Got a Question?

Here are the most common questions we get asked. However, if your specific question isn’t covered here, we encourage you to contact us, and we’ll be happy to enlighten you.

Please refer to the Infrared Basics page.

A properly designed infrared heating system is known to distribute heat very evenly, adding to the superior comfort level. People need not be under or near a heater to realize the overall building comfort.

The heater and related components are actually remarkably simple, and so are their operation and maintenance. Refer to Infrared Basics for a full explanation of how Solaronics infrared heaters operate.

In a word, fantastic. A sense of considerable comfort is gained even while doors are open. Even though the building’s air temperature can dip down due to doors opening, floors and objects remain warm. This aids in rapid heat recovery better than any other heating method available.

No. Infrared heaters do get hot; therefore, proper mounting distances must be met. However, there are no harmful effects from the radiant heat energy. Unlike the sun, infrared heaters do not produce ultraviolet rays. Only comfortable radiant warmth is produced, like standing by a fireplace or stove.

Indirectly, yes. Infrared heaters first heat objects such as the floor, machinery, people, etc. Then through various methods of heat transfer (radiation, reradiation, conduction, and convection), the air is heated secondarily as the objects emit heat. Keep in mind that the sun does not heat the air—it heats thermal masses, which in turn reradiates to heat the air. For a graphical representation of this process, visit Infrared Basics.

Space heating is heating an entire room or building. Spot heating is warming an area within a much larger unheated structure, such as sports spectator stands, a shippers’ station, a specific work area, or a restaurant patio.

Typically, for space heating requirements, a thermostat that simply senses air temperature is used. In a spot-heating environment, a timer switch is sometimes used.

This can be a common source of confusion. A low-intensity heater is a tube heater, ranging in size from 10-ft. to 70-ft. long, and typically vented to the outdoors. Low-intensity heaters range in tube temperatures from 350 to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. A high-intensity heater, or ceramic-style heater, is small in nature, approximately 2 ft. square (+ -) in size. The surface temperature is far greater at 1,750 degrees Fahrenheit, producing an open, visible glowing surface. High-intensity heaters are unvented, and sometimes the building is vented from flue gases via a separate mechanical exhaust fan located within the building. Note that Infrared heaters are often called “radiant” heaters. Low-intensity tube heaters do not glow, and high-intensity heaters do glow.

Among the many benefits of infrared radiant heating, incremental temperature zoning ranks high on the list. In many instances, temperature demands and control should vary. Heating a large area to one temperature throughout is often not the most cost-effective approach. Only infrared heating can effectively zone without wall dividers or curtains. Warm air heating “zones” simply blend into each other. The result of infrared incremental zoning is increased control and comfort and substantial fuel savings.

Yes. Solaronics infrared heaters are available in optional stainless-steel construction (type 304L).

No. Fuel economy is accomplished through methods far beyond just combustion efficiency. Even a furnace or boiler with 90%+ AFUE often is no challenge to a properly designed infrared heating system. The simple fact still remains that regardless of the heating appliance combustion rating, warm air is still the means of distribution. And this warm air, even if produced more efficiently, still convects upwards and away from the primary heat zone. Cold floors still remain, and the heat has not been stored in thermal masses as with infrared heating. Infrared heats objects, thus re-radiating and heating the building from the floor level up.

In the typical environment in which infrared heating is commonly found, infrared has notable benefits over in-floor slab heating. The heat recovery has proved to be very slow in a commercial building with in-floor radiant slab heating. This is due to the only heat source being the slab itself. Infrared has the added benefit of additionally heated thermal masses throughout the building, including machinery, tools, vehicles, etc. People benefit directly from the comfort of infrared, not having to wait for the air temperature to return to a certain comfort level after doors have been opened. Infrared heating can be used on demand. At several points throughout the year, infrared heaters can remain off, and when turned on, comfort is gained within minutes. In-floor heating takes several hours to overcome in a cold building. Finally, the initial installed system cost is many times greater with in-floor compared to an economical infrared system.