Cove heaters have a subtly contoured concave surface with a saw-tooth profile. The concave parabolic face plate performs a two-fold function: (1) it focuses the infrared rays and (2) directs the heat downward along cold perimeters and toward the center of the room. The sawtooth surface design increases the radiating surface area by 45%, thereby increasing the comfort level of the room faster and insuring more rapid recovery from heat losses.