Is Infrared Heating More Efficient?

Infrared heating for internal rooms is an option which more and more people are taking up as they realise its efficiencies and simplicity, although, in other countries in Europe such as Germany, it is already very much more common. But the question remains, is Infrared heating more efficient?

The reason for its increasing popularity is its efficiency, and this efficiency comes from the fact that it heats things in an entirely different way:

Are Infrared Heaters Cheaper To Run?

Traditional radiators, and panel heaters, and fan heaters, mostly heat a room by heating the air in that room. The heated air then indirectly heats the objects (including people) in that room. Because this is an indirect form of heating, it takes time for everything to warm up.

Also, because air has a habit of escaping from rooms, through open (or ill-fitting) doors or windows, or draughty floorboards, this type of heating is almost always a lot less efficient can result in a drop in the efficiency of this type of heating.

Infrared heating is different because it does not heat the air, it heats the objects in the room (including people) first. Heat radiated from these objects will then, of course indirectly heat the air, but it means that people get heated first, and this process is much more efficient.

In fact, this saving is usually around 40% of the electricity costs involved(and up to 60%), which is a substantial amount of money in most cases.

 

The ‘Type’ Of Heat From Infrared Heaters.

You have probably seen infrared patio heaters in pub gardens and other outdoor areas. They glow red and give off quite a fierce heat: if you are too close to them you may have to move away as they feel hot on your skin. This is because they use ‘far infrared’ which allows the heater to cope with large spaces and a lot of air movement.

Infrared heaters for internal rooms are not like that at all.  They use something called ‘near infrared’, which is a different wavelength, and there is no red glow involved. Also, this wavelength can more easily penetrate objects (including bodies!) so that the warmth feels much more comfortable than far infrared, and not dry like traditional radiators. The heating element emits infrared radiation, which is then directed by reflectors or other components to the area to be heated. When this type of infrared radiation comes into contact with objects and people in the area, it is absorbed and converted into heat. This heats up the objects and people directly, rather than just heating the air around them. This makes infrared heaters a more efficient way to heat a space, as less energy is wasted heating up air that will just rise to the ceiling.

It also means that the heaters are very unobtrusive: they can be wall panels, or ceiling panels, have pictures on them or can even be mirrors!

To make sure you buy the right ones, or to discuss any other aspect of infrared heating for the home or workplace, feel free to give us a call at 01934 253600 or have an online natter https://electricaldealsdirect.co.uk