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footfootfoot · 10-04-2010, 11:18 AM

Nirvana,
Those numbers are misleading. Consider that 1500w of electric heat is the same heat output of approximately 15 100watt light bulbs. (Incandescent bulbs convert about 98% of the energy they consume into heat, about 2% into light) Do you think you could heat a 20x25 room with only 15 100 watt light bulbs? No.

Infra red heaters heat the objects in their path, so that value of heating a 1000sf room is assuming you won't be too far from the source to be warmed by it. The trouble is, if you are in the 'shade' of a large horse, you will not receive the benefit of the heat. IR heat is like standing in the sun on a cold day. It is still cold outside, but you are warm as long as you are in the sun, move to the shade and you are cold.

You might want a heater that heats the air, if you are in an enclosed space without constant air changes. A barn is not a good place to try to heat the air, an IR heater would be better as long as you or what you want to be warm is in direct line of sight of the heating elements.

I'd do some more general research on types of heaters and how they work before you plonk down any money.

10-04-2010, 11:18 AM	#2
footfootfoot To shreds, you say? Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: in the house and on the street-how many, many feet we meet! Posts: 18,449	Nirvana, Those numbers are misleading. Consider that 1500w of electric heat is the same heat output of approximately 15 100watt light bulbs. (Incandescent bulbs convert about 98% of the energy they consume into heat, about 2% into light) Do you think you could heat a 20x25 room with only 15 100 watt light bulbs? No. Infra red heaters heat the objects in their path, so that value of heating a 1000sf room is assuming you won't be too far from the source to be warmed by it. The trouble is, if you are in the 'shade' of a large horse, you will not receive the benefit of the heat. IR heat is like standing in the sun on a cold day. It is still cold outside, but you are warm as long as you are in the sun, move to the shade and you are cold. You might want a heater that heats the air, if you are in an enclosed space without constant air changes. A barn is not a good place to try to heat the air, an IR heater would be better as long as you or what you want to be warm is in direct line of sight of the heating elements. I'd do some more general research on types of heaters and how they work before you plonk down any money. __________________ The internet is a hateful stew of vomit you can never take completely seriously. - Her Fobs