Why choose a radiant heater?

What is a radiant heater?

A radiant heater produces infrared radiation that travels through the air and warms objects, surfaces, and people directly on contact, without first heating the air around it. This is the same principle as sunlight: on a cold but sunny day you feel warm standing in direct sun even though the air temperature is low. A radiant heater replicates that effect indoors, delivering warmth immediately to whatever sits within its line of sight.

Radiant heaters use a range of heating elements depending on the model. Quartz and halogen elements produce visible orange light alongside infrared heat and warm up within seconds of being switched on. Infrared elements without visible light output take slightly longer to reach full output but produce no glare, which makes them more suited to bedrooms and living areas. All radiant heater types work silently with no fan and no moving parts.

Radiant heaters provide instant warmth by emitting infrared heat that directly warms people and objects in its path. Rather than heating the air in the room, radiant heaters focus on targeted areas, making them ideal for spot heating in cooler, draughty spaces.
They are often used in garages, workshops, bathrooms or anywhere fast, directional heat is needed. Because they produce warmth you can feel right away, they are a great solution for short bursts of comfort.

Radiant vs other heaters

What to consider

Radiant heaters are ideal when you need warmth you can feel right away, especially in areas that are difficult to heat using traditional convection methods. However, because they do not heat the air, the warmth disappears quickly once the heater is turned off.
These heaters often emit visible light and may get hot to the touch, so they are not always suitable for households with children or pets. Radiant heaters are best used in shorter sessions or in specific zones rather than as a full-room solution. If you need long-lasting, low-noise heat in an enclosed space, consider a column, panel or micathermic heater instead.

Matching wattage to room size

To choose the right heater size for your space:

• Use models between 1 and 2.4 kilowatts for targeted use in small to medium spaces
• Position the heater to direct warmth where you need it most, such as seating areas or workstations

This helps ensure efficient heating without overloading your power usage. You can also look for room guides on packaging or product listings to match wattage with room type.

Take a look below at the recommended rooms for this heater:

Power use & running costs

Radiant heaters typically use between 1 and 2.4 kilowatts, depending on the model and number of elements. They are powerful for short bursts but are not the most efficient option for continuous or whole-room heating.
Heater running costs depend on wattage, electricity rates in your area and how long the heater runs each day. As energy prices can fluctuate across New Zealand, use cost calculators or your electricity provider’s tools to estimate usage. For the most accurate info, base estimates on your local kWh rate and usage patterns.

Are radiant heaters safe to use indoors?

Radiant heaters are safe for indoor use when placed correctly and kept clear of combustible materials. Because they produce heat through infrared radiation rather than a flame or combustion process, they do not produce carbon monoxide, consume oxygen, or require ventilation in the way that gas or LPG heaters do.

All electric radiant heaters sold in NZ must meet electrical safety standards, and current models include safety features that reduce the risk of overheating and fire.

Standard safety features to look for in a radiant heater

• Tip-over protection: an automatic switch that cuts power immediately if the heater falls or is knocked over. This is standard on most portable radiant heaters and is particularly important in households with children, pets, or in busy workshop environments.
• Overheat cut-off: a thermal fuse or sensor that shuts the heater down if the element or housing reaches an unsafe temperature, typically caused by restricted airflow or proximity to fabric.
• Cool-touch housing: some models enclose the element behind a protective guard that limits surface temperatures on the outer casing, reducing contact burn risk.

Safe placement rules for radiant heaters

• Maintain at least one metre of clearance between the heater and any combustible material, including curtains, furniture, bedding, clothing, and paper.
• Never place a radiant heater directly beneath a shelf, inside a cupboard, or in an enclosed space where heat cannot dissipate.
• Do not leave a radiant heater unattended in a room with young children or pets unless the model has a full protective guard enclosing the element.
• Do not use standard indoor radiant heaters in bathrooms or near water sources. Models intended for bathroom use carry an IP rating indicating moisture resistance — check the product specification before purchase.
• Plug radiant heaters directly into a wall socket rather than an extension cord or power board wherever possible, as high-wattage heaters draw significant current and can overload multi-socket boards not rated for continuous load.
• Radiant heaters with quartz or halogen elements produce a bright orange glow during operation. This is normal and not a sign of danger. However, the visible light output makes these models less suited to bedrooms during sleeping hours. Infrared panel heaters that produce heat without visible light are a better option for overnight bedroom use.

Choosing the right radiant heater

To pick the best model for your space:

1. Choose IP-rated units for outdoor or damp-area use
2. Decide if a wall-mounted or freestanding model fits your space
3. Check the coverage area and wattage for your intended use
4. Look for remote control or adjustable angle features for convenience
5. For workshops or garages, prioritise models with solid safety features

Explore the range

For instant, direct warmth in outdoor or open spaces, radiant heaters are a smart solution. Discover high-performance options from Goldair built for patios, workshops and garages.

Want help choosing?

Compare electric heater types below or jump straight to the one that suits you:

FAQ's