Service manual

CRV-SERIES DESIGN MANUAL

2.3 Fuel Savings and Comfort

Space heating can be accomplished with less input

capacity when a radiant heating system is utilized,

rather than with a conventional convective heating

system. Why is this so?

A conventional, convective heating system, such as

a unit heater or central furnace works by heating the

air, which then indirectly heats the area and

occupants. CRV-Series utilizes infrared energy to

heat objects, people and surfaces directly, not the air.

The warm objects and floor create a heat reservoir,

which then re-radiates to the surroundings and also

heats the air by convection.

The radiant energy received by the occupants,

directly from the heater or indirectly from the

surroundings via re-radiation, serves to increase the

mean radiant temperature (MRT) of the space. In a

manner similar to direct sunlight, the increased MRT

allows the occupant to perceive a comfort condition

at a reduced air temperature. The resulting reduced

air temperature within the space provides the

following fuel-saving advantages:

• Reduced stratification of air in the space.

• Reduced transmission heat loss due to lower

temperature inside than assumed design

condition.

• Reduced air change heat loss, to the extent that

exfiltration through cracks or openings near the

roof will be decreased because of decreased

stack effect.

• Decreases the actual degree days experienced.