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TANSUN Frequently Asked Questions

Are infrared heaters expensive to run?

Using Tansun’s free heating design service, our infrared heaters are energy efficient and cost effective. By installing Tansun infrared heaters, you could have up to 75% off your annual heating bills. By adding Tansun’s variable controls and occupancy sensors you can save even more energy by adjusting the heat requirements to the different weather conditions and environments. We can estimate all your costs in advance and take into consideration all the benefits of having no warm up times.

How long do Tansun infrared lamps (emitters) last?

Unfortunately no supplier can 100% guarantee the exact length of its lamps, but Tansun’s reputation for working with only the world’s best lamp suppliers, mean that you can expect an average lifespan of around 7000 hours. Utilising Tansun’s range of digital variable controllers can increase the life of the emitter (lamp) by up to 20%. We use a ‘soft start’ technology that reduces the high ‘inrush’ and in turn adds to the lamps' lifespan.

Are Tansun's range of infrared heaters suitable for outdoors
Yes. Our quartz infrared heaters produce short wave infrared (the only type that can heat outdoor areas effectively and suffer no heat loss through draft). Unlike gas alternatives that need safety checks every day, our infrared heaters are virtually maintenance free and completely safe. Tansun offers a full range of IP weatherproof heaters that are suitable for outdoor heating. Our infrared heaters use a special powder coating that prevents rusting.
Which major brands have we worked with?

Tansun have worked on a diverse range of projects globally, with some of the world’s most well-known brands. Some of these include Google, Costa Coffee, McDonalds, Coca Cola and many more.

Where can I buy Tansun infrared heaters?

Tansun has built an extensive international network of distributors over the past 40+ years. Whether you're in the UK or overseas, we can help you find a trusted supplier. To find the nearest distributor, simply contact us or call us directly at 0121 580 6200. Provide your location details, and our team will guide you to the most convenient option for purchasing Tansun infrared heaters.

Are infrared heaters good?

Yes, infrared heaters are an excellent choice for efficient, eco-friendly heating. They are particularly well-suited for decarbonisation efforts as they provide instant electric heat without the need for pre-heating. Unlike traditional heating systems, Tansun infrared heaters require no ongoing servicing, making them virtually maintenance-free. They have earned a 'fit and forget' reputation for providing hassle-free, reliable heating that’s both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

What is quartz heating?

Quartz heaters work like the sun, radiating their heat instantly to the person or objects within their beam. It is the most effective way to warm people, as there is no warm-up period. Also, as the air in between remains unheated no heat is lost to draughts, open doors or high roof spaces. This form of heating is ideal in part-occupied buildings as the heating can be zoned and controlled. For more information on quartz heating, please visit our "How Quartz Heating Works" page, within our "Technical" section.

Are quartz heaters safe to use?

Of course. There are many misconceptions about quartz short wave infrared heat, and we are here to clear up all the blurred lines that seem to be making people misconceive this heating technology. It is a completely silent, gentle and healthy heat. No emissions are emitted from the heaters, and quartz infrared heaters are actually safer than other types of heating due to them not reducing the humidity or oxygen content in the room.

Quartz heaters work very similarly to the sun, and you can enjoy the benefits of natural sunlight warmth without the harmful UV rays penetrating the skin. The short wave infrared heat will even promote healthier blood circulation. For more information about quartz heating, please visit our "How Quartz Heating Work" page.

Is there any ultraviolet (UV) output from Tansun heaters?

No. Tansun infrared heaters use quartz elements and project only ‘pure infrared heat’, meaning no ultraviolet (UV) light.

Are quartz heaters controllable?

Yes! Tansun’s range of quartz heaters are fully controllable, and we have a range of energy saving controllers to help increase the energy efficiency of your infrared heater. Our controllers allow our infrared heaters to be dimmed down from 100% to 75% to 50% to OFF, all with the switch of a button on one of our handy remote controls. For more information, please visit our "Heater Controllers" page within the "Accessories" section.

Why are some heaters cheap and others expensive?

Tansun infrared heaters are manufactured in the UK out of high quality durable materials and are built to last. Cheaper alternatives on the market, make use of cheaper materials for their manufacturing process and often the manufacturing is sourced from overseas and then shipped back over to the UK. All of Tansun’s products are designed and manufactured in the UK.

Why electric over gas?

Gas heaters are not ideal for heating outdoor areas for many reasons. They emit harmful fumes as a by-product of fuel burning and any heat that they do produce gets taken away by the draughts and winds. They are often less than 50% energy efficient, whereas Tansun electric infrared heaters convert over 96% of their input into heat. In simpler terms, a standard 15kW gas ‘mushroom’ heater is the equivalent of a 1.5kW Tansun infrared heater, due to its directional heat.

Electric quartz infrared heaters do not need extensive pipework installations unlike gas heaters, which also come with the downfall of ongoing maintenance which can prove even more costly when mounted high up. For more information on gas heaters vs electric heaters, please visit our "Heating Comparisons" page in our "Technical" section.

Is a quartz heater the same as an infrared heater?

Quartz heaters are a type of infrared heater. They work by emitting shortwave or near-infrared radiation, which produces intense heat and a bright glow. This type of heater is particularly effective for situations that require rapid warm-up and focused, directional heating. The fast response time and concentrated heat output make quartz heaters a popular choice in both domestic and commercial settings.

Are halogen heaters infrared?

Yes, tungsten heaters, halogen heaters, and quartz heaters all emit near-infrared radiation, a shortwave form of infrared that produces a bright glow and intense heat. While all these heaters fall under the category of infrared heaters, not all infrared heaters are halogen heaters. Halogen heaters are particularly valued for their quick warm-up times and the ability to provide immediate, focused heat.

Are infrared heaters run by electricity?

All Tansun infrared heaters are powered by electricity, making them an ideal choice for reducing carbon emissions in buildings. By using electricity instead of conventional gas or fossil fuels, infrared heaters support the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. This shift is crucial for meeting decarbonisation goals and reducing the environmental impact of heating systems. Tansun infrared heating systems can be paired with a greener energy tariff to ensure your carbon footprint is minimised – forming a highly efficient heating solution.

Do infrared heaters have timers?

Tansun offers a range of optional energy-saving controllers, including time lag switches, thermostats and other advanced components. These controllers allow you to heat a space only when necessary, such as during scheduled operational hours or when movement is detected. Our precise controls not only optimise energy use but can also enhance comfort by quickly adjusting temperatures to the desired level when needed.

How much does an infrared heater cost per hour?

This depends on the price you pay per kWh, the total wattage of your heating system, and the type of controllability you build in. When dimmed, our heaters run at a lower cost per kWh, offering targeted zonal heating to desired areas. This brings substantial energy savings compared to consistently heating a large space with an outdated gas-fired system all day.

For example, a 1.5kWh heater would cost 37p an hour to run at 100% power according to the UK energy price cap (October 2024). When dimmed at 50% using an energy saving controller, this would lead to energy savings of 18.5p per hour. Adding additional controls such as time lag switches ensure that the heaters will be in use only when needed for a set number of hours, saving substantially compared to a conventional heating system. 

How are Tansun products tested?

Tansun only sell heaters that have full certifications, meaning that they are independently and rigorously tested to meet the required standards of safety. In addition to this, Tansun thoroughly test all products for hundreds of hours to make sure they are not only safe but they are the most reliable heaters available.

What does IP rating mean?

The term “IP” stands for ingress protection and IP codes provide industry standards for measuring the resilience of electric appliances against ingress from solid or liquid particles. It is a legal requirement for all electrical products to be IP rated. For more information on IP ratings and their meanings, please visit our "IP Rating" page within our "Technical" section.

Can I download technical specification information?

Yes. All of our technical specification sheets and more are available on our "Downloads" page within the "Technical" section.

Is ceramic or infrared heater better?

The choice between a ceramic and infrared heater depends on your specific heating requirements. Shortwave infrared heaters are ideal for areas with high ceilings or those that are difficult to heat, as they provide instant, directional heat. On the other hand, ceramic infrared heaters are preferred in indoor or semi-enclosed situations where less light, intensity or a subtler glow is desired. Both options offer efficient heating solutions, but the best choice will depend on the environment and aesthetic considerations.

What area does a 2kW ceramic infrared heater cover?

Our Sorrento and Eclipse ceramic heater ranges can form a zero-light 2kW infrared heating system, incorporating advanced ceramic heating technology to offer superior heat coverage. Full technical specification is available on each product page which offers more technical details on heat coverage. You can also download a technical spec sheet on each page to see full information on heat zones.

How many amps does an infrared heater use?

The amperage required for an infrared heater varies by product and can be found on our individual product pages, technical specification sheets, and OEM manuals. On some industrial heaters, Tansun offers 3-phase options where needed. A benefit of 3-phase systems is that they allow for higher power levels and greater efficiency in large installations. 3-phase systems are particularly useful in commercial or industrial settings where substantial heating capacity is needed.

Can an infrared quartz heater be hung from the ceiling?

Yes, some of our infrared quartz heaters can be hung from the ceiling. Tansun has spent over 40 years engineering our heaters in the UK, ensuring that each product undergoes rigorous testing to determine the most appropriate mounting options. Whether ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted, our heaters are designed for flexibility to meet various installation needs. For specific guidance on ceiling mounting, refer to the detailed instructions provided in our OEM manuals to ensure safe and effective installation.

How best to mount infrared heaters?

The optimal way to mount infrared heaters depends on factors like room size, ceiling height, and the specific heating needs of the space. Our OEM manuals provide comprehensive guidance on suitable mounting heights, clearances, and other technical considerations to help you achieve the best coverage and efficiency from your heater. Tansun also offers dedicated bracketry and custom bracket components designed for challenging environments, allowing for precise, targeted heating where it’s most needed.

Are infrared heaters better than convection heaters?

Infrared heaters are generally more efficient than convection heaters because they provide targeted, directional heat directly to people and objects, rather than just warming the air. This makes them less susceptible to the effects of air movement or draughts, which can significantly reduce the effectiveness of convection heaters. As a result, infrared heaters are often the preferred choice in spaces where consistent and efficient heating is required, especially in areas prone to heat loss.

Do infrared heaters have a hot surface?

Tansun heaters are designed and engineered to run cool leading to the long life span of the heaters. They can be hot to touch but these heaters are typically mounted at a height that keeps them safely out of reach. To further enhance safety, Tansun offers protective guards that can be installed in areas where the heaters may be within reach. Tansun panel heaters feel about the same as a radiator to touch. All our heaters are tested and conform to the appropriate testing standards set out by independent bodies.

For specific information on surface temperatures and mounting procedures, please consult our OEM instruction manuals.

Are infrared heaters best placed under a window or on an opp

The optimal placement of infrared heaters depends on the layout of your building and the specific heating requirements of the space. To help you determine the best positioning for your heaters, Tansun offers a FREE design scheme service. Our energy consultants will work with you to develop a heating plan that ensures even and efficient coverage, taking into account factors such as room dimensions, rate of air movement, and usage patterns.

Do I need a separate remote for each heater?

The Tansun 6 channel remote will control 6 heating zones. Multiple heaters per zone/channel can be controlled. The relevant kW receiver per heater/s will be required dependent on heater type. Please visit our "Heater Controllers" page within the "Accessories" section for more information or get in touch with our team to discuss more comprehensive control options. 

How do you install Tansun heaters?

Tansun infrared heaters are easy to install and due to their design, they offer greater versatility upon installation. However, we do still recommend that you use a qualified electrician for your installation. If you would like further information on the installation of Tansun heaters, please give us a call or visit our "Contact" page.

Can I get a European plug fitted on my heater?

Tansun infrared heaters come with 3.0 metres of cord fitted with either a UK plug or Schucko EU plug. Appropriate lead and plugs will be fitted when orders are placed.

How to service an infrared heater?

Unlike conventional heating systems, Tansun infrared heaters do not require annual servicing. They are designed to be maintenance-free, offering long-lasting performance with minimal upkeep. However, we do provide basic maintenance tips for cleaning in our OEM manuals to help you keep your heater in optimal condition. Built with superior UK-engineered components, Tansun heaters are crafted to deliver hassle-free heating that you can rely on year after year.

Can an infrared heater be hung from the ceiling instead?

Yes, an infrared heater can be hung from the ceiling instead of the wall. Tansun infrared heaters are designed with versatile mounting options to suit different installation needs. Ceiling mounting is a great choice for maximising floor space and ensuring even heat distribution. Our OEM manuals provide detailed instructions on the appropriate mounting procedures, clearances, and brackets needed for ceiling installation to ensure optimal performance and safety.