As temperatures plunge and the holiday season kicks into high gear, theaters and event spaces face a unique challenge: maintaining a warm, comfortable environment for guests without overtaxing aging heating systems or sending energy bills skyrocketing.
Whether your space is hosting a corporate holiday party or a yuletide concert, keeping patrons cozy can have a direct impact on both customer satisfaction and ticket sales.
Fortunately, modern heating technologies like unit heaters and infrared heaters can make all the difference. When paired with proper insulation and smart planning, these systems help create an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests not just to linger, but to return for future events.
Warm Up the Waiting Line
For many guests, the experience begins before they ever step through your doors. Long lines at box offices, outdoor concession stands, or entry points are common during winter months, and no one enjoys waiting in the cold. This is where infrared heaters can be invaluable.
Infrared heaters work by emitting radiant heat that warms people and objects directly, rather than simply heating the ambient air. This makes them an ideal solution for outdoor or semi-enclosed spaces such as ticket lines, covered patios, or entryways. Wall- or ceiling-mounted infrared units can deliver consistent, directional warmth without the draftiness or inefficiency of portable space heaters.
From a cost perspective, infrared heaters are energy-efficient because they convert nearly all of the electricity or gas they consume into heat. They also require minimal maintenance, making them a practical investment for facility managers looking to enhance guest comfort well into winter.
Enhance Comfort Indoors
Once guests step inside, their comfort level directly informs their enjoyment of the party, performance or event. For older buildings or those with outdated central heating systems, maintaining consistent temperatures across large, open spaces can be difficult.
Unit heaters offer a powerful, flexible solution. Whether fueled by gas or electricity, these self-contained systems are designed to heat large areas efficiently by using a fan to circulate warm air throughout the space. Unit heaters are especially effective in areas with high ceilings or uneven heating zones where central HVAC struggles to reach.
For music and event facilities, unit heaters are ideal for:
- Backstage areas and green rooms, where performers and crew need reliable warmth.
- Large open halls where air stratification causes uneven temperatures.
- Storage or equipment areas that house temperature-sensitive instruments or gear.
By supplementing or replacing older heating systems, unit heaters help maintain a comfortable, consistent environment for both guests and venue staff.
Take Additional Steps to Ensure Comfort
While upgrading heating systems is important, there are several complementary strategies facilities managers can implement to maximize warmth and minimize energy waste.
- Seal and insulate. It’s always worthwhile to inspect doors, windows, and rooflines for drafts or gaps. Weather-stripping and proper insulation can prevent costly heat loss. Facilities teams should pay special attention to older structures where building envelopes may be less efficient.
- Consider thermal curtains and door seals. Heavy curtains or insulated drapes can help retain heat in large halls or near entrances. Installing air curtains or automatic door closers at main entrances prevents warm air from escaping every time guests come and go.
- Implement zoned heating. Facility teams can divide their event space into zones and heat only the areas that are in use. Infrared heaters make this especially easy by directing warmth where it’s needed most, such as seating areas, concession zones, or VIP lounges. Unit heaters, too, can be arrayed and configured to ensure efficient zoned heating.
- Keep up with routine maintenance. Clogged vents and neglected systems can all reduce heating performance. That’s why it’s critical to establish a regular maintenance schedule for both central systems and supplemental heaters to ensure optimal operation.
- Use smart controls. Modern programmable thermostats and Wi-Fi-enabled controls allow venue teams to adjust temperatures based on occupancy schedules, reducing energy waste during off-hours or between events.
Cultivating Comfort and Customer Loyalty
Event spaces and theaters can be challenging to heat, whether due to their spacious layouts or their out-of-date insulation and infrastructure. Strategic upgrades can make even the draftiest venues feel more consistently comfortable, without the need for major renovation.
For facilities teams, it’s critical to consider these enhancements, ensuring a more hospitable space throughout the coldest months of the year—and giving patrons every reason to plan their return.
