Trunk gas is recognized as the most economical energy carrier, but not all populated areas are covered by the gasification program, not only on paper, but also in reality. And the cost of connection is astronomical and forces consumers to look for more affordable heating options. One of the articles already discussed infrared home heating, which is in demand today but is gaining increasing popularity. The craftsmen of the FORUMHOUSE portal have accumulated considerable experience in using such equipment.
Operating principle
Infrared heaters differ from convective heaters in their operating principle - they do not heat the surrounding air mass, the radiation heats objects in the area of operation of the unit. And the already heated floor, walls and furniture release heat into the air. Since solid bodies shield the waves emitted by the heater, the floor under the table in their path will not warm up, but the heated table itself will release the resulting heat in all directions. Although comparing infrared heaters with the sun is more of a marketing ploy, their radiation spectrum characteristics are similar.
Device and types
As with any other electric heater, the main part of an infrared heater is the heating element: halogen, carbon, ceramic or tubular. The body can be metal, ceramic or a combination of metal and plastic.
Depending on the type, IR heaters are available with reflectors or heating panels. In the first version, the heating element is covered only by a protective grille, and the reflector (reflector) not only enhances infrared radiation, but also localizes the heating zone; in the second, the heating element is covered with a blank panel. Depending on the brand and price category, the heaters have mechanical or electronic controls (with a timer); the electronics can be controlled from the remote control. But even budget models are equipped with protection against overheating, moisture and tipping over (floor-standing).
To minimize energy costs, thermostats are connected to the heaters to regulate the operating mode.
The power of the devices starts from 300 W and varies over a wide range (there are units of 2 kW and more), but, as with convectors, our craftsmen advise covering the area with several devices of lower power. Marketers claim amazing savings and minimal electricity consumption, but no one has repealed physical laws. To generate a certain amount of heat, the device must spend a certain amount of energy, and in this case there is nothing unexpected - 1 kW per 10 m² of area, if everything is difficult with insulation in the house, then it’s worth throwing a little on top.
Another thing is that in a well-insulated room, where heat does not escape through the walls, floor and ceiling, the windows and doors are sealed, and ventilation is not due to drafts, the heaters will reach the set mode faster, and less electricity will be required to maintain it. And since the principle of operation is such that surfaces are heated not by air, but by radiation, as a result, electricity costs may be slightly lower than with convectors or other electric heaters. But again, everything is purely individual.
Varieties
Infrared heating of a private home can be represented by both stationary and mobile heaters; stationary ones are ceiling and wall-mounted, and mobile ones are floor-mounted, of various heights, from baseboard to quite high, on long frames. Portable models are convenient for local heating, and using stationary ones they organize a main or backup heating system.
Ceiling heaters have restrictions on the minimum height of the room and are mounted at a certain distance from the ceiling. They combine well with suspended plasterboard ceilings, decorative panels or other materials. If the ceiling is single-level, some difficulties may arise with the visual component. They are most often used as the main heating elements both in permanent residences and in summer cottages.
When heating with ceiling IR heaters, the effect is similar to floor systems - the temperature below is higher than under the ceiling.
And just as with miscalculations on the floor, a “zebra” can be observed when some zones are warmer and others are colder. If you incorrectly calculate the coverage area of the units, this will be felt. Opponents of this method claim that heating appliances “bake your head”; this happens with powerful appliances if you stand directly under them. Despite this feature, the craftsman from our portal - Ash032, who has been using ceiling infrared heaters for several years as the main source of heat in the house, is satisfied with his choice.
Real tests of infrared heaters in winter in Siberia
Ash032 I opened this topic back in 2011, when it was difficult to get reviews from real users, since the equipment was just beginning to spread in everyday life, smoothly migrating from garages, change houses and public facilities.
Ash032 User FORUMHOUSE
For a very long time I looked for reviews from real owners (not theorists) of infrared cameras and could not find them. I was looking for exactly those who are completely heated with them. In the end, I decided that I would be the first to conduct real tests in a real private home. I hope this experience will be useful to many.
Initial conditions - a two-story frame private house made of SIP, with an area of about 120 m², five-chamber double-glazed windows, an insulated entrance door (mineral wool). The necessary installation of ceiling IR heaters with a power of 0.3 to 0.8 kW was carried out in stages, in each room (20 pieces in total), plus thermostats. The total power of the installation was 8.3 kW; it only got hot under the most powerful one (800 W).
Ash032
It is very comfortable for me to be in the room, the air in the rooms is not too dry, it is warm and easy to breathe. I believe that it is not worth taking heaters more powerful than 0.5 kW for ceilings with a height of 2.8 m and 0.3 for a height of 2.5 m, otherwise there will be a feeling of local overheating. It is better to take more low-power devices and distribute them evenly across the ceiling.
The craftsman explains the choice in favor of infrared heating for a private home precisely by the operating principle of the equipment.
Ash032
First, the devices will heat objects, the floor, walls, furniture, then all this will heat the air, and then it will heat everything that is inaccessible to direct rays. But you need to understand that if there is a strong draft in the house, then it will naturally be colder under the table.
He compiled a summary table from which it is clear that claims of low energy consumption are greatly exaggerated, but the consumption is satisfactory. As noted Ash032, Most of the electricity is spent on the initial warming up of a cold house. If you then increase the temperature by a few degrees, the consumption practically does not increase. To save money, he recommends increasing the temperature threshold at night (if there is a night tariff) in common areas, and reducing it to the usual during the day. But here everything also depends on heat loss; such a trick will work if they are kept to a minimum, otherwise an increase in the temperature inside the room will lead to an increased outflow of heat outside.
One of the discussion participants - Inka1, also shared his experience of using this type of heating. He switched to wall panels from convectors, as electricity prices had risen significantly. The advertisement promised a consumption of 0.5 kW per 10 m², which was very tempting, but in reality the consumption differs only slightly.
The main disadvantage, according to the craftsman, is the longer period of warming up a cold house (6 hours instead of 40 minutes).
Therefore, if you need to leave for a few days,
Infrared heating, the pros and cons of which we will consider today, is one of the popular methods of heating rooms. Infrared emitters are used here as a heat source.
These appliances can be an add-on to help a standard steam heating system do its job better, or they can be the main heating elements of a home. Infrared heaters can be used for heating both residential buildings and offices, and so on.
Operating principle of IR heating
You need to know the operating principle of such heaters in order to accurately decide whether it is worth using infrared heating in your home. The pros and cons, the price of which is comfort in the cold season, should be clear to you. By the way, the cost of this type of system is about 500 rubles per 1 square meter or 5 thousand rubles per 1 heater.
The heat emitted by an IR source is transferred to the surface of all objects surrounding it. It heats the floor, walls, furniture, and everything in the interior.
When these objects heat up, they also make the air warm, because infrared light does not heat it itself. The heat that such a heater generates is not absorbed by the air (which has rather poor thermal conductivity), so the surfaces get enough heat. This allows you to achieve 70% energy savings, as manufacturers of such equipment claim.
Many users consider this statement to be very exaggerated.
House heating
Such heating systems are becoming increasingly popular in private sectors. With their help, you can heat not only the entire room, but also certain areas of it, which allows you to save on heating an area where no one is.
For efficient heating of a small room, ceiling-mounted infrared heating systems are a good solution. Installing heaters on the ceiling allows them to distribute heat to all surfaces of objects in the room and, importantly, heat the floors well.
Depending on the height of the ceiling, the devices are fixed at a distance of 2.5-3.5 meters from the floor. Manufacturers recommend placing them not directly above where people are, but slightly to the side.
If you install devices on PVC ceilings or next to windows, then a lot of heat will be wasted.
In addition to ceiling heaters, private houses can be heated with film heaters. This one is great because it can be installed under many flooring options. Among them are parquet, laminate, tiles and even linoleum.
Types of infrared heaters
There are only two main types of all devices that provide infrared heating. The pros and cons for consumer health, energy savings and other indicators for these sources are approximately the same.
The first type of devices are all kinds. The second type includes all film heaters.
This division is due to the scope of application of these systems. Both types of devices can be used for installation on the ceiling, but only heaters are suitable for making heated floors.
Skirting boards
Heat emitters are available in the form of baseboards. The baseboard, which is always located around the entire perimeter of the room, can heat all objects that fall within its field of action, and in this field there is everything that is in the room.
Along the walls there is something like an obstacle of heat, which is difficult for the cold coming from the walls to overcome. This way you can easily create the required temperature in the room.
Mold will never spread in corners and walls if you install baseboard infrared heating. Pros and cons, its benefits are obvious.
Using the length of the baseboard, sufficient heater power is achieved. Inside the baseboard there are heat-accumulating elements made from natural materials. This helps it accumulate heat.
Floors
So, you can choose ceiling, wall or floor infrared heaters. The pros and cons of the choice depend on the individual characteristics of the room for which the heaters are purchased, but basically they are the same for all devices of this type.
Floors come in power ratings from 15 to 55 watts per square meter.
If we talk about the floor, the fundamental difference from other options is that the heat rises, which means it will pass through the entire room. Infrared emitters heat the floor covering located on them, and it, in turn, heats the air. It rises up, giving way to cold. Thanks to this natural circulation, a comfortable temperature regime is quickly established in the room.
In addition, it is pleasant to walk on a warm floor, and when your feet are warm, it is warmer in general.
Part of the infrared radiation passes through the floor covering. It heats the surfaces of objects in the room.
pros
Infrared heating, the pros and cons of which are described in this article, can heat a room in the shortest possible time. Even critics of this heating method agree with this.
Unlike other emitters, they do not burn oxygen in the air and do not make the air dry.
The devices operate absolutely silently. The room gets warmer immediately after the appliances are turned on.
Voltage surges are not fatal to such devices. This is important if they heat a country cottage or summer house.
Installation of such systems is very simple, which is also a plus. You can do everything yourself without resorting to the services of builders.
Minuses
It is not enough to consider only the positive qualities that infrared heating has. There are pros and cons for everything in the world, it is only important to understand whether the negative qualities of the devices are tolerable in your case or not.
And these qualities are:
- It is not always easy to fit ceiling heaters into the style of a room, especially if the interior is made in one of the classic styles.
- It is not always possible to properly organize a heating system with infrared emitters, which is why the declared energy savings of 70% are not achieved.
- Heaters transfer heat only to surfaces. Therefore, if you stand with your back to them, it can remain in the cold. The problem goes away when the air heats up from the surfaces of objects.
- Closely located surfaces become very hot. In the office, paper may turn yellow and a plastic smell may appear.
Among modern heating equipment, the infrared heating system is the most advanced. IR devices heat up any room or a separate area in a matter of minutes. The heating speed is affected by the power and design features of the installations.
What is infrared heating
Infrared radiation is the heat that warms us. The peculiarity of infrared radiation is that it interacts weakly with air, so all the heat is transferred to objects and the human body and is not wasted. This is the secret to the effectiveness of infrared heaters.
Attention! Ultraviolet radiation cannot be used for heating in any way, which is why UV heaters do not exist. UFO devices should not be confused with UV rays.
The energy source in an infrared heater can be electricity, gas, diesel fuel, or water. Infrared devices for space heating are available in two types:
- films;
- panels.
Films are used to heat the floor; otherwise, there are no restrictions on the placement of both the first and second types of heaters. Infrared heating devices are made for wall, ceiling, floor, and portable models.
The main part of the panel is the heating element, which is made of ceramic, tungsten coil or quartz. The design contains an emitter, a heat insulator and a reflector.
The films are made from thin thermoplastic, onto the surface of which carbon fiber threads or graphite coating are applied. Film heaters are produced in the form of modules that can be changed.
Gas IR emitters belong to long- and medium-wave heaters. Their main component is a ceramic plate, inside which gas combustion occurs. The surface temperature of the radiating side of the ceramic can reach up to 1000 °C, while the back side of the panel only reaches 100 °C. Heating of the room occurs due to the direct effect of infrared rays on the floor, the lower zone of the walls, household objects, and people. Ceramic IR emitters are among the cheapest heaters.
Infrared radiator for a private home
Today, infrared heating of a private home has become an alternative to traditional convection heaters. Models that resemble conventional heating radiators are equipped with mode controls, which makes it possible to heat the room area as needed. There are no restrictions on the use of infrared emitters. A high-quality device can operate for many years without repair, there is no need to build boiler houses, and electricity costs are reduced significantly.
Batteries with IR radiation do not require configuration; the system starts working immediately after being plugged into the network. Installation of panels and films is quite simple, maintenance requires minimal knowledge and skills, but before starting installation you must read the instructions.
Modern infrared heating technology fits into any interior. When placing the device in easily accessible places for people and animals, the emitter is covered with a metal mesh or a transparent partition. The heater combines well with traditional types of heating, is mounted at a height of 2.5 - 3 meters from the floor, and has high performance.
Advantages versus disadvantages
The most rational modern heating is film radiant electric heaters. The infrared thermal element is a thin two-layer polymer film with carbon filaments, which has increased flexibility and low weight. Infrared film heating is usually installed on the entire surface of the ceiling, floor, and walls. The main advantages of the heating element are:
- high energy efficiency and ease of use. Plans, without burning oxygen, without drying out the air in the house, retain humidity well and warm the room throughout;
- increased resistance to mechanical and physical damage, no fire. The temperature of the film allows the device to be mounted near various interior objects;
- environmental friendliness, safety. The heater's rays have a beneficial effect on the human body, like the heat rays of the sun. Due to operating actions at low temperatures, the heating device does not burn and does not cause a fire;
- aesthetics. The device brings brightness, style, good mood, comfort to the room, and performs a decorative function in the interior;
- service life up to 50 years.
The system is connected to a regular 220V outlet, it quickly heats the air and hard surfaces of objects, which consistently redirect the heat into the room. The device's storage devices do not allow the system to cool down for 2 hours.
Film based on carbon tubes is widely used for heating the base of a room. Heating is installed under laminate, parquet boards, linoleum, carpet. IR floors consume power from 30 to 70 watts per 1² meter.
Disadvantages include the relatively high cost of the IR system. In addition, if you want to replace conventional radiators with infrared panels or films, you will have to make serious repairs. Regarding the cost of electricity, it is impossible to say with certainty. In some regions, electricity is even cheaper than gas. In any case, you can combine systems.
Plasterboard infrared heating
Due to the great demand for energy-saving appliances, heating technology is constantly being improved. Recently, plasterboard heating has become a competitor among heating systems. The structure is a sheet of plasterboard on the back side of which electrical insulation is applied, and a conductive carbon thread is laid on top of it. In turn, the ends of the thread are brought out to platforms, which are connected through a thermostat to the household network. The result is a finishing panel with electric infrared heating function.
Plates of a standard size of 600 by 600 mm consume a power of 0.2 kW and are installed in a closed manner on the ceiling, walls, or floor as primary or additional heat. For ease of installation, the panels are marked with production markings for fastening. The holders of the heating panels are aluminum profiles 0.6 mm wide.
Plasterboard infrared panels are used only for their intended purpose, the connection is carried out with the help of qualified specialists. Panels with a low temperature of 40 – 50 °C have a higher heating rate. Due to the absence of mechanical parts, heating plates are not subject to maintenance.
IR plasterboard heating saves energy and costs during its use. Heat transmitted by infrared electromagnetic waves is rationally distributed throughout the entire height of the room, does not overheat the air, and keeps the room fresh without creating drafts.
Thermal power
An important indicator of the operation of an infrared heating system is the temperature, on which the standard power consumption depends. The standard heat level is considered to be t 19 to 20 ℃. Before installing the heating system, it is necessary to determine the parameters and layout of the premises, the type of flooring material, and insulation. This will help you choose an infrared heater for a room based on current strength and correctly determine energy consumption.
If the room area is less than 19 m², then it is better to use an infrared radiator. For large rooms, it is more cost-effective to install film electric heating. Each heating system has a certain amount of energy load to heat surfaces. The standard indicators are as follows:
- the level of warmth of the floor surface with daily presence of people should be 25 °C;
- for premises with non-permanent occupancy, the indicator increases to 30 °C;
- heating of IR equipment elements for residential premises should not exceed 55 °C;
- temperature differences in certain areas of the surface are allowed from 5 to 10 °C;
- According to the international standard, the surface heat should be 19 – 29 °C.
It is recommended to select electrical panels according to the principle: 1.2 kW per 10 sq. m. It is important to know that patented infrared heating devices of well-known brands, tested in practice, are characterized by heat loss of less than 10%. This is a very high efficiency indicator.
Efficiency and economy are key parameters when choosing a heating system. The price of energy resources is quite high; prudent owners of apartments and private houses try to use them wisely. These two parameters form the basis for the development of an innovative infrared heating system.
The article we have proposed will help you find out on what principle infrared heating of a private home works. We will tell you how and how you can set up IR heating. You will learn what equipment is needed to achieve the intended goal and how to secure it.
For you, we have collected and systematized all the information about the types of infrared heating systems and the criteria for their selection. For visual perception, photo selections, informative diagrams and video presentations have been attached.
In nature, infrared radiation is included in the spectral region of electromagnetic waves emitted by the main “luminary” of our system - the Sun. Thanks to the invisible wave spectrum emitted by it, all living things on our planet are capable of developing.
Advantages and disadvantages of the system
A heating system based on infrared radiation has a number of undeniable advantages compared to convector heating methods:
- Wide range of applications. Infrared heating panels are used to heat all types of rooms. They are used to increase the temperature in warehouses, livestock farms, utility rooms and garages.
- High heating rate. The feeling of thermal comfort from the moment you turn on the equipment occurs in a matter of minutes. This occurs due to the fact that the air does not absorb thermal radiation, and the energy is spent for its intended purpose with minimal losses. And even after turning off the device, it will continue to emit heat for some time.
- Quiet operation. The operation of the heaters is not accompanied by any vibrations or noise, and no combustion products are released during the heating process.
- Safety for the health of household members. By its nature, infrared heat is as close as possible to solar heat. It is the most comfortable for a person. The devices used do not emit an unpleasant odor, do not emit toxins or harmful substances, and are absolutely safe for human health.
Heaters of this type are not afraid of moisture. Due to this, you can safely use it to create “islands of heat” in the open air, using it to heat a garden gazebo and veranda.
By installing IR heaters, you can significantly reduce heat costs and minimize the problem of irrational temperature distribution
Unlike spiral heaters, infrared systems do not burn oxygen out of the air or dry it out. Heat is distributed evenly in the room without accumulation in the upper half, closer to the ceiling, of the room.
And the heating process does not involve convection air currents, which can raise dust. Thanks to this, it is possible to maintain a constant microclimate, providing conditions for a comfortable stay for household members.
Heaters are placed in the floor, ceiling, or simply attached to existing ceilings. They are often used when installing a “smart home” system.
Infrared panels and film coatings are famous for their compactness, occupying a minimum of usable space in the room and giving off maximum heat
An argument in favor of the modern system is the fact that in recent years, infrared saunas have become increasingly popular among connoisseurs of spa treatments.
According to research by Japanese scientists, they are an excellent preventive measure for many diseases. Penetrating under the skin of a person, the rays heat up the blood vessels, thereby promoting the rapid spread of heat throughout the body.
But the infrared heating system is not without its drawbacks. These include:
- Infrared rays have a targeted effect. Therefore, within one spacious room, it may be too warm in one place, while in another, on the contrary, it can be cool.
- Since infrared rays warm up objects rather than air, during the process of heating a room whose interior consists of equipment, a subtle smell of plastic may appear.
- In aesthetic terms, such hanging heaters are not always able to successfully fit into the overall interior design.
Infrared heating systems include not only film options, but also rod carbon floors. You can familiarize yourself with the rules for their installation on our website.
Option #2 - wall and ceiling fixtures
Compared to underfloor heating systems, the choice of ceiling and wall-mounted units is wider. In addition to traditional panels, there are also designer built-in models of ceiling radiators.
They can be installed in suspended ceilings. They are available for sale in different sizes and colors.
The plates are placed in such a way that the rays emanating from them are directed to the furniture, and the latter, having absorbed heat, begins to act as a source of thermal energy
Ceiling models of infrared emitters are located at a height of 3 meters and above. With this arrangement, the thermal ceiling is directed downward and diverges slightly to the sides.
Rushing down, the rays first warm up the floor covering. Due to this, the temperature at the level of the feet is always a couple of degrees higher than in the head area. To prevent heat from leaking into the street, the panels are not placed opposite doors and window openings.
Wall-mounted infrared emitters are placed so that they are above or below the level of a person’s head
Among the wall emitters, it is worth highlighting the baseboard systems. They are narrow, long structures. The systems are installed around the perimeter of the room, placing them instead of conventional plastic or wooden baseboards.
When choosing a location for placing panels, you should avoid recreation areas where there is a high probability of direct impact on household members. For example: at the level of a sofa or bed.
Otherwise, the rays directed at right angles will overheat and dry out the skin, causing discomfort among residents and guests of the house. The coverage area of directional emitters is one of the main characteristics and is usually indicated in the product data sheet.
IR wall heaters are rarely used. The circulation of warm and cold air occurs from bottom to top, so it is wiser to prefer ceiling or floor options
Manufacturers of IR heaters
Many companies around the world are engaged in the production of IR equipment. The most popular among foreign manufacturers are:
- "STIEBEL ELTRON"– a German company that produces products of traditionally high quality;
- FENIX TRADING– the Czech company pays close attention to the issue of energy efficiency of its products;
- "AIR COMFORT"– the Italian concern is relying on the creation of a safe heating system of a new generation;
- "FRICO"– the Swedish manufacturer guarantees Scandinavian quality and places increased demands on the design of its products.
Domestic manufacturers are represented by such brands as "Bilux", "Peony", "EcoLine", "Almak". In terms of quality characteristics, the products of these brands are not much inferior to their imported counterparts.
The cost of domestic-made IR equipment is 30% lower than imported analogues, so a wide range of buyers can afford its installation
But it is worth noting that not all of these domestic devices for infrared heating are supplied complete with brackets. In addition, judging by the reviews, the operation of domestic devices is often accompanied by a slight crackling sound, which can be annoying especially at night.
You should also be wary of Chinese-made products. Some companies put the “ SE", meaning " China Export" Visually, this abbreviation is similar to the mark of compliance with European requirements " SE", meaning " Conformite European».
The only difference is that in the second case the font density is a little wider and the letters are located a little further from each other. Therefore, in addition to studying the labeling, ask for certificates of conformity.
Criteria for proper selection of equipment
The main thing you should focus on when choosing heating elements is their design and operational parameters. To calculate the optimal power, use the classic formula, taking as a basis that heating 10 meters of area requires an average of 1.2 kW.
They are also available for sale, which are convenient to use for temporary heating, placing them in the right place in the room and, if necessary, taking them out onto the site. They operate on both electricity and gas.
Such a portable IR heater can effectively heat an area with a radius of 2.5 meters, filling the room with comfort and warmth.
If we compare floor- and ceiling-type models, the difference between them will be insignificant, since in any case the floor and lower part of the walls will warm up first, and warm air will still rise upward. For this reason, look only at how convenient it will be to place the equipment on the ceiling or floor.
Models with a built-in temperature sensor are convenient to use: when the temperature in the room drops below the set point, the equipment automatically turns on, and when the set value is reached, it turns off.
Preference should also be given to devices whose design allows you to adjust the tilt of the radiation direction.
When choosing a product, pay attention to the presence of a thermostat, with which it is convenient to set a certain mode and thereby save energy consumption
In general, when choosing heating elements, you need to be guided by the parameters of the product, the materials from which the house is built, the presence of another type of heating system, and, of course, your financial capabilities.
The infrared system is a safe new generation heating technology, which, with the right approach, can become an economical and rational option. Moreover, both as a zonal and as the main heating of a private house.
How does infrared heating work?
The problem of the need to save energy resources, which has already manifested itself most acutely today, has led to an active search. One of the options for solving this problem in the field of space heating has become infrared heating, reviews of which raise a lot of controversy and questions. This is due to a lack of understanding of the essence of the process that occurs when using it. The main feature of this type of heating is the minimum energy consumption to power infrared heaters with its high efficiency. The very principle of infrared heating is based on heating objects, which in turn release the resulting heat to the air around them.
Infrared heating: history, properties and device
Despite the perception of this type of heating as a novelty, infrared rays have been used for a long time.
- The beginning of the 19th century was marked by the unique discovery of the infrared range of light by William Herschel.
- In the twentieth century, Henry Ford put this discovery to good use by using radiation to dry cars in a factory after they had been painted.
- Since the mid-sixties, the forerunners of modern versions of these devices, created in Switzerland, demonstrated all the advantages of infrared.
And only recently have entrepreneurs paid attention to the possibility of using infrared radiation to heat rooms.
Properties of infrared radiation used in heating
Solar radiation spectrum
Based on the principle of solar heating, when the Sun warms the Earth, and not the air of the planet, scientists created the first infrared heaters. It is important that the achieved ability to exclude intermediate media in the process of heat transfer from source to consumer has made it possible to significantly reduce their power indicators. This ensured a reduction in the energy consumed by the heaters. They don't heat the air. People, things, furniture - everything receives heat from such a heater. These objects, cooling for a long time, transfer the accumulated heat to the air, which increases the period of comfortable stay in the room.
Thus, there is no need for a powerful heat source, which must first heat a large volume of air space in the room. To make sure that the efficiency of infrared heating is significant with minimal energy consumption, it is enough to compare the characteristics of this equipment and electric heaters. So, when heating a room of 16 m2 with an infrared heat source, a power of 900 W will be required. At the same time, effective heating of the same volume of space using electric heaters will require the latter to have a power rating of 2 - 2.5 kW!
IR heater design
Understanding the operating principle of such equipment and the properties of this type of radiation itself will ensure its correct placement and effective use. Infrared radiation cannot be seen by humans. But the thermal effect is felt instantly. The wave range of this radiation is quite wide - from 0.75 to 100 microns. Therefore, it is divided into three main groups:
- close to the visible spectrum;
- average;
- far or long wavelength, located in the range of 5.6-100 microns.
Long-wave infrared heating of the house is mainly used for heating, reviews of which are of great interest to everyone who wants to get an effective source of heating. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the human body emits heat at wavelengths from 6 to 20 microns, and PLEN radiant heating is in the range from 9 to 15 microns.
The design of the heater itself is based on a plate made of aluminum. , built into the heater, ensures heating of the plate. It can heat up to 250°, but the body never becomes the object of such heating. A conventional two-phase power supply is used for power supply.
Advantages and disadvantages, benefits and harms of infrared heating for the home
Let's look at the pros and cons of infrared heating, both from the point of view of obtaining a comfortable and profitable heat supply, and the impact on the human body.
Considering that such heating does not burn oxygen, its use allows maintaining the required air humidity. With the correct location of the system with the appropriate selection of equipment models, it is possible to achieve both spot heating and the required temperature conditions in areas of residence or work. This is confirmed by those who have already installed infrared heating in a private home, whose reviews help make the right choice.
Pros of IR heating
For the home, the most effective types of heaters are ceiling and wall. They are very easy to install. However, heated floors with IR elements are often used, which are installed under all types of floor coverings. Considering the pros and cons of infrared heating, let us first note its advantages:
- rapid heating of the room;
- high resistance to power surges, which is important for the private sector located outside large cities;
- does not dry out the air;
- ease of installation - no special skills or tools required;
- highly economical.
Cons of IR heating
Disadvantages of infrared heating:
- the difficulty of combining ceiling models with the interior style. They are least suitable for installation in rooms where a classic style is chosen;
- preliminary necessity for proper distribution of heat in the room.
Considering these disadvantages of infrared heating, you can count on obtaining the maximum economic and thermal effect at any time of the year.
Benefit or harm - the dilemma of installing infrared heating
Design of an infrared heating system
Many people wonder: is infrared heating dangerous for humans? After all, it is radiation, and this word in itself causes concern. Since infrared radiation is an integral part of sunlight, which is completely harmless if you follow the basic rules of exposure to it, heating of this type is safe if you follow the basic rules of use. In infrared heating itself, there are no chemical reactions harmful to health, and there are no rotating or rubbing elements that could become a source of vibration or noise. All these are signs of not only high environmental friendliness, but harmlessness to humans.
Infrared heating uses the wave ranges that are safest for human health, with a minimum amount of radiation power. However, it cannot be said that infrared heating cannot harm human health. The danger comes from non-compliance with the basic rules for using the equipment, as well as its incorrect placement. As a result of such violations, the following negative consequences may occur:
- overheating, in the presence of a heater several times higher than the power characteristics required for a given room;
- overdrying of the skin when a person’s position does not change for a long time, and a heater with high temperature settings affects only one side of the human body;
- Often the harm of infrared heating manifests itself when the ceiling option is mistakenly installed above the seating area in the area where the head is located. Heater exposure can cause severe headaches;
- Excessive radiation power can cause damage to cells in the human body.
Is infrared heating harmful? No, if the correct equipment parameters are selected and all technical requirements for installation and use are met.