What is Infrared Heating?
Infrared heating is an electric and energy-efficient method of heating. Unlike traditional systems that heat the air, infrared heating emits electromagnetic waves in the infrared spectrum. This process mimics the natural warmth of the sun but without harmful ultraviolet rays. The result is a comfortable and evenly distributed heat that minimizes energy waste while promoting a healthier indoor environment.
When you think of infrared heaters, you might picture the glowing ones commonly found in outdoor spaces like smoking areas. These are examples of Near Infrared Heating, which differs from the Far Infrared Heating used in our infrared panels
How Does it Work?
Infrared heating works by emitting far infrared waves that directly heat people, objects, and surfaces before warming the air. Unlike convection radiators, which heat the air to circulate warmth, infrared heating targets the room's occupants and surroundings first. This method reduces energy loss, as heat isn’t wasted on warming air that can quickly rise or escape. Due to the rapid way in which they deliver heat, infrared panels require 42% less wattage than traditional electric radiators to heat an equal sized area, translating to immediate savings on running costs.
Imagine the heat from sunlight on a warm day, this warmth is trapped in objects and surfaces like your walls and your sofa and slowly released even after the infrared panel has been turned off.
What Are the Benefits?
Why Choose Infrared?
Energy Efficiency: Infrared heating uses far less energy compared to traditional heating methods, leading to lower energy bills. Customers often save around 40%-60% on average.
Affordable Up-Front Cost: Infrared panels have a significantly lower initial investment compared to alternatives like air source heat pumps and other electric radiators.
Zoned Heating: Infrared heating allows you to control room-by-room temperatures, meaning you can heat only the spaces you’re using, significantly reducing energy waste. This isn’t possible with central heating, which heats the entire house even in unused areas.
Rapid Heating: Infrared heaters can warm a room to your desired temperature in just 15-20 minutes, meaning they don’t need to be on for long periods to maintain comfort. Infrared heat latches onto objects and surfaces, which helps retain warmth longer, reducing the need for continuous heating.
Consistent Heat: Unlike convection heating, infrared systems provide even, consistent warmth without cold spots or uneven heat distribution.
Health Benefits: Infrared heating does not circulate dust, allergens, or germs, improving air quality and creating a healthier indoor environment.
Environmentally Friendly: As a clean, carbon-neutral heating method, infrared heating produces no harmful emissions, making it a greener choice for your home.
Maintenance-Free: Infrared panels require little to no maintenance, with only occasional wiping needed, saving time and money on upkeep.
Infrared Vs Convection Heating
Is Infrared Safe?
Infrared heating is completely safe. It has been used across Europe for decades, particularly in countries known for their innovative and efficient energy solutions, such as Austria and Switzerland.
Far infrared radiation is a natural form of heat, similar to the warmth you feel from the sun, but without the harmful ultraviolet rays. It’s also worth noting that infrared heating is used in baby incubators, where the safety and well-being of infants is a top priority, further demonstrating its safety.
Rest assured that infrared heating is not only safe, but also offers several health benefits. Infrared heaters emit infrared radiation, which is naturally emitted by the sun and even our own bodies. This is totally safe and isn’t to be confused with UltraViolet (UV) radiation. All objects with a temperature above absolute zero will emit a degree of infrared radiation, so this is nothing to worry about.
Far Infrared Vs Near Infrared
Near Infrared
So, near infrared vs far infrared—what’s the difference? Near infrared heating, like the glowing heaters you often see on outdoor terraces or in smoking areas, emits visible light and is perfect for providing targeted heat to specific areas. It works by directly warming objects or people within its line of sight, which makes it effective for short-term or outdoor use but less practical for larger indoor spaces.
Far Infrared
Far infrared heating, however, is specifically designed for indoor environments. Unlike near infrared, it doesn’t glow and works through a “ping pong effect,” where the infrared waves bounce off walls, floors, and objects to distribute heat evenly throughout the room. This ensures consistent warmth across the entire space, eliminating cold spots and creating a comfortable indoor environment. Far infrared heating is particularly suited for homes and workplaces because it can heat larger areas efficiently, maintain a steady temperature, and provide a cosy, natural warmth without the intense heat of near infrared systems.
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