There are two types of infrared heating - high intensity and low intensity. High-intensity heaters have been around since the 1950s. These types of heaters require high mounting heights due to an open flame that covers a ceramic surface. High-intensity heaters also have a reflector to help direct the heat where it needs to go. These are used to spot-heat areas with few workers and are typically unvented.

Low-intensity gas-fired infrared heaters systems emulate the true efficiency of the sun by generating radiant heat energy. They consist of three main components - a burner control box, black-coated radiant emitter tubes, and a highly polished reflector assembly. The heaters are typically suspended from the ceiling by chains and are controlled by a thermostat. They can be installed either vented or unvented. They may use outside air for combustion, if necessary. And they may be installed in different configurations, depending on the heating requirements.

Low-intensity heaters also have an enclosed flame. When heat is required, the burner control box ignites a gas/air mixture. Hot gas is pushed through steel radiant tubing by an internal fan. As this gas passes through the assembly, the tubing is heated and emits infrared energy, which is then directed toward the floor by highly polished reflectors. This energy is absorbed by objects in its path. Objects in the path of the infrared convector heater energy re-radiate this heat to create a comfort zone at the floor level. This method of heating, as opposed to filling a room with warm air, allows the source of heat to begin at the floor level and not the ceiling.

With a forced-air system, heat escapes as doors are opened. When the doors close, the system has to reheat the air as if from a cold start-up. However, with infrared electric fireplace heater heat, the floor acts as a reservoir. When doors are opened, the slab loses very little of its heat. When the doors close, this mass acts as a huge heat sink to warm surrounding air. This creates the most efficient and effective heating method for the diverse conditions present in most commercial and industrial applications.