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Infratech Heater Questions
Value Controls or Custom Controls? What does each type of control cost and what is best for your installation? Check these questions and answers to gain further insights as to what is best for the control of your Infratech Heaters. LEARN MORE
The first step you should take is to discuss with your electrician what you'd like to do. Our most popular heaters will draw 25 amps each, at 6000 watts. You will want to make sure you have the power available to operate the heaters before you consider an Infratech Patio Heater design.
First, check your power availability. Second, decide if you will be surface mounting or flush mounting the heaters. Third, determine what that mounting height will be. From there, compare the models based on our diagram showing heat coverage for each model. For instance, a CD60 model, surface mounted at between 8-12 feet high, will heat an area of about 11 x 11 feet.
Run your plan by us. We are the experts and will take all factors into consideration. Submit an online request for a design from our expert design team. We're standing by to design your specific space, small or large.
For professional assistance, you may be required to submit some basic information about your area to be heated. We are happy to help you design a system that will satisfy your needs and your budget. Call 1-800-697-7404, today.
Always choose a heater size with the appropriate heat output for the mounting height and area to cover. Each heater model has a corresponding heat coverage diagram to help understand the coverage of each model. By selecting a smaller unit, you may require more heaters to get the same amount of heat output. If you are choosing a dual element unit for aesthetic purposes, you will be concentrating more heat into a tighter space. Again, this may mean that you will possibly require more fixtures to provide total coverage of your area. Patio heating is often a compromise between functionality and finding the desired look.
At their Food Services Testing Center, Pacific Gas & Electric has determined that a good patio heat installation (gas or electric) will provide between 3-7° of perceived heat at 60° F ambient conditions. Test results determined that more than 7° is too warm to sit in for extended periods. Colder or draftier areas may require more heat; protected or warmer areas may require less. Every installation will vary, along with our customers’ expectations.
Electric heaters are more efficient and are easier to operate and maintain. They are inexpensive to operate and require very little maintenance, Unlike gas heaters, there are no valves, ignition components, moving parts or burners to maintain or repair. In addition, electric heaters produce no sound, odors or toxic emissions. Electric heaters may be flush mounted into a ceiling using our flush mount frame. You can adjust the intensity of an electric heater infinitely from zero to 100% of power by using Infratech Controls.
Operating costs vary by region. Nationwide, electric heaters are less expensive than propane, and are competitive with natural gas. Depending upon the total hours of usage, electric heaters normally have a much lower cost of ownership when factoring in purchase price and maintenance needs. Basically, this means that while it can cost more per hour to operate an electric unit in some areas, it typically takes 7-10 years to save enough money operating on gas to recover the substantially higher purchase price-not to mention cost of regular maintenance for a gas heater.
Yes, all Infratech heaters come with the necessary mounting brackets. We also have Infratech Heater Extension Brackets and Drop Pole Mounts for purchase, when needed.
It is highly recommended to use a licensed electrician to install Infratech Heaters.
While flush mount installation helps to hide the heaters, much like recessed can lighting, they do incur additional installation costs due to the fact that you must build out a fire-rated drywall pocket in the ceiling to house the heater. As well, you will need an additional accessory of a flush mount frame for each heater, to assist with ventilation. If your ceiling is still unfinished, it's a good time to consider a flush mount installation for a seamless an unobtrusive install. Surface mount, on the other hand, is less expensive and easier to install.
C/CD and W/WD-Series heaters share the great benefits of Infratech electric infrared heat: eco-friendly, efficient, odorless, and an extensive Three-Year Warranty. Both series are available in a range of wattages, sizes, color & control options. What's the difference? Essentially, it's aesthetics only. W/WD Series are also best suited for flush mount installation, while the C/CD is best for surface mount.
If you are concerned about ambience, the appearance of your décor and creating a more relaxing environment, Infratech infrared quartz elements are always the best choice. Infratech quartz elements provide comfortable medium wave heat. Competitive products with short wave halogen elements produce more intense heat while emitting very bright and harsh-colored light. By contrast, Infratech medium wave elements effectively heat your space, while providing a soft, warm glow that is practically unnoticeable.
The Motif decorative fascias should not be added to flush mount or recessed heater installations. The Motif collection is designed to snap onto the C or CD-Series Surface Mounted heaters that are designed for wall, ceiling, or pole mount applications. For more information on the new Motif Collection,click here.
One of the big advantages of the Dual Element heater is you have the option of 5000 watt and 6000 watt heaters, whereas the Single Element heaters only reach an output of 4000 watts. The other advantage of Dual Element is that you can use Duplex Stack Switches to create an inexpensive Lo/Hi option for heat control. That said, there are times when the Single Element heaters, due to length and total amperage draw may make Single Element heaters a better choice. When it doubt, give us a call at 1-800-697-7404.
C/CD and W/WD-Series heaters share the great benefits of Infratech electric infrared heat: eco-friendly, efficient, odorless, and an extensive Three-Year Warranty. The C-Series and W-Series heaters are available in a range of wattages, sizes, color & control options.
No. The SL-Series heater housing operates at a significantly higher temperature than the W-Series or C-Series
fixtures due to the narrow profile and tight clearances to the heating element. The SL housing would exceed safe
operating temperatures for wiring with restricted air circulation.
No. The SL-Series heater housing is anodized aluminum. It is available in a silver, stainless colored finish or an
almost black anodized finish. Paint or powder coating interferes with the T-slot, and reduces heat dissipation. This
layer of paint "insulation" increases the operating temperature of the housing beyond acceptable limits.
Yes, they will have the same heat output. A watt = watt. The difference is in the styling, and construction, but with
the narrower design of the SL units, the heat pattern is slightly more concentrated towards the center.
All Infratech heaters will need a separate control switch to operate. Value control switches or Custom Control Panels can be purchased, depending on your needs.
Yes. It’s one of many innovative control options at your fingertips when you choose Infratech heaters like our Home Management System or Universal Control Package. Our Universal Control can be installed with a 120VAC lighting interface to coordinate with your décor. Infratech’s Home Management control option is designed to integrate seamlessly with popular smart home systems. (requires a 0-10V DC signal input).
The Infratech Contactor Panel with Timer is a control panel that will provide a timer to your simple on/off or duplex stack switch controls. We recommend this addition when purchasing one or two heaters when the user needs to have a timer only, but does not need the full heat intensity control that comes with the Universal Control Panel.
The Duplex Stack Switch is the most common control for one to two Infratech Dual Element Heaters. These switches allow you to turn one element on at a time, resulting in either a low or high setting. Additionally, theDuplex Stack Switchfor a either a one or two heater installation come in at less than $200.
Infratech solid-state controls give you the most efficient and versatile form of control for your heaters. While other lower cost controls are available, if your space calls for larger heaters or multiple heaters, solid-state controls quickly become your best choice for a quality installation. Contact us and let our qualified staff help you configure the best heaters and controls for your project.
Yes. It’s one of many innovative control options at your fingertips when you choose Infratech heaters like our Home Management System or Universal Control Package. Our Universal Control can be installed with a 120VAC lighting interface to coordinate with your décor. Infratech’s Home Management control option is designed to integrate seamlessly with popular smart home systems (requires a 0-10V DC signal input).
The Infratech Duplex Stack switches are wired from each element to each individual rocker switch, so they are only drawing 12.5 amps to each rocker switch. Each rocker is rated at 20 amps (a stack switch has two 20amp rockers)
Yes, it is recommended that Infratech Heaters should be left on for periods of up to four hours and then should be turned off and cooled down for fifteen minutes. By doing so, you will extend the life of your heating element, however, the heater will not overheat if left on.
The Universal Control Panel can use any 0-120VAC dimmer, including smart dimmers to integrate with your app
and Bluetooth capable devices.
Infratech does not offer a hand held remote control, however, with the purchase of a Universal Control Panel or a Home Management System, remote control via smart devices or hands-free voice commands can be achieved.
At this time, we don't have a list of electricians in the US who install Infratech Heaters, however, most well-established electricians will be familiar with the Infratech brand and will have had experience installing them.
Yes, it is highly recommended you use a licensed electrician to install Infratech Heaters. Most well-established electricians will have had experience installing Infratech Heaters.
Infratech offers a 3-year warranty on all products against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty period starts from the date of purchase. If you have any problem with your Infratech heater or part within 3 years, simply reach out to us and we will take care of the issue.
The Infratech warranty covers manufacturing defects and faults in materials or workmanship when subjected to normal domestic use and service. It does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, damage in shipment, discoloration and rust, improper assembly, and/or modification.
To make a Infratech warranty claim, please contact our customer service team at 1-800-697-7404. Provide your order number and details of the issue, and we will guide you through the process.
No, you do not need to register your product for warranty. Your warranty is automatically activated upon purchase.
If your product is out of warranty, you may still be eligible for repair or replacement at a cost. Please contact our customer service team for assistance at 1-800-697-7404.
If your product is found to be faulty within the warranty period, we will repair or replace it free of charge. If a repair or replacement is not possible, you may be eligible for a refund. If you believe the product is faulty, please reach to us for a troubleshooting call first at 1-800-697-7404.
Infratech quartz elements are rated for up to 5,000 hours of use. In many installations you may enjoy your heater for years before a replacement would be needed. Always refer to your specific heater manual for specific instructions, and be sure to disconnect the power to your heater before attempting to change an element.