Radiant heating is a unique technology that uses heated infrared rays, or “radiant energy” emitted from a heat source. While it sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, the Romans were known to use a similar technology known as Hypocaust heating. The word Hypocaust comes from the Greek word hypo meaning below or underneath, and kaiein, meaning to burn or light a fire. It literally means “heat from below”.
Radiant heating equipment is designed to provide heat through the application of radiant heat transfer. Heated infrared rays are radiated until they are absorbed by objects or people. In actuality, the heated infrared rays are not the heat source. The heat source is actually the air that surrounds the heated objects.
As the infrared rays are dispersed, the air surrounding the objects or people is warmed because of the increase in temperature of those objects or people. So, the heated infrared rays warm up the temperature of objects or people, and the objects or people in turn warm up the room. It’s quite a unique technology, wouldn’t you agree?
Radiant heating can be utilized for heating both indoor and outdoor areas. There are four types of radiant heating systems:
v Radiant ceiling panels
v Radiant flooring panels
v Radiant wall heating systems
v Radiant heaters
Radiant natural gas heaters are oftentimes used at construction sites, in garages, and other indoor or outdoor locations where heat is needed only in a specific area. They are frequently found in livestock areas and greenhouses because of their efficient and consistent heat source.
Radiant natural gas heaters provide heat similar to the way the sun warms the earth. Since the infrared rays are absorbed by the floor, radiant natural gas heaters provide warmer floor-level temperatures. Radiant natural gas heaters do not require fans or blowers and are designed to provide a quiet, energy-efficient heat source.
Radiant natural gas heaters range in price between $120 and $300. Depending on the model, they can heat between 300 and 1,000 square feet of space. Many radiant natural gas heaters are equipped with a battery back-up system; making them handy to have around in case of a power outage.