Many store owners recognize the problem. The heat is on, the thermostat is showing the correct temperature, and most of the space feels comfortable. Yet there are areas where both staff and customers feel colder than the rest of the store.
Often this concerns entrances, checkouts, receptions or areas near large glass areas. The problem is rarely that the heating system is too small. In most cases, it is instead about how the heat is distributed in the room and how people actually experience the temperature.
This is also why many businesses supplement their existing heating system with infrared heating panels to create better comfort where it is needed most.
Cold entrances are a common problem
The entrance is often the most exposed part of a store. Every time the door is opened, some of the heated air is replaced with cold air from outside. During a typical working day, this can happen hundreds of times, especially in stores with high customer traffic.
For staff working near the entrance, the temperature difference is clearly noticeable. Many describe the feeling as a draft or cold snap rather than the entire premises being cold. The problems often become even more noticeable during the winter months when the temperature difference between outside and inside is greatest.
Common causes of cold zones in stores
| Cause | Common problem |
|---|---|
| Entrance doors | Cold air comes in every time the door is opened |
| Large glass areas | Areas near windows feel cooler |
| High ceilings | Warm air collects higher up in the room |
| Cash registers and receptions | Staff stay in the same place for a long time |
| Open store layouts | Uneven temperature between different zones |
Large glass areas affect comfort more than many people think
Modern retail spaces are often designed with large display windows and generous glass areas. This creates bright, attractive and welcoming environments, but at the same time poses certain challenges when it comes to comfort.
Even if the air temperature is correct, areas near glass surfaces may feel cooler than the rest of the room. For customers who are only in the store for a short time, this is rarely a problem. For staff who work several hours a day in the same area, the difference is much more noticeable.
That is why many cash registers, receptions and workplaces are placed in those parts of the premises where the comfort challenges are often greatest.
Why traditional heating systems have difficulty solving the problem
Most traditional heating systems primarily heat the air. As the air is heated, it rises towards the ceiling before gradually circulating back through the room.
In retail environments with high ceilings, open entrances and large glass areas, this can create uneven heat distribution. Some of the heated air is lost through the entrance, while new cold air constantly has to be heated.
The result is often that some parts of the premises feel comfortable while others are perceived as cold even though the heating system is operating normally.
Why infrared heating panels work differently
Infrared heating panels work on a different principle than traditional elements. Instead of primarily heating the air, they heat people, floors, walls, furnishings and other surfaces directly.
When heat is stored in the surfaces, the temperature becomes more even and stable. Comfort is less affected when entrance doors are opened and closed because the heat is not only in the air.
Traditional heating compared to infrared heating
| Traditional heating | Infrared heating |
|---|---|
| Heats the air first | Heats people and surfaces directly |
| Warm air rises towards the ceiling | The heat is experienced where people are. |
| More affected by open doors | Less sensitive to air circulation |
| Risk of cold zones | More consistent perceived comfort |
| Larger temperature differences | More even temperature in the occupied zone |
Cash registers and workstations place higher demands on comfort
In many stores, customers move through the premises while staff work in the same location for most of the working day.
A checkout counter, reception or information point that feels acceptable for a few minutes can feel completely different after several hours. That's why many businesses choose to focus extra on the areas where staff spend long periods.
The goal is not to raise the temperature in the entire room. The goal is to create a consistent and comfortable work environment where people actually work.
Comfort affects the customer experience
Temperature is part of the overall experience in a store. Customers rarely think about which heating system is used, but they quickly notice if the premises feel cold, drafty or uneven.
A store that feels warm and welcoming often gives a more professional impression. For businesses where the customer experience is important, comfort therefore becomes a natural part of the overall experience.
Why infrared panels are used in professional environments
Cold entrances, large glass areas and open spaces are not unique challenges for retail stores. The same problems occur in hotels, reception areas, offices, fitness facilities and other commercial environments where people spend long periods of time every day.
Since 2014, Infracenter has specialized in infrared heating and developed its own products for permanent heating. Today, Infracenter is the largest specialist in the Nordic region for infrared heating panels for homes, businesses and commercial properties.
Experience from thousands of installations has been an important part of the development of the products, which are today used in everything from small stores to large commercial properties throughout the Nordic region.
Why companies choose Infracenter
| Infrastructure center | Customer benefit |
|---|---|
| The Nordic region's largest specialist in infrared heating panels | Documented experience |
| Own products | Developed for permanent heating |
| Up to 10 years factory warranty | Safe investment |
| Approved for suspended ceilings | Discreet installation |
| High IP rating | Adapted for demanding environments |
| Specialists since 2014 | Deep knowledge of infrared heating |
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about infrared heating in stores
Why is it cold at the entrance even though the heating is on?
Every time the door is opened, some of the heated air is replaced with cold air from outside. This can create cold zones near the entrance even if the rest of the room is at the right temperature.
Is infrared heating suitable for retail spaces?
Yes. Infrared heating panels are often used in retail environments because they heat people and surfaces directly instead of just heating the air.
Can infrared panels be installed in suspended ceilings?
Yes.Many models are developed for suspended ceilings and acoustic ceilings, which provides a very discreet installation.
Does infrared heating work near large glass areas?
Yes. Infrared heating is often used in premises with large glass surfaces where traditional air-borne heating has difficulty creating even comfort.
Summary
When certain parts of a store feel colder than others, it's rarely because the heating system is too small. More often, it's a matter of entrances, glass areas, airflow, and how the heat is distributed throughout the premises.
By directly heating people, floors, walls and furnishings, infrared heating panels can contribute to a more even and comfortable retail environment. This is one of the reasons why more and more stores, hotels, receptions and commercial businesses are choosing infrared heating as part of their heating solution.