How do infrared heaters work?

The operation of an infrared bar heater

Most heating systems on the market heat the air in the room. You just have to think, for example, of condensing boilers or pellet stoves, for example. However, the operation of infrared heaters has nothing to do with this.

Specifically, what an infrared bar heater does is heat objects and people directly. But how exactly? Well, by emitting infrared radiation, which is capable of penetrating any material or tissue.

These devices work directly connected to the electrical network, that is, to any domestic socket. Generally, they are placed on the ceiling or on the walls, since they are the places from which they are most efficient.

What kind of infrared radiation do these heaters use?

There is a belief that infrared radiation is harmful to health. However, it is totally wrong. The only one that has detrimental effects on the skin is the very short wave, which is not used by this type of device.

That said, we can say that infrared bar heaters use these two types of radiation to provide heat:

Long-wave infrared rays. They are the most efficient. They heat up very gradually, which is ideal to guarantee comfort.

Shortwave infrared rays. They are much more intense than the previous ones, so they make it easier to reach higher temperatures in less time. They are normally used in bathrooms and outdoor terraces, since they have higher heating needs than any other area of the house.

Are infrared heaters really efficient?

The impact of an infrared heater on the electricity consumption of a home is less than might be expected. In fact, according to experts, they need between 50% and 70% less energy to heat the same space as conventional heating systems.

But how is that possible? Very easy. You just have to think that, since they do not heat the air but only the people and objects within their range, they need much less energy to fulfill their function.

However, to achieve this energy saving, it is necessary to size the installation correctly. If we fall short, we probably need to use other complementary systems; On the other hand, if we go too far, it is very possible that we end up spending much more than necessary.

What are the main advantages of infrared heaters?

First of all, we have to say that the installation of this type of heater is very simple. In fact, the only requirement is that there be a socket nearby, so they can be placed almost anywhere. The ideal, as we said before, is to put them on the ceiling or on the wall.

However, infrared bar heaters report many other benefits that we must highlight. They are the following:

They do not produce noise or vibrations. That is to say, once they are turned on, they do not disturb those who are in the same room, so it is possible to read a book, take a nap or watch television in complete comfort. It is the only heating system that can boast of this.

It does not require maintenance. At least, not beyond dusting them like any other device or decorative element in the home. This is mainly because they do not generate waste or use dangerous fuels.

They are very decorative. It is common for the infrared ray emitting bars to be hidden under mirrors, paintings or other similar elements. They go completely unnoticed, which is not the case with fireplaces or oil radiators, for example.

In short, infrared heaters have become a very interesting option for home heating. After all, they are more efficient than traditional systems, they do not generate noise, vibrations or waste and they can be easily hidden in the decoration.