What is an Electric Infrared Heater? Pros and Cons
Infrared heaters produce heat similar to that of the sun. Because it is outside of the visible spectrum, infrared light cannot be seen. The things around an infrared heater warm up because the transparent light that our body, clothes or skin absorb. Infrared heaters at any place will just warm the regions right near to them, just like our natural huge outdoor heater, so it is hot in the sunshine than in the absence of sunlight. It is because this condition cuts out a lot of light. Since there are so many varied standards for infrared heaters, it is challenging to establish generalizations about them. Natural gas, propane, or electricity can all be used to power infrared heaters. The maximum output levels, the controls, and the designs will vary amongst heaters. However, a few advantages and disadvantages are common to all infrared heaters. They are undoubtedly a heating option worth considering as they are becoming a more and more popular reason for people to heat their homes and places of business during the chilly winter months.
Pros of Electric Infrared Heaters
Pros of Electric Infrared Heaters
Whether you're looking for a rectangular panel, a small square panel, or a wide and narrow horizontal panel, these compact panels are available in various sizes and configurations. Regarding placement, these panels are likewise highly adaptable. In contrast to radiators, which can only be mounted low on an interior wall, infrared panels can be mounted anywhere on a wall, ceiling, or even supported on the floor. It is useful for making sure that no furniture will block off any panels.
2. Allow you to reduce your heating costs
Because of this additional heating source, when you combine a zone heating strategy with an infrared heater, you can lower the temperature in your home by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. You can cut your yearly heating and cooling expenses by up to 10% by warming the spaces where you are. This cost reduction may even be bigger if you spend most of your time outdoors.
3. Indoor Friendly Environment
The amount of humidity in space won't alter due to this approach of warming it up. There, too, the oxygen concentration stays the same. As opposed to what other heaters can do, you won't end up with dry skin or irritated sinuses. When employing an infrared heater, static electricity issues are also reduced. The impact of a single infrared heater cannot be understated. Independent lab testing demonstrates that a single heater can efficiently warm up to 1,000 square feet of space. You can buy larger models to handle even greater spaces when necessary.
4. Low Maintenance
An infrared heating system carries an extremely low danger of wear and tear because there are no moving parts. If you're used to maintaining a boiler or a heat pump, you'll be relieved to learn that infrared panels don't require air filter replacements, engine replacements, or lubricant top-ups. You only need to clean the reflectors occasionally to keep the device in great shape.
5. Works Efficiently
On the other hand, electric infrared heaters create a focused rays of heat that heats you directly by hurling out a stream of heat elements. Most electric infrared heaters function through convection, and gradually warm the environment air and letting it circulate until it has permeated the room. In contrast to conventional heaters, infrared heaters allow you to enter the room immediately and begin to warm up. Fast-acting heat rays that eliminate the cold cause you to warm up quickly.
Cons of Electric Infrared Heater
1. Needs Electricity to Run
Although infrared panels use electricity, which is now more expensive than most other fuels, they are nevertheless efficient enough to help you reduce energy costs.
For comparison, gas will only cost 7p per kWh as of 2022 compared to electricity's current price of 28p per kWh. Additionally, it is anticipated that these costs will rise throughout the year.
2. Limited Color
As they disperse heat throughout your area, infrared heaters always radiate an orange hue. Although this hue intends to discourage people from handling the goods, there may be some negative impacts.
The illumination effect in small places can make the area brighter than usual. You should refrain from using this technology in the bedroom if you need complete darkness to sleep for the best rest.
3. Gets Stop Producing Heat on Turning Off
When you turn on an infrared heater, it could start working immediately, but as soon as you turn it off, it stops emitting heat. With this method, you aren't warming the air in space. Therefore you'll quickly lose the cozy warmth.
Because the heater will continue to emit heat for a while after the product has stopped working, oil-filled heaters are occasionally a better choice in these situations. Overall, energy consumption will decrease, but it is essential to switch on the heater to continue reaping the rewards of the technology.
4. Dehydration of Body
Have you ever stood in the sun's heat and begun to sweat? If this effect persists over time, water will be lost. Skin loses water when it expands to cool off. If your body already has a low water level, dehydration is a serious issue. You need to replenish your body's water if you start to sweat. As with other heaters, allowing your skin to become dry will lead to cracking and chaffing.
5. Safety Issues
An infrared heater's coils can get extremely hot when they start to disperse heat. To prevent a contact injury, you should keep your children and pets away from the device while it is in use.
Companies are producing items that try to reduce this drawback, such as cool-touch cabinets. Still, many of the benefits you would normally experience with this technology are limited because a fan is required to distribute the heat.
ConclusionIf you are finding for a solution to heat your home or place of business, weighing the pros and cons of infrared heaters is crucial. Utilizing this technology is more affordable, and the outcomes are immediate. To securely use this technology while it's a little chilly inside, you'll also need to look at some of its drawbacks.
FAQS?
Is an electric infrared heater worth buying?
Due to changing legal requirements and environmental concerns, you may have to deal with a new way of delivering thermal comfort in a building. Can infrared heating be a more environmentally responsible option?
Expert opinions are unanimous: compared to coal boilers, a heater powered by electricity and infrared emitting radiation minimizes the emission of dangerous compounds to the environment. It can be installed without a boiler room, specialized connections, or a huge area. All you need is a blank space on the wall where the heating panel can be installed.
Is Electric Infrared completely safe to use?
Infrared heaters are completely safe and secure. Like sunshine, infrared heat warms objects (including people) rather than the air around them. The procedure of infrared heating is secure and organic. Infrared heaters are the least expensive space heater since infrared heat is also significantly more efficient than conventional.