With the ongoing drive toward decarbonisation and the shift away from fossil fuel based heating systems, Paul Wilkins, Managing Director of Schwank, looks at the opportunities available when expanding into electric radiant heating solutions.

The UK’s race to decarbonise is reshaping how we heat our buildings — and electrical contractors are uniquely placed to benefit. As more commercial and industrial clients move away from fossil fuel-based systems, demand is rising for solutions that are cleaner, simpler to install, and well within the scope of qualified electricians.

Efficient heating

One technology gaining serious ground in this space is electric radiant heating. Once considered niche, these systems are now fast becoming a go-to solution for efficient heating in warehouses, factories, workshops and logistics centres — not least because they offer electrical professionals a new revenue stream with minimal complexity.

Unlike traditional convection systems, which heat air and then circulate it throughout a space, radiant heating works by directly warming objects and people in its path. It’s the same principle as the sun: infrared radiation transfers heat without needing to move air.

This has major advantages in industrial and commercial settings, where heating large volumes of air is often inefficient and wasteful. Radiant heating:

– Targets only where heat is needed, saving energy
– Heats up almost instantly, reducing warm-up times
– Doesn’t circulate dust or particulates, ideal for clean environments
– Can be zoned – heating specific workspaces on demand
– Suffers less heat loss through walls or roofs
– Requires virtually no maintenance – especially when electric-powered

Industrial and commercial

The eSchwank electric radiant range represents the next step in that journey, offering a fully electric solution designed for industrial and commercial applications. The flagship eSchwank S-Series offers a modular approach, with output levels ranging from 6kW to 18kW, and flexible mounting options up to 45°. Built with highly reflective aluminium reflectors, a robust IP42 rating, and replaceable infraGlow heating elements, these units deliver performance and longevity with minimal fuss. They’re ideal for warehouses, production halls, or anywhere that needs fast, targeted heat with minimal air disruption.

For lower output needs or more compact spaces, the H-Series, D-Series, and EZ-Series provide options from 2kW to 6kW, including IP44-rated units and plug-and-play functionality — perfect for sports halls, workshops, retail areas and more.

Simplicity and accessibility

While many modern heating solutions — such as air source heat pumps — require specialist certification (including F-Gas), the beauty of electric radiant heating is its simplicity and accessibility.

These systems can be installed entirely by qualified electricians, without the need for gas-safe engineers, refrigerant handling skills, or complex servicing arrangements. That translates into:

– New installation revenue with no certification barriers
– Simple quoting and fast project turnaround
– Retrofit opportunities for customers replacing gas-fired units
– Ongoing relationships through future upgrades or zonal expansions

This is particularly attractive for electrical firms seeking to diversify as part of the energy transition. In many cases, contractors are already on-site for electrical installations — now, with systems like eSchwank, they can offer a complete heating solution as well.

Heating strategy

The UK Government has made clear its direction of travel: Net Zero by 2050, restrictions on gas boilers in new buildings from 2025, and growing pressure on high-carbon building stock to decarbonise. Businesses are under increasing scrutiny to lower emissions, improve energy efficiency, and eliminate fossil fuel reliance — especially in their heating strategies.

Electric radiant heating ticks every box:

– Zero on-site emissions.
– Fast installation.
– Easy to control and zone.
– Lower total cost of ownership over time.

For contractors, this presents a dual opportunity: not just to offer a futureproof heating solution, but to become trusted advisors in their customers’ Net Zero journey.

Whether you’re retrofitting or designing a new system, these heaters are ideal for:

– Warehouses with high ceilings needing zoned warmth for workstations.
– Distribution centres or loading bays exposed to cold air.
– Workshops and garages with limited space for conventional heating.
– Retail areas and sports facilities requiring discreet, efficient warmth.

Installation requires only a standard 3-phase electrical connection (400V, 50Hz). There’s no need for F-Gas, plumbing, or gas safety certification — making this an ideal fit for qualified electricians. Brackets and mounting options are flexible, and the eSchwank range comes with full installation instructions.

Control options are equally flexible. Systems can be paired with basic thermostats or advanced building management systems, enabling time scheduling, zonal control, and energy optimisation. This adaptability helps electricians deliver tailored solutions across a wide range of applications.

Clients are increasingly asking how to reduce carbon emissions, save energy, or move away from gas. Electric radiant heating gives you a clear and credible answer.

Top benefits to highlight include:

– Fast, targeted heat with no warm-up time
– No ducts, no air movement – cleaner, safer working conditions
– Electric-only install — no need for gas engineers or annual servicing
– Scalable system — start small and add zones as needed
– Supports Net Zero and sustainability goals

Proven technology

Whether it’s a small engineering firm or a large distribution centre, these are messages that resonate with decision-makers trying to meet ESG goals without major capital investment.

Electric radiant heating isn’t just a stopgap or niche solution — it’s a smart, scalable and proven technology ready to support the UK’s transition to low-carbon heat. For electrical contractors, it’s a genuine growth area: practical to install, profitable to deliver, and perfectly aligned with the direction of travel for energy policy and commercial investment.

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