1. Introduction

Infrared heat is transforming how we warm spaces from patios to commercial buildings to industrial facilities. This article explores how infrared heat works, where it is used, and why it is a smart choice for modern heating needs.

2. What Is Infrared Heat?

Infrared heat warms objects and people directly, just like sun. Instead of heating the air, it transfers energy through invisible infrared waves to people and objects, creating efficient, targeted warmth.

Typical heating systems involve a gas-fired flame enclosed within a metal tube, which heats up and emits infrared energy. This energy is then reflected downward by reflectors and absorbed by objects like floors, equipment, and people.

3. Here are everyday examples of infrared heat in action:

· The Sun: Sunlight emits a wide range of energy and a substantial portion of it falls on the infrared spectrum. This infrared energy is what creates the sensation of warmth when you are outside on a sunny day, even if the air temperature is cool.

· Infrared Heaters: Infrared heaters are devices designed to directly warm objects and people in their vicinity, rather than heating the surrounding air. Infrared heaters provide consistent and targeted warmth.

· Heat Lamps: Bathroom heat lamps and those used in restaurants emit infrared energy to keep food warm.

4. Common Applications of Our Infrared Heat

Infrared heat is versatile and effective across many environments. Common applications include:

· Commercial:

.1. Outdoor Patios and Dining Areas: Extending seasonal use with heaters that keep you warm on a chilly evening while dining outside.

.2. Sports Facilities: Keeps spectators and athletes warm without disrupting the environment with noise or airflow.

· Industrial:

.1. Aircraft Hangars and Industrial Facilities: Effective in large, draft-prone buildings where maintaining air temperature is challenging.

.2. Large Warehouses and Garages: Ideal for high-ceiling environments where traditional heating is inefficient.

· Agricultural:

1. Agricultural Buildings (Barns, Greenhouses): Helps maintain comfortable conditions for livestock or plant growth. Infrared systems do not rely on air circulation, they do not stir up dust, dander, or pathogens, which is especially important in enclosed animal housing.

5. Benefits of Infrared Heat

Gas-fired, low-intensity infrared heat offers several key advantages:

· Energy Efficiency: Low-intensity infrared heaters warm people and objects directly, reducing heat loss and energy waste. This targeted heating approach is especially effective in large or open spaces.

· Improved Air Quality: Since infrared heat does not rely on air circulation, it minimizes the movement of dust, allergens, and other airborne particles promoting a cleaner, healthier environment.

· Comfort: Comfortable and consistent warmth without the drafts or noise associated with forced-air systems.

· Zoned Heating Capability: Infrared systems can be configured to heat specific zones or areas, allowing for greater control and reduced energy usage in unoccupied spaces.

· Durability and Low Maintenance: Low-intensity infrared heaters are built for long-term use with minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution over time.

· Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications from outdoor patios and loading docks to warehouses and sports arenas, these systems adapt well to different environments and layouts.

Want to learn how infrared heat can improve comfort and efficiency in your space? Contact Roberts-Gordon to explore tailored solutions.

Buffalo, NY – September 8, 2025– Roberts-Gordon, a Madison Air company, proudly introduces the UltraVibe™ Two-Stage Outdoor Infrared Heater (VOH). Model VOH is a cutting-edge solution designed to extend the usability of outdoor spaces year-round while delivering enhanced comfort and energy efficiency.

Engineered for patios, outdoor venues, golf ranges, and residential decks, UltraVibe™ heaters provide targeted, sun-like warmth that heats people and objects directly, rather than heating the air. This radiant approach helps ensure cozy, draft-free comfort even in open-air environments, helping businesses increase seating capacity and revenue during colder months.           

“UltraVibe™ is more than a heater, it’s a smart investment for outdoor spaces,” said Danny Henry, General Manager at Roberts-Gordon. “With dual-stage operation and a sleek, durable design, it’s built to perform, impress, and last.”

Available in natural gas only, UltraVibe™ has three compact sizes offering high heat output in shorter lengths which is ideal for space-conscious installations. With high (low) inputs of 80,000 Btu/h (55,000), 100,000 Btu/h (70,000), and 125,000 Btu/h (85,000), UltraVibe™ features two-stage heat control for adaptive comfort and energy savings. External LED burner status lights indicate operating mode.

UltraVibe™ heaters are designed to complement outdoor aesthetics and endure harsh climates with a sleek, black powder-coated burner, optional hexagon aluminum grille for safety and style, durable components, and a vinyl-coated flexible stainless steel gas hose. Quiet, overhead installation keeps heaters out of the way while maximizing usable space. UltraVibe™ is certified to ANSI Z83.20/CSA 2.34, 2.17, 2.20 and backed by Roberts-Gordon’s decades of infrared heating expertise and a three-year warranty.

Whether heating a bustling patio or a quiet residential deck, UltraVibe™ helps keep outdoor spaces open and profitable year-round. UltraVibe™ Outdoor Patio Heaters are available through the company’s extensive representative network. For more information, visit www.RobertsGordon.com.

About Roberts-Gordon

Over 60 years ago, Roberts-Gordon pioneered infrared heating with the launch of its CORAYVAC® burners-in-series system. Today, we remain an industry leader, enhancing comfort, productivity, and well-being in commercial and industrial spaces. Our broad portfolio includes gas low-intensity and gas/electric high-intensity infrared heaters. Please visit https://www.robertsgordon.com/.

About Madison Air

Madison Air, one of the world’s leading privately held companies, combines the innovation and nimble, responsive service of a startup with the sophistication and scale of a global enterprise. Madison Air’s best-in-class portfolio of innovative brands make the world safer, healthier, and more productive through the power of better air. Our purpose is rooted in the belief that whether it’s protecting valuable data or equipment, optimizing crop quality and yield, or improving the productivity, health and retention of your workers, there’s a direct correlation between air and outcomes. Please visit us at www.madisonair.com.

The AHR Expo 2026 wrapped up in Las Vegas after three packed days of innovation and collaboration. This year’s expo brought together tens of thousands of HVACR professionals in Las Vegas from February 2–4, highlighting the newest technologies shaping the future of heating, cooling, and building comfort.

Roberts‑Gordon stood out as a leader in energy‑efficient heating—showcasing breakthrough solutions designed to improve comfort, performance, and operational efficiency across industrial, commercial, and residential environments.

What is the AHR Expo?

The AHR expo is the main event for HVACR. This expo brings the entire HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) industry together to showcase cutting-edge products and technologies, gain insights from industry leaders, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and drive business and career growth.

Products we Showcased:

DTH Docked Trailer Heater

A highlight of the show was the launch of the DTH Docked Trailer Heater. Designed to address long‑standing challenges in warehouse and logistics operations, the DTH rapidly conditions cold trailers to improve worker comfort, safety, and loading efficiency.

Our DTH docked trailer heater isn’t just for the winter months. With a built-in fan mode, the DTH supports year-round comfort, enhances employee satisfaction, and helps cut down on energy use and delays during warmer months.

In addition, Anna Sarvello, our Sr. Director of Strategy and Marketing, gave an informative session that dove deeper into why the DTH is an ideal solution for loading docks and distribution centers.

GordonGlo™ Elite Patio Heater

Built with comfort and durability in mind, GordonGlo™ Elite patio heaters are designed to warm outdoor areas and extend seating capacity. Increasing seating capacity and revenue, GordonGlo™ Elite heaters are an ideal addition to outdoor spaces struggling with high heat loss.

VANTAGE® Low‑Intensity Gas‑Fired Infrared Heater

Whether it’s a warehouse, an auto dealership or a restaurant outdoor patio, VANTAGE® family solutions provide years of comfort and warmth. VANTAGE® infrared tube heaters provide proven reliability with thousands of installations spanning decades.

Connecting with Our Customers

After the show, Roberts-Gordon had the great opportunity to host our reps and distributors for a reception. The night included dinner, drinks, and good conversation. Our customers are integral to our mission, and it was great to celebrate all of their hard work.

Looking Ahead to the Future

Roberts‑Gordon’s presence at AHR Expo 2026 demonstrated not only the company’s commitment to advancing heating technology, but also its dedication to supporting representatives, contractors, and engineers with solutions that improve comfort, energy use, and efficiency. We look forward to exhibiting at next year’s show!