Infrared heating of a private house

Main advantages

Infrared home heating has its own positive and negative features. Among the advantages, one can single out the environmental friendliness of the system, which is similar to sunlight. It is not capable of destroying the microclimate that is comfortable for humans, does not dry out the air and does not burn oxygen. By reducing air circulation, dust particles do not rise up, as is the case with convective heating systems. There are even studies according to which infrared radiation can have a beneficial effect on human health.

Infrared heating of a private house has another advantage, which is expressed in the fact that such systems can be used in separate zones, combining with alternative systems. Such heaters are perfectly combined with wall and floor decorative coverings. It is impossible not to note the low inertia, that is, after turning on the device, it will immediately begin to heat up.

For such systems, voltage drops in the mains are not critical, which allows us to talk about the durability and reliability of heating. In order to achieve a comfortable temperature, you can lay the film on only 60% of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. Installation work is easy to carry out on your own, without resorting to outside help, and also without having specific skills or knowledge.

Heating a house with infrared floors eliminates the need to repair the entire system at the moment when one segment of the film fails. This is due to the fact that the heaters have a modular design. Replacing a defective floor element will be quite simple, so you do not need to install a new strip. Such systems consume electricity in the amount of fifty one watt per square meter.

Infrared heating - pros and cons

Today, infrared heating is considered the most economical type of electric heating (40% savings). Using just this method, the consumer does not burn out oxygen, and this is the first advantage.

During the construction of the house, the project necessarily provides for a boiler room, that is, a system of radiators and pipelines that runs through the entire house.

However, if you install good thermal insulation or build a so-called "passive house", you can save a lot, since infrared innovative heating of a private residential building will be an effective and inexpensive type of heating.

Currently, infrared heating is the most economical of the electric types. Click to enlarge.

If the house is built, however, with a different heating system, then an inexpensive infrared heater will be an effective and economical addition to the existing heating.

Many consumers prefer to purchase and install infrared heaters. This is not surprising, because they are considered the best and have an ideal combination of price / quality.

It is worth remembering that the heaters should never be covered. The only significant disadvantage of this equipment is considered a fire hazard.

Infrared heating is a modern solar heating, because the principle of operation of the structure is based on heat rays.

The operating range of this heating is from 5 to 15 square meters, it all depends on the power of the heater.

Some researchers claim that infrared heaters have only a positive effect on human health.

There are methods that are based on the fact that the prevention and treatment of colds are carried out using infrared saunas.

The advantage of IR equipment is the fact that it is mounted on the ceiling, which means it does not take up the necessary and useful space, and practically does not affect the arrangement of furniture in the room. Also, if a family with small children lives in the house, there is no need to worry about the kids - it is simply impossible to get burned.

The principle of operation of such equipment is not heating the air, but various surfaces - tables, floors. Being in such a room becomes pleasant and comfortable. It is worth noting that the heaters work silently, they do not make noise, absolutely do not smell, and most importantly - do not burn the air.

If we talk about heat loss, then it is all 5-10%. Infrared heaters, if desired, are equipped with a special thermostat - this helps to maintain a constant air temperature.

In addition, the heat in the room remains at the same level for a long time after the device is turned off. Infrared heating, which is quite realistic to install with your own hands, is used not only for private and residential buildings, but very often it is also used in production.

It can be both primary and secondary. It is possible to heat, for example, with ceiling heaters cottages, living quarters, verandas and outdoor gazebos. Only the area that the consumer needs is heated.

Such equipment is not afraid of moisture - this is another of its advantages. Installation and dismantling of equipment is very simple, such equipment is easy to transport and move.

Infrared home heating

A variety of devices can be used to install a heating system for a private house, but recently the emphasis has been on economy, efficiency, and ease of operation. One of these systems is the infrared heating of a country house, which is a special panel. This option has numerous advantages, the system is mounted very simply, it does not cause difficulties in use.

Scheme of heat distribution from a heating radiator and an infrared heater.

Heat Transfer Methods

The first method of heat transfer is convective. Bright representatives of devices operating on the principle of convection can be called electric convectors, which heat the air with their electric heating elements. The air is heated inside the convector and rises, its place is filled with cold air. With this method of heating, natural air circulation is observed in the room, which is possible because cold and warm air have different densities. Cold air is always at the bottom, and warm air with less density will always tend to rise.

The second method is radiation, that is, heat transfer occurs due to radiation. It should be immediately noted that this method of heat transfer has nothing in common with radioactive radiation. As an example of the radiation of infrared rays, we can name the Sun.

Infrared radiation waves have a certain range of radiation, they do not heat the air, but they heat objects or objects that are on their way. For example, solar radiation heats the surface of the earth and everything on it, and the air is heated by convection from the Earth. Infrared radiation, depending on the temperature of the heat source, is short-wave or long-wave.

Long-wave infrared radiation has a beneficial effect on the human body. Short-wave infrared radiation is harmful to humans and can cause various skin pathologies, since it does not penetrate the body.IR heaters with short-wave radiation can only be used in areas such as hangars or utility buildings where there is no long-term presence of a person.

The sun is not the only source of heat that emits infrared waves. All bodies that have a certain temperature, including the human body, can emit infrared waves. An example of infrared radiation can also be called a fire, a stove in a house, etc.

Working principle and scope of infrared heat

Infrared heaters work on a principle borrowed from the sun - the waves they emit heat objects, and heat is gradually transferred from heated surfaces to the air. Comfort in the room is already felt at 15 degrees, which is impossible to achieve with electric convectors and water batteries. Using heaters of various types, you can not only quickly heat a building of any type, but also organize local heating of a separate area on the street.

To understand why radiant heat instantly creates comfortable conditions, it is enough to recall the sensations that arise when stepping into the sun from the shade. The air temperature under the canopy and on it is the same, but the sun's rays heat the surfaces and they become warm even in frost.

The principle of distribution of radiant thermal energy

Depending on the type of power source, electric, gas and diesel heaters are distinguished. Infrared gas heating is mainly used in large enterprises for heating warehouses. Diesel fuel is chosen where there is no possibility of connection to other power sources.Electrical systems are ideal for residential premises - they emit long-wave rays that are invisible to the human eye and are absolutely safe for health.

Solar panels

It is very easy to use the thermal energy, the source of which is sunlight. The latest solar-powered country house heating systems are a collector and a reservoir.

The structure of the tubes that make up the collector minimizes heat loss. Based on the design features, solar collectors are vacuum, flat and air.

Nuances

This type of heating is suitable only for warm regions of the country, where the bright sun shines at least 20-25 days a year. Otherwise, additional heating systems must be installed. Another disadvantage of solar panels is the high cost and short life of the batteries needed to store electricity.

Mounting Features

When installing heating for a country house, it is necessary to observe some features, including the following:

Scheme of heat distribution for infrared heating.

• panels cannot be mounted near explosive, flammable objects; panels that are not fixed cannot be turned on;
• the system must be fixed in such a way that the infrared equipment is not exposed to any mechanical stress, such as shock;
• if it is necessary to install infrared heating for rooms with a high level of humidity, for example, for a bathroom, sauna, you need to choose only those models that are specially designed for this;
• when installing infrared heating for a country house, it is recommended to provide a protection system against electric shock;
• all wiring for equipment is laid only on a non-combustible base;
• during installation it is impossible to fasten the panels through the heating elements - only in the holes intended for this;
• for fastening it is not recommended to use thermoplastic, tensile materials, flexible cables, cords.

Infrared heating systems in the form of heating panels can be connected in two ways:

• on the walls of rooms that are heated;
• on the ceiling (special ceiling panels);
• mobile IR panels.

Infrared film mounting scheme.

Most often, an infrared heating system is mounted on walls. If it will go out on one side to the street, then it is necessary to fix a special reflective element in the form of penofol, peneplain, aluminum foil before installation. If the wall is adjacent between two rooms, then such a reflective screen is not necessary, since the IR panel will heat two rooms at once.

To install an infrared heating system, you may need the following materials and tools:

• plug connector (panels are most often sold with a piece of wire for connection, but without a plug connector, you should check the need to purchase it);
• screws for fasteners;
• thermostat (you can use any kind);
• standard two-wire wire for a 220 V network;
• liquid Nails;
• brackets for hanging the IR panel (if the ceiling height in the room is more than three meters);
• drill and screwdriver.

Advantages and disadvantages

Is it worth it to heat the garage with an infrared emitter? Such devices, along with pluses, also have small minuses that you need to know about before buying.

Advantages of infrared heating devices:

• profitability;
• good basic equipment (all mounts are sold with the device);
• ease of connection of electrical models;
• possibility of local heating.

Advantages of infrared heaters: Like any device, IR emitters have their drawbacks, which are often inherent in older models. If they are not critical for the user, then such a purchase will be very rational. The disadvantages of modern models include:

• low power;
• high cost;
• mass production of counterfeit equipment.

Gas infrared heater:

Infrared heating systems have no analogues. IR heaters raise the room temperature very quickly. Emitters have earned such popularity among users due to their high efficiency and the absence of significant shortcomings. Heating the garage with an infrared heater is the best option.

Types of IR emitters

How infrared rays work

There is a fairly rich selection of infrared heating devices from different manufacturers on the market. Three main groups of this type of heating devices can be distinguished according to the method of arranging the heating elements. Namely:

• floor;
• wall;
• ceiling.

Which type of emitters to use is chosen, guided not only by needs, but also by financial considerations. After all, equipment for infrared heating of an apartment or house is quite expensive and requires significant initial investments. Let's take a closer look at the features of these three types.

Floor emitters for infrared heating at home

Underfloor heating system

Infrared heating in a private house can be installed at any time.And if the "warm floor" system is usually mounted precisely at the stage of construction or major repairs, then the installation of floor infrared heating does not require any extraordinary efforts. The film floor covering is a modular rolled material with flat heating elements inside, which is easily placed under the decorative covering. Moreover, it can be located almost under any type of floor: ceramic, wooden, laminate, linoleum, carpet. A shielding material is laid on the prepared surface, which will prevent heat from escaping to the outside. Then the film emitter itself is cut into pieces of the required length and placed on top of the screen. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that there is a distance of 10-15 cm to the walls and between the strips, and especially to avoid overlapping. Also, make sure that the laying material is not under heavy furniture.

Wall-mounted IR heating devices

You can heat a cottage or cottage with the help of infrared panels. There is a wide variety of choices, both in size and design. Therefore, choosing the right model, most likely, will not be difficult. An important issue is the method of attachment. Infrared emitters of any type must be located either above or below the level of the human head. It is also desirable to avoid direct exposure to radiation on those areas where the residents of the house can stay for a long time (for example, a bed or a sofa).

Another type of wall emitters - plinth systems of infrared heating of the house. They are mounted, as the name implies, instead of the usual skirting boards around the perimeter of the premises.

In addition, film emitters are sometimes mounted on walls. This is usually justified in cases where it is necessary to organize zonal heating. For example, create a certain microclimate in a recreation area or equip a loggia.

Ceiling heating devices

Universal film IR coatings can also be placed on the ceiling. For this overlap, as in the case of the floor, it is pre-shielded, and then strips of the required size are mounted. However, compared to underfloor heating systems, the choice is wider here. Ceiling infrared heating in a private house can also be organized using directional emitters. The coverage area is specified in the product passport and is one of the main characteristics. Therefore, it is not difficult to calculate the required number of devices for heating the area. Ceiling panels are also currently being produced, which can be built in as modules in suspended ceilings Armstrong.

Underfloor heating system

Underfloor heating technology is a convenient and economical space heating system. Modern installations use progressive materials. For the manufacture of pipelines, light and durable polymeric materials are used.

The basis of a warm electric floor is a heating cable. The main thing in this type of heating is the quality of the cable, on which the efficiency of the system and the duration of its service depend.
Warm floors using water do not emit harmful substances, electromagnetic radiation. Water is a cheap and heat-intensive heat carrier. A network of pipelines is installed, through which the liquid flows, between the base and the floor covering.Compared to the electrical system "warm floor", this type of heating is much cheaper.

The energy supply policy pursued in recent years involves the transition to renewable energy sources. Increasingly, for the production of electricity, not gas and coal are used, but the sun, wind, water energy. These are environmentally friendly energy sources that do not pollute the environment with emissions and discharges.

Infrared film for heating

Film mats with soldered flat heating elements connected in series with each other are used as floor heating. One of the most popular in its class is Stem Energy Profy infrared film for heating:

• KXM 305.
• Price: from 265 rubles.
• Characteristics: maximum power 220 W / sq. m, width 500 mm, thickness 0.338 mm, wavelength 5-20 microns, average power consumption 30 W/sq. m per hour, IR radiation 90.4%.
• Pros: film based on transparent thermoplastic has excellent wear resistance, meets all quality standards.
• Cons: can not be installed in places where furniture will stand on the floor surface.

Another great example of a commonly installed piece of equipment to help a central heating system do its job is the Caleo infrared heating film:

• Gold 230-0.5-1.5.
• Price: 3130 rubles.
• Characteristics: complete with electrical wiring, bituminous insulation per sq. m, installed by "dry" installation under the laminate, carpet, linoleum, consists of 2 layers.
• Pros: provides energy savings of 20%, the film is safe to use, which is proven by the presence of GRIDIRON-S anti-spark technology, comes with color instructions.
• Cons: It is not recommended to install on the floor under furniture.

Infrared warm floor

Finished IR floor

The system of warm floors on infrared radiation, which is also popularly called film floors, can be arranged under:

• Linoleum;
• Laminate and parquet;
• Carpet;
• Ceramic or any other tile;
• Natural stone materials.

Among the advantages are the following:

Resistant to damage. With some even accidental impact on the system, which is commonly called "warm floor", it does not fail, even in those parts where it was damaged.
Saving electricity. A warm floor from infrared heaters consumes an average of about 60 watts per hour. In addition, it is enough to cover at least 70% of such a floor in the room and other heaters will no longer be needed in the room.
Obtaining complete comfort for the consumer. The system of warm infrared floor does not burn the oxygen that fills the room and does not dry the air. Moreover, in a heated room, thanks to this system, a pleasant healthy microclimate is created, which resembles the warmth of the summer sun.
Noiseless operation

Heaters, regardless of the selected model, operate absolutely silently, and at the same time, a person can feel heat from them in the first seconds after turning on the system.
It reacts favorably to power fluctuations, which is incredibly important in our harsh reality.
It is very easy to carry out infrared heating with your own hands in the house.To do this, you do not need to stock up on some special tools or graduate from a special university.

The most elementary set of tools and small engineering and installation skills will be enough.

Since infrared heating is primarily an electrical device, it can be conveniently included in a modern system called "Smart Home".

Therefore, the heater can start and stop its work on a command given from the control panel that comes with the kit, from a PC or by a call from a mobile phone. Switching on and off will be carried out with a predetermined power and at the time you need.

Infrared heaters, as in principle other heating equipment, along with advantages, have their drawbacks, among which the following can be distinguished:

• Infrared ceiling heating systems are not always suitable for interior design. They look especially unnatural and inharmonious in houses and apartments made in a classical style.
• In order to use infrared heating in your office or at work, you must obtain permission from the fire safety service. Therefore, you can not do without unnecessary additional financial waste.
• When heating is arranged immediately in all or several rooms of the house, you can forget about the excessive efficiency of such systems. Meanwhile, the figures in the bills will be somewhat smaller than in cases with water or simple universal cable heating.

Remember, consumer reviews of infrared home heating will help you make the right choice.

History of infrared heating

Infrared heaters have been known to mankind for more than a decade. The first devices that functioned on a similar principle were invented back in the 60s of the 20th century in Switzerland. At that time, such devices were used to heat infrared-type saunas.

One of the first infrared heaters

Infrared heaters have recently attracted more and more attention. One of the main reasons is the rise in the cost of traditional heating. Every year, energy sources such as coal, firewood or gas are becoming more and more expensive. For several years, gas has risen in price by 50%, and in some regions even more. Many owners of country and private houses are seriously thinking about switching to infrared heating.

Load balancing

Such a process is fully automated, and its essence is to control the load that is assigned to the infrared heating of a country house. System management can take place in various manifestations, their choice depends on the user himself.

Infrared heaters should operate no more than 20 minutes per hour. During this time, they will create a temperature regime that will be maintained for some time.

After 40 minutes, the heaters will automatically turn on and start generating heat again. The maximum load should be no more than 1.8 kW for this period of time.

The main material that will be needed to install such a heating system is the box in which the wiring will be laid. For installation of a hidden type, for example, in a wall, a corrugation is required. In a wooden house, both of the above materials are acceptable.

Ceiling infrared heater in a wooden house

For heaters and temperature controllers, it is necessary to choose wiring with a cross section of at least 2-2.5 square meters. mm. In many ways, the choice of this parameter depends on the load. For such a system, a general automatic machine should also be provided, which will turn off and turn on the heating system.

As for the installation work associated with the installation of infrared heating, they are not difficult. Installation of heating devices can be done even with your own hands.

You can lay all the wires yourself, as well as connect temperature controllers and heating devices.

The most important thing in the installation process is to take all safety measures. If you have not carried out such installation processes before, then you should at least understand the principle of operation of such a heating system. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to entrust infrared heating for giving to specialists in this field. Then it will be possible not to worry that an error was made during the installation process, which may adversely affect the efficiency of the heating system as a whole. You can watch the installation video below.

infrared heating video

In this article I would like to touch on the benefits infrared heating systems.First of all, it must be said that the most important advantage of such systems is their energy saving, for example, with constant work in a room of one hundred square meters, an infrared heating system will consume about fifteen kilowatts per month.The second advantage is aesthetics, the plan system is completely invisible, as it hides under the ceiling trim and gives out its presence only with a control panel on the wall, by the way, the plan system also includes a remote control.

Advantages and disadvantages of IR heating

Like any system for creating comfortable living conditions in a private house, space heating using infrared radiation is not without its positive and negative sides.

Advantages of arranging heating in the house using infrared radiation:

1. Infrared radiation is similar to solar heat and does not disturb the healthy microclimate in the room - it does not dry the air and does not burn oxygen. In addition, due to the reduced air circulation with IR heating, dust particles are not transported as intensively as with a convective heating system. There are studies that medium-wave infrared radiation has a beneficial effect on the human body.
2. Infrared heating can be used in zones, combined with another home heating system, or act as an autonomous heat source.
3. Film heating systems based on IR heating elements are perfectly combined with floor and wall decorative coatings.
4. The low inertia of the infrared heating system means that it does not need time to “build up”, like a water coolant. Heating of the room starts immediately after turning on the IR system and allows you to combine it with thermostats.
5. For the IR heating system, voltage drops in the central electrical network are not critical, which allows us to speak of high reliability and durability of heating with infrared radiation.
6. When using a floor or wall heating system, it is possible to lay the IR film only on 50-60% of the area of ​​​​the room in order to achieve a comfortable temperature in the room.
7. Installation of infrared film and IR heaters is easy to do on our own, as it does not require specific knowledge or skills.
8. Due to the modularity of film infrared heating, the failure of one segment of the film does not entail the complete incapacity of the entire heating system. Replacing a defective film underfloor heating element is quite simple and does not require the installation of a new heating strip.
9. Electricity consumption of the IR heating system is about 50 W/m2 per hour.

Infrared heaters create a comfortable microclimate in the room, evenly heating nearby surfaces, which then give off heat

Despite the fact that infrared heating has many advantages, it is impossible not to mention its disadvantages:

1. Be that as it may, the principle of infrared heating is based on electromagnetic radiation, which does not always have a positive effect on the human body. In addition, static electricity accumulates on the heating surfaces, which can attract dust.
2. Despite the cost effectiveness of IR systems, it is necessary to initially invest a significant amount in equipment, which will pay off in a few years.
3. If zone heating with infrared radiation will cost little money, then the use of infrared heating as the only source of heat can result in an unbearable amount during operation.
4. There is an opinion that excessive heating of surfaces in a room by IR radiation can adversely affect the operation of household electrical appliances.

Summing up all of the above, it can be noted that an infrared heating system can become a rational, economical, quickly installed option for both main and zone heating for a private house.