Characteristics by Erik Bengtsson, Chief Engineer

General

Radiant Heating is an energy efficient solution for most heating applications and results from rays of heat being transmitted from a heat source in straight lines, with an effect similar to sunlight. The heat rays are partially absorbed and partially reflected by the surfaces they meet with minimal absorbation by air.

AlfaHeat

AlfaStrip and AlfaCassette long wave low temperature electric radiant heaters operate at a surface temperature of 300dgrC resp. 95 dgrC with an essentially black heat output and diffused heat distribution. They provide heat both directly, with no glow and silent operation, and indirectly, by re-radiation from floors, walls and other surfaces. The gentle heat they provide, limits hot head/cold feet scenarios and their quick response make them ideal for sensitive, intermittently used or large spaces which have significant air movement, such as churches and loading bays. The AlfaHeat heaters also offer increased energy savings by reducing ventilation heat loss. Furthermore, as they are ceiling mounted and out of reach, they offer increased safety and are therefore ideal for day-care centres, schools, nursing homes, shops, showrooms, work shops etc.

Draught Free

AlfaHeat heaters provide an increased level of thermal comfort over other forms of heating by providing draught free heating and increasing the surrounding surface temperatures. Unlike other forms of heating, AlfaHeat do not heat the air directly, which would increase energy consumption, create air movement, dust circulation and unwanted draughts and they provide an increased level of thermal comfort, despite a 3-6dgrC lower air temperature.

AlfaStrip heating offer the additional benefit that any radiation striking a window is largely absorbed, with the effect that down draughts and the risk of condensation on the glass tend to be reduced.

Energy Efficiency

The AlfaHeat radiant heating system is approx. 90% energy efficient and offers savings of 25-50% compared to conventional heating systems.

The installation of appropriate and effective controls may decrease energy consumption further. The correct application of a radiant heating system results in lower running costs coupled with increased thermal comfort.

To ensure successful and efficient heating, we recommend that buildings are firstly well sealed and have a high level of effective fabric insulation, given low U-values.

The AlfaHeat systems are simple and inexpensive to install with a very long life span, makes them the logical choice for many applications.