The last decade has seen a variety of improvements in commercial infrared (IR) heating technologies. The concept of "task heating" has caught on in industrial and some commercial applications, resulting in significant energy savings. Better controls and focusing of infrared heat allow a reduction in overall space temperatures while raising localized workstation temperatures, making this option worthy of a fresh look.
For a short tutorial on the physics involved, go to www.solarproducts.com and find "IR 101" under its "Resources." But here's the bottom line: Infrared energy is essentially light at a greater wavelength, so thinking in terms of "task heating" (like task lighting brightens some areas over others) can help designers take advantage of IR's characteristics.