This paper presents the results of an analytical study to compare the energy requirements for a radiant. space heating system to that required for a convection heating system. The application is to total building heating, primarily industrial, using a high intensity radiant heating system or a convection hot-air heating system.

The use of infrared radiant heaters in total building heating in comparison to the convection hot--air heating requires a somewhat different engineering approach in designing a proper system. Since nonvented radiant heaters give off both radiant heat and heat in the products of combustion, they transfer heat by both convection and radiation. Thus, a radiant installation that provides the building heat loss at a confortable environmental condition differs from the 100% convection hot-air system. This difference depends on the percentage of heat supplied that is transferred by radiation to the surfaces of the space.

The total heat input required for a specific building heated by radiant heating and by convection heating was determined and compared by an analytical model set-up for computer solution. The comparison was made for equal comfort of the occupants.