Installation Services
Garage Heating Systems – Energy Efficient Convection & Radiant Heating
Convection vs. Radiant
A convection type heater (often referred to as a unit heater) warms the space by blowing air across a heat exchanger just like a home furnace. The heat exchanger warms the air, and the fan circulates the warm air throughout the room. However, the fan stirs up dust and makes noise. You also can lose most of your heat if you open the garage door to move a car in or out. Much of the heat also ends up at the ceiling instead of down near the floor where it is needed most. However this is the most common type of gas garage heater.
A radiant type heater works off of the same principle as the sun. It produces infrared light which warms the objects in the garage instead of warming the air. This is quite beneficial as most of the heat is retained when moving a car in or out. This type is more energy efficient than a convection heater. It is relatively silent, and does not stir up dust with a fan. Radiant heat does have some drawbacks, though. It only warms objects that are in the direct path of the heater, and if you are working in an area that is “shaded” from the heater you will not feel warm. The further away you are from the heater, the less effective it is and it may take a little longer for a radiant heater to heat the space as well.