Why choose a radiant heater?

What is a radiant heater?

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.

Best for

Radiant heaters are best suited to:

• Garages, sheds, workshops and utility areas
• Bathrooms or spaces with poor insulation
• Spot heating for people or furniture in cooler corners of a room
• Short-term use where fast heat is more important than air temperature

They are also popular in outdoor or semi-outdoor areas, provided the heater is designed and rated for that type of use.

How it works

Radiant heaters use a visible element, such as a glowing quartz or halogen bulb, to produce infrared heat. This heat travels in straight lines and warms the surfaces it touches, including people, furniture and objects, rather than circulating through the air.
Because of this direct heating method, warmth can be felt almost immediately after switching the heater on. Most radiant heaters are freestanding or wall-mounted and some include adjustable tilt or multi-bar controls for focused heat delivery.

Key features and benefits

• Fast, instant heat output
• Directional heat for personal warmth
• Wall-mounted or freestanding options
• Weather-resistant models available for outdoor use
• Simple operation, often with pull cords or remote controls

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.

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