How does infrared radiant heating work?
Any object that is warmer than absolute 0°, radiates energy. Approximately 50% of the sun’s energy is infrared radiation or energy in the “far-end” spectrum. This spectrum of energy is not visible so it does not interfere with photosynthesis or photo-period sensitive plant material. Infrared energy travels at the speed of light, reaching the 93 million mile distance from sun to Earth in about 8 1/3 minutes. This energy is then absorbed by the Earth and objects on the Earth, and then converted to heat. That’s why it is warmer close to the ground than it is at 35,000 feet in the air, even though that is closer to the sun.
