* Why is Space-Ray more efficient than unit heaters?

The major difference between a gas-fired infrared heating system and a forced hot air heating system is the method used to create a comfortable temperature. Infrared heats the floor slab, the machinery and the people first and then the air by using all three methods of heat transfer: radiation, conduction and convection. The storage of the heat in the slab floor creates a low temperature emitter and a faster recovery time when large overhead doors are opened and closed.
With a forced air system, the hot air rises to the ceiling and stratifies, gradually working its way down to thermostat level so that the floor slab never becomes warm enough to be comfortable. It literally acts as a heat sink, draining heat from the air and from personnel standing on the floor. The ceiling area of a high bay building using a forced air system can be easily 30° to 40° warmer than the floor area.

In the same type building heated with an infrared system, the temperature is much more uniform and the loft or roof area commonly will be at a slightly lower temperature than the floor level . . . a good condition for minimizing heat loss. Comfort can be maintained with a lower air temperature that will reduce infiltration and heat loss through the walls and roof.

In addition, instead of adding Btu/hr capacity to a computed building heat loss based on the thermal efficiency of a forced air system, the capacity is normally reduced by as much as 20%, based on the mounting height of the infrared system.

An added plus is that an infrared system has minimal power requirements, needing electricity only for burner ignition, the gas valve and the draft inducer (where applicable).

It is, therefore, easy to see that infrared commonly will save 30% to 50% in energy costs over unit heaters, frequently even more.

* Wouldn't it be more efficient to use unvented heaters so heat wouldn't be lost out the flue?

No. The National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA54) and local codes require a minimum ventilation flow of 4 CFM per 1000 Btu/hr of heater input by either mechanical or gravity ventilation if the heaters themselves are not vented to the outside. This additional ventilation requirement increases the building heat loss and the fuel cost as indicated in this example:

CONCLUSION: It will require a 28% larger capacity unvented infrared heating system to satisfy the building heat loss and comply with codes. In addition, the fuel cost of the unvented infrared heating system can be as high as 28% more than the vented infrared heating system.

NOTE: Heaters must be vented in residential garage applications.

* How many square feet does a heater cover?

The heater model and capacity are not necessarily a function of the square footage of the area needing to be heated. The model generally is chosen after the Btu/hr heat loss for the building or spot area to be heated has been determined, which is a function of not only the size of the area, but geographic location, building materials, building usage and other factors. Area coverage could be as little as 500 sq. ft. or as much as 10,000 sq. ft. For Cold Blocker selection guide, please refer to Technical info section.

* Are there applications for which infrared heaters are NOT suitable?

You may not use gas-fired infrared heaters inside paint booths or in buildings where explosion-proof lights are required. Although infrared is not ideal as an air curtain, it is very effective in spot-heating work areas inside of doorways, in dock areas and on outdoor docks. In dusty/woodworking environments, we recommend that outside combustion aire must be directly supplied to the control box.

* How low can I hang my Space-Ray heater?

Space-Ray infrared heaters have been mounted as low as 8' above the finished floor (in home garages and workshops) to as high as 16' (light commercial project). It is desirable to install the heater as high as possible in the building for the best energy distribution. Please refer to the heater's specification sheet for minimum recommended mounting height and required clearances to combustible materials. Please refer to Accessories under the product information tab.

* What extra items are needed for installation?

Depending on your particular application, you will want to consider the following six accessories for all series of Space-Ray infrared tube heaters:

1. Thermostat
2. Manual Cutoff Valve
3. Flexible Gas Connector
4. Second Stage Regulator if supply pressure is over 14" W.C.
5. Vent Cap
6. Chain Kit with S hooks for hanging heater

* How is the heater controlled?

Primarily, the heater is controlled by a line voltage thermostat. Alternatively, you may use a 24-volt thermostat with a relay kit or an on/off switch.

* What is calorization?

Calorization is a heat-treating process used on our aluminized steel tubes that produces an alloy that can withstand higher operating temperatures than other conventional tube materials and is very absorptive of the flame on the inside of the tube and very emissive on the outside, increasing the heating efficiency. The process provides unsurpassed corrosion resistance to ferrous metal by providing a self-forming, self-healing coating of practically infusible alumina which is impervious to oxygen, carbon, sulfur and the products of combustion of natural and liquified propane gas and is, therefore, extremely corrosion resistant.

* Do Space-Ray heaters have UL certification?

Because our infrared gas heaters are gas appliances, it is not necessary that they be listed by UL (a nationally recognized testing laboratory - NRTL); however, all of the electrical component parts are UL listed (e.g., the draft inducer motors, which are equipped with CSA and UL approved thermal protectors). Our heaters are certified by International Approval Services (a nationally recognized testing laboratory - NRTL) and carry the CSA seal. All heaters are tested and meet or exceed all safety requirements set forth in American National Standard Z83.6b-1993 for infrared heaters.

* Do Space-Ray heaters have FM certification?

Generally, Factory Mutual certification (a nationally recognized testing laboratory - NRTL) is applicable to products that cannot be certified at the manufacturer's facility according to American National Standard and, therefore, need to be certified at the installation site. Our heaters are certified by International Approval Services (a nationally recognized testing laboratory - NRTL) and carry the CSA seal. All heaters are tested and meet or exceed all safety requirements set forth in American National Standard Z83.6b-1993. Factory Mutual recognizes International Approval Services certification.

* What are the emission levels?

Air-free CO emission levels are 0.0010 - 0.0020%, or 20 to 40 times lower than the maximum acceptable level as indicated in American National Standard Z83.6b-1988. Space-Ray utilizes burners that are made of heavy duty cast iron and are designed to enhance maximum primary and secondary air flow around the venturi assembly. The high velocity of the flame and the delayed flame-quench period minimize the products of combustion which include aldehyde, formic acid, nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide.