An infrared heating system is always sized at a lower input capacity when compared to forced air (convection) heating. This is due to different modes of heat transfer (radiation vs. convection), thermal mass and minimal stratification between ceiling and floor temperatures. For retrofit purposes, provided the unit heaters are maintaining the desired inside design temperature at ASHRAe design conditions, the following reduction can be utilized when recommending an infrared heating system.

Assuming that the ASHRAE heat loss for a building is 100,000 Btu/hr, then the heater selection for this building would be as follows:

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:

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 for residential garage heaters or as much as 10,000 sq. ft. for a large commercial size heater.

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.

SunStar infrared heaters have been mounted as low as 8′ above the finished floor (in home garages and workshops) to as high as 70′ (in high bay aircraft hangars). The mounting height depends on the Btu/hr capacity and model of the heater. Please refer to the heater’s specification sheet for minimum recommended mounting height and required clearances to combustible materials.

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

1. Thermostat
2. Manual Cutoff Valve
3. Flexible Gas Connector (Included as part of the SunStar tube heaters)
4. Second Stage Regulator if supply pressure is over 14″ W.C.
5. Vent Cap
6. Chain Kit with S hooks for hanging heater.
7. End Reflector Kit for SIS & SPS Series ( optional, but recommended).

For the SIU Series, also consider including two additional accessories:

1. Two End Reflector Kits per heater ( optional, but recommended)
2. U-Bend reflector (optional, but recommended)

For the SG and SGM ceramic heaters, you will not need a vent cap.

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.

TOUGH GUY Emitter tubes use heat-treated aluminized steel tubes that 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 heat treating 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 liquefied propane gas and is, therefore, extremely corrosion resistant. TOUGH GUY emitter tubes are highly recommended for high humidity / corrosive environments such as dairy barns, swimming pools, greenhouses, or water treatment plants.

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 C.S.A. (a nationally recognized testing laboratory – NRTL) and carry the C.S.A. seal. All heaters are tested and meet or exceed all safety requirements set forth in American National Standard Z83.20 for infrared heaters.

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 C.S.A.(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 Z83.20. Factory Mutual recognizes International Approval Services certification.

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 Z83.20. SunStar 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.