Floor Radiant Heat vs. Re-Verber-Ray® Infrared Systems

Introduction

When it comes to creating comfortable and efficient heating solutions, there are many options to consider. One of the most popular home heating methods today is floor radiant heat, which delivers warmth through surfaces rather than blowing heated air. On the other side of the spectrum, Re-Verber-Ray® infrared heating systems offer versatile, powerful heating options for everything from industrial spaces to outdoor patios. Understanding the differences between these systems will help you choose the best solution for your unique space.

 

What Is Floor Radiant Heat?

Floor radiant heat is a heating method that warms your living area from the ground up. It works by circulating hot water through hydronic tubing or using electric heating mats embedded beneath the flooring surface. The result is a consistent, even warmth that radiates upward, making every step feel comfortable.

This type of heating comes with several advantages. It provides silent operation with no noisy fans or blowing air, which also means it won’t stir up dust or allergens. Homeowners often appreciate the uniform comfort, as there are no hot or cold spots within the room. Floor radiant heat is especially popular in bathrooms, bedrooms, and basements—spaces where warmth underfoot is highly valued.

That said, floor radiant systems are best suited for new construction or major renovations, since installation requires access beneath the flooring. Once installed, however, the comfort is hard to beat.

 

Introducing Re-Verber-Ray® Infrared Heating

Re-Verber-Ray®, manufactured by Detroit Radiant Products, specializes in a broad range of infrared heating solutions designed for commercial and industrial applications, as well as select outdoor settings. Unlike floor radiant systems that warm the flooring, infrared heaters emit radiant energy that directly warms people, objects, and surfaces—including the floor—in their path, much like the natural warmth of the sun. This heating of the floor becomes a significant benefit, as it helps dry surfaces, melt snow on vehicles, and prevent condensation on materials.

Re-Verber-Ray® offers several types of infrared heaters, including:

• High-intensity infrared heaters – Gas-fired systems that deliver strong, direct heat, often used in hangars, garages, and industrial spaces.
• Low-intensity radiant tube heaters – Gas-fired tubes with reflective housings that spread warmth evenly across large spaces. These are a go-to solution for warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers.
• Electric infrared heaters – Compact, quiet, and versatile, these units are ideal where gas infrastructure isn’t available. Models like the DSS Series offer remote controls, sleek designs, and outdoor ratings, making them perfect for commercial patios or outdoor dining areas.
• Outdoor and specialty heaters – Patio heaters and architectural models that combine performance with aesthetic appeal for outdoor environments.

With both gas and electric options available, Re-Verber-Ray® provides flexible heating choices for larger-scale projects, though it is not typically recommended for indoor residential use such as basements or bathrooms.

Floor Radiant Heat vs. Infrared Heating

While both systems rely on radiant heat, their operation and best-use cases differ significantly.

Floor radiant heat distributes warmth evenly through the flooring and into the room, creating a cozy and consistent environment. It is best suited for residential interiors, particularly where comfort underfoot and quiet operation are a priority. Floor heat can take hours if not up to a day to warm up a space, depending on the project.

Re-Verber-Ray® infrared heating, on the other hand, offers immediate, sun-like warmth directed at people, objects, and surfaces, including the floor, which enhances drying and prevents condensation. These systems are ideal for spaces where traditional heating is inefficient, such as large warehouses, high-ceiling environments, or outdoor patios.

Because they can be mounted on walls or ceilings, infrared systems are also easier to retrofit than underfloor heating and are tailored for larger-scale commercial, industrial, and outdoor applications rather than indoor residential settings.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Comfort: Floor radiant heat offers gentle, even warmth; infrared feels like direct sun exposure.
• Installation: Radiant requires floor integration (best during construction); infrared can be ceiling or wall-mounted.
• Applications: Radiant excels in residential living spaces; infrared thrives in commercial, industrial, and outdoor environments.
• Energy Sources: Radiant runs on electric or hydronic systems; Re-Verber-Ray® offers both gas and electric heaters.

 

When to Choose Floor Radiant Heat

Floor radiant heat is an excellent choice for homeowners who value comfort, quiet operation, and energy efficiency. If you’re planning a new build or major renovation, integrating a radiant system under flooring will pay off with years of reliable comfort. It’s particularly well-suited for bedrooms, bathrooms, and other living areas where warmth underfoot is most appreciated. This solution should not be used for heat “as needed” since it is designed to be running most of the time.

 

When Re-Verber-Ray® Infrared Heating Makes Sense

Re-Verber-Ray® infrared heaters shine in situations where floor radiant systems aren’t practical. Large industrial facilities, distribution centers, airplane hangars, and garages all benefit from infrared’s ability to warm people, objects, and surfaces directly—drying floors, melting snow on vehicles, and preventing condensation—without wasting energy on heating unused air volume.

For outdoor living or commercial patios, electric infrared models like the DSS Series offer stylish, weather-resistant performance with user-friendly controls. Re-Verber-Ray®’s wide range of products ensures a solution is available for larger-scale projects, making it ideal for challenging or expansive environments rather than indoor residential spaces.

 

Conclusion

Choosing between floor radiant heat and Re-Verber-Ray® infrared heating systems comes down to your space and needs. Radiant floor heating is unmatched for residential comfort and seamless integration, while Re-Verber-Ray® infrared products deliver versatile, efficient, and powerful heating for commercial, industrial, and outdoor applications.
If your goal is cozy, consistent warmth throughout your home, radiant floors are a smart investment. But if you need flexible heating for large, challenging, or outdoor environments, Re-Verber-Ray® infrared heaters are the clear winner.If your goal is cozy, consistent warmth throughout your home, radiant floors are a smart investment. But if you need flexible heating for large, challenging, or outdoor environments, Re-Verber-Ray® infrared heaters are the clear winner.

 

Give us a call, email, or fill out our Project Details form so we can start working on a radiant heat solution for your project!

Phone: (888) 501-0252

Email: sales@glradiant.com

Website: www.GLRadiant.com

Also feel free to check out Detroit Radiant Products for more information on our product!