Infrared heaters - device and features of choice

Infrared heaters are becoming increasingly popular in the heating market. Heaters of this type operate due to infrared radiation. From conventional heating appliances, the principle of which is based on convection, these products differ in that they heat not air, but solid objects. Such objects can be the floor, ceiling, wooden furniture and other products, which, in turn, give off heat to the surrounding space.

Why infrared heater is better than convection heater

The heating itself is very fast. This is possible due to the fact that the beam of infrared rays is directional. Therefore, being in one part of the room, next to the appliance, you will immediately feel the heat, even if the entire room has not yet fully warmed up. It is this feature that puts infrared heaters up a notch. Indeed, in cases with designs of a different kind, before you feel the heat, it will take at least half an hour to warm up the room. Agree, if you came from a frost - freezing in a cold house is not the best option.

The device and principle of operation of infrared heaters

The device consists of a metal case protected from corrosion by special powder paint. Inside the case is an aluminum reflector, which acts as a heat-emitting plate, and a heating element.

Infrared heater design

The operation of the device is as follows:

1. Under the influence of current, the heater is heated.
2. TEN heats a radiating plate.
3. The heat-generating plate emits directional infrared light.

The operation of the IR heater is similar to the principle of solar radiation. The sun's rays, like infrared, penetrate the surface, which absorbs heat.

Infrared heater: advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons

Infrared heaters have both strengths and weaknesses. Let's consider them in more detail:

• Calculation of heating is more simple. If in the case of convection heating devices, it is necessary to take into account not only the area of ​​the room, but also windows, doors, wall material and other indicators, then with infrared heaters everything is much simpler. The technology for calculating heating for devices of this type will be described in detail below.
• Profitability. You can save up to 80% of energy resources every month due to the fact that much less energy is spent on heating items.
• The ability to independently change the direction of radiation, adjust the power using a thermostat. They complete most of the models on the market.
• Room heating begins immediately, from the first seconds of operation, and not after half an hour, as happens with oil-type radiators.
• The temperature of the working surface does not exceed 85 degrees. Accordingly, even with accidental contact with the device, the likelihood of burns is minimal.
• IR heaters do not dry the air, which is very important for people suffering from allergic diseases. Devices during operation do not emit harmful toxic compounds. That is why devices using the infrared heating principle are recommended for installation even in children's rooms.
• Numerous mounting options. Depending on the size of the room, the availability of free space and personal preferences, you can fix the device directly on the wall, install it under a stretch ceiling or simply put it on the floor.

Now let's talk about the shortcomings. In fairness, we note that these are old, less perfect models, or poor-quality products of dubious manufacturers. As a rule, high-tech devices of a new generation lack them:

• Excessive heat.
• High noise.
• Big sizes.
• The likelihood of a fire.

Types of IR heaters

Infrared heaters are divided into several main types. Depending on the used energy source, electric, gas or diesel heaters are emitted. The latter relate to industrial-type heating systems. In everyday life, they are practically not used, so we will not consider them.

Electric infrared heaters

The largest group of devices. They are distinguished by ease of use, compact size, long service life. Depending on the heating element used, electrical models are:

• ceramic;
• carbon or film.

The heating element of ceramic infrared devices consists of a resistive cable placed in a ceramic panel. Most often, ceramic heaters are made in the form of hinged panels of small thickness with an external temperature regulator.

Ceramic Electric Heater

Carbon infrared heaters are a sealed tube, inside of which a spiral made of carbon or carbon nanofiber is installed. Such devices cost a little more than their ceramic counterparts, but judging by consumer reviews, they cost their money.

In film heaters, a flexible resistive cable acts as a heating element. It warms the outer metal film. As a rule, models of this type are installed under suspended ceilings.

Film infrared heaters

Gas infrared heaters

Gas appliances operate on a principle similar to electrical models. The only difference is in the source of energy. Here, it acts as a gas fuel.

Gas infrared heater

Quite often, gas heaters are used for commercial purposes. Such models can be found in the production hall, in the stadium, on the street during any public events. The devices are huge, their height can reach up to 20 meters. Along with them there are gas household models. They can be connected to a cylinder with liquefied gas or a gas pipe.

Gas IR heaters from a cylinder

Depending on the installation method, wall-mounted ceiling and floor-mounted infrared heaters are distinguished.

Ceiling heaters are considered the most convenient and effective. They do not take up too much space, while the area of ​​their influence is wide enough. The ceiling heater can be installed in a suspended ceiling or attached to the ceiling by way of using special suspensions.

It is advisable to install wall models higher on the wall, especially if your family has a small child. Floor models are not highly efficient due to the fact that, being on the floor, infrared rays encounter many obstacles. That is why it is better to give preference to models with a bed and a high bar.

How to calculate and choose an infrared heater

When choosing at the first stage, it is necessary to correctly calculate the power of the device. To do this, you need to consider whether the heater will be used as an additional source of heating or the main one.

The next step is determined with the installation location of the device.

If you plan to use an infrared heater as the main source of heat, proceed according to this algorithm:

• Use in the room you need not one, but several appliances. This approach will ensure uniform distribution of heat in the room.
• To calculate what power is needed for each heater, a power density calculation is performed. It is measured in W / m2. On specialized resources, there are entire online calculators. For an approximate calculation, it is enough to use the data from table 1 below.

Table 1. Calculation of power density for rooms with different insulation

Now we determine the place of installation. It is necessary to install devices so that the rays are aimed at the objects of heating as much as possible. If your room has a large area, it is important that the heaters are placed evenly around the entire perimeter. And so that there are no too overheated, or, conversely, cold zones. To do this, consider the heating area from one device.

Also, when placing devices, do not forget about the minimum safe distance. Otherwise, the probability of getting a heat stroke is not ruled out.

Table 2. Minimum installation height of infrared heaters

How to choose and which is better to buy an infrared heater for a summer residence

An infrared heater is one of the best ways to heat a country house. And there are many explanations for this. Customers like fast warming up, compact size of the device.

The rules for choosing devices of this class are identical to those described above. The only thing at the first stage is to determine the source of energy. If your country partnership does not turn off the electricity in the winter season, it is better to stop on electric type models. If the site is not electrified, choose models that run on a gas bottle.

For giving suitable devices with any installation method. But it is most practical to use portable floor models. They do not have special placement requirements, the devices do not need installation, are easy to transport.

As users write in the reviews, it is safest to use infrared heaters with a thermostat for giving. Such models easily support a given temperature regime, and save energy.

Connection diagram of an infrared heater through a temperature controller

To install an IR heater on the ceiling, arm yourself with a drill, pliers, indicator screwdriver, wiring detector (so as not to accidentally get into the wire when drilling), tape measure and a pencil. Also, a 3-core copper wire with a cross section of 2.5 mm, fasteners will be required.

After that, outline the future attachment points (using a tape measure and pencil), install the mounts. After that, install the heater and proceed with electrical work.

Since our IR heater will not be connected directly to the outlet, but through the thermostat, do the following:

• Connect the contacts of the collapsible plug to the terminals installed on the device body.
• Do not reverse polarity. Each nest is marked: N is zero, L is phase. We have at least 2 phase and zero terminals (from the network to the regulator, from the regulator to the heater).
• Strip the wires, insert them into the terminals until they click, or tighten the screws.

As you can see, nothing complicated. The main thing is not to mix the wires and fix them well in the terminals.

The infrared heater from the point of view of medicine: is it possible harm to health?

Many consumers are concerned that infrared heaters can cause significant damage to health. Let's figure it out, is it true or not.Of course, in large doses and with improper installation, such devices can be harmful. But subject to the correct dosage of infrared radiation, it is possible to carry out a careful warming up of local tissue sites. This is possible due to the ability of heat rays to penetrate under the skin by only a few centimeters.

Moreover, such radiation is akin to a blue lamp destroys harmful pathogenic organisms. But, unlike ultraviolet radiation, the infrared spectrum does not kill all living things. It is often used in medicine to restore health after serious injuries and various diseases. Red light is used in cosmetology, traumatology, it accelerates tissue repair, has a relaxing effect on the nervous system.

Studying the benefits and harms of infrared radiation, do not forget that infrared heaters come in 3 types:

• shortwave;
• medium wave;
• longwave.

The shortest waves have the strongest radiation; therefore, such devices are not used in residential premises. Devices are in demand for heating storage rooms, barns, and can be used on the street. Medium-wave heaters are suitable for installation in rooms where the ceiling height is at least 3 meters. The safest are the long-wave infrared heaters. They can be used in any room.

The results of scientific studies have confirmed the positive effects of long-wavelengths and rays on human immunity. But this is true only for a short impact. With constant and prolonged heating, the skin is dried, which negatively affects its condition. In addition, burns of the lens and retina are possible. Doctors strongly advise against looking at heating devices.

Carbon infrared heater

Can I sleep under an infrared heater?

Sometimes it’s useful to warm yourself near a heat source after you have come from the street in severe weather. But sleeping in the immediate vicinity of the IR heater is dangerous. Moreover, from the heater installed on the floor or at the other end of the room there will be no more harm than from a conventional fireplace.

To make using the IR heater safe, follow these guidelines:

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the minimum installation height. Change the direction of the device.
• Do not use heavy duty devices.
• Carefully study the characteristics of the model before buying. Try to learn as much as possible about the features of operation, be sure to ask a consultant about the reliability of the manufacturer.
• Do not strive to purchase the cheapest device. After all, as a rule, the manufacturer reduces the cost of the product through the use of low-quality materials, which can be harmful to health.

Browse Popular Models

Consider the most popular models of heaters.

Floor heater Neoclima NC-CH-3000 - average price 5000 rubles

Heater Neoclima NC-CH-3000

This heater has a high power (3 kW), so it can be used to heat a room with an area of ​​up to 30 square meters. 3 operating modes allow you to quickly reach the desired temperature, while saving energy. The safety function deserves special attention: the device will turn off when capsized. Accordingly, you are not afraid of fires and other troubles.

Timberk TCH A1N 1500 ceiling infrared heater - price 4,500 rubles

Ceiling IR heater Timberk TCH A1N 1500

According to many buyers, this is one of the best models in the price / quality category. The heater is suitable for heating a room with an area of ​​up to 16 square meters. The optimal distance for placing the device is 2.7 m. Naturally, it is difficult to switch modes from such a distance. But the manufacturer also provided for this by developing a remote control for this model. True, it will need to be purchased separately.We recommend that you do this, because each time you get to the ceiling to switch the mode, it is not too convenient.

Of the safety functions, it is worth noting the presence of a waterproof housing and the shutdown function when overheating.

Portable heater Ballu BHH / M - 09 - the cost of 800 rubles

Portable heater Ballu BHH / M - 09

And this model wins the nomination of the most inexpensive and high-quality portable. The heater has a power of 0.9 kW, which allows you to heat an area of ​​up to 9 square meters. Accordingly, such a device can be installed in a small room. But most often it is used as an additional source of heating.

Despite the low price, the device is equipped with a built-in thermostat and the option to turn off when overheating. Among the shortcomings, some consumers note a too bright color of the glow. But, you see, for such a price this is not too serious a minus.