Infrared heating leads to significant energy savings when drying and curing paints and coatings, as only the surface or coating is heated with no energy wasted heating the underlying material. Fans, pumps, and blowers are not needed to provide combustion air, pump thermal oil through heat exchangers, or to circulate heated air around the product.  

IR systems are more efficient than ovens as they are capable of delivering more of the input energy to the product than convection ovens. IR systems can be switched on or off in a matter of seconds so energy can be saved when the product inflow is interrupted or during setups for different products. They can be zoned to provide higher heating rates in one area with lower heating rates in another.

In addition to improved efficiency, infrared systems provide other benefits, including rapid and controllable heating of the product, reduced air turbulence (coatings stay on the product), cleanliness of operation (no combustion products or heat source contamination), elimination of atmospheric pollution, compact footprint, ease of operation, consistent product quality, and the ability to control and configure the emitter for a particular part or process. Heat can be directed to selected parts of an assembly without overheating temperature-sensitive components.

Recent advances in lamp systems provide much higher power intensities with improved directional properties.  Hybrid IR and convective oven systems have been developed where the IR is used to either pre-heat the part or provide controllability in the final stages of drying.

Some utilities in the Southeast, where IR systems are used more, offer IR labs where assistance is provided to customers to mock up an IR system and conduct efficiency and product quality trials prior to scaling up to an industrial application.