If you're thinking about choosing an Infratech outdoor patio heater, this page can help answer many of the questions you might have.
Q: Why should I choose an electric heater, instead of a gas heater?
A: Electric infrared heaters are more visually appealing, are more efficient and are easier to maintain and operate. Electric heaters are over 90% efficient and are absolutely safe for using outdoors or indoors. They're also very economical and don't require a lot of maintenance beyond regular cleaning. Unlike gas heaters, electric heaters have no valves, ignition components, burners or moving parts to repair or maintain. Also, electric heaters produce no sound, odors or toxic emissions.
Electric heaters also offer added installation and mounting options. They can be flush mounted into any standard 8' ceiling using a flush mount frame. When they're mounted on a surface, these heaters hang less than 9-1/2" from the ceiling. Many overhead gas heaters need a minimum ceiling height of almost 10' and, when mounted properly, will hang almost 24" below it.
Electric heaters are also easier to use. These heaters are as easy to use as flipping a switch. You're able to adjust the intensity of an electric heater from zero to 100% of available power. However, gas heaters only produce infrared energy on their highest possible settings.
Q: How can I estimate the cost of operation?
A: Electric heaters are very economical. You can estimate your operating cost by multiplying the total kilowatts by your local power rate for a "kilowatt hour" (kwh). Standard power rates, of course, will vary depending on where you live. You can see your rate on your utility bill statement. Don't forget to consider the actual cost of the unit too.
Q: Can I run my heaters on only 120 volts of power?
A: When you're using a 110/120-volt heater (1,500 watts maximum) you can use it for enclosed areas like garages, indoor work areas or outdoor spaces no larger than 5' x 5'. When you're going to heat bigger areas, running a dedicated 110/120-volt circuit isn't economical or practical. A 240-volt circuit needs the same amount of wiring, can heat substantially larger areas with more comfort, and requires two spaces in the breaker panel, rather than one.
Q: Should I purchase Infratech solid-state controls?
A: Infratech solid-state controls have the most versatile and efficient heater controls. While other less expensive controls are available, if your space calls for multiple or large heaters, solid-state controls quickly become your best choice for a quality installation.
Q: How long should an Infratech quartz element last?
A: Infratech elements are rated for 5,000 total hours of continuous use. You should be able to enjoy your heater for years before needing a replacement. Please look at the W-Series manual for specific instructions, and don't forget to disconnect the power to your heater before trying to change the heating element.
Q: Are quartz elements better than "short wave" halogen elements?
A: If you're looking for ambience, Infratech infrared quartz elements are always the best choice. Infratech quartz elements provide a medium wave comfortable heat. Other heaters with short wave halogen elements may provide more intense heat but output a very harsh, bright colored light. Infratech medium wave elements are very effective at heating your area while providing a warm, soft, unnoticeable glow.
Q: How do I figure out how many heaters I am going to need?
A: See out Choosing an Infratech infrared heater page for the steps to help you select the right heaters / control options. If you want help, we are happy to help you design a system that will satisfy your budget / needs.
Q: What are the differences between a 240 volt and 208 volt heater?
A: Many new businesses and homes use 208-volt power. You'll need to know your power voltage before you purchase / install any heater. A 240-volt heater on 208 volts of power only produces approximately 60% of the infrared energy that's desired. Contact your local utility company or a licensed electrician to find out the right power output for your property. Infratech heaters come in single and dual element models with the following voltages: 120, 208, 240, 277 and 480.
Q: What's the smallest heater size that I should use?
A: You should choose a heater size with the correct heating output for the mounting height and area that's going to be covered. When you choose a smaller unit, you might need more heaters in order to get the same amount of heat. If you choose a dual element unit for aesthetic purposes, you're concentrating more heat in a smaller space. You may need more fixtures to give your area total heating coverage.
Q: How much heat will I get from these heaters?
A: Pacific Gas & Electric has determined that a good patio heat installation (gas or electric) provides between 3 and 7° of perceived heat at 60° F ambient conditions. More than 7° is too warm to sit in for extended periods per their testing. Colder areas might need more heat; warmer, more protected areas may need less. Every installation varies, of course.
Q: Which costs more to use, a gas or an electric heater?
A: Your costs are going to vary depending on where you live.. Nationwide, electric heaters are usually less expensive than propane, and are similar in cost to natural gas. It depends on how much the heater is used. Electric heaters usually cost less to own. It can cost more per hour to use an electric heater in some areas, and usually takes up to ten years to recover the higher price and maintenance costs of a gas heater.
Q: What are your safety certificates?
A: Infratech W Series heaters are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Canadian Underwriters Laboratories (cUL) Listed under File E 29825. They are NZ/Australia and CE Listed under Wakefield Laboratories File NSW 21732. The W Series fixtures are also certified IP X4 rated.
Q: Can I operate Infratech heaters from home lighting controls or home management systems?
A: Yes. You can integrate our solid-state controls into any home management system. One permits on/off and timer functionality only, by switching the 120-volt power to the analog remote. The other way allows for full integration with our controls designed to accept a 0-10-volt DC signal from your home management system, changing the intensity and heat output of the heaters. |
