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Why Infrared Heating Is Perfect for Office Spaces

Why Infrared Heating Is Perfect for Office Spaces

In today’s workplace, energy efficiency, comfort, and flexibility aren’t just nice-to-haves … they’re essential. With the shift to hybrid working, rising energy costs, and increasingly ambitious sustainability goals, the way we heat office spaces needs to evolve too.

Infrared heating offers a forward-thinking solution that meets modern demands -quietly, cleanly, and effectively.

What Is Infrared Heating?

Infrared heating works differently from traditional systems. Instead of warming the air, it heats people and objects directly - much like the gentle warmth of the sun. This means warmth is felt more quickly, retained for longer, and far less energy is wasted heating unoccupied air.

Why Infrared Heating Works So Well in Office Environments

From open-plan floors to small meeting rooms, infrared heating adapts beautifully to the way modern offices operate. Here’s why it’s such a strong fit:

Targeted Heating

Infrared panels allow for precise zoning, meaning you can warm only the areas in use - individual desks, meeting rooms, or shared spaces - without heating the whole floor unnecessarily.

Lower Energy Use

Because the heat is direct and there’s no warm air drifting away, infrared systems typically use 30–60% less energy than convection-based alternatives.

Comfort and Wellbeing

Staff feel comfortably warm at lower ambient temperatures, helping reduce running costs without sacrificing comfort. The radiant warmth also supports a healthier indoor environment.

Low Maintenance

With no moving parts, filters, or fluids, infrared panels require very little upkeep - ideal for busy or high-turnover office settings.

Flexible, Space-Saving Installation

Panels can be installed on walls, ceilings or in ceiling-grids, keeping valuable floor space clear and maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.

Real-World Savings: A Simple Example

Let’s take a typical open-plan office of 50 m².


A standard convection system might need 5 kW to comfortably heat the space

With infrared, thanks to its targeted and efficient nature, the requirement may drop to 3 kW.

Over a 10-hour workday, that’s a saving of 20 kWh, or £6 per day at a rate of 30p/kWh.

Over a 20-day month, that’s £120 saved - with zero compromise on comfort

Cleaner, Safer, and Better for Indoor Air Quality

Infrared systems don’t blow air around, which means less dust and fewer allergens circulating through your workspace. With no exposed hot elements, fans, or oil-filled components, they’re also safer - especially in shared environments.

Which Infrared Heating Products Work Best in Offices?

Each system can be tailored to the layout and usage of your workspace. We’re happy to help you identify the best fit.

For open-plan spaces, meeting rooms, and focused work zones, we typically recommend:


LAVA Basic 3.0

A high-performance panel heater with a sleek, frameless finish. It can be wall- or ceiling-mounted, and there's a specially sized version suitable for installation in standard ceiling grids. Now available with a Smart Box controller for app-based zoning and scheduling (launching September).

Explore LAVA BASIC 3.0 for walls and ceilings

LAVA Desk Zone

Ideal for hybrid desks, smaller meeting rooms, or reception areas. This compact heater includes both an under-desk panel and a freestanding unit for desktop use, providing gentle warmth to your legs, hands, and upper body without the need to heat the entire room - perfect for spaces where people are seated for long periods.

Explore LAVA Desk Zone

LAVA Frame & LAVA BASIC 3.0 for Ceiling Grids

Both are excellent options for suspended ceilings, offering clean integration and a discreet look that suits boardrooms, breakout spaces, or design-conscious offices.

Explore Ceiling Grid Options

Common Questions About Infrared Heating in Offices

Infrared heat is felt within minutes of switching on, as it warms surfaces and people directly- no waiting for the air to warm up like with convection systems.

Yes. Panels can be grouped into zones and controlled independently via thermostats or smart control systems. This makes it easy to manage different areas according to use.

Infrared panels are fully electric and pair well with renewable energy sources like solar PV. While they may not always score well in EPC simulations, they often outperform traditional systems in real-world performance and support long-term carbon reduction goals.

Panels can be surface-mounted on walls or ceilings or neatly integrated into ceiling grids using LAVA Frame or specially sized LAVA Basic 3.0 panels. They’re slim, silent, and blend easily into a modern office environment.

While installation costs vary depending on the space and layout, many customers see savings within 1–3 years thanks to lower energy use and minimal maintenance. With a lifespan of over 20 years, the long-term value is hard to beat.

A Smarter Choice for Future-Ready Offices

Infrared heating is increasingly trusted by professionals across the built environment - from architects to facilities managers and consultants - thanks to its strong performance, ease of control, and alignment with net-zero ambitions.

With high-quality systems like our Austrian-made LAVA Basic 3.0, you’re not only investing in comfort - you’re choosing a product designed for reliability, efficiency, and compliance over the long term.

Want to Know More?

If you're exploring ways to heat office spaces more efficiently, we’re always happy to share insights.

Want to keep reading? Visit our Office Heating Page for more guidance and inspiration

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