Infrared heaters are becoming increasingly popular for homes, offices, and even industrial spaces. They offer a unique and efficient way of heating spaces and have several advantages over traditional heaters. Whether you’re looking for a new heating solution for your home or curious about the technology behind it, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about infrared heaters.
We’ll discuss:
- How infrared heaters work
- Benefits of using infrared heaters
- Types of infrared heaters: Infrared panel heater, industrial infrared heaters, and the best indoor infrared heaters in the UK
- Whether infrared heaters are cheap to run
What is an Infrared Heater?
Infrared heaters are electric devices that use infrared radiation to warm up a space. Unlike conventional heaters, which heat the air around you, infrared heater emit infrared rays, which are absorbed directly by objects and people in their path. This is similar to how the sun heats the Earth—through direct radiation rather than warming the surrounding air.
How Do Infrared Heaters Work?
An Infrared heater use a simple yet effective method of heating. Instead of heating the air, they emit infrared rays, which are a type of electromagnetic radiation. Don’t worry, this radiation is completely safe for humans! These rays are absorbed by surfaces, furniture, and even people. Once absorbed, the energy is released as heat, making the environment feel warm and comfortable.
Key Mechanism
- Heat Emission: The heater emits infrared rays.
- Absorption: Objects, walls, floors, and people absorb these rays.
- Heat Release: The absorbed energy is released as heat, warming up the room.
This type of heating is fast, efficient, and does not rely on warming up the air, making it ideal for rooms with poor insulation or high ceilings.
Benefits of Infrared Heating
- Instant Heat: A Infrared heater begin warming up objects in seconds, so there is no long wait for the room to get warm.
- Energy-Efficient: Because infrared heater don’t need to heat the air, they are more efficient than traditional space heater.
- No Circulation of Dust: Since a infrared heater does not rely on air circulation, they are a good choice for people with allergies or asthma.
- Eco-Friendly: An Infrared heater can reduce overall energy consumption because they focus on heating people and objects rather than wasting energy warming the air.
Types of Infrared Heaters
1. Infrared Panel Heaters
Infrared panel heaters are sleek, flat heater designed to be mounted on walls or ceilings. These heaters are ideal for homes, offices, and smaller spaces because they provide efficient heating while taking up minimal space. They’re often designed to blend into the decor, some even looking like picture frames.
- Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and bathrooms.
- Advantages: Space-saving, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Example: Wall or ceiling-mounted flat panels that blend with modern decor.
2. Portable Infrared Heater
Portable infrared heaters are small, mobile units that can be easily moved from one room to another. These are perfect for people who want a flexible heating solution for various rooms without needing multiple heaters.
- Best For: Homes, offices, garages, and small apartments.
- Advantages: Portability, affordable, and easy to use.
- Example: Small, wheeled units that you can move from room to room.
3. Industrial Infrared Heaters
Industrial infrared heaters are designed for large spaces like warehouses, factories, and workshops. These high-powered units provide effective heating in environments where traditional heating methods may not work efficiently due to large volumes of air or poor insulation.
- Best For: Warehouses, factories, large garages, and outdoor spaces.
- Advantages: High heat output, durable, and cost-effective for large spaces.
- Example: Heavy-duty heaters mounted on walls or ceilings for large coverage areas.
4. Outdoor Infrared Heaters
These heaters are designed specifically for outdoor use, such as on patios, terraces, or open-air restaurants. Outdoor infrared heaters are weather-resistant and provide warmth even in cold environments without relying on heating the air, which quickly dissipates outdoors.
- Best For: Patios, balconies, outdoor dining areas, and terraces.
- Advantages: Weather-resistant, efficient in outdoor settings, and provides instant heat.
- Example: Standing or wall-mounted heaters designed for outdoor environments.
5. Quartz Infrared Heaters
Quartz infrared heaters use quartz tubes to produce heat. The quartz element heats up quickly and emits infrared rays that are absorbed by the objects and people in the room. These heaters are efficient and often come in compact designs, making them popular for home use.
- Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
- Advantages: Fast heating, energy-efficient, and compact design.
- Example: Portable heaters with quartz tubes for quick heat.
6. Ceramic Infrared Heaters
A Ceramic infrared heater use ceramic plates to produce infrared heat. These plates emit infrared rays that are absorbed by surrounding objects. Ceramic heaters are known for their durability and efficiency.
- Best For: Homes, offices, and small commercial spaces.
- Advantages: Durable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective.
- Example: Portable or wall-mounted heaters with ceramic elements.
7. Gas-Powered Infrared Heaters
Gas-powered infrared heaters use natural gas or propane to generate infrared heat. They are commonly used in industrial settings or large outdoor areas where electric heaters might not be feasible. Gas heaters are powerful and can heat large areas quickly.
- Best For: Large outdoor spaces, industrial settings, and warehouses.
- Advantages: Powerful, cost-effective for large areas, and fast heating.
- Example: Ceiling-mounted or portable heaters for large-scale outdoor heating.
8. Infrared Space Heaters
These are compact, portable units designed to heat small to medium-sized rooms quickly and efficiently. They are often used as supplementary heaters in homes where the central heating system may not reach certain areas effectively.
- Best For: Bedrooms, living rooms, and small offices.
- Advantages: Affordable, portable, and easy to use.
- Example: Compact units that can sit on the floor or be mounted on walls.
Choosing the Right Infrared Heater
When selecting an infrared heater, consider the following:
- Room Size: Larger rooms or spaces will require more powerful heater, such as industrial or gas-powered infrared heater, while smaller rooms can benefit from portable or panel heater.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: Outdoor infrared heaters are specifically designed to withstand weather conditions, while indoor heaters are more focused on efficiency and aesthetics.
- Energy Efficiency: Infrared panel heaters and ceramic infrared heaters are particularly energy-efficient, making them a great option for homes looking to save on heating costs.
Are Infrared Heaters Cheap to Run?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether infrared heaters are cheap to run. The answer depends on a few factors, but generally, infrared heaters are considered more energy-efficient than traditional heating systems.
Why Infrared Heaters are Cost-Effective:
- Direct Heating: Infrared heaters warm people and objects directly, so there’s less energy wasted compared to conventional heaters, which warm the air first.
- Lower Operating Costs: On average, infrared heaters consume less electricity because they don’t need to work as hard to achieve the same level of warmth. For instance, if a traditional heater needs to run for hours to heat a room, an infrared heater might only need to run for half the time.
- Zoned Heating: You can use a infrared heater to focus heat in specific areas, reducing the need to heat an entire space. This is particularly beneficial in larger homes or rooms where you only need to heat a small area.
Running Costs Comparison:
- An Infrared heater can save you around 30-50% on your energy bills compared to traditional electric heater.
- The average cost to run an infrared heater for 8 hours per day is around £1-2, depending on the model and size of the room.
Benefits of a Infrared Heater
1. Energy-Efficiency
As mentioned earlier, infrared heater is highly energy-efficient because they heat objects rather than the air. This reduces heat loss, especially in draughty rooms or buildings with poor insulation.
2. Comfortable Warmth
Since an infrared heater provide radiant heat, the warmth feels more natural. It’s similar to standing in direct sunlight, where you feel warm despite the cool air around you.
3. Health Benefits
Infrared heat is known for its health benefits. It can improve blood circulation, relieve muscle pain, and promote relaxation. Additionally, since a infrared heater don’t circulate air, they reduce the movement of allergens and dust particles, making them ideal for allergy sufferers.
4. No Noise
Unlike a traditional heater that often come with noisy fans, infrared heater operate quietly. This makes them perfect for bedrooms, offices, or any space where silence is appreciated.
Recommended Infrared Heaters
If you’re in the UK and looking for the best indoor infrared heater, Amazon offers a wide variety of options to suit your needs. Here are a few highly-rated products:
1. Pro Breeze® 2500W Infrared Heater
This powerful infrared heater is ideal for larger rooms or outdoor spaces. It comes with adjustable heat settings and a timer, making it convenient and efficient.
- Price: £149.99
- Features: Adjustable thermostat, remote control, energy-efficient.
2. VonHaus 450W Infrared Panel Heater
The VonHaus 450W Infrared Panel Heater is perfect for homes and offices. It offers efficient heating in a sleek, wall-mounted design.
- Price: £99.99
- Features: Ultra-slim design, energy-efficient, wall-mounted.
3. Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater
For those looking for a modern, Wi-Fi-enabled heater, this option from Heat Storm is a great choice. You can control the temperature via a smartphone app, ensuring you have control even when you’re away.
- Price: £169.99
- Features: Wi-Fi control, energy-efficient, sleek design.
Infrared heater is an excellent heating solution for various settings, from homes to industrial spaces. They offer energy-efficient, cost-effective, and comfortable heating without the drawbacks of traditional heaters. Whether you’re looking for an infrared panel heater for your living room or an industrial infrared heater for your warehouse, there’s an option to meet your needs.
