The sun is the original source of the infrared spectrum. 53% of the energy from the sun is infrared heat, 44% is visible light and 3% is ultraviolet light. Whilst we have enjoyed the sun’s benefits since the dawn of time, it is only within the last 150 or so years that we have developed our understanding of infrared wavelengths.
The sun does not heat the air itself; rather it heats objects and the earth’s surface.
Regardless of how warm it is at the foot of a building, it will be somewhat cooler at the top, even though it is nearer the sun. This is because the sun’s energy heats the mass of the earth, building and ground, not the air directly; everything emits radiant heat.
It is recognised that a few people in a small room can emit sufficient heat to increase the temperature significantly, as warmer ‘objects’ transfer heat to the cooler ones. Infrared is a natural source of energy known for its direct heating capability, as well as providing several potential health benefits.
Infrared heat is different from traditional convection heat in that it does not cause constant air circulation, and therefore provides a much more even distribution of heat and temperature.