Infrared heating is a technology that warms objects and people using infrared radiation, providing efficient, uniform and comfortable heat, with advantages such as rapid response and uniform heat distribution. It is a versatile option for heating indoor and outdoor spaces Infrapanel.
What is infrared heating?
Infrared heating is a heating method that uses infrared radiation to transfer heat directly to objects and people in a room instead of heating the surrounding air . It works similar to the way the sun heats the Earth through infrared radiation.
Definition and operation
What is infrared heating? Infrared heating is a heating system that uses infrared radiation to provide heat. Unlike conventional heating systems that heat the air, infrared heating emits infrared radiation that directly heats objects and people in a room.
Infrared heating systems use special emitters, such as panels or lamps, that generate this infrared radiation and emit it towards objects. When objects absorb this radiation, they become hot and then radiate heat to the surrounding environment , providing an efficient and effective heat source.
Types of infrared heating
Infrared heating systems can be classified based on the wavelength of infrared radiation they emit. Here is a description of the three main types:
Shortwave Infrared Emitters : Shortwave radiation penetrates objects and people easily, heating them effectively. These systems are suitable for applications that require rapid heating, such as outdoor heating, industrial drying and heating in places where high temperatures need to be reached.
Medium wave infrared emitters: These emitters, although lower in efficiency than short wave emitters, are more versatile and are used in a variety of applications such as indoor space heating, outdoor terrace heating systems and heating in industry for drying or curing processes.
Long-wave infrared emitters: They are known for their ability to heat objects and people without significantly raising the temperature of the surrounding air. This makes them energy efficient and suitable for heating specific areas, such as in hospitals, greenhouses and underfloor heating systems .
Advantages of infrared heating
Infrared heating offers several advantages that make it attractive compared to other heating systems.
Direct and efficient heating
Instead of heating the air, it emits infrared radiation that directly heats objects and people in its path. This minimizes heat losses and provides a faster and more comfortable feeling of heat.
Additionally, infrared heating also allows for precise temperature control and is energy efficient, which can reduce energy costs.
Energy savings
Infrared heating is an energy-efficient option because it heats objects and people directly instead of heating the surrounding air. This minimizes heat losses and reduces the need to maintain higher interior temperatures for comfort. As a result, less energy is consumed to maintain a warm and comfortable environment.
Additionally, the precise control and rapid response of infrared heating allows for more efficient temperature management and reduced system runtime , which also contributes to energy savings.
Simple installation
Infrared heating installation is usually simple because you can mount the emitters directly to the wall or ceiling, and they are powered by electricity , eliminating the need for hot air ducts. This reduces installation complexity and in many cases infrared heating systems are suitable as stand-alone heating solutions that do not require expensive additional infrastructure.
Pleasant and healthy heat
Infrared heating provides pleasant and healthy heat due to its soft and uniform radiation, similar to that of the sun . Unlike convection systems, it does not involve continuous circulation of air, which reduces dryness and the circulation of allergens in the environment, which is beneficial for respiratory health. The uniform heat distribution also prevents the formation of cold zones or hot spots , which contributes to a feeling of comfort.
Infrared system components
Emitters: panels, lamps
Infrared heating systems primarily consist of emitters , which are the devices that generate the infrared radiation used to heat objects and people. These emitters may be radiant panels, infrared lamps, quarter-wave tubes, or other devices designed to produce infrared radiation.
In addition to the emitters, the system may include reflectors to direct and focus the infrared radiation emitted by the emitters toward the areas to be heated. They help improve system efficiency by ensuring that radiation is directed toward objects and people rather than scattered into space.
Thermostats and regulation
Thermostats and regulation systems are essential elements in infrared heating systems. They have the function of controlling the temperature and optimizing the efficiency of the system. Thermostats allow you to set the desired temperature and, when it is reached, they turn off or adjust the power of the infrared emitters to keep it constant. They can also be programmable to follow a specific schedule. This control capacity contributes to a more comfortable environment and energy savings.
Installation accessories
Complementary accessories for infrared heating systems offer greater versatility in the use of these devices, resulting in optimal comfort. There are many accessories to add to an infrared heating system, among them we can find:
- Towel racks : a practical and highly decorative accessory that heats and dries towels in the bathroom.
- Metal support/foot : this is a valid accessory for stove-type emitters, which are used as a support adding a more aesthetic touch to the device.
- Wall supports: these are another type of supports for infrared heating emitters, but to anchor them to the wall or ceiling.