Blog: Infrared vs Space Heating Guide
The cold weather calls for appropriate heating in the workplace. If you are unsure about what kind of heater is best for your workspace, or are just curious about what is out there, read our guide below to compare infrared heaters with space heaters.
What is the difference between infrared and space heating?
The main difference between infrared heating and space heating is that space heaters heat the air within a space, whereas infrared heaters heat objects, surfaces and people directly rather than the air.
How does infrared heating work?
Infrared heaters work using infrared waves to heat people, objects and surfaces directly in front of the appliance.
It works in the same way the suns rays heat surfaces and objects on sunny days – though infrared heating does not involve any harmful UV.
Pros of Infrared Heating
- Infrared heating can be powered in many different ways; including electricity, propane, natural gas and diesel.
- Infrared heaters are very energy efficient and cheap to run.
- Ideal for outdoor areas, as they do not waste energy by heating the air. Ideal for work sites, outdoor public areas, patios & more.
- Health Benefits - significantly less likely to affect people with allergies, as they do not produce an airflow which kicks up dust.
- Maintenance-free - They are cost-effective and offer minimal hassle - not requiring outside annual call-outs.
- Instant Heat - infrared heaters warm up quickly, so you can feel the benefits instantly.
Cons of Infrared Heating
- Not suitable for heating large spaces. More suited to heating smaller specific spaces.
- Orange glow that some infrared heaters give off may be uncomfortable for some.
- When an infrared heater is switched off, the heat is instantly lost.
What is Space Heating?
Space heaters heat an area by warming the air within a space. They often feature an internal fan which draws air into the machine, where it is heated by an element or combustion of fuel, and then blown out of the front of the heater.
Space heaters are often used for temporary heating on site, in workplaces and at events, and in spaces where central heating is not available or viable.
There are a variety of different space heating options available, including electric fan heaters, LPG space heaters and oil-fired space heaters.
Pros of Space Heating
- Portable design – Most space heaters can be transported around and used wherever they are required.
- Simple plug & play operation.
- Capability to heat large spaces.
- The heat remains in the air for a while, even after the heater has been switched off.
Cons of Space Heating
- Less efficient in draughty, poorly insulated or outdoor areas.
- Less even distribution of Heat - colder air tend to lie around the lower part of the room.
- Running costs – Large industrial space heaters that run on diesel or gas can become costly, depending on the price of fuel.
Choices?
Space heaters are good for specific circumstances, like larger spaces with perhaps more people. Infrared Heaters are more cost effective for a smaller areas with fewer workers, and outdoor or poorly insulated spaces.
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