Measure and position: the ultimate guide to the perfect placement and angle for your Heatscope & Heatstrip radiant heater
Installing a radiant Heatscope or Heatstrip heater is an investment in durable, high-end outdoor comfort. These units, among the most efficient on the market, are designed to deliver targeted, discreet and effective heat.
However, the output shown on the label is not enough. Real performance strongly depends on a factor that is often underestimated: engineering the placement.
Infrared heating does not warm the air; it transfers energy directly to bodies and surfaces. If this “beam of heat” is poorly aimed or badly positioned, a significant part of the energy is wasted. This guide will help you find the right balance between aesthetics, comfort and efficiency, so you can get the very best from your Heatscope and Heatstrip units.
Part 1 – The key factor: mounting height (optimal distance)
Mounting height is the most critical parameter. It determines the power density (W/m²) perceived by people in the comfort zone.
1.1. Recommended mounting heights
| Brand / Model | Recommended height (floor to bottom of the unit) | Expected effect |
|---|---|---|
| Heatstrip (flat panel heaters) | 2,10 m to 2,50 m | Ideal for verandas and pergolas. Provides wide coverage and smooth, even warmth. |
| Heatscope Pure & Vision (low light output) | 2,20 m to 2,70 m | Intense yet comfortable warmth without glare – perfect for premium terraces. |
| Heatscope Spot & Max (high performance) | 2,50 m to 3,00 m | Designed for high ceilings in restaurants and commercial spaces, with a very powerful radiation field. |
These values are comfort ranges. Always refer to your specific user manual for mandatory minimum distances.
1.2. The risk of mounting too high
- Too high: the energy density at people’s level drops significantly. Result: the heater seems “weak”, even though it is working correctly.
- Too low: the radiation becomes too intense and can be uncomfortable for people sitting directly underneath. Even if a steeper angle can partly compensate, minimum mounting heights should always be respected.
Professional rule of thumb: for every extra metre above an ideal height of 2,50 m, you would theoretically need to increase the output by about 20 % to keep the same perceived warmth in the target zone.
1.3. Practical examples
- Home terrace, ceiling height 2,40 m: a Heatstrip 2400 W or Heatscope Pure 2200 W, installed at 2,20–2,40 m, will comfortably cover a dining area for 3–4 people.
- Restaurant with pergola, height 2,90 m: Heatscope Spot or Max at 2,70–2,90 m, with overlapping coverage areas, will be more suitable than a “soft” residential model.
Part 2 – The tilt angle: targeting the heat
The direction of the infrared beam is just as important as the height. The aim is never to heat a wall or empty space, but the actual occupied areas (tables, sofas, counters).
2.1. Wall mounting: the ideal angle
For vertical wall mounting, using adjustable brackets is essential.
- Recommended tilt: between 30° and 45° away from the wall.
- Result: the beam is directed towards the seating area rather than only the feet or the floor. Warmth is felt more intensely and more evenly, with fewer losses.
Tip: aim for the torso area of seated people, roughly 1,0–1,2 m above the floor, at the centre of the table.
2.2. Ceiling mounting / suspension
For ceiling mounting (suspended or recessed), the unit is generally positioned at 0° (horizontal).
- Typical use cases: Heatstrip recessed in a pergola ceiling, Heatscope suspended above a table or bar counter.
- If the area to be heated is offset (bar, side counter, lounge corner), certain suspension kits allow for a slight tilt to move the hot spot where you need it.
Design tip: Heatscope Pure and Vision are often chosen for their minimalist design. Align them with the architectural lines of the terrace (pergola blades, beams, window fronts) for a perfectly integrated look, even when switched off.
Part 3 – Overlap: creating an even “blanket” of heat
On larger surfaces, comfort depends less on one “big heater” than on a smart layout of several units working together.
3.1. Defining the comfort zone (“hot spot”)
Every heater has an effective coverage area beyond which the perceived warmth drops sharply.
Indicative example: a Heatstrip 2400 W will typically provide a comfort zone of about 3 × 4 m in sheltered conditions (veranda, enclosed pergola).
This area is generally elliptical: more intense in the centre, softer towards the edges.
3.2. Overlap between units
To avoid cold spots between two heaters:
- Do not install two units exactly at the outer limit of their respective coverage areas.
- Place the second unit so that its centre falls inside the comfort zone of the first.
- In practice, the centre-to-centre spacing between two units should generally be 70–80 % of the width of the comfort zone.
Example: comfort zone ≈ 3 m wide → recommended spacing ≈ 2,1–2,4 m between two units.
3.3. Wind factor (open outdoor areas)
In unsheltered outdoor spaces, wind is the main enemy of comfort.
- Wind-optimised positioning: install the heaters preferably on the side behind the prevailing wind, so that the beam crosses as little cold air as possible before reaching the people.
- Very exposed terraces: choose more powerful models (Heatscope Spot / Max, high performance Heatstrip) and use several heating points rather than a single central unit.
Part 4 – Safety and minimum clearances
The installation must be efficient but above all safe. The minimum distances specified by the manufacturer are mandatory.
4.1. Typical minimum distances
Exact figures are given in each user manual, but as a general guide:
| Type of appliance | Minimum distance to ceiling | Lateral clearance (walls/obstacles) | Minimum distance to floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heatstrip / Heatscope (wall or ceiling mount) | 10 to 30 cm | 30 to 50 cm | ≥ 2,10 m |
- Never install the heater directly above sensitive items (plastic awnings, curtains, nearby parasols) without respecting the recommended clearances.
- Always consider the distance to combustible materials (wood, fabrics, etc.).
4.2. IP rating and environment
Ensure that the IP rating of your model is suitable for its installation area:
- Area exposed to rain: IPX4 or IPX5 minimum, depending on orientation and protection.
- Sheltered area: veranda, loggia, enclosed bioclimatic pergola – a lower IP may be sufficient, but the user manual is always the reference.
Heatscope and Heatstrip models are built for demanding environments, but respecting IP rating and distances is essential for safety and long service life.
Part 5 – Quick checklist before installation
- Ceiling height measured and noted.
- Proper model selected (Heatscope/Heatstrip, output, IP rating).
- Minimum clearances to ceiling, walls, floor and combustible materials checked.
- Desired comfort zone defined (table, lounge, counter, etc.).
- Position of heaters planned with overlapping coverage (70–80 %).
- Prevailing wind and degree of shelter taken into account.
- Visual integration checked (alignment, symmetry, discreet appearance).
Conclusion – Investing in expertise to make every watt count
You are using some of the most efficient infrared heaters available. Poor positioning can, however, cut perceived comfort in half without changing your power consumption.
Optimising height, tilt and overlap of your Heatscope and Heatstrip units means:
- maximum perceived warmth,
- reduced losses,
- greater comfort for occupants,
- and better control over your energy bill.
If you are planning a complex installation (several rows, large terrace, restaurant, bioclimatic pergola, etc.), it is worth having your project checked: we can carry out a thermal coverage study based on your plans (dimensions, heights, table layout) so that every watt you consume is converted into useful comfort exactly where you need it.