Heating churches has always been a challenge. These large, historic, and often poorly insulated buildings were never designed with heating in mind. Traditional convection systems using gas or oil boilers struggle to deliver comfort, often wasting energy by heating vast volumes of air that quickly escape.
Infrared heating provides a smarter, more focused, and efficient solution that can be designed around how the Church building is used.
Warm air rises, leaving congregations cold while the roofspace overheats.
Many historic churches are 'leaky' buildings that cannot be retrofitted with insulation, making air-based heating inefficient.
Oil and gas systems consume huge amounts of energy for limited comfort.
Conventional systems can take hours to warm a space, often for short services or events.
Infrared works by warming people, pews, and surfaces directly, not the air. This makes it ideal for intermittent use in large, draughty spaces. Congregations feel the warmth within minutes, even if the air temperature remains cool.
Fast Warm-Up – Switch on Pew heaters 10–15 minutes before a service, and the congregation will be comfortable.
No wasted energy heating unused air volume.
Slim panels blend into architecture, available in white, frameless, or custom finishes.
Zoned Heating – Heat only occupied areas (e.g., a few pews, nave, choir stalls, vestry) rather than the whole church.
Savings of 30–50% compared to conventional systems are common.
“We have reduced our heating load by 20% using the ARC Thermal products. Using Wi-Fi, I can sit at home and use the app on my smartphone to keep an eye on things and adjust the settings. I don’t have to go to the hall to change the heating. It is all programmed now, so it is all automatic although I can override this if required. It is just great and a good example of the benefits of using new technology. The ARC Thermal products are terrific and everyone says how good the new system is. It all works really well,”
both in terms of the building and how it is used. Careful design and specification is essential for a successful outcome.
using different products in the same church may provide the optimum solution, which is exactly why we developed ARCAngel.
are an essential part of maximising efficiency and optimising comfort.
Infrared heating is increasingly being chosen by churches across the UK for its efficiency, comfort, and sensitivity to historic buildings. It provides warmth where it’s needed, and when it’s needed — without the high costs and inefficiencies of traditional systems.
Infrared systems provide near-instant heat, which is perfect for intermittent use like services or events.
Absolutely. Infrared systems:
Use less energy than traditional convection systems.
Require minimal maintenance.
Can be integrated with smart controls for remote operation/
Infrared heaters are discreet and can be wall or ceiling-mounted, suspended like lighting or hidden under pews.
They don’t require plumbing, reducing the risk of leaks and burst pipes.
They help prevent damp and mould, preserving historic interiors.
Speak to ARC Thermal on 0800 210 0288 or email [email protected] for advice on designing an infrared heating system for your church.
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