermostat will turn off the heat earlier when the desired temperature is reached.
How much power do you have available?
The most common discussion is often not about how much power is needed.
It's about how much power is actually available.
| Fuse | Maximum available power |
|---|---|
| 10A | about 2000W |
| 16A | about 3600W |
| 2 x 10A | about 4000W |
| 2 x 16A | about 7200W |
The goal is always to get as much comfort as possible based on the available conditions.
In many cases, the existing electrical installation will suffice. In other cases, it may be worth having an electrician install an additional group to get even better results.
When it's open and the wind is blowing, the conditions change.
On an open balcony or terrace, the situation looks different.
There are often no walls to protect against the wind and significantly less material to store heat. When the wind blows, the surfaces cool down faster than they can warm up.
This means that long-wave infrared heating has a harder time providing the same comfort as in a conservatory.
In these environments, we often recommend the Outside Heater 2000W from Infracenter.
It uses short-wave infrared heat, which works significantly better in windy environments, making it a popular choice for open balconies, terraces, outdoor cafes and other exposed locations.
The clear red glow is a natural part of the technology and something you have to accept to get maximum heating effect when the wind increases.
That's why short-wave infrared heating is used in restaurants and outdoor dining areas.
Restaurants and cafes often have open environments where guests should feel the warmth immediately.
In these situations, short-wave infrared heating is often the obvious choice because it works well even when it is windy or when the space lacks walls.
"But if it's windy, we still won't sit outside"
This is actually a comment we hear quite often.
Many customers use their conservatory, patio or glazed balcony when the weather is relatively good. If it is windy or raining, they often choose to stay indoors regardless of the heating solution installed.
That's also why Dark Heater and our infrared heating panels work so well for many individuals.
The purpose is rarely to create high summer heat in the middle of January or to sit outside during stormy autumn evenings.
The goal is usually to extend the season, increase comfort and get significantly more use out of the space you have already invested in.
That's why many customers choose Dark Heater for conservatories and glazed balconies.
After many years in the industry, we see the same pattern over and over again.
Customers who have ceilings, walls and a relatively protected environment are often very satisfied with long-wave infrared heating.
Dark Heater has become a popular choice because it combines discreet design with high comfort, IP65 rating and a warmth that feels natural and pleasant.
Together with Infracenters
For open balconies, terraces and other areas where the wind has a major impact, we often recommend the Outside Heater 2000W.
It's not about one technology being better than the other.
It's about choosing the right product for the right environment.
Frequently asked questions
Which infrared heater is best for a conservatory?
In most conservatories with a roof and walls, Dark Heater and Infracenters work
Which infrared heater is best suited for an open balcony?
If the patio is open and exposed to wind, we often recommend the Outside Heater 2000W.
Does the Dark Heater work outdoors?
Yes. Dark Heater works great in protected outdoor environments such as conservatories, glazed balconies and covered patios.
How much power do I need?
As a rule of thumb, around 200W per square meter is usually a good starting point for conservatories and glazed balconies.
Why choose Infracenter?
As the largest specialist in infrared heating in the Nordic region, we have helped thousands of customers find the right solution for conservatories, balconies, patios and commercial environments. Our recommendations are based on real installations and many years of experience.
Summary
When it comes to infrared heating for conservatories, patios and glazed balconies, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The most important thing is to choose the right product for the right environment.
In protected environments with ceilings and walls, Dark Heater and Infracenters are
When the right product is combined with the right effect, you not only get more heat - you also get significantly more hours of enjoying your conservatory, balcony or patio.