One of the most common questions we get at Infracenter is how warm a conservatory can actually get with infrared heating.
It is also one of the most important questions to answer correctly.
Having worked with infrared heating since 2014 and helped thousands of customers across the Nordics, we know that many people dream of being able to use their conservatory all year round. The problem is that most conservatories are not built to maintain summer temperatures in the middle of winter. Large glass surfaces, limited insulation and cold outdoor temperatures mean that heat loss is significant during the coldest months of the year.
Most customers therefore realize that the goal is not to create Mediterranean warmth in January. Instead, they want to be able to use the outdoor space significantly more months of the year, stay in it longer in the evenings and have a comfortable climate from early spring to late autumn.
That's where Infracenter's infrared heating makes the biggest difference.
How many degrees can you raise the temperature in a conservatory?
There is no exact answer that applies to all conservatories.
The result is affected by insulation, glass surfaces, ceiling height, direction, ventilation and how protected the outdoor space is from wind. However, based on our experience, it is often possible to achieve a temperature that is approximately 15–20 degrees above the outdoor temperature when conditions are good.
For example, if it is 10 degrees outside, it can be completely realistic to create a very comfortable climate in the conservatory. Some customers get even better results while others get a slightly lower temperature depending on the design of the conservatory.
The most important thing, however, is to understand that comfort is not just about the temperature on the thermometer. How the room is experienced is often just as important.
Therefore, the raw cold is often a bigger problem than the temperature
When we talk to customers, it often turns out that the problem is not the temperature itself.
The real problem is the raw feeling that many conservatories get during parts of the year. The floor feels cold. The furniture feels cold. The air feels damp. The cold creeps in through your clothes even though the temperature doesn't actually look very low.
That's why many outdoor spaces feel significantly colder than the thermometer shows.
When Infracenter's infrared heating is able to heat floors, furniture and other surfaces, the entire climate in the outdoor space changes. Humidity decreases, surfaces become more comfortable and the raw feeling gradually disappears.
Many customers describe that the outdoor space feels drier, warmer and much more pleasant to stay in.
This is often where the biggest difference is experienced.
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 conservatory has an uninsulated concrete floor or if the stone slabs are placed directly on the ground without insulation, a large part of the heat will be conducted away through the structure. This makes it more difficult for all types of heating systems to provide even and comfortable heat, regardless of the amount of power installed.
That's why we often recommend that you look at the floor at the same time as choosing a heating system.
A carpet, wooden decking or other insulating surface can make a bigger difference than many people think.
The more materials that can absorb and store the heat from infrared heat, the better the result.
How much power is needed in a conservatory?
As a rule of thumb, we at Infracenter usually recommend around 200W per square meter in conservatories and glazed balconies.
| Outdoor area | Recommended power |
|---|---|
| 5 m² | 1000W |
| 8 m² | 1600W |
| 10 m² | 2000W |
| 15 m² | 3000W |
| 20 m² | 4000W |
The table above is a general recommendation. Actual power requirement is affected by factors such as glass surfaces, insulation, ceiling height, direction of the wind and how protected the outdoor space is from wind.
How much power do you have available?
The most common discussion is actually not about how much power is needed.
It's about how much power is available.
For example, if the conservatory only has a 10A fuse available, the maximum you can install is around 2000W of infrared heating. If there is an option to extend the range, the possibilities increase significantly.
| 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.
Therefore, we often recommend a little more power than you initially think.
Many customers are afraid of installing too much power.
In practice, it is often the opposite.
When the output is too low, the infrared heater has difficulty heating floors, furniture and other surfaces properly. The result is that the raw feeling lingers and the comfort is not as good as it could be.
With a little extra power, the infrared heater has a better chance of heating the surfaces in the outdoor space and providing the comfort that most people are looking for.
In addition, the thermostat automatically regulates the heat when the desired temperature is reached. A slightly more powerful installation therefore does not automatically mean higher energy consumption.
What type of infrared heating is best suited for conservatories?
For conservatories and glazed balconies with roofs and walls, we often recommend long-wave infrared heating.
Dark Heater and Infracenters
Dark Heater is also available in both black and white and retains its color even during operation. You avoid the strong red glow while still getting a pleasant and even heat.
The result is high comfort and a heating solution that blends naturally into the environment.
Is the outdoor space open to the elements?
Not all conservatories are completely glazed.
Some have large openings to the garden or are used more as a sheltered patio than a traditional conservatory.
In these environments, the wind can affect comfort significantly more.
When conditions become more open, we often recommend the Outside Heater 2000W from Infracenter. It uses short-wave infrared heat that works significantly better in windy environments and is therefore a popular choice on open balconies, terraces and outdoor dining areas.
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.
How many months a year can you use your outdoor space?
It's actually a much better question than how many degrees you can raise the temperature.
Our experience is that many customers with properly dimensioned infrared heating can use their conservatory from April to October and sometimes even longer depending on the weather and conditions.
It's not about creating summer heat in the middle of winter.
It's about transforming a room that was previously used for a few months of the year into a place that is used for most of the year.
For many, that is the real win.
That's why so many people choose Infracenter
As the Nordic region's largest specialist in infrared heating, we have been working on these issues since 2014.
We have helped thousands of customers find the right solution for conservatories, glazed balconies, patios, restaurants and commercial environments.
When we recommend Dark Heater,
It is based on real installations and experiences from people who use the products every day.
That is also why we dare to stand behind our solutions and offer up to a 10-year factory warranty on selected infrared panels.
Frequently asked questions
How warm can a conservatory get with Infracenter's infrared heating?
Under good conditions, we often see that the temperature can be around 15–20 degrees above the outdoor temperature.
How much power is needed in a conservatory?
As a starting point, we often recommend around 200W per square meter.
Is it better to choose a little more power?
Yes. In many cases, it provides better comfort and faster heating without necessarily increasing energy consumption.
Which infrared heater is best for conservatories?
In conservatories with roofs and walls, Dark Heater and Infracenters work
When is the Outside Heater best suited?
When the outdoor space is open or exposed to wind, the Outside Heater is often the best option.
Summary
Most customers dream of using their conservatory year-round, but most conservatories are not built to maintain summer temperatures in the middle of winter.
However, it is often possible to extend the season significantly and create a significantly more comfortable climate from early spring to late autumn.
With the right dimensioning, approximately 200W per square meter, the right products from Infracenter and reasonable expectations, you can have a conservatory that is used significantly more months a year and that quickly becomes one of the most appreciated places in the home.