Infrared heater: what it is, how it works, pros and cons

Many people want the room to get warm quickly, there was no noise and draught from the heater. Infrared heaters work just so. The peculiarity is that they do not warm the air, but objects. There is no increased artificial convection, as from heaters. There is no noise from the blades. The temperature from objects is transferred to the air gradually and quietly. This process has significant advantages, but there are also disadvantages.

Operating principle

The voltage from the mains goes to the heating element. It converts heat energy into electromagnetic waves of the infrared spectrum. These are propagated via a metal reflector to the objects.

Infrared heaters emit short or long wavelengths that affect the heating temperature. The element from which the heat comes is a tungsten filament in a glass tube. When it emits short waves, the temperature is higher. You can see the glow of the coil in the dark. Such equipment is called light equipment. It is more often used in medical institutions, in industry.

At home, long-wave devices, which are called dark devices, are used. The source of heat is special panels and films. They emit electromagnetic waves of the long infrared spectrum. They have a mild effect, they are not able to overheat the human body, so they are considered safe.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Objects in the room are quickly heated. A few minutes after turning on the equipment becomes warm.
• The air is not burned because items give off heat gradually, it is evenly distributed throughout the room.
• Dampness is quickly eliminated and mold stops multiplying because the high temperature from the infrared heater acts directly on surfaces.
• Controlled Heat. Where the source of the infrared rays is directed, those objects are heated.
• The devices are virtually silent.
• Can be used in a draft and outdoors.
• The equipment does not emit harmful substances and unpleasant odors.

Infrared heaters are convenient because they can be placed on the ceiling, walls or on the floor. There are portable models on a stand.

Cons:

• Infrared radiation is not harmful to humans in moderate amounts and can even be useful. But prolonged exposure to direct rays at a distance of 1-2 meters from the source can be unsafe. The skin can be damaged, which is manifested by burns, peeling and burning.
• Direct exposure to infrared rays damages pictures, some interior objects (depending on the material).
• Before installation, it is necessary to take into account that you can not direct such a heater to plants, an aquarium with fish, a place where animals sleep.
• To heat a large room, you will have to install several devices.
• Risk of fire hazard if you drop the heater. Also, do not place the heater too close to objects that can ignite.

Infrared heaters can not only heat a living room, office, but also quickly dry painted walls and other surfaces. When heated, the water from the paint evaporates, and the coating becomes more uniform.