Plumber Sherwood Park | Comparing Radiant IR Heaters vs Forced Air Shop Heaters
Hello there! Welcome back to the Hinse Brothers Mechanical YouTube channel. Today, we’re sharing some great information on radiant heaters and forced air heaters for your shop or garage. As always, we start off with a quote. This one’s from Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Now, here’s a quick stat for you: according to current projections, over 151 million HVAC units will be sold in 2024. Hopefully, we get to install some of those! Maybe not 151 million, but a million or so would be nice.
Radiant Heaters vs. Forced Air Heaters
Let’s dive in. This is the time of year when people start thinking about heating their shops and garages. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with clients to figure out their specific heating needs for shops, garages, and other spaces. Each space is different and requires a tailored heating system.
Radiant heating is generally more efficient, though it’s a bit more expensive upfront. However, its operating costs are lower, and it provides a comfortable working environment. On the other hand, forced air systems have a lower initial cost, but they blow dust around and are typically better for spaces with lower ceilings.
Are Radiant Heaters More Efficient?
Yes, radiant heaters can be up to 23% more efficient, and in some cases, even up to 30%. This is because radiant heaters warm objects in the shop—like floors, walls, tools, and workbenches—rather than just the air. These objects retain heat better than air, which helps maintain warmth longer. Forced air systems, on the other hand, heat the air quickly but lose that heat faster as well.
How to Choose Between Radiant and Forced Air
There are a few things to consider. Ceiling height is a big factor—radiant heaters need more height for proper installation. You also need a direct line of heat from the heater to the objects in the space, so if there are a lot of obstacles, forced air might be a better option. Forced air heaters distribute heat more evenly, especially in spaces where doors open and close frequently.
If you have high ceilings and an open area, radiant heat is a great option since it’s more efficient. But for spaces with lower ceilings or lots of door activity, forced air might work better, or even a combination of the two.
Does Ceiling Height Affect Heater Performance?
Yes, it does. Forced air systems can’t be hung too high because the heat will rise and dissipate before reaching the floor. Radiant heaters, however, can be installed higher up, making them better for spaces with tall ceilings.
Benefits of Forced Air Heating
The main benefit of forced air heating is the lower installation cost. Forced air systems heat the space quickly, which is ideal for shops where doors are opened and closed frequently.
Advantages of Radiant Heating
Radiant heat is more efficient and heats the objects in the space rather than the air. This means the heat lasts longer. Radiant heating also doesn’t dry out the air or blow dust around, making it a great option for high-dust environments.
Heat Recovery Rates: Radiant vs. Forced Air
Radiant heating takes a bit longer to warm up since it’s heating objects, not air. In spaces with large bay doors, you might feel the cold longer when the doors open. Forced air systems heat up the space faster, but the type of heat is different—radiant heat is slower but more consistent.
How Hinse Brothers Mechanical Can Help
We offer on-site assessments where we evaluate your space, take measurements, and assess what kind of heating system would work best. Every situation is different, so we’ll make sure you get the best solution for your needs.
Heating Dusty Shop Environments
Both radiant and forced air systems can work in dusty environments, but we recommend sealed combustion units that draw air from outside. This prevents dust from getting into the burners, which could cause a fire hazard.
Impact of Heaters on Air Quality
Forced air systems tend to blow dust around and dry out the air. Radiant heating is gentler since it doesn’t move air around or dry it out as much.
Can Shop Heaters Have Filtration?
Yes, in some situations. For example, we recently installed a system for a kennel where we added a five-inch filter and brought in fresh air from outside. It’s something we can assess based on your specific needs.
How to Avoid Unsightly Pipes
We have options for venting that are less noticeable, like going through the roof or using a direct vent that sticks out only a few inches from the wall. It depends on your preferences and the layout of the shop.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for tuning in! If you’re looking for shop or garage heating solutions, give Hinse Brothers Mechanical a call or visit our website at hinsemechanical.com. Fill out the form, and we’ll be happy to help.
Talk to you soon!