The choice of heating system has more of an impact than many people think. The temperature in the room is important, but just as important is how the heat is experienced during the yoga session itself.
Many yoga studios today use traditional air-borne heat, while others opt for infrared heat. Both systems can heat the space, but they work in completely different ways.
To choose the right solution, it is important to understand the differences.
How does fan heating work?
Fan heating and many traditional heating systems work by heating the air in the room.
The warm air then circulates around the room and spreads the heat.
This method works well in many environments but also has some limitations. Since warm air rises, it is often warmer near the ceiling than at the floor.
In a yoga studio where participants practice close to the floor, this can sometimes create temperature differences in the room.
How does infrared heating work?
Infrared heating works differently.
Instead of primarily heating the air, infrared waves heat people, floors, walls and other surfaces directly.
This means that the heat ends up where it is useful instead of first collecting on the roof.
The principle is similar to the warmth we feel from the sun on a cold day. The air does not have to be warm for the warmth to be perceived as pleasant.
The difference between fan heating and infrared heating
| Fan heating | Infrared heating |
|---|---|
| Warms the air | Warms people and surfaces |
| Air circulation | Minimal air circulation |
| Risk of drafts | No pulling sensation |
| Heat accumulates more easily at the ceiling | The heat reaches floors and training surfaces |
| Fan noise may occur | Completely silent operation |
| Can cause temperature differences | More even perceived temperature |
For many yoga studios, the quiet operation is a big advantage. No fans need to start or stop during sessions and participants can focus on their training without disturbing noise.
Why do many yoga studios choose infrared heating?
A yoga studio is used differently than an office or a living room.
Participants sit, lie and train directly on the floor for large parts of the sessions. Therefore, it is important that the heat reaches all the way down to floor level.
Infrared heating heats floors, walls and other surfaces in the premises, while people are heated directly by the infrared waves.
The result is often a more even temperature throughout the studio.
What heaters are most often used in yoga studios?
Infracenter has been supplying infrared heating to yoga studios in Sweden and several other countries since 2014.
The most common products are:
| Product | Common use |
|---|---|
| Yoga, Pilates, wellness and traditional yoga studios | |
| Dark Heater 1800W | Yoga, hot yoga, pilates and wellness |
| Dark Heater 3200W | Yoga, hot yoga, larger venues and higher temperatures |
The Dark Heater is particularly appreciated because the heat can be easily regulated with the included remote control.
At lower power levels, it provides a soft and comfortable heat for traditional yoga. At the same time, it has the capacity to create significantly higher temperatures when needed, for example for hot yoga.
How much power is needed in a yoga studio?
As a starting point, we usually recommend:
| Type of business | Power requirement |
|---|---|
| Yoga | approx. 200W/m² |
| Pilates | approx. 200W/m² |
| Wellness | approx. 200W/m² |
| Hot Yoga | approx. 250W/m² |
The table is a general guideline. Ceiling height, insulation, glass surfaces, ventilation and desired temperature always affect the final dimensioning.
What happens if you install too little power?
The most common reason why a yoga studio does not achieve the desired temperature is that the installed power is too low.
High ceiling heights, large glass areas or higher temperature requirements can increase the power requirement.
One of the great advantages of infrared heating is that the system is easy to expand. If after a period of use it turns out that the premises need more heat, it is usually possible to supplement with additional panels or
Where should infrared heat be placed in a yoga studio?
The placement of the heaters is at least as important as the total output.
In a yoga studio, you want the heat to reach the participants and the floor surfaces where the training takes place. Therefore, the heaters should be placed so that the infrared waves can spread freely over the training surfaces.
Avoid directing the heat directly at large areas of glass. Glass absorbs infrared heat poorly and some of the energy risks leaving the room instead of warming people and surfaces.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about infrared heating in yoga studios
Is infrared heating better than fan heating in a yoga studio?
Both systems work, but many yoga studios choose infrared heating because the heat reaches people and floor surfaces directly without drafts or fan noise.
How much power is needed?
As a guideline, approximately 200W/m² is usually used for traditional yoga and approximately 250W/m² for hot yoga.
Can more heaters be added later?
Yes. One of the great advantages of infrared heating is that the system can be easily expanded if needs change.
Which product is most common?
Is the Dark Heater only for hot yoga?
No. The Dark Heater is used for all types of yoga. Using the remote control, the heat can be easily adjusted to the needs of the venue.
Summary
Fan heating and infrared heating can both heat a yoga studio, but the systems work in different ways. While fan heating heats the air, infrared heating heats people, floors and surfaces directly.
For many yoga studios, this means a more even temperature, quiet operation and better comfort where participants actually sit. That's why more and more yoga studios are choosing infrared heat as their primary heat source.