Installing an Infrared Heater

Installing An Infratech Infrared Heater To A Screen Porch

When the weather turns cold, folks who have been living on their screened porches move indoors. I designed my screened porch so I could swap out my screens for Mylar wind panels. While this helps cut the wind, it’s still cold.
The only true way to be able to enjoy this porch year-round is to add heat. The million-dollar questions are:
1. What type of heat? And
2. How to do it safely?
What Are Infrared Heaters and How Do They Work?
Infrared heaters transfer heat to objects and people, rather than heating the air. Heated quartz elements within these heaters emit rays that are absorbed by other items, evenly distributing heat to surroundings. Infrared heaters have three things going for them:
1. Efficient Heating
While traditional heaters are rendered ineffective by drafty conditions, infrared heaters emit radiant energy that won’t be blown away in the wind.
They heat the objects at which they are pointed. This direct heat transfer is fundamentally different than other heating unit methods. This is why Infratech heaters are feasible in open-air settings.
2. No Emissions
Unlike gas heaters and fireplaces, infrared heaters do not emit carbon monoxide.
3. Cost-effective
Infrared heaters convert 93 percent of energy into heat, making them both cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Choosing the Right Infrared Heater
Before installing an infrared heating system on your screened porch, there are several factors to consider.
Size
If your screened porch is relatively tiny, a small, single-element heater may be all you need. But if your space is larger, you may want to consider installing a larger-dual element model or more than one heater.

We Chose Infratech Heaters
We decided to use Infratech brand heaters based on their reputation, safety features, aesthetics, and the fact that they are manufactured in Southern California.

Side-By-Side Install
For this installation, the electrician had to install a 30 amp circuit breaker and dedicated wire for each heater.
Opening the wall allowed us to eliminate an old cable box and remove an outlet from an old TV. It also allowed us to snake the wires up above the terrace door header.
The 14’x14’ cathedral ceiling, screened porch has Mylar storm panels in the winter months, which eliminates any wind issues. Using the rule of thumb of one heater heats a 10’x10’ area, we chose to install two heaters side by side, eight feet high, to ensure even coverage throughout the 14-foot by 14-foot porch.
Both heaters face outward and are controlled by a Duplex switch, allowing me to individually operate my two heaters on ½ heat, or high heat, or a combination of both. My electrician installed the units after we patched in the wall paneling.

3 Rules of Thumb
• A single heater can typically provide heat for a 10×10-foot radius.
• Install your infrared heaters above or around seating areas where people will be sitting.
• Consider personal expectations and wind exposure when choosing to go with one or more heaters. If in doubt, go higher in heater wattage, choose a dual element over a single element heater or increase the number of heaters used, and then “dial down” the heat with a controller.
Infratech Heater Mounting Clearances
The Infratech heater must be installed with the quartz tube horizontally level. It’s important to always maintain the minimum clearances from the heater body to any combustible materials.
Infratech heater clearances:
• Minimum 18″ clearance on all four sides
• Minimum 36″ directly in front
• Minimum 72″ from floor
• Minimum 6″ clearance provided by wall mounting brackets
Infratech Mounting Options
When choosing an infrared heater consider mounting options, Infratech offers three choices:
1. Flush [most popular – flush mount in ceiling]
2. Wall [wall mount brackets are shown above]
3. Pole [8-foot pole with 12” x 12” heavy base.
4. Ceiling Mounted (Mounting Brackets included in heaters)
When wall mounting like we did it is recommended that you angle fixture 30 to 60 degrees from horizontal face down, with 45-degrees as being the best angle. It is also recommended to install the heater to heat from the cold side, if possible.
Cost to Install
The total cost of purchasing and installing an infrared heating system for your screened porch will typically be around $1000 to 1600 per heater, depending on where you live and electrician costs. The overall cost may be affected if you need to upgrade your circuit box or repair drywall for the project. To figure out your cost use this formula
Cost to Run an Infratech Heater
At 4000-watts, an Infratech heater will cost [according to National Ave] $0.60 an hour to run at 93% efficiency. In comparison, propane costs $ 2.00 an hour to run and gas $0.45 an hour but runs at 60% effective due to the heat rising and lost efficiency — even in windless conditions.

[ramyswar]

Thanks bro. I have a couple but didn't know the most efficient way to do it. Now I understand much better.

[RobertLeBlancPhoto]

This is a great solution for garages and other enclosed spaces that are potentially dangerous for gas or liquid fuel heaters. I'm considering one for my 2-car attached garage that I'm converting into a home workshop.

[comptegoogle]

I've brainstormed about using infrared heater like this for windmills repairs. You take three 6000W radiant heaters with a heavy-duty casing, a 20kW generator, a pipeline welders tent, two 4' X 8' plywoods with coarse grip tape for the floor a few reflecting tarps, and voilà. This way you have a heating system and an epoxy post-cure system without having to put a heating blanket with a vacuum bag to hold it for the post cure system.

[EastCoastReefer]

Excellent and thorough video. Thank you Sir. 🙏

[kirkby]

Far Infrared Heater Bar (No Light) works brilliantly 👍👍

[MrNashGussets]

I'm curious about your detailing of the screens and alternative panels.

[teres]

Thank you for your video! I am immunocompromised and this type of heat is advisable. Thank you sir, I'll look at cost in my area.

[kitanul]

QQ- so for your installation, they are angled downwards and how the sides don't have the minimum of 18" clearance. Wanted to get your thoughts if i'm missing something, thanks!!

[MaryKelliny]

My installer is having an issue with the metal cage as he says there’s no area to put them into. Can you advise?

[allthegearuk]

I am planning to use this style of heater in my garage as it's poorly insulated so it's pointless hearing the air but it warms to tools I handle on a cold day.

[mikealvis]

Great video. Great product. I have a 10x20 sun room uninsulated with glass roof and one side sliding and retractable glass wall. The room is very cold during the cold months. I like to have two of these heaters installed on the wooded side of the room. Where in Canada could I buy them. I live in Brampton, Ontario. I would appreciate if you will kindly forward me the source in Canada, failing which, the name of the company you purchased from.
Regards,
Mike

[danmcgovern]

Great video! Do you think these would be good for a workshop/garage? Any other suggestions?

[kalpeshpatel-jlec]

Do we need special direct electric cable from meter to connect this heater or just simple plug in?

[beneb]

Are the gas radiant type heaters similar in safety (carbon monoxide) and efficiency? I've kind of been leaning that way over electric but having a hard time deciphering some of the details.

[alexallias]

What heaters did you install? All I heard is they were using 30amp circuits each.

[deanaf]

Im going to stick one in my crawl space.

[JJLegoFan]

This video was a lifesaver for us!! We just installed one on our screen porch in our new house since this spring has turned out cooler than we imagined! My husband has gotten so many amazing projects he can do himself from watching you! Do you have a course or guides I can buy to give as Father's Day gifts to some of his friends and our family?

[keithrayeski]

And if I wanted to install them in my garage? Yes? No? My garage is 24X24. It is insulated and sheetrocked. I have half (well, maybe I use a smidge more😁) for my workshop. The other half houses my wife’s car. I’m looking for a cost efficient means to heat it when I’m working in my workshop or, on the vehicles. I do the main duct that goes from my basement furnace to both the first and second floor, in the garage and it’s boxed in and sheet rock covered as well. I thought about jumping into that the a sort of industrial style pipe with vents I can turn off or in with a baffle. Oh, it’s gas furnace with forced hot air. So, is that a better option for me or might a couple of these heaters be better? Hey, I love having a local guy of your talent on YouTube! Concord Carpenter...I think of a 1770’s carpenter/woodworker! I know, profiling!!🤣🇺🇸👍🏻

[CT-gmmm]

But does it pop popcorn? You could totally freak out friends by doing that and watch them get their tinfoil hats out.

[jncn]

Did you receive the heaters free or at a discounted rate? If your planning on using an outdoor space year round, a four seasons room makes more sense to start with. Proper planning prevents these bad decisions.
Radiant heat is a much better choice in the floor.