Benefits of Infrared Heating
Benefits of Infrared
Heat the floor, not the ceiling!
Regardless of brand type or features, an infrared heater will typically save energy when compared to traditional methods of heating. The overall operating efficiencies of an infrared system are proven and measurable.
When selecting an infrared tube heater, there are several key features that contribute to the overall quality and effectiveness. Items such as two stage technology, burner design, exchanger tube properties, and reflector material all have a vital role to play in the makings of an exceptional infrared heater.
BENEFITS OF HEATING WITH INFRARED
A properly designed infrared heating system can offer numerous benefits including:
- Reduced Energy Consumption — Independent studies have confirmed fuel savings from 20–50% when compared to a warm air system.
- Low Harmful Emissions — Infrared heaters burn clean thus putting off low harmful emissions.
- Thermal Comfort — Heat the floor zone, not the ceiling. Heat energy stored within ambient objects improves comfort levels in the space.
- Indoor Air Quality — Infrared heaters do not rely on air currents to transfer heat. This minimizes the circulation of hazardous particles, chemical pollutants, and cross-contamination of regularly occupied areas.
- Flexibility — Infrared heaters can direct heat where it’s needed.
- Modular Design — Individual zone controls increase personal comfort for all building occupants.
- Air Stratification — Since it’s not necessary to circulate air to heat the inside of the building, thermal stratification is reduced, increasing perceived comfort levels.
- Recovery — Stored infrared energy provides a quick and effective solution for areas subject to periodic high air changes.
- Durability — Low maintenance and quality components ensure a long life cycle.
Flexibility
Infrared heaters are well suited for a wide range of applications
Low intensity heaters can be installed either vented or unvented and may bring in outside air for combustion if necessary. They are typically installed in applications where total area heat is required or can be configured to conform to the expectations of the space, providing maximum flexibility in the placement of heaters. Infrared heaters can be directed where heat is needed most to increase comfort levels for all building occupants.
When properly designed, tube heaters have proven to be effective in commercial, industrial, outdoor, agricultural, residential, and spot-heat applications. In addition, two stage heaters provide enhanced comfort levels and perform to the demands of the space. The two stage operation also allows for faster heat recoveries, design flexibility, and improved comfort levels in the space. Detroit Radiant Products Company provides clearances to combustibles data for their tube heaters at a 20-ft. mark downstream of the burner. This allows for added flexibility in the design and application of the heating system.
Fuel Savings
Fuel cost savings of up to 50% over traditional heating methods.
Regardless of brand type or features, an infrared heater will typically save energy when compared to traditional methods of heating. The overall operating efficiencies of an infrared system are proven and measurable.
Long before the importance of the environment was widely understood, fuel efficient heaters for industrial and commercial use were available in the marketplace. Gas-fired infrared heaters offer a solution to the global effort for businesses to design, build, and operate facilities that are ecologically friendly.
The properties of radiant heat transfer allow for the thermostat in an area heated by infrared to be set 5–10°F lower than hot air systems, resulting in lower fuel costs while providing comfortable temperatures at the ground level. On average, infrared heaters can save the customer 23–50%. Two stage technology can reduce energy costs by another 12% and benefit customers with faster heat loss recovery, improved comfort, and a significant reduction in equipment cycles.
State Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency
DSIRE is a comprehensive online resource for locating energy rebates in your area and information on state, local, federal, and utility incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Visit dsireusa.org to learn more.
Independent Studies
Documented fuel savings
It is a generally accepted fact that gas-fired infrared heaters save energy, and therefore dollars, over hot air heating systems. Detroit Radiant Products is committed to not just making claims, but to documenting those savings through independent scientifically conducted field tests.
The chart below contains studies which were conducted by independent engineering firms and by ASHRAE. Click on the study name to view the complete study.
| study of reference | Summary of topic | Fuel savings |
|---|---|---|
| ASHRAE Fundamentals Book | Perimeter mounting. | 15% |
| Braneida Study | Summary of 1993 study on two-stage documenting a 12% fuel savings and 35% cycle reduction over single-stage heaters. | 12% |
| Infrared vs. Forced Air Study | Evaluation of an Infrared Two-Stage Heating System vs. a Forced Air System in a Commercial Application, ASHRAE Paper # 4643 | 24% |
| New York State Report ASHRAE Handbook | “…annual fuel savings as high as 50%.” | 50% |
| Emerging Technologies ASHRAE Journal | Emerging Technologies – Analysis between infrared heaters and unit heaters. | 33-50% |
| ASHRAE Statement | “…dual stage operations can improve comfort conditions.” | N/A |