Area Heating: Radiant Heaters Versus Convection Heaters

Last updated on September 30th, 2025 at 08:28 am

For area heating, convection and radiant heaters are standard options. They can even use similar components, like finned tubular heating elements. But which is best? Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each heater type to determine which is best for different applications.

How convection heaters work?

Convection heaters are indirect heaters. They heat the air that circulates through the target area. Air convection currents are drawn through the heating elements, usually by a fan. The air heats up and circulates throughout the room, raising the temperature of the entire room.

How radiant heaters work?

Radiant heating offers more direct heating. Infrared rays radiate heat directly to the air in range.

These heaters are more directional than convection heaters, covering less area but providing more targeted heating.

Considerations in choosing between convection and radiant heaters

The target environment/area

The target area being heated is among the most significant differentiators in picking between these heaters. Convection heating is ideal for enclosed spaces. Since it heats circulating air, it can heat entire rooms with ease. The reliance on circulation means it’s only effective in a closed area.

The larger the area, the more difficult it is for a convection heater to achieve and maintain temperature.

For an open environment, like the outdoors, a radiant heater is a better option. It offers effective heating to objects and people within the range of infrared rays. A radiant heater is also a good choice for heating a specific area rather than an entire room.

Intermittent versus continuous heating

Another consideration is the timing of the heating. A convection heater performs best when providing heat over a longer time. It takes more time and energy for a convection heater to achieve a target temperature than a radiant heater. However, the heat is easy to maintain once it reaches the target.

A radiant heater is better for more intermittent heating. Because the heating is direct, it can reach temperatures quickly with minimal energy use. As well, the heat loss is faster when it is turned off, allowing for quicker heat dissipation. The result is better for areas that are not frequently in use or have more variable temperature needs.

Heating the stands in a hockey stadium is a good example of appropriate radiant heat use. The stands only need heating during games. The area is also too large to heat effectively with a convection heater.

Energy expenditure & efficiency

A heater’s use determines which type is most energy-efficient. For intermittent heating, radiant heaters are much more energy-efficient. They require little time or energy to achieve target temperatures. Achieving heat with a convection heater, on the other hand, is slower and more energy-intensive.

With the right purpose and taking advantage of automated thermostat controls, convection heaters can also be energy efficient. When heating an area for an extended time, the convection heater shines. Like a radiant heater, the heater doesn’t have to run continuously to maintain heat.

Instead, the convection heater relies on a controller attached to the thermostat. Once the thermostat reads the room temperature as hitting the desired temperature, it shuts off the heater. The heater turns back on if the temperature drops.

Allergens and contaminants

If there are concerns about allergens or contaminants, an infrared radiant heater is generally the better option. Since it doesn’t circulate air like a convection heater, the heater won’t spread dust or other allergens around the room. As well, it will not spread contaminants around a working facility.

Radiant heaters produce direct heat to the object, and they are ideal for small spaces. They heat up quickly and are energy-efficient for targeted heating. They do not circulate dust and work excellently when in direct proximity to the heater. They do not heat the air, and when you remove the device, the room can feel cold.

Convection heaters heat the air and circulate it around the room. They heat the entire space by spreading a consistent temperature. These are ideal for large spaces and whole-room heating. This heater generates event heat and takes longer to heat the entire space. It also removes dust while using a fan.

Radiant Heaters vs Convection Heaters

Here’s a comparison table for radiant heaters versus convection heaters covering common points. The focus is on user experience, installation flexibility, health impacts, noise level, and design versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is more energy-efficient, a radiant or a convection heater?

Radiant heaters win for, like, quick bursts of heat. You flip one on, boom—instant toastiness, minimal waiting around. They’re efficient if you just need to warm yourself up without nuking the whole room. Now, convection heaters can work too, don’t get me wrong, but those are more the “slow and steady wins the race” kind. If you’re running them for hours with a decent thermostat, they don’t guzzle energy. It’s just, you gotta wait forever to feel the difference.

Are radiant heaters good for a large room?

Radiant heaters in a big room? Hah, good luck. They’re really great at warming up, say, your reading nook—not the entire living room. Unless you’re sitting right in the beam, you might as well be waiting for a unicorn to show up with a blanket. If you need the whole room warm, convection is the move. Those guys actually get the air moving, so you don’t end up with one toasty corner and the rest freezing your toes off.

Do radiant heaters actually heat the air in a room?

Nope. They blast out infrared rays, so you (or your cat) get warm, but the room doesn’t, really. The air stays pretty much the same temp unless it picks up warmth from stuff, like your couch or your face. It’s kinda like standing in the sun on a chilly day. You feel it, but breathe in and the air’s still crisp.

Which heater is better for people with allergies?

As for allergies—radiant beats convection, hands down. Why? Because convection heaters are all about moving the air around, which means dust, pollen, whatever nastiness is just doing laps around your space. If you’re sneezy just thinking about it, stick with radiant. Those things are blissfully quiet and leave the allergens where they landed.

Can I use a convection heater for an outdoor patio?

Convection heaters are honestly a joke outside. All that warm air just vanishes. You’ll be shivering by your drink in no time. But radiant heaters are outdoor MVPs. Direct heat, doesn’t care if there’s a breeze. You might not feel tropical, but at least you won’t be an icicle.

Also read: Industrial Heating Methods, Convection or Infrared?

Purchase the right area heater for your application

Wattco manufactures and supplies custom-engineered heating solutions for all major industries. Our experts help you pick the right heater for your specific application. Contact us today for area heater quotes or information.