Abstract: A space heating appliance includes a radiant duct which, when heated, emits radiant heat for heating an area adjacent the duct. An insulated cowling shrouds the side of the duct away from the area to be heated in spaced relation to the duct. The cowling has a heat-emissive surface which when heated emits radiant heat toward the space to be heated. Between the duct and cowling in closely spaced proximity to the duct is an insulated heat shield which traps and redirects heat back to the duct in order to maintain the duct at a higher temperature and concentrate the emission of heat in the direction of the area to be heated.