Heating a conservatory or a glazed balcony is about much more than just choosing a heater with many watts.
Many people are surprised by how big a difference there can be between two conservatories that are the same size on paper. One feels warm and comfortable well into autumn, while the other still feels cold even though the heater is on.
The reason is that infrared heating works differently than traditional heating systems.
At Infracenter, we have been working with infrared heating since 2014 and have helped thousands of customers find the right solution for their conservatories and glazed balconies. Experience shows that it is rarely the heater itself that determines the end result. It is just as much about placement, effect, insulation and how the environment looks.
That's also why Dark Heater was developed.
The goal was to create a heater that provides comfortable infrared heat without visible light and that works optimally in environments where people want to stay for longer periods of time.
Why is a conservatory different from an open terrace?
One of the most common misconceptions is that all patios work the same way.
That's not the case.
A glazed conservatory or a glazed balcony has completely different conditions than an open terrace.
A conservatory usually contains:
Ceiling
Glass sections
Wind protection
Furniture
Table
Walls
Materials that can store heat
This allows the infrared heat to build up in the environment over time.
On an open terrace, the situation is different. There, the wind affects the result significantly more, while cold floors and outdoor air constantly transport energy away.
That is why Infracenter recommends different products for different environments.
That's why Infracenter developed the Dark Heater
When we started working with infrared heating, we saw a clear need in the market.
Many customers with conservatories and glazed balconies wanted a heater that provided high comfort without the strong red light that traditional patio heaters emit.
At the same time, they wanted a product that fit into modern environments where design is important.
Dark Heater was developed for these exact needs.
By using mid-wave IR-B technology, a soft and comfortable heat is created without visible light emission. The heater is black or white even during operation and blends naturally into both conservatories and glazed balconies.
How does infrared heating work in a conservatory?
Unlike traditional heating systems, infrared heating does not primarily heat the air.
Instead, people and surfaces are heated directly.
It could be:
Table
Chairs
Walls
Furniture
Carpets
Floor
People
When these surfaces absorb the energy, the heat is stored and then emitted back into the surroundings.
This is why infrared heating is often perceived as a more natural and comfortable form of heating than, for example, fan heaters.
The more surfaces that can store heat, the better the result.
An important difference between infrared heating and traditional heating systems is that the result is affected by what is actually in the room.
An empty conservatory with only floors and glass surfaces will normally feel cooler than a conservatory that contains furniture, tables, chairs, rugs and other furnishings.
The reason is simple.
When infrared waves hit various materials, the energy is absorbed and stored in these surfaces. The heat is then slowly released back into the environment.
The more surfaces that can absorb heat, the greater the overall heat storage in the room.
That is why a well-furnished conservatory is often perceived as warmer and more comfortable than an empty conservatory, even if the same heater is used.
Infrared heating builds up the heat in the room
Many people believe that infrared heating works like a fan heater that immediately heats the air.
That's not how it works.
Infrared heating instead works by gradually building up energy in people, furniture, walls, floors and other materials.
Once these surfaces have been heated, they themselves begin to contribute to the heating of the room.
This is why the result is often better after a while than in the first few minutes after starting the heater.
The floor affects the result more than many people think
The floor is often the largest surface area in a conservatory.
Therefore, it also has great importance for how the heat is experienced.
Insulated floor provides the best conditions
When the floor is insulated, the heat is able to remain in the room.
This improves both comfort and energy efficiency.
Many of the best installations that Infracenter has designed have this common denominator.
Uninsulated concrete requires more energy
If the floor consists of uninsulated concrete, some of the energy will be absorbed by the structure.
This means that more energy is used before people experience full comfort.
Stone slabs directly on the ground are a challenge
The same applies to stone slabs that lie directly on the ground without insulation.
The ground then acts as a large thermal bridge that continuously transports heat away.
In such environments, you need to be extra careful with both effect and placement.
How much power is needed?
For conservatories and glazed balconies, Infracenter normally recommends around 200W per square meter as a starting point.
It's not just about temperature.
It is also about ensuring that the infrared waves reach the floor, furniture and other surfaces so that the entire environment becomes comfortable.
Recommended power
| Surface | Recommended power |
|---|---|
| 5 m² | about 1000W |
| 8 m² | about 1600W |
| 10 m² | about 2000W |
| 15 m² | about 3000W |
| 20 m² | about 4000W |
The table should be seen as a guide. Factors such as insulation, ceiling height, glass surfaces and geographical location always affect the final power requirement.
What do you do if you only have 10A?
In many conservatories, it is not the surface area that limits the installation, but the availability of electricity.
A standard 10A fuse normally allows the use of approximately 2000W.
If an additional group can be used, it is often possible to install approximately 4000W.
It is a common question where Infracenter helps customers find the best solution based on the existing conditions.
The placement is at least as important as the product
The right location can make as much difference as the choice of heater.
Dark Heater works best when directed towards the parts of the room where people are.
For example:
Seating groups
Dining areas
Sofas
Table
Furniture
The goal is for the infrared waves to hit people and materials that can absorb the energy.
The better the heat is handled by the room, the better the end result will be.
Common mistakes when heating conservatories
After many years of working with infrared heating, we see the same mistakes recurring.
Too little effect
It is often better to have a little too much power than a little too little. The heat can always be adjusted as needed.
Wrong location
Even a powerful heater can produce weak results if placed incorrectly.
Trying to warm the ground
Cold stone slabs and uninsulated concrete require large amounts of energy.
Wrong product for the environment
Dark Heater is developed for conservatories and glazed balconies.
For open terraces, awnings, parasols and wind-exposed patios, Infracenter normally recommends our Outside Heaters with short-wave IR-A technology.
Why customers choose Dark Heater from Infracenter
No visible light emission
Comfortable IR-B technology
Italian design from Modena
Four silicone insulated heating elements
Up to 20% higher efficiency
Four power modes
Remote control and timer
IP65 rating
High operational reliability
Developed for conservatories and glazed balconies
Summary
Heating a conservatory is not about choosing the most powerful heater. It's about understanding how infrared heating works and creating the right conditions for the technology to function optimally.
That's why Infracenter always looks at the big picture – effect, placement, flooring, furnishings and area of use.
Dark Heater is developed for glazed conservatories and glazed balconies where people want a comfortable warmth without visible light. With the right placement and the right effect, it can provide a result that is significantly different from traditional heating solutions.
It is this knowledge that has made Infracenter the Nordic region's leading specialist in infrared heating.