Types and types of infrared heaters. What are the types of infrared heaters for the home - the differences, which one is better to choose Which infrared heater is better for the home

It took only a few years for infrared heaters to become the most popular and sought-after type of heating. Nevertheless, when buying, the question often arises of how to choose an infrared heater for the home, so that the room is always warm, the devices do not break, but serve their owners for a long time and regularly. In order to determine which infrared heaters are better, you must first familiarize yourself with the basic principles of their operation and the necessary criteria for the right choice.

This type of electric heater is fundamentally different from the fact that it does not heat the air of an apartment or house, but the objects in it: floors, walls, furniture. IR radiation is comparable to the sun's rays: passing through the air, they do not heat it, but they perfectly warm up the objects they fall on (more details in the article). These rays are not visible to the human eye, but perceptible to the body.

Not a single convector heater is capable of instantly warming up a room, unlike infrared devices. Their warmth is felt instantly, however, in the area where the rays are directed.

The difference between models by type of heating

Models of IR electric heaters and their design features often depend on the type of heating element used in them:

1. with a tungsten or special carbon fiber filament. Such heaters emit a golden irritating light and have short-wave radiation that is not always favorable for humans.
2. made with a tubular vacuum quartz heater. Inside it is a carbon fiber coil, which contributes to the rapid heating of the device. They emit red light (irritating to the human eye) and consume a lot of electricity. These models are not very preferred for long work, but they have a high efficiency.
3. with a heating element in the form of a ceramic protective shell that delays radiation that is unpleasant for the eye. This type of electric heaters is distinguished by its efficiency, durability. They can be used even in moisture-containing rooms - saunas, bathrooms. But it must be borne in mind that they can heat up for a long time, but at the same time they keep heat for a long time after turning off, which allows them to be classified as economical devices. Not recommended for ceiling and wall mounting, floor or skirting models are most successful.
4. Tubular heating elements(heating or), sometimes crackling during operation. When buying these heaters, you need to pay attention to the material of the heating elements (preferably stainless steel) and the insulator case (one of the best is basalt without any additives). This type of heater is considered the most successful for long-term use, if you do not take into account the crackling that usually occurs when the heating element heats up and cools down.

The difference between IR devices by type of placement

All models of IR heating devices contain for temperature control and an instant shutdown sensor in case of overheating. In the floor versions of such devices, additional sensors are built-in that respond to the overturning of the device (they turn on the emergency shutdown of the heater).

In addition to the floor (least used) version of heating devices, there are wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted IR devices.

Which model of infrared heaters for an apartment to prefer, everyone decides based on their needs:

1. Mobile or usually small in size, it is possible to move them from room to room. But they usually have little power. In addition, their rays meet more obstacles in their path in the lower part of the room. When choosing outdoor devices, it is best to give preference to options with a tubular (heating element) or carbon heating element. They are able to effectively warm up local areas in various rooms.
2. Stationary electric heaters (wall, plinth and) can be suspended, with conventional surface mounting and built-in. In any case, they do not take up much space. When choosing wall-mounted options, they must be fixed at a height inaccessible to children. It is more expedient to install plinth models under windows. It is better to give preference to stationary heating installations if constant heating of one room is expected, and the ceiling version can best warm up all the places in the room.

Ceiling units can not only be hung using pendant mounting, but also embed in suspended ceilings, which makes it possible to make them invisible from the point of view of the general interior of the room.

If there are animals or small children in the apartment, it is better to give priority to ceiling models, especially those that have a remote control.

What else you need to pay attention to when buying

To determine for your home, it is not enough to pay attention to the heating elements, you need to decide:

1. Wishful power appliance, remembering that for every 10 m2 of heated area, at least 1 kW is required. If you need to heat a small room quickly and briefly, you can purchase heaters with a power of about 300 watts. For summer houses, you can also install heaters of low power (approximately 60-80 W per 1 m2). For heating residential premises in the city or in country houses, appliances with greater power are needed.
2. WITH manufacturer these devices. European brands are very profitable, but they can cost an order of magnitude more expensive, for example, the same Chinese models. Although they are not worse in quality. It's just that Chinese factories use cheaper labor, but all components are mostly made at European factories and are of high quality.

When choosing infrared heating for your home, you should also carefully consider the presence in them:

1. thermostat maintaining the required constant temperature.
2. sensor which can protect the device from tipping over.
3. remote control(more common in ceiling models).
4. sensor to protect the device from overheating.

If you want to completely duplicate the main heating (if it is not available), it is best to use several IR heaters of different types (for example, so that the rays of the ceiling intersect with the rays of wall or baseboard models).

When choosing suitable infrared heaters for your apartments, it is important to understand the dependence of the heating temperature on the wavelength of the waves used, namely:

1. short waves(in the range up to 2.5 microns) are emitted by heaters with heating temperatures above 100 degrees. They are considered not very favorable for the human body. At the same time, it is desirable that the ceiling height be from 5 to 7 meters, which is not always acceptable for residential premises. Such heaters are best used in workshops, various industrial premises.
2. medium waves(range 2.5-5.7 microns), devices with a heating temperature of 600 to 1 thousand degrees can usually emit. It is better to use them in rooms with a ceiling height of at least 3 meters. They are great for country houses, offices or administrative premises.
3. Long waves(with a range of 5.6-100 microns) have an operating temperature of the order of up to 600 degrees. They can be used completely safely in any residential premises (with a ceiling height of not more than 3 meters), offices and workrooms. An infrared heater is enough for living rooms , having a working temperature of heating up to 120 degrees.

So, how to choose the right infrared heater? Given all of the above, certain criteria can be distinguished:

1. Decide for what purpose the heater is being purchased.
2. Decide on the type of heating element and the type of placement of the heating installation.
3. Calculate the power of the heater for heating a particular room.
4. Take into account the price of the device, which usually depends on the type of heating elements used.
5. Choose an electric heater that best meets all these requirements.

Conclusion

When using these heaters at home, it is best to use electric models: they are the most efficient, safe and durable. By the way, when buying a device, its appearance is also important. And this is a good, trustworthy body of the device, a high-quality plug, a thick cable. A properly selected infrared heater will give living rooms coziness, comfort, warm everything around with its warmth.

Infrared heaters are popular heating equipment that is produced in Europe, as well as in Russia and China. In order for such devices to be durable and provide effective heating of the home, it is necessary to understand the features of functioning and the intricacies of choice.

The design and principle of operation of infrared heaters

The main difference between such equipment and traditional convectors is that not air is heated, but all objects located in the dwelling. In particular, this applies to walls and floors. Only after that all things will begin to give off heat to the air.

It is worth noting that infrared waves, which form heat, are perceived by a person in the same way as heat from sunlight. Accordingly, such heaters are not afraid of drafts.

It is important to remember that any the convector is unable to quickly heat the room, since in the process of operation, warm air moves upwards, which means that the space closer to the ceiling is first heated. To become warm and near the floor, it takes some time. Infrared heaters work differently. It is enough to turn on the device to feel the heat.

Separately, it is worthwhile to deal with the device equipment. So, in a steel case coated with powder paint, located aluminum reflector. There is a heating element here. In addition, there is a thermostat that provides temperature control, and a sensor, due to which the device will automatically turn off if it overheats. If the heater belongs to the floor variety, then a tipping sensor is provided here.

Types of heaters

There are many types of infrared heaters on the market. In addition, there are several classifications of such equipment.

Heaters by mounting method

Heating appliances can be stationary and mobile. The latter variety is distinguished by its compact size and minimal power. Stationary equipment will provide more efficient heating. Such models are divided into 3 groups.

1. Ceiling infrared heaters found to be the most convenient. They do not take up extra space and are distinguished by an extensive radiation range. Some models can be mounted directly to a false ceiling, while others are fixed with brackets. At the same time, a gap of 5 cm is maintained between the device body and the ceiling.
2. Floor standing infrared devices are considered less powerful and effective, because there are many obstacles in the way of learning. When buying, you should give preference to a product with a tubular or carbon fiber heating element. This is due to the fragility of the ceramic variety, as well as the negative impact on the health of the halogen element.
3. Wall heaters fixed directly to the wall. In this case, it is important to maintain a certain gap from the floor surface to the body. If desired, the device can be mounted directly under the window.

Varieties of devices by wavelength

Inside any infrared heater are special heating elements. They all have different wavelengths.

Heating element type

When buying an infrared heater, you should always pay attention to the type of heating element.

• Halogen product - This is a halogen lamp that emits in the infrared range. Inside it is a filament, for the manufacture of which carbon fiber or tungsten is used. In the process of heating, infrared energy is released, which is transferred to the tube. In this case, the emission of golden color is carried out. So that it does not irritate the eyes, the lamp can be treated with a special composition. It is important to remember that such heating elements provide short waves, and this can adversely affect human health. Accordingly, this option is not preferred.
• Carbon variety is a quartz tube with a vacuum inside. This is where the carbon helix is ​​located. The advantage of this element is considered to be fast heating and higher efficiency, however, the product will last for only 2 years and will consume a lot of electricity. This option is not suitable for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.
• Ceramic heating elements are protected, which means that they will not glow during operation. Their service life is at least 3 years. Also, these products are more economical, and their price is relatively high. As a rule, such elements are used in saunas and various medical institutions.
• Tubular elements the design resembles a ceramic variety. Their price is higher, which is explained by reliability, ease of use and efficiency. The disadvantage is a slight crackling caused by the difference in the coefficients of temperature resolution of the spiral and the body itself.

Optimum Power

It is believed that 1 kW of power is required for 10 m² of room, however, it is better to purchase infrared heaters with a power reserve, because heat loss through walls and windows is possible.

Often found on sale today models with a power of about 300 W. Such infrared devices will become really effective if it is necessary to warm up the room for several hours. Most often these are basements or garages.

If you want to buy equipment for giving, then when calculating the power, remember that about 80 watts will be enough for 1 m².

What to look for when buying equipment?

To make the right choice, it is not enough to consider only the type of heating element or the power of the device. There are several other important factors to consider as well.

Features of using infrared heaters

Ceiling devices turn out to be the most convenient in operation, because it is enough to periodically brush off the dust from them. Wall and floor models are strictly forbidden to cover with anything. It is important that the front panel of any unit is located at least 1 m from any outlets and objects.

It should be remembered that IR study is not harmful to humans, however, it is not recommended to stay under direct rays for a long time. So that health really does not suffer, it is important to choose a power at the rate of 60–100 W per 1 m².

Heaters emitting short waves are not suitable for domestic use, and products that provide long waves, it is important to adjust the height correctly.

Modern infrared heaters are the optimal source of heat for apartments, private houses and other premises. The use of such equipment is more profitable in contrast to the usual radiators and convectors, which is possible due to the principle of operation of the device.

After the appearance of UFO products on the market, there are more and more such offers. And this is not at all surprising, because such equipment is a reliable source of heat, it is inexpensive and at the same time very economical in terms of electricity consumption. But as each manufacturer tries to make their products better and better, competition in the market is getting tougher. This rating will allow you not to become its “victim” and buy only what you need. It includes only the best infrared heaters for wall, floor, ceiling and mobile versions with various types of heating elements.

Convector or infrared heater - which is still better

They differ in that the first is located on the wall just above the floor and heats the cold air. The second, if mounted, is high on the wall or ceiling, it only increases the temperature of objects that are encountered in the path of the heat wave.

Based on the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of both models, one conclusion can be drawn: an IR device is suitable to provide spot heating in a certain area and increase the temperature on terraces or in rooms with drafts. If it is planned to use equipment for constant, uniform heating of the air, then the convector will also cope with this.

Which company is better to buy an infrared heater

• Neoclima- a brand of thermal and climatic equipment, offering products of European quality. They have both inexpensive models and premium products. In the course of production the goods pass multistage check that guarantees long service life.
• - this product was developed by Spetsmash LLC and is made entirely from domestic materials. The manufacturer guarantees the buyer comfort, coziness, warmth and a pleasant microclimate in the country house, apartment, house, etc.
• Pathfinder is a manufacturer of tourist gas equipment, among which there are also compact heaters. Its scope is hunting, fishing, hiking, picnics, etc.
• Bilux- the company is known as a manufacturer of powerful, economical and inexpensive IR emitters for the street, for industrial and domestic needs. Their use can significantly reduce energy consumption. The presence of options for outdoor work gives the company weight in the eyes of buyers.
• Timberk- one of the recognized leaders in the production of water heating and thermal equipment. Some of this list is produced in Europe, while some products are made in our own factory in China.

When choosing a company, the key point should be the availability of service, the level of brand representation in stores, its pricing policy and user opinions.

Rating of the best infrared heaters

An objective list of leaders was formed based on the analysis of customer reviews. Their impressions about the ratio of price and quality, the performance of devices, and the convenience of their operation were important.

The criteria for selecting the winners were:

• Type (household, industrial, outdoor);
• Service area;
• Mounting method (wall, floor, ceiling, mobile);
• Security class;
• body material;
• Equipment;
• The level of protection against moisture and resistance to wind;
• Design (color, shape, etc.);
• Dimensions and weight;
• Functionality (power, remote control capability, thermostat, etc.).

The cheapest are small floor or portable products, and the most expensive are ceiling and wall products that require complex installation. Our TOP includes both those with carbon, ceramic, quartz, classic heating elements and film type of heater.

The best option among carbon

- a budget device with relatively low power consumption, requiring wall mounting. It is designed specifically for rooms with high ceilings, and heats up the room quickly enough. Users in the reviews note the possibility of adjusting the angle of inclination. A special grill prevents damage to the equipment, and the IP65 protection class does not allow it to fail as a result of exposure to water and dust. A power of 1800 W is enough to heat a room up to 18 square meters. m.

Advantages:

• Good value for money;
• Works quietly;
• Does not take up much space;
• Not heavy;
• Doesn't dry out the air.

Flaws:

• Requires installation at a height of at least 2.2 m;
• There is no stand included;
• The power cannot be adjusted.

The most worthy quartz model

- a mobile and very convenient floor-type device with a "clean" heating system, the principle of its operation is similar to the effect of sunlight, that is, it heats only objects encountered in the path of heat waves. Since it has a quartz heater, oxygen is not burned in the process and there is no unpleasant odor. The power here is 2500 W, which is enough to serve 25 square meters. m. in winter and 50 sq. m. - in autumn or spring. Reliable protection against overheating and splashes allows you to use it in wet areas and minimizes the likelihood of device failure.

Advantages:

• Does not take up much space;
• Works silently;
• Heats up quickly
• Not harmful;
• Built-in thermostat;
• Ease of installation;
• Possibility of use in rooms with high humidity.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Places of application of the BiLux U2500 model are a summer house, an apartment, a private house, an office, a garage, construction sites, and the like.

Top quality ceramic heater

is the best gas infrared heater, designed for both permanent indoor use and for use, for example, in tents on vacation. For the same price, the buyer receives both a heat source and the possibility of heating food. For work, he needs collet gas cylinders. The product weighs only 1.8 kg, and in terms of power it is not far behind stationary devices - it is equal to 1.5 kW. Its operation does not create difficulties thanks to the piezoelectric ignition and the fuel mixture preheating system.

Advantages:

• Versatility, serves both for cooking and as a source of heat;
• Mobile;
• Light weight;
• The presence of a carrying handle;
• Piezoelectric ignition;
• Wind resistant.

Flaws:

• There is no conventional adapter to the cylinder.

The most effective classic

- an infrared heater designed for ceiling mounting and providing fast zonal heating in 10-20 minutes, judging by the reviews. It is suspended using a chain and brackets that come with the kit at a height of about 3 meters. The design is not lightweight, weighing 6.1 kg. The case is made of aluminum and therefore cools down faster. Power of 2 kW allows you to heat a room of 20 square meters. m. Due to the longitudinal corrugation, heating is carried out more efficiently.

Advantages:

• Does not burn oxygen;
• The presence of a thermostat;
• No bad smell;
• Quick effect;
• Temperature support in cyclic mode;
• Minimum electricity consumption;
• Protected against freezing and overheating.

Flaws:

• Difficult installation;
• No control panel;
• Not cheap.

The ceiling infrared heater Neoclima IR-2.0, which has become one of the best, is successfully used by users to create a comfortable temperature in both city and country houses.

The best film infrared heater-picture

- this is a series of "canvases" depicting animals and nature motifs that can be used to heat rooms with an air temperature of -40 degrees Celsius. They are mounted on the wall in the form of a panel and are connected to the outlet with a cord. Their advantage is that they are enough for warming up and 10 minutes, after which the device starts to work in energy-saving mode. These undoubtedly the best infrared heaters in the film category are easy to use and carry, as they can be easily rolled up if necessary.

Advantages:

• Virtually invisible;
• Low power consumption;
• They warm well;
• Inexpensive;
• Weigh little;
• Easily carried;
• Economical electricity consumption.

Flaws:

• They don't heat a large area well.

Judging by the reviews, Velvet Season products are often taken for use in children's rooms.

Which infrared heater is better to buy

The most convenient, but at the same time, the most expensive are ceiling-mounted appliances, since they have a much larger heating area. If the choice falls on floor products, then those that have a carbon heating element will be the most optimal. For work at night, a ceramic analogue is ideal.

• For permanent use, it is better to choose wall or ceiling models that are fireproof and do not take up much space. A good option here would be Neoclima IR-2.0 and Timberk TIR HP1 1800.
• If there are small children in the house and the emitter also needs to be transported often, then one of the “picture” options “Velvet Season” will be the most optimal.
• For temporary use, in order to quickly increase the temperature in the room, you can use BiLux U2500.
• Where there is no access to electricity, the Pathfinder-Hearth, which runs on gas, will help out.

This video will introduce buyers to the purpose and features of infrared heaters:

By choosing the best infrared heater, you can be sure that it can be used as the main source of heat. But if possible, then for a room with an area of ​​​​more than 20 square meters. m. it is still better to buy not one, but several heat emitters.

Not everyone and not always wants to spend money on a water heating device. In this case, other types of heat sources are needed. They are often used, but they have rather significant drawbacks (the most important is that heating is too expensive) and not everyone is satisfied. There is another possibility - to use infrared heaters for the home. They are more economical, so the option is good, but also not ideal.

Difference from conventional heating

The main difference between infrared heating and conventional heating is that it is not the air that is heated, but objects. The analogy with sunlight will be clearest of all. Part of the solar radiation is in the infrared range. And it is it that warms the earth, plants, water, your body - if you stand under its rays. Infrared heaters for the home work on the same principle. Objects that are in the area of ​​​​the heater are heated. After they heat up, the air begins to heat up from them.

Is it bad or good? Looking for what purposes. To quickly warm up the room and warm yourself - it's great. Moreover, you can warm up not only indoors, but also on the street, in a cold veranda, in a workshop, etc. Quickly warm up a cold room in the country. For all these purposes, infrared heaters are the best choice. No other heating device can cope with these tasks faster (only a heat gun can argue, but even that is very powerful).

But this type of heater has its downsides. Pretty serious.

• Only those objects that are in the range of the device are heated. If, for example, your feet are out of range, they will "stay cold". At the same time, if the heater hangs exactly above you, it’s also not very good - it’s too hot. Moreover, the head is hot, and the legs can also be cold. In general, you need to think carefully about how to hang / install infrared heaters indoors.
• To evenly heat the entire room, you almost always need several heaters.
• Some infrared heaters for the home do not have the most attractive appearance. And the ones that look good are expensive.

In general, infrared heating of a house, cottage, garage is a good option, but not ideal. Paired with, say, convectors, heating will not be too expensive, but at the same time comfortable. The main thing is to choose the right type of heater and characteristics.

Types, device and principle of operation

Any IR heater has a heat source and a surface emitting infrared waves. The principle of operation is to heat the radiating element. When heated, it begins to emit radiation in the infrared range. The degree of heating and the range of radiation depend on the material used. Models intended for premises may have built-in temperature sensors, control panels. But these are already “bells and whistles” that increase comfort, but complicate the design and increase the price. Regardless of this, all infrared heaters work according to the principle described above.

Heating elements in infrared heaters can be electric, gas, liquid fuel. Various types of materials emitting IR waves can also be used. It can be carbon, anodized aluminum, special ceramics. The source of heat and the emitter change, but the method of "extracting" infrared waves remains the same: from a heated radiating material.

Electric infrared heaters are most often used for heating a house, a summer residence. They are the safest, operate almost silently, do not emit any odors during operation, have a high degree of automation, and can be controlled via the Internet from a computer or phone. For heating garages, industrial premises, gas or diesel heaters are more economical. They help out where there is no electricity or low power is allocated. But they have a high fire hazard, so they cannot be used in homes. But in the open area, in the gazebo, on the terrace, they are very comfortable.

Types of radiation and which is better

Radiators of infrared heaters can be of three types:

• longwave. Waves are emitted in the range from 50 to 10000 microns (micrometers), the emitter heats up to 250-300°C. Our eyes do not distinguish this part of the spectrum, therefore these IR heaters are also called “black”, since there are no visible signs of work. It is this type of most household models for the home.
• medium wave. The radiation is in the range from 2.5 to 50 microns, the heating temperature of the emitters is up to 500°C. During the start, you can observe some glow, a slight halo can be seen during operation. Medium-wave infrared heaters can be used both for the home and for industrial premises with not too high ceilings. But on a heated surface, dust and other organic matter that is in the air can burn.
• shortwave. The wavelength emitted by IR devices of this type is from 0.75 to 2.5 microns, the heating temperature of the emitter is from 600 to several thousand degrees Celsius. These are powerful heaters for industrial premises. They are not used for the home, since a hot emitter burns out oxygen.

So, two types of IR emitters are suitable for the home - long and medium wave. If the ceilings are low, you can take longwave. They give out the softest radiation, they do not burn out oxygen. But you can’t hang them at a high height - the floor will be cold. For rooms with high ceilings, medium-wave ones are suitable - they warm the floor well even from a height of 3 meters or more. If you are choosing infrared heaters for a home with a second light, you should consider medium-wave ones. The radiation of less powerful ones simply “does not reach” the floor and it will remain cold.

Electric infrared heaters

This is a large group in which new items often appear. Electric infrared heaters for the home can be divided according to the method of installation. There are ceiling, wall, table and floor models. Not so long ago, infrared heaters appeared that are installed on windows. Let's take a closer look at the main types.

Ceiling, wall, table, floor - the choice is wide

With heating element and plates

One of the most widespread - ceiling. Outwardly, they are very reminiscent of old-style lamps with fluorescent lamps. And this is their main drawback: they are not very attractive in appearance. You can find square models. They are easier to fit and easier to decorate, but their cost is much higher.

As you can see in the picture above, the radiating element is a plate or a set of plates. Modern electric IR heaters are designed just like that. The plates are made of anodized aluminum, they are crimped around a heating element - a conventional heating element. The heating element is heated up to no more than 300°C, which does not lead to oxygen burning. Radiators of this type are long-wave. Such models do not create a feeling of stuffiness, it is comfortable in the room.

The main disadvantage of these models is that their effectiveness is highly dependent on the build quality. With poor contact between the heating element and the plates, a lot of heat is lost, the efficiency drops significantly. Another drawback: a small "depth" of warming up. If the emitters are too high, the rays may not reach the floor and the floor will be cold. So that Please check recommended installation height before purchasing., and also try to find reviews about the products of this particular manufacturer.

with carbon tubes

There are also carbon emitters. They also run on electricity. They can be distinguished by the presence of carbon tubes. This is a carbon spiral (carbon is a material that emits waves in the IR range when heated), enclosed in a glass flask. The surface of the spiral is heated up to 700°C, which inevitably leads to oxygen burnout. There is also an unpleasant smell of burning dust. To reduce these phenomena, the spiral is closed into a flask, but it is not possible to completely get rid of odors - the tube is also heated to a very high temperature.

These models are also called directional infrared heaters - they have a screen that reflects the rays directed into the device, thereby forming a fairly narrow radiation flux.

Infrared carbon heaters are distinguished by the "visible spectrum"

Such an emitter has a short service life - it is designed for 460 hours of operation or so. In addition, glass is a fragile material, so when transporting such a heater, you should be very careful. In carbon infrared heaters, the tube still gets very hot, which can cause a feeling of “overheating”. The comfort zone is not in the area of ​​direct radiation, but a little to the side. What can I say: if you need to choose an infrared heater for an open area, for a balcony or gazebo, terrace, for quick heating of a garage, these models can be considered. They are not suitable for continuous heating.

Ceramic infrared panels

Another type of electric infrared heaters is ceramic panels. They also have a thermoelement, but usually it is laid in the form of a "snake" over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heater. It can be soldered inside the ceramic plate, or it can fit snugly against it.

Which kind is better? If you look at the efficiency, then ceramic panels with heaters sealed inside are more efficient in converting electricity into heat - they have a larger area of ​​​​contact with ceramics, less heat loss during transmission. But you can’t repair them: the heater burned out - everything, to the landfill. At a considerable price, this is not the most rosy prospect. But the consumption of electricity will be lower - due to high efficiency. If you decide to install such infrared heaters for your home, choose the one with the longest warranty period, and read the reviews too.

Now about another type of ceramic panels - in which the heating element is only adjacent to the plate. They have a smaller area of ​​contact between the heating element and the ceramic or glass surface. But the efficiency and speed of heating the room can be comparable to those described above. This happens due to air convection. Air flows into the gap between the front panel and the rear wall of the heater. It heats up, spreading heat around the room. That is, such ceramic heaters heat the room not only due to infrared radiation, but also due to the usual heat transfer. On the one hand, this is good - the air and the room itself warm up more evenly. But convection "carries" dust and allergens with it, which is not acceptable for everyone.

The advantage of ceramic infrared home heaters with a separate heating element is that, theoretically, they can be repaired by replacing the thermoelement. But the cost of this part is often comparable to the cost of a new copy. So it doesn't always make sense to mess around with repairs. If you, nevertheless, are inclined towards such models, first ask if there are thermocouples for your model on sale. They are not always on sale.

In general, ceramic panels are a good choice for both permanent and auxiliary heating. Today there are still models with photo printing on the surface. So they can be used as a decorative element.

Infrared warm floor

Heaters of the types described above can be ceiling, wall, floor. In any case, they heat not only the floor, but also all objects that fall under the infrared rays. For heating only the floor there are carbon films. They can not only be laid on the floor, but also hung on walls, ceilings, but were originally developed specifically for floor heating. This is the so-called infrared heat-insulated floor.

Infrared film can be attached to walls, floors, ceilings...even columns

It consists of two polymer films, between which strips of carbon paste are sealed, connected by copper tires. These tires are energized. The current flowing through the carbon paste causes it to heat up and it begins to emit waves in the IR range. The difference from the emitters described above is that the paste heating temperature is no more than 45-50°C.

The film is available in different widths - from 30 cm to a meter or more. One meter consumes very little electricity (there are different capacities). But to compensate for heat loss in a house or apartment, the floor must literally be “covered”, which is usually done. The cost, accordingly, increases significantly (multiply by the footage of the laid film).

Unlike other types of underfloor heating, this one does not require pouring into the screed. Rather, it is contraindicated for him, since the film simply decomposes in concrete. This film can be laid under special grades of laminate, linoleum or even just under carpet and flooring. Flooring and carpets certainly reduce the heating efficiency, but the floor underfoot is a pleasant temperature. As the main source of heat, it cannot be used in this form (with carpets and flooring), but to increase comfort it is a good option. Read more about the carbon underfloor heating device.

Gas infrared heaters

In the case of using gas, the infrared heater device is slightly different. In such installations there is a conventional gas heater with flame, gas, temperature control. A special ceramic is used as a radiating element. Usually it is a panel that heats up to +900°C. Gas appliances operate on natural or liquefied gas.

The principle of operation of gas infrared heaters is simple. The burning fuel heats the air in a small chamber, the plate heats up from the air, radiating heat in the IR range. The radiation is in the medium or long wave spectrum, the power of such heaters is usually high, so they are more often used to heat industrial premises, garages with high ceilings.

The use of gas infrared heaters for heating a house or apartment, to put it mildly, is doubtful. Few have gas diluted in the rooms. Even if you use a liquefied balloon, the cylinder will have to be hidden somewhere or arranged for storage outside. And in general, most models have a clearly "production" look. In the garage, gazebo, on the terrace, they can look organic. Due to their efficiency, they warm even in cold weather, allowing you to enjoy barbecue in winter.

They are also good in utility rooms: in a chicken coop, barn or other rooms where it is necessary to raise the temperature. Since they do not heat the air, but the walls and the floor, they dry the condensate that often forms on the walls in winter. They will also save in houses under construction - they can raise the temperature to quite comfortable for work in winter.

liquid fuel

Liquid-fueled infrared heaters have a device similar to the gas installations described above. They also have a burner, only there is one more stage: liquid fuel is sprayed and burned in this form. And the structure itself is different in that the fuel tank is part of the device. At the top is a burner. This type of infrared heaters is more positioned as a camping mobile option. With the help of such an installation, you can warm up a tent, a residential trailer. They are also good for small cottages. In addition, some models have a burner on which you can cook food.

So they are convenient for heating and cooking in field conditions, fishing, hunting. For a residential building and, especially for an apartment, they are inconvenient. But they can be very useful in the country. A mobile, lightweight, small-sized device that runs on widely used fuels - diesel or kerosene.

How to choose the right power

If you decide to make heating based on infrared heaters, you will need to calculate the required power of the devices, their number and arrange them correctly. In general, this should be done by a heating engineer who determines the heat loss of the building, calculates according to formulas. But ordering this service is expensive, fiddling with formulas takes a long time. There are faster ways to determine the required heater power.

The first way - pay attention to the description and technical characteristics of the devices. Usually, it indicates the area for which a particular model is designed to heat. But keep in mind that it is indicated for an average degree of insulation. If your house / apartment is cold, you should take more powerful models. The colder it is, the more "reserve" should be. In addition, you need to take into account the height of the ceilings. Again, it is taken “average” - 2.5 m. If your ceilings are higher, take more power, lower - less.

Also, pay attention to the manufacturer. If ours or Chinese, the numbers are most likely inflated. By subtracting 20-25%, one can hope that the room will be warm. If the manufacturer is European, they can be trusted. Rather, they tend to underestimate the numbers (just in case).

The second way to select the power of infrared heaters is based on the available heat losses (perhaps you have a heat loss calculation). We subtract 30% from the found figure, we get the required total power of IR heaters. Why 30%? On average, this is how radiant heating is more efficient than conventional, convection heating.

Having decided on the power, you need to consider the number of heaters and develop a scheme for their installation. If heating with infrared heaters is the main one, it is necessary to arrange them so that there are no “cold” places left. Each of the devices has a certain zone in which its rays propagate. It is necessary to arrange the heating devices so that there are no unheated zones, but there are also no places where the heating is too strong. To make it easier to solve the problem, it is better to take several less powerful models. Arrange them so that the heating zones are in contact. Pay special attention to exterior walls and corners. "Underheating" of these zones threatens the appearance of condensate or clearly cold sections of the walls, from which it "draws cold". We arrange the lamps so that the rays fall on these walls.

In principle, errors in calculations or an incorrectly chosen position are not critical - everything can be corrected. Buying one or two more heaters is not at all a problem, as is changing their position. It's not too pleasant to fiddle with the wiring, but it's not fatal either.

And another tip: connect infrared heaters for the home through a temperature sensor. It will turn on heating when the room temperature drops below the value you set. With this approach, excess energy will not be wasted, and the house will be warm and comfortable.