How does infrared radiation work?

In physics, electro magnetic waves in the frequency spectrum between visible light and the rather unknown Teraherz radiation is called infrared radiation. It is part of the thermal radiation, which is why it is used for creating heat. The heat can be compared to the sun light. Furthermore, the radiation does not warm up the air, but only surfaces it is pointed at - walls, seating accomodations or humans. This heat therefore has its effect in places but has a big advantage when compared to the standard method of heating air: Less heat is lost due to the rising of warm air. When there is no warm air rising upwards there is no moving of air caused. This is an advantage especially for those allergic to dust as the dust is not swirled around by the circulation of air.

How much energy is consumed?

Infrared radiant heaters work with electricity. This means that energy efficiency is important so that the energy costs are not scaled up. As the warmth is efficiently received by the radiated objects the creation of warmth is very efficient and also possibly in a shorter period of time that with a regular heater. The latter would have to heat up the air around the objects first, furthermore part of it would rise up unused to the roof. This is not the case with infrared radiant heaters, heat is created more effectively and the energy consumption is lowered. Compared to gas heating systems infrared radiant heaters save costs of up to 60 percent. Up to 30 percent can be noted when compared to standard electric heating systems. It is also possible to contribute to environmental protection with infrared radiant heaters: When the power is obtained from renewable resources the infrared heater is also powered by them. Apart from the energy saving this heating system will also do a favour to the environment when choosing the right electricity provider.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

The creation of heat directly on the objects counts amongst the advantages: It is possible to generate no matter if it is outside or in draughty room. Large rooms can also be heated efficiently without losing too much warmth due to air circulation. Another plus is the immediate warming effect: As soon as the infrared radiant heater is switched on the warmth can be felt on the skin or on the heated object. This is a difference to traditional heating systems that need to warm up air before a warming effect can be felt. The disadvantage, however, is the type of warmth itself: It is limited to a certain spot because it will not warm up the air as well - it cannot take up infrared heating and is therefore not heated. That means that everything around the couch in the living room will be cosy and warm, yet the corridor will be cooler. Another negative point that is not that grave would be the measuring of the warmth: Because the air is not or only heated to a minimum it is not possible to measure the temperature in the room with a standard thermometre. Instead of looking at the thermometre it has to be decided individually whether the infrared heater is warming enough. Nevertheless, that should not be a problem. Those who would still like to know the exact temperature need to measure it with a special infrared thermometre.

Where are infrared radiant heaters used?

The fields of use for infrared radiant heaters are diverse. For example, they can be used in the industrial branch, gastronomy or in home environments. Infrared radiant heaters are very popular in the gastronomy, for example to heat up patios when the temperatures outside are getting cooler. The industrial branch employs radiant heaters primarly in large factories so they do not have to be heated with regular heaters - which is almost impossible with the amount of air in a large hall. Furthermore the stemmed air circulation ensures that there is less dust in the air. This is an advantage for some steps in production of various materials when they are not supposed to be in contact with dust. Living environments can also profit from radiant heaters. They can be installed in a fixed place or used as a transportable device to be set up somewhere else depending in which room the infrared radiant heaters are needed. This technology is also recommendable for wellness areas, for example in electric saunas. Apart from these fields of use they can also be employed for farming of animals. They provde a perfect climate during winter for foals, chicks and other young animals.

Infrared radiant heaters have a diverse range of use and that is exactly what makes them more and more attractive. The additonal energy saving during the times of ever rising energy costs is also another plus. Sustainable heating and saving energy costs is not only possible within the industrial and gastronomy branches, but also in living environments - as long as the power comes from sustainable resources.