Infrared Heaters

About Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters provide highly efficient heating for workshops, garages, warehouses, construction sites and outdoor working areas. Unlike traditional fan heaters that warm the air, infrared technology emits radiant heat that directly warms objects, people and surfaces – similar to the sun's natural warmth. This makes them exceptionally effective in draughty environments and poorly insulated spaces where conventional heating proves wasteful and inefficient.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks industrial diesel-powered infrared heaters from trusted brands like Sealey and Draper, delivering powerful outputs from 11.6kW up to 19.8kW for large-scale applications. The range also includes electric infrared heaters in various configurations including wall-mounted quartz heaters, cabinet heaters, halogen models and modern carbon fibre units. Many feature flexible mounting options with wall brackets or tripod stands, allowing precise positioning of heat exactly where it's needed. Diesel models suit construction and agricultural settings where mains electricity is limited, whilst electric heaters excel in workshops and enclosed spaces connected to 240v supplies.

Applications

Infrared heaters are essential equipment across numerous trades and industries:

• Construction workers heating temporary structures, drying plaster and concrete, and warming partially completed buildings
• Motor mechanics and vehicle technicians requiring spot heating in garages, particularly for paint drying and working under vehicles
• Agricultural and farming professionals heating barns, livestock buildings and machinery stores
• Warehouse and logistics operations providing zone heating in loading bays and dispatch areas
• Manufacturing facilities maintaining comfortable temperatures in high-ceilinged production areas
• Plant hire companies offering temporary heating solutions for events and construction projects
• DIY enthusiasts heating home workshops, garages and hobby spaces cost-effectively
• Outdoor hospitality providing warmth in beer gardens and covered outdoor spaces

Choosing The Right Infrared Heaters

Power Source: Diesel infrared heaters offer portability and high output without requiring mains electricity, ideal for construction sites. Electric models suit workshops with reliable 240v supply, offering cleaner operation with no emissions or refuelling requirements.

Heat Output: Industrial diesel heaters ranging from 13kW to 19kW effectively heat 130-200 square metres, whilst smaller electric quartz heaters (1.2-2.8kW) provide targeted spot heating for individual work areas. Remember that infrared heats objects rather than air, so coverage depends on line-of-sight positioning.

Mounting Options: Wall-mounted infrared heaters save floor space and direct heat downwards, perfect for permanent installations. Tripod-mounted and portable models offer flexibility to reposition heat as work locations change throughout the day.

Safety Features: MyToolShed.co.uk stocks models from Sealey and Draper incorporating tip-over protection, overheat cutouts and thermal safety features meeting UK electrical standards. For diesel models, consider units with flame failure devices and proper flue kits for indoor use.

Safety Information

Ventilation: Diesel infrared heaters require adequate ventilation or fitted flue kits to vent combustion gases safely. The HSE recommends minimum ventilation rates of 5 litres per second per kW of heater output. Never operate diesel heaters in fully sealed environments.

Clearances: Maintain minimum clearances around heaters – typically 1 metre from combustible materials for electric models and 2-3 metres for high-output diesel units. Check manufacturer specifications as requirements vary by model.

Electrical Safety: Connect electric infrared heaters to properly earthed 240v supplies with appropriate circuit protection. Outdoor or damp locations require IP-rated models and RCD protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are infrared heaters more economical than fan heaters?

Yes, particularly in draughty spaces. Infrared heaters warm objects and people directly rather than heating air that escapes through gaps. You feel warmth immediately without waiting for air temperature to rise, reducing energy costs by 30-50% compared to convection heating in typical workshop conditions.

Can I use diesel infrared heaters indoors?

Yes, but only with proper ventilation or fitted flue kits that vent combustion gases outside. For fully enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation, electric infrared heaters are the safer choice.

How quickly do infrared heaters provide warmth?

Infrared heaters provide almost instant warmth – you'll feel radiant heat within seconds of switching on. They warm surfaces and objects in their direct path rather than raising overall air temperature, providing immediate comfort for workers in the heated zone.