Infrared tube heaters represent the pinnacle of efficient space heating technology. These systems don't just heat the air – they deliver targeted radiant heat directly to objects and people in the space, much like the sun warms the earth. This approach significantly reduces energy costs while providing superior comfort in large, open areas.
Through our extensive experience in commercial HVAC applications, we've found that properly sized and installed tube heaters can reduce heating costs by up to 50% compared to conventional forced-air systems.
This efficiency comes from their ability to maintain comfort at lower ambient air temperatures while delivering warmth where it's needed most – at floor level where people work.
Product Types in Our Tube Heater Collection
The key to successful tube heater implementation lies in selecting the right combination of BTU output and emitter length for your specific application. Our collection focuses on single-stage infrared tube heaters that have proven their reliability in demanding industrial environments.
Infrared Radiant Tube Heaters
These systems deliver consistent, efficient heating through advanced radiant technology:
System Specifications:
-
BTU Range: 75,000 to 250,000 BTU
-
Emitter Lengths: 30, 40, and 50 feet
-
Fuel Type: Natural Gas
-
Control Type: Single-stage operation
-
Mounting Height: 12-40 feet (application dependent)
Installation Components:
Mounting Systems and Accessories
Proper installation ensures optimal performance and safety:
-
Industrial-grade mounting clips
-
Seismic restraint options
-
Reflector shields
-
Control packages
-
Protective screens (where required)
Brands We Carry in Our Tube Heater Collection
Space Ray has established itself as the benchmark for quality in commercial infrared heating. Their comprehensive range includes:
LTU Series Models:
York provides the critical mounting components that ensure secure installation:
Frequently Asked Questions About Infrared Tube Heating Systems
"How do I determine the right tube heater size for my facility?"
Sizing an infrared tube heating system requires careful analysis of multiple factors. The process begins with calculating your space's heat loss, which considers building construction, insulation values, ceiling height, and air infiltration rates.
For example, a 10,000 square foot warehouse with 20-foot ceilings and average insulation typically requires 15-20 BTU per square foot. However, factors like dock door usage, wall construction, and desired temperature rise can significantly affect these calculations.
We recommend a detailed heat loss analysis to ensure proper sizing – an undersized system won't maintain comfort, while an oversized system wastes energy and capital investment.
"What mounting height is recommended for tube heaters?"
Mounting height directly impacts heating effectiveness and comfort. The optimal mounting height depends on your heater's BTU rating and emitter length.
For instance, a Space Ray LTU100-30-N5 (100,000 BTU) typically mounts between 12-15 feet for optimal coverage, while an LTU250-50-N5 (250,000 BTU) can be mounted at 25-30 feet while maintaining effective heating.
Remember that mounting height affects both coverage area and intensity – higher mounting requires higher BTU output to maintain comfort at floor level.
"How does tube heater placement affect overall heating efficiency?"
Strategic heater placement maximizes efficiency and comfort. In our experience, optimal placement considers several key factors:
-
Building heat loss patterns (particularly near doors and walls)
-
Work zone locations and traffic patterns
-
Equipment locations and overhead obstacles
-
Reflective surfaces and building materials
-
Air movement patterns within the space
For example, in a warehouse with frequent door operation, we often recommend concentrating heaters near doors to create a thermal barrier against cold air infiltration.
"What maintenance requirements should I plan for?"
Professional maintenance ensures long-term reliability and efficiency. Annual maintenance should include:
-
Burner inspection and cleaning
-
Heat exchanger examination
-
Reflector cleaning and alignment
-
Gas pressure verification
-
Vacuum switch testing
-
Ignition system inspection Additionally, quarterly visual inspections during heating season help identify potential issues early. Well-maintained tube heaters typically provide 15-20 years of reliable service.
"How do infrared tube heaters compare to forced air systems in terms of operating costs?"
Based on decades of installation experience, infrared tube heaters typically reduce operating costs by 30-50% compared to forced air systems. This efficiency comes from two main factors:
-
Stratification reduction - tube heaters minimize temperature differences between floor and ceiling
-
Direct heating - objects and people are heated directly, allowing lower air temperatures while maintaining comfort
For example, a 20,000 square foot warehouse in a moderate climate might save $3,000-5,000 annually in heating costs by switching to properly sized tube heaters.
Need expert guidance on selecting the perfect heating solution? Our technical team brings decades of HVAC experience to every consultation.
