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Infrared - IR Heaters

Overview

Infrared or IR Heaters is a broad classification of heaters that produce and deliver thermal energy in radiant waves, rather than through moving heated air - convection heaters. There are MANY applications for IR burners, from food cooking to industrial processing to space heating. This Tech Page will focus on space heating applications. For information about using IR heaters in the paper manufacturing industry, see our web site at www.gaspaperdrying.org. For information about IR cooking equipment, see our web site at www.gfen.info.

Contrary to some sales pitches you may have heard, IR heaters are not really more efficient at producing BTUs than other types of burners, but they can be more efficient at delivering the BTUs where they are needed. Ideal applications for IR space heaters are where it is more important to heat objects instead of air - such as where there is a lot of air movement or even outdoors for snow melting and spot heating. Spot heating of larger spaces is also a common application for IR heaters. Garages, airplane hangers, heavily ventilated industrial spaces, are all common applications where IR heaters are used to heat the objects first, with the air only being heated indirectly from the objects.

Energy/Dollars are saved when the volume of heated space can be reduced - such as spot heating larger spaces, and where large amounts of moving air would result in large losses of heat if the air were heated first and then the objects in the space. As with most any technology, if IR heaters are improperly installed, energy can be wasted and building occupants are less than satisfied.

A few common types of IR heaters available from many different manufacturers include:

Tube-type heaters can be continuous with several burners connected together in series, or they be individual units. The flame may be forced into the tube (pressure) or sucked through the tube via a fan (vacuum).

Panel type units use ceramic or porous metal plates with thousands of holes that allow gas to flow through them to the surface where it is burnt causing the panel to glow with radiant energy. The gas flame may be on the surface, inside or behind the panel depending on the burner design and application.

Patio heaters are a common sight at restaurants and some homes. They are used to extend the season for outdoor enjoyment.

Construction heaters is a relatively new market for IR heaters. The 'Hot Tot' from Schwank shown below is a new unit developed first for the Canadian residential construction heating business.

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