Infrared heater installation recommendations for interior designers and architects
Efficient heating with an aesthetic approach
When planning modern and energy-efficient interiors, more and more designers and architects are choosing infrared heaters as a sustainable, discreet and aesthetically pleasing solution. In this section, we share recommendations and best practices to help professionals design spaces where comfort meets design.
Why choose infrared heaters?
Infrared heaters offer several significant advantages:
Low energy consumption heating – effectively heats objects, not air, which reduces heat loss.
Minimalist design – fits perfectly into a modern interior.
Installation flexibility – suitable for ceilings, walls, and even mobile use.
Quiet and maintenance-free – no noise, moving parts or maintenance required.
Installation recommendations for designers and architects
1. Plan your heating solution already in the design phase
To ensure optimal heat dissipation and visual harmony, it is recommended to determine the location of infrared heaters already at the room planning stage. This will help avoid last-minute solutions or visual compromises.
2. Consider the ceiling height and volume of the room
The power and location of the heaters directly depends on the size of the room. For example:
Low rooms (2.2–3.0 m) – panel-type ceiling heaters are suitable.
High rooms (>3 m) or open-plan interiors – consider ceiling mounting solutions.
3. Choose the right mounting surface
Ceiling: Ideal for minimalist interiors – heating from above, even heat distribution.
Walls: Perfect if ceiling mounting is not possible.
4. Integrate with smart control systems
It is recommended to integrate modern infrared heaters with smart home systems (Wi-Fi thermostats), allowing you to automate heating modes and reduce energy consumption.
5. Compatibility with finishing materials
When choosing the location of the heater, consider the nearby materials - do not install too close to wooden panels or other heat-sensitive materials if there is insufficient ventilation - the recommended distance is 25-30 cm.
6. Heat output requirements for infrared heaters
Infrared heating efficiency begins with accurate calculations of coverage area and power requirements. Understanding factors such as thermal transmittance, you should select the appropriate heating capacity based on the volume of the room that provides maximum heat return.
Additional information about installing an infrared panel heater:
1. Always round up the required power, it is better to use a little more power than less.
2. For optimal energy savings, always consider using a thermostat.
3. Make sure that the area to be heated is approximately 3 - 4 m away from the panel.
4. For high ceilings, consider our BC002 ceiling mount solution to hang the panel (4 pcs, 1m cables).
5. When setting the desired room temperature, consider a temperature approximately 4 degrees lower than with convection heaters, we recommend around 18 degrees.
6. When using our infrared heating system for the first time, use the heaters without a thermostat for the first 3 days. This significantly increases the efficiency of the system.
7. Before using our system, we strongly recommend checking the insulation and draft standards to optimize its efficiency.
8. IC/GD series infrared heaters come with both wall and ceiling mounting.
Power and wiring requirements:
When planning the installation of infrared heaters, make sure that the electrical installation in the room is suitable for the operation of the heaters and is able to provide the necessary electrical power.
The power of each Sundirect infrared heater varies depending on the model (e.g. 350 W, 540 W, 700 W, etc.), so it is important to calculate the total consumption, especially if you plan to use several heaters at the same time.
Thermostat connectivity:
Up to 10 infrared panel heaters can be connected to one Sundirect thermostat, providing centralized temperature control and convenient management.
To ensure safe and efficient operation, it is recommended that a qualified electrician be used to check the electrical installation and connect the heaters.
Example - placement of infrared heaters in a private house
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🔍 1. Heat demand assessment
To determine the required capacity and placement of heaters, the following should be taken into account:
- Room area and ceiling height
- Quality of thermal insulation (windows, walls, floors)
- Existing heating (if any) and whether infrared heaters are the main or additional heat source
- Approximate power:
For a well-insulated room: 50–70 W/m²
For a poorly insulated room: 100–150 W/m²
🏠 2. Space analysis and zoning
The suitable infrared heater and its power depend on:
- Room functions (bedroom, bathroom, garage, terrace)
- The place where people spend the most time – infrared heaters heat surfaces,
not the air, so it is important to heat specific areas
⚙️ 3. Choosing heater types
- Ceiling heaters (most popular – especially in bedrooms, children's rooms, living areas)
- Wall heaters (suitable for narrower rooms or places where ceiling installations are not possible)
- Portable heaters (for temporary or additional solutions)
📐 4. Installation height and angle
- Optimal installation height: 2.2–3.0m
- The installation angle should be chosen so that the radiation is directed towards people or the floor surface, not the air or windows.
📌 5.Zoning of rooms
It is important to heat where people are, not the air as a whole.
Example:
Living room 25 m², well insulated
Calculated power: 25 × 70 W = 1750 W
Possible solution: two 900 W ceiling heaters, installed symmetrically above the seats.
📌 5.Zoning of rooms
It is important to heat where people are, not the air as a whole.
Example:
Living room 25 m², well insulated
Calculated power: 25 × 70 W = 1750 W
Possible solution: two 900 W ceiling heaters, installed symmetrically above the seats.
Design Freedom with Mobile Heat
Mobile Infrared Heating Solutions by Sundirect for Interior Designers
In addition to wall-mounted and ceiling panels, Sundirect offers mobile infrared heaters, giving interior designers maximum freedom to create comfort and functional zoning within any space.
They combine mobility, minimalism and exceptional thermal comfort, delivering heat exactly where it is needed — without installation and without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the interior.
Why designers choose mobile IR heaters
1. Freedom in spatial planning.
A mobile heater allows designers to flexibly shape the microclimate and create comfort zones:
- workstations near glass façades,
- lounge and reading areas,
- home offices, studios and work corners,
- showrooms and display zones,
- verandas and small terraces.
This is a non-invasive solution, requiring no drilling or changes to electrical wiring.
2. Ideal for interiors with large glass surfaces
Modern interiors often feature panoramic windows and glass façades — visually impressive, yet challenging for thermal comfort.
Glass surfaces can account for 20–30% of total heat loss, depending on glass type and thickness.
Central heating often “warms the air”, which quickly cools down near the glass.
A mobile IR heater warms people and surfaces directly, providing comfort exactly in the colder zones.
It solves:
- temperature drops near windows,
- uneven comfort between individual workstations,
- cold corners in large open spaces,
- discomfort in glass-dominant offices and contemporary homes.
3. No installation required — ready in seconds
A mobile infrared heater does not require:
- drilling walls,
- running cables,
- installation work or approvals.
Most importantly — it does not depend on central city heating, radiators, water pipes or any heating infrastructure.
The heater works fully autonomously.
Simply plug it into a socket — and it’s ready to use.
4. Minimalist design that blends into any interior
Sundirect mobile models offer:
- clean, minimalist aesthetics,
- no unnecessary external components,
- black or white color options,
- touch-control interface.
They suit Scandinavian, industrial, modern and classic interiors.
They look like a design object, not a technical device.
5. Smart control for modern design projects
Mobile models support Sundirect’s intelligent control system:
- Wi-Fi control,
- heating schedules and scenarios,
- smart home and office automation integration,
- microclimate control for individual zones.
This allows designers to merge comfort, functionality and aesthetics into a single cohesive solution.
The thermal paradox of glass-dominant offices.
Panoramic offices offer beautiful natural light, but they create significant comfort challenges:
- temperatures drop near windows,
- people feel cold even at +19…+20 °C,
- central heating struggles to compensate for heat losses.
Mobile IR heaters:
- equalize temperature differences,
- provide comfort right next to glass surfaces,
- heat the person, not the air volume,
- reduce energy consumption in inefficient zones.
Traditional heating systems often cannot achieve this — even at maximum output.
Applications of outdoor and large space infrared heaters
We recommend paying attention to the Sundirect SC-2400 model, which
features a high-end nanotechnology heating element.
It does not emit visible light – unlike quartz or halogen heaters,
The SC-2400 does not produce a bright red or orange glow, making it suitable
situations where visual comfort is important. It uses IR-C radiation, which
is particularly gentle, penetrates deeply into materials and provides a smooth, comfortable
warmth.
Application:
For private homes: terraces, loggias, garden sheds – ideal for outdoor spaces where important design and silence.
For commercial properties: outdoor areas of restaurants and cafes, smoking areas, waiting areas – where comfort for customers should be ensured even in colder weather.
For industrial purposes: warehouses, hangars, workshops – suitable for premises, where localized and efficient heating is required.
For the event industry: concerts, roadshows, seasonal and temporary events
places – for mobile and quickly installed heat provision.
The elegance of ART infrared heaters
ART Series Infrared Heater - A stunning centerpiece for any room.
Infrared picture heaters are designed to combine heating functionality with personalized aesthetics. These heaters can display custom images, transforming a standard infrared panel heater into a captivating work of art.
Our ART (image) infrared heaters are completely custom made, manufactured and printed in collaboration with a printing company in Latvia. We offer infrared panels that are printed using heat-resistant UV film, which allows for excellent image colors, demonstrating that infrared heating is both an art and a science. We also print ART infrared panels for commercial projects, including professional photography and corporate logos.
These panels fit perfectly into any space with a burst of energy and modern sophistication that makes them a conversation piece and allows you to show off your sense of style.
Infrared heaters with frame
ART series infrared panels are standardly supplied without frames, but we offer more than 300 different frame options. This means that each customer can choose the solution that best suits the interior and the chosen art motif.
We offer both thin and stylish aluminum frames, which give the panel a modern and minimalist look, and exclusive high-quality wooden and plastic frames, which create a warm and elegant atmosphere. The wide range allows you to adapt the panels to different interior styles – from modern apartment spaces to classic private houses and offices.
By choosing ART picture panels with a frame, you get not only effective infrared heating, but also a design element that complements the visual image of the room.
Sundirect LUX-Plus – a designer ceiling panel with integrated LED lighting
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The Sundirect LUX-Plus series combines infrared heating and premium LED lighting in one elegant ceiling module.
This next-generation 2-in-1 solution is designed for modern interiors where minimalism, clean lines and high energy efficiency are essential.
A design that blends into the space
LUX-Plus panels create a seamless, clean ceiling surface, resulting in a modern and harmonious visual appearance that naturally integrates into any interior.
Clean, minimalist lines – especially suitable for open-plan offices, kitchen–studio layouts, commercial areas and contemporary living spaces.
Aesthetic design with no visible housing – ideal for new builds, renovations, public interiors and designer projects.
Light + heat in one solution
LUX-Plus provides both powerful infrared heat and uniform LED illumination, making it a perfect choice for spaces where functional and visually balanced environments are required.
Adjustable LED colour temperature (3000K–6000K) – warm white, cool white or daylight to match different moods and activities.
Stable illumination – the aluminium LED strip ensures long-lasting, even light without flickering.
Independent operation of the panel and LED lighting allows LUX-Plus to be used as a standalone designer light fixture even during summer.
High functionality for modern interiors
LUX-Plus is created for spaces where design and technology must work together:
- Kitchens and studio-type living areas
- Workspaces, open-plan offices, coworking zones
- Meeting rooms and commercial interiors
- Public restrooms and hotel facilities (IP44 protection)
- SPA areas and wet rooms
Additional notes specifically for interior designers
- An ideal solution for combining the lighting plan and heating strategy into a single integrated element.
LUX-Plus reduces visual ceiling clutter while providing both illumination and heat from one design module.
- Simplifies electrical planning — only one connection point is required, meaning fewer cables, fewer openings, and lower installation costs. This is especially valuable in projects with tight budgets or complex ceiling structures.
- Fully compatible with modern ceiling types:
plasterboard, acoustic ceiling panels, Armstrong systems, designer wood or veneer ceilings, as well as black industrial ceilings.
LUX-Plus can be used either as a design accent or as a discreet, fully integrated technical element.
- Creates a clean, monolithic interior structure by replacing the traditional combination of “radiator + light fixture” with a single minimalist element.
This helps maintain clean wall surfaces and a perfectly consistent architectural geometry.
- In line with contemporary design trends — integrated, hidden and multifunctional ceiling solutions that merge technology with aesthetics.
LUX-Plus fits perfectly into this trend and is frequently selected for premium design projects.
- Reduces visual competition in the interior.
Since the heater and the light source are the same object, the ceiling is no longer fragmented by multiple technical elements. The result is a professional, architectural appearance.
- Highly recommended for rooms with strict acoustic requirements, as infrared heating does not warm the air and does not cause air movement.
- This is crucial for conference rooms, coworking areas, podcast studios, premium offices and other acoustically sensitive environments.
Infrared heaters in bathrooms-mirrors and towel dryers
Infrared heaters for the bathroom combine not only heat, but also design and functionality. They become part of the interior, not just a heating device. 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 models stand out in modern solutions, which combine several functions in one device.
Infrared heater with a mirror surface – 3 in one - heat, clear view, adjustable lighting
- Ultra-clear reflection – silver-coated mirror.
- Fog-free mirror – no more foggy surface after a shower/bath, the mirror always has a clear reflection.
- LED lighting – a functional and aesthetic light source that gives the bathroom a modern feel.
- Design accent – the LM-Pro-Round model offers both front and rear LED lighting.
Infrared heater/towel dryers – 2 in one - warmth and practicality
- Practicality – heats the room and dries towels at the same time.
- Elegant design – austere and modern look that organically fits into the bathroom interior.
- Color selection – available in both black and white, which provides an advantage in interior/design planning and allows you to adapt to any style.
- Optimal performance – the use of high-quality ceramic glass ensures effective heating
Additional advantages
- Fast heating – comfort temperature within a few minutes, no need to keep the bathroom at a constant temperature around the clock.
- WiFi control – 3 single and 2 single models have built-in WiFi thermostats, which allow you to control the heater remotely.
- Even heat – temperature difference between floor and ceiling only 0.5–1 °C.
- No mold – infrared heat keeps the room dry, preventing the formation of moisture and mold.
- Touch screen design – modern and intuitive control.
Conclusion
Installing infrared heaters provides a great opportunity to combine modern design with energy-efficient heating. For designers and architects, it is a solution that allows not only to create a comfortable environment for clients, but also to adhere to the principles of sustainability.
Infrared heaters are functional, aesthetic and sustainable. They are the ideal solution for professionals who create contemporary architecture and design, combining technology, comfort and energy efficiency.
👉 Contact the Sundirect.lv team!
Write or call 20729077 , 26445545 to receive professional advice and the most appropriate solutions for your project!