What kinds of heaters are there?
Firstly, radiant heaters are divided into two different operating modes. On one hand, there are gas powered radiant heaters, that are often operated with propane gas. On the other hand there are electric powered infrared radiant heaters. Before making the purchase of a radiant heater it is important to choose between gas heaters and infra red heaters.
Undeniably, infrared heaters definitely have more advantages, however the used tubes also have different subcategories depending on manufacturer, type and mode of operating:
Halogen-quartz-heaters - due to their short wavelength IR-A and IR-B radiation these tubes mostly warm up solid bodies and not the surrounding air. Therefore they are mostly suitable for use in outdoor areas like pations or balconies as well as inside areas. As the wavelength is between 780nm and 3 micro metres, it is also called "near infrared" (NIR).
Quartz heaters - the medium to long wavelength IR radiation of quartz heaters is more in the range of IR-B and IR-C radiation. As the wavelength is between 3 micro metres and 50 micro metres, it is also called "medium infrared" (MIR). The heating of bodies is more surficial and less deep.
Ceramic and metal tube heaters - their long wavelength radiation is in the lower IR-B range and mostly in the IR-C area. As the wavelength is between 50 micro metres and 1 mm, they are also called " far infrared" (FIR). There is no in-depth heating, but only a surface heating.
Carbone heaters - similar to quartz heaters the radiation of carbone heaters is more in the IR-B and therefore the medium length area (MIR).
Dark heaters (black light) - this stainless steel heating spiral embedded in aluminium has mostly medium and long wavelength IR-B and IR-C waves and allows a pleasant warmth without lighting emissions due leaving out the standard tubes. The IP65 protection class certificaton makes it possible to use the heaters in indoor as well as outdoor areas, even when exposed directly to weather impacts.
Generally the following rule applies: The shorter the radiation waves, the deeper the heating effect and the lower the loss of heat energy to the environment is.
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