Infrared heaters differ from other types of heating devices in their stylish look, energy saving and economy. Typically, an infrared heater is an ultra-thin heating panel. It can be either installed on the floor or mounted on a wall or ceiling. So how do infrared panel heaters work and how does a room get heated up with it?
Ecological and natural way of heating
Infrared space heating is the most ecological and natural method of heating, similar in action to heat from the sun. In this way, it is objects that are heated, and not the air in the room.
All other methods of heating (central heating batteries, oil heaters, etc.) work via convection heating of air masses. Convection occurs due to the movement of air masses, when the heated air rises, and the cold (still unheated) air falls down to the heating device, also receiving heat from it and then rising up. This is how air masses circulate in the room.
In everyday life, a comfortable temperature of air is usually needed just in the central and lower thirds of the room. An infrared panel doesn’t heat the space around, this device transmit warmth directly to the objects and surfaces: floors, furniture. The heat is transferred from the heated objects to the аir indirectly. Heаting of the area starts from below, immediately providing a comfortable temperature where habitants are most active and present.
How do infrared panels work? The principle of infrared heating is that warmth is transferred in waves from the device to the colder things and surfaces directly, without loss of heat in empty space. This is a direct heat transfer path. Much depends on the features of different things to absorb heat and ensure its further transmission. Most of the materials utilized indoors (concrete, metals, water) have a high capacity to absorb warmth and radiate it back into the room, thus becoming a source of heat.
An infrared heater distributes heat to objects, which then transfer heat. Thus, the air is heated by the convective energy of these heated objects. This allows the user of an infrared heater to consume less energy and feel warmth faster compared to other heating methods such as oil and convection heaters.
Infrared heating technology ensures maximum energy efficiency – 100%, without heat loss.
IR wavelength
There are shortwave and longwave IR panels. Shortwave is used in large-scale enterprises. They are characterized by heating over 300 ºС.
In everyday life, for living houses and offices, infrared panels emitting long waves are more common. Such waves are “softer”, providing a comfortable temperature in living rooms with health and well-being benefits.
The main benefits of infrared panels
1. Energy-saving
Low energy consumption is due to several reasons. Firstly, there are no energy losses for air heating. Secondly, IR radiation reduces the overall temperature of the space by 3-5 ºС, which saves up to 25% energy. That is, the air temperature is felt on average 5 degrees higher than the one indicated by the thermometer. This is the effect of heating objects and people in the room.
Additionally, saving electric power and money can be achieved with smart models of infrared heaters by monitoring statistics and creating a work schedule, regulating and maintaining the heating temperature. Thus, the device works only when it is needed and uses the consumed electricity with 100% efficiency.
For example, such a model of a smart infrared heater can be found in the product portfolio of the AENO brand. Infrared heating technology and smart options can reduce electricity costs by up to 50% with Premium Eco Smart Heater AENO.
2. Do not dry the air and do not burn out the air.
Infrared panels allow you to maintain the natural level of humidity in the room. This is provided by gentle heating that heats objects, not air.
3. Do not raise dust, as there is no convection.
This is important for allergy sufferers, because the dust usually contains elements of allergens. When they actively move in the air, getting into the respiratory tract when inhaled, they affect the well-being of a person.
4. Work quietly without noise.
Quiet operation allows you to install infrared panels in the bedroom for a comfortable sleep.
5. Positive impact on a person’s well-being.
There is an opinion that the heat generated by infrared heaters helps people suffering from joint diseases. It warms up the human body well, as a result of which inflammation and pain decrease and disappear.
Infra-red (IR) rays stimulate and improve blood circulation. When long-wave infrared rays hit the skin, its receptors are stimulated. The hypothalamus reacts to this, the smooth muscles of the vessels relax, as a result of which they expand.
Easy Installation
Infrared heating panels are best installed in a way that allows the flow of infrared waves not to meet obstacles in its path. The best place to install will be one that does not have furniture or decor items nearby.
As a rule, panel installation is not difficult and does not require special skills. There are several types of installation of infrared panels:
– On the floor on legs or wheels
This is a classic way to install an infrared heater, the easiest and does not require additional installation.
– Embedding in interior niches
For such installation, infrared panels of a long narrow shape are usually used, which are mounted at the bottom of the walls (on the border with the floor), under window sills, in niches, etc.
– On the wall
They are usually installed in the center of the wall. At the same time, they can be used not only in dry, living rooms, but also in commercial premises such as warehouses – even with high humidity. IR panels are not afraid of high air humidity, they can even be placed in open terraces, etc.
– On the ceiling
Mounted on a suspended ceiling system. This ensures unhindered movement of infrared radiation flows and even distribution of heat.
Functional Design
The infrared panels are ultra-thin and can be used depending on the type of mounting with various mounting options: feet for floor mounting, brackets for wall mounting and special fasteners for ceiling mounting.
For example, Premium Eco Smart Heater AENO is made of environmentally friendly material: tempered glass, legs and fittings made of natural aluminum. The AENO model is also available in white and black to match any interior.
Summary
Infrared panels are a new generation modern heating system with economical energy consumption and high efficiency. It provides safe and convenient heating of a home or office with minimal financial outlay. The user will not encounter any significant drawbacks when installing or using the panels, since they simply do not exist.
There is a wide selection of infrared panels in the market and everyone can choose the option according to their request and needs. The most versatile solution can be an infrared heater with several mounting options. Such a smart model is offered, for example, by the AENO brand. Smart remote control makes use even more convenient (especially when mounted on a wall or ceiling) – all settings can be made in a mobile application on a smartphone: turn the heater on and off, set the temperature and create a work schedule, and much more. To learn more about Premium Eco Smart Heater AENO, please follow the link: https://seasonal.aeno.com/heater/
Tatyana Ryzhova
