Many people think that it's just a matter of installing more elements or raising the temperature when a large building feels cold. In reality, the problem is much more complicated than that.
Churches, castles, manor houses, parish halls, museums and other buildings with high ceilings are among the most difficult environments to heat. Despite high energy costs, many visitors still find it cold and drafty.
The problem is that traditional heating systems often try to heat the entire air volume in the building. The higher the ceiling height, the more energy is required and the greater the heat loss.
That is also why more and more property owners, congregations and businesses are choosing to think in a completely different way.
Large church with high vaults where people sit in the pews while the heat collects high up under the ceiling.
Warm air always rises
The physics are simple: warm air rises.
In a regular house with a normal ceiling height, this often works quite well. In a church with ten or fifteen meters to the ceiling, the situation becomes completely different.
When traditional heating systems heat the air, the warm air rises towards the ceiling where it is of very little benefit to people at floor level.
The result is that large amounts of energy are used to heat air that no one actually benefits from.
The higher the ceiling height, the greater the problem.
Many older buildings were built long before today's energy prices and modern heating systems.
Churches, castles and mansions were designed to impress with large open spaces, high ceilings and beautiful architecture.
What makes the buildings fantastic to live in also makes them difficult to heat.
When the air volume becomes large, the energy requirement increases dramatically while comfort often deteriorates.
It is not uncommon for the temperature at the ceiling to be several degrees higher than down at the floor where people live.
That's why it feels cold even though energy costs are high
A common mistake is to focus on the air temperature.
People do not experience heat solely through the air. Walls, floors, furniture and surrounding surfaces affect comfort just as much.
In many older buildings, floors, walls and stone surfaces are cold for much of the year. This can make it feel chilly even though the heating system is working at full capacity.
This is one of the reasons why many churches and larger premises feel cold even when energy consumption is high.
Spot heating is often smarter than heating the entire building
Most churches are not used 24/7.
The same applies to many castles, parish halls, museums and larger gathering places.
The premises are used for:
Services
Concerts
Wedding
Funerals
Conferences
Exhibitions
Event
Keeping the entire building heated at all times is therefore both expensive and inefficient.
In many cases, it is much smarter to create comfort where people actually stay instead of heating the entire air volume.
Why infrared heating works so well in large buildings
Infrared heating works differently than traditional heating systems.
Instead of heating the air, people, benches, floors, walls and other surfaces are heated directly.
This means that the heat ends up where it is useful instead of collecting under the ceiling.
Many people therefore experience greater comfort even though the air temperature is lower.
For buildings with high ceiling heights, the difference can be significant.
Dark Heater mounted high up in a church or historic building where the heat is directed towards visitors instead of up to the ceiling.
Dark Heater is developed for environments where comfort is important
One of the reasons why Dark Heater has become popular in churches, castles and larger premises is that it combines high comfort with discreet design.
Unlike many traditional patio heaters, the Dark Heater does not emit a strong orange or red glow.
It is completely black even during operation and therefore blends naturally into environments where architecture and aesthetics are important.
In addition, it can be mounted high up on walls or in suspended ceilings where it does not interfere with operations.
Cultural and historical buildings have special requirements
Many older buildings cannot be rebuilt just any way.
Churches, castles and culturally historic properties often have restrictions when it comes to installing new heating systems.
Large radiators, extensive pipework and visible installations are rarely desirable.
Therefore, solutions that can be installed discreetly and at the same time provide high comfort for visitors and staff are appreciated.
That's why more and more people are choosing Infracenter
Since 2014, Infracenter has helped customers create comfortable environments with infrared heating.
We work daily with environments where traditional heating systems have difficulty delivering the comfort that people expect.
Dark Heater is used today in everything from churches and parish centers to restaurants, yoga studios, entrances, castles and other larger premises where high ceiling heights place special demands on heating.
When the heat ends up where people actually stay instead of up on the roof, a completely different comfort experience is created.
Historic mansion or castle environment where Dark Heater has been integrated discreetly without affecting the character of the building.
FAQ
Why are churches so difficult to heat?
High ceilings, large air volumes and cold building materials mean that traditional heating systems often have low efficiency.
Is infrared heating suitable for churches?
Yes. Infrared heating heats people and surfaces directly instead of just heating the air, which makes the technology very suitable in buildings with high ceilings.
Is Dark Heater suitable in cultural heritage buildings?
Yes. The discreet design and the ability to mount the heater high up make it suitable in many cultural and historical environments.
Does the same principle work in castles and manors?
Absolutely. Castles, manor houses and other larger buildings often have the same challenges as churches when it comes to heating.
Does the Dark Heater produce any visible light?
No. The Dark Heater is completely black even during operation and does not emit any disturbing red or orange glow.