Infrared heater

Infrared heaters are a type of heating appliance that emit infrared radiation to provide heat. Unlike conventional heaters that heat the air in a room, infrared heaters work by directly heating objects and people in their path. This method of heating is efficient and can provide comfort quickly, as the warmth is felt immediately upon emission.

Types of Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters can be categorized into three main types based on the wavelength of infrared radiation they emit: near-infrared (or short-wave), medium-infrared, and far-infrared (or long-wave).

• Near-Infrared Heaters: These heaters emit short-wave infrared radiation and are often used in industrial applications for processes such as drying and curing of materials. They can produce high temperatures and are not typically used for residential heating due to the intense light they can emit.
• Medium-Infrared Heaters: These are used in both commercial and some residential settings. They are suitable for outdoor heating or in large, well-ventilated indoor spaces.
• Far-Infrared Heaters: Far-infrared heaters are the most common type used in homes. They emit long-wave infrared radiation that is absorbed easily by the human body, making them ideal for personal heating. These heaters are often marketed as "healthier" because they do not reduce humidity or oxygen levels in the room.

How Infrared Heaters Work

Infrared heaters operate by converting electricity into radiant heat. This is achieved through the use of a filament (usually made of tungsten), which is heated by electrical current. The filament is enclosed within a quartz glass tube or other types of heat-resistant materials. As the filament heats up, it emits infrared radiation that travels through the air until it hits an object or person, causing molecules in the object to vibrate and heat up.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Energy Efficiency: Infrared heaters can be more energy-efficient than traditional heaters because they heat objects and people directly, rather than warming the air.
• Instant Heat: They provide immediate warmth, making them convenient for quickly heating up a space.
• Silent Operation: These heaters operate silently since they do not use a fan to distribute heat.
• No Circulation of Dust: Infrared heating does not circulate air, reducing the spread of dust and allergens.

Disadvantages

• Limited Range: The heating effect is limited to the line of sight of the heater. Objects or people not directly in the path of the infrared rays will not be heated.
• Light Emission: Some infrared heaters, especially near-infrared models, can emit a bright light, which may not be suitable for all settings.
• Safety Concerns: High temperatures can pose a burn risk, and direct exposure to infrared radiation for prolonged periods should be avoided.

Applications

Infrared heaters are used in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial. In homes, they are often used for supplemental heating or for heating outdoor spaces like patios. In commercial and industrial settings, infrared heaters are used for drying, curing of coatings, and in processes requiring targeted heating.

See Also

• Heating system
• Radiant heating
• Electric heating