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Infrared Heaters (or Radiant Heaters) transfer thermal energy via electromagnetic waves, and all infrared heaters share one common characteristic: heat is emitted or radiated from the heated object or substance, and only objects are warmed (as opposed to entire areas). They are relatively quiet, and no contact or medium between two bodies is needed for this energy transfer. This also makes these heaters very energy efficient. In terms of practical applications, the efficacy of an infrared heater depends on matching the emitted wavelength and the absorption spectrum of the heated material. In general, infrared heaters are great for industrial use such as warehouses and even greenhouses where high temperatures are required quickly, when temperature gradients are needed, or when areas need to be heated in a targeted way. Click here to read more about infrared heaters.
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How do I find the type of heater I need? Here is some general information on heaters:
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What are the different types of heaters?
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What are the general key features of a heater?
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What are my space heating choices? You can heat areas with a small 120 volt space heater, an infrared heater, a gas heater such as a propane heater, or a 240 volt electric heater. Your choice will depend on your heating requirements. Click here to read more on space heating. What type of heater should I heat my garage or shop with? In general, our electric garage heaters are perfect for insulated areas around 400 square feet. A 240 volt garage heater is much more efficient and powerful than a 120 volt space heater, and is generally safer than your average fuel type heater (propane and gas). Click hereto see our selection of Garage Heaters.
How many watts do I need? In general, there is a 10/1 ratio or watts to square feet heated. Thus, a 1500 watt space heater (120 volts) will heat an insulated area of 150 sq. ft. (with ceilings up to 10 feet). Therefore, a garage heater rated at 5,000 watts should comfortably heat an area over 400 sq. ft. How many feet will a normal space heater heat? Almost all of the 120 volt space heaters are rated up to 1500 watts (and 12.5 amps). Therefore, they should heat an insulated area up to 150 sq. ft. However, in general, these space heaters are used as supplemental heat sources which allow you to turn your central heat down, thus conserving energy and helping you save on your electric bill. What are the safety issues associated with using a heater? Oil-filled column heaters are generally safer than other types of heaters, as they have lower surface temperatures, especially the styles with wide or shielded fins. All styles of column heater are tall and heavy, and can cause injury if falling on a child, but again, the wide-finned versions are safer in this respect. All new garage heaters have to pass stringent safety tests to ensure that fires don't occur if the heater overheats due to air inlets being covered, or blankets or towels falling on the heater. However, it should be noted that these safety standards were not in place when many of the older types of heater now available in second-hand shops were made. A tilt switch is also a good safety feature; it will turn the garage heater off if it tips over. For additional information about heater safety, Click here. |











