Infrared heating panels: types, principle of operation, features of installation and operation

Infrared space heating: its advantages and disadvantages

If we make a comparative analysis of the infrared heating system with all other methods of space heating, we can highlight the following advantages.

• Firstly, this is a wide scope of infrared heaters - they are suitable for heating all types of premises.
• Secondly, it is the rapid heating of the room.To be precise, infrared rays heat objects under its influence, and those, in turn, give off heat to the air surrounding them. Hence the third advantage of such heating.

Advantages and disadvantages of infrared heating

• Thirdly, infrared heaters, unlike spiral ones, do not dry the air and do not burn out oxygen from it.
• Fourthly, absolute noiselessness of work. Heating with infrared heaters is not accompanied by any noise or vibration.
• Fifth, compactness. Such a heating system does not occupy a usable area - existing infrared heaters are usually placed either in the floor or ceiling, or simply suspended from existing ceilings.
• Sixth, it is the economy and safety of operation.

Heating infrared radiation photo

In addition, one should not lose sight of such advantages of infrared heating as the possibility of its integration into the "smart home" system, easy installation and dismantling, which allows you to reinstall the system an unlimited number of times and, of course, reliability and durability.

Despite such an abundance of advantages, infrared heating systems are not without drawbacks. These include the following.

1. Heaters are quite problematic to fit into an existing interior. Such a heating system, like many others, must be installed at the stage of construction or repair.
2. Infrared heating of a private house, and indeed of any building, cannot be called fully cost-effective.To achieve rational energy consumption, you will have to comply with a number of requirements, among which are the insulation of buildings and the installation of reflective screens that will reduce heat loss.

Home Infrared Heating Systems

Infrared heating panels - warm ceiling panels

In modern construction, warm ceiling panels are used. They are steel sheets that are heated by tubes welded to them with a circulating coolant at a temperature of 40-120 degrees. Thus, a large amount of thermal radiation directed downwards is achieved.

Visually, ceiling heaters resemble suspended ceiling panels from branded manufacturers. The low thermal inertia of infrared panels provides a short heating time for objects in the room.

The presented installations are usually used for heating rooms with high ceilings (warehouses, shopping centers, construction sheds, pavilions, modular buildings, shops, service stations, offices, cafes, gas stations, train stations, etc.) from 3 to 10 meters .

If we talk about the domestic use of warm panels, then today the percentage of their use is not so high yet.

How to install an infrared heater yourself

Infrared panels are gaining more and more popularity every year. They are easy to use and provide fast heating of the room, and the built-in thermostat allows you to set the desired heating temperature in a few clicks. Moreover, installing infrared heaters with your own hands is quick and easy if you follow the instructions. Other advantages of this equipment include:

• long service life;
• noiselessness;
• safety;
• spot heating;
• possibility of application in open space.

It is not surprising that many people interested in installing infrared DIY heaters. This process does not require special skills and takes from 25 minutes to an hour and a half.

Training

Required Tools

In order for the installation of the infrared heater to go as expected, you must have the tools:

More sophisticated equipment can be used as needed. For example, if you are interested in installing infrared heaters with your own hands in the amount of several pieces, it is best to use a pyrometer for calculations. It will allow you to determine the warmest and coldest places in the room. Based on the information received, you will select the optimal location for each device.

Safety

There is a set of measures that will prevent accidents both during installation and during operation:

1. Do not install IR panels near flammable and explosive objects;

Electrical cables must be laid on a non-combustible base;

Fasteners must not touch the heating element;

The height at which the panel should hang is 2.5-3.5 meters;

For a house or apartment, devices with a capacity of not more than 800 watts are bought.

The device must not be turned on until the installation is completed. The device must have an appropriate degree of protection if the panel is mounted in a bath or sauna. If all these rules are observed, the installation of an infrared heater will be quick and without difficulties.

Installation Recommendations

When installing infrared heaters with your own hands, it is necessary that the distance between the ceiling and the body is at least 3 millimeters. In country houses, panels are taken out to heat the external space, for example, a summer kitchen. In such cases, to increase the efficiency, it is necessary to place a heat-insulating material or foil under the housing.

Mounting process

To make the installation of the infrared heater as simple as possible, it is better to place the panel with the connector against the wall. In most models, the contacts are self-clamping. The delivery package includes elements for fixing the device to the ceiling.

The installation process includes the following steps:

• take the device out of the package and place it on any flat surface with the heating plate down;
• mark the mounting location and make several holes;
• screw the screw rings;
• hang the chains by adjusting the height (if necessary).

secure the device with mounting hooks or brackets.

As you can see, installing infrared heaters with your own hands is not a particularly difficult process. Also, the panels can be mounted on the wall, but the heating effect will be much less.

Installation of different models of IR heaters:

Network connection

The device is connected to a thermostat that will maintain the desired temperature. This is done through three terminals: "ground", "phase" and "zero". Accordingly, the supply cable must be three-core. Alternatively, you can use PVA 3x1.5.

The ends of the cable are connected to the terminals. Polarity is indicated at the ends of the wires.After the device is installed and connected, it is advisable to wipe the panel with an alcohol solution before turning it on.

Connecting multiple devices

If you are interested in installing infrared heaters with your own hands in large rooms, then you need to consider that you will need several devices. To ensure smooth operation, all panels are connected to one thermostat. This will effectively regulate the temperature throughout the facility.

What other types of infrared heating are there?

Ceiling infrared panels do not take up much space. They can be used in rooms with a height of more than three meters. They are distinguished by quiet operation, environmental safety and the possibility of organizing heating of a certain area. Panels for space heating are easy to install and operate. Some manufacturers of cassette ceilings complete their products with special heaters.

In addition to the significant consumption of electrical energy, ceiling heating panels have another drawback: they are not always able to maintain the overall aesthetics of the room. As for the wall infrared heating panels, then they are a good replacement for traditional batteries. Due to the small thickness and light weight, the installation of such heating can be carried out independently.

Scope and specifics of operation

Best of all, IR panels cope with spot heating of a specific place indoors or outdoors. They work great on areas equipped for recreation near summer cottages and private houses, territories owned by cafes and small restaurants.

Most often, panel infrared heaters are used as an additional heating source when it is necessary to increase the temperature in a particular place. For example, when it is required to "warm" a recreation area in a large house or a workspace somewhere in a warehouse or industrial facility.

The IR panel allows you to create an "island" of heat in rooms with a large area. Their action is focused, aimed at a certain zone, more precisely at objects located within it.

As for heating commercial facilities in this way, it is very economical and convenient. With the help of panels, it is possible to create conditions for the most comfortable stay of a person in any particular area, while not spending money on heating the entire room.

Weather conditions, such as humidity or wind, do not affect the radiation efficiency, so the panels perform excellently even outdoors.

In offices, infrared panels are quite often used as the main source of heat. Such a solution is cheaper than setting up your own mini-boiler room with solid fuel or gas equipment if the office is not connected to a central heating system.

IR heaters are more economical than oil appliances, electric heaters, etc., since radiant heating is the most economical among all types of electric heating. It is most advantageous for offices to combine underfloor heating with IR panels mounted in the ceiling. Then you can maintain the room temperature at + 20⁰С even in cold weather.

Infrared heaters emit more than just heat waves. they can easily serve as lamps in the area of ​​​​entrance groups and in corridors, night lights

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any innovative system for improving the quality of life, infrared heating has both advantages and disadvantages. What are the advantages of such heating:

1. Extensive area of ​​use. With the help of infrared devices, you can warm up the entire room and all objects in it.
2. Fast heating. Unlike batteries and even heaters, IR devices heat a room in minutes.
3. Maximum security. If you wisely approach the installation and regulation of temperature, then as a result you can get a tool that is safe for health and works on the basis of radiation similar to that of the sun.
4. IR heaters make almost no noise, which creates not only thermal, but also sound comfort (which cannot be said, for example, about many conventional heaters).
5. IR radiation is not afraid of moisture, so heaters can be safely placed wherever it is convenient.
6. Infrared heating does not burn the atmosphere and does not dry it out.
7. Installation of such equipment is very simple, it can be done without the help of others.
8. Energy saving. It does not require too much electricity to work.
9. This type of heating can be used in the background, in combination with other heating. IR radiation is great as an assistant as well as as a "chief worker"
10. These heaters practically do not conflict with different types of surfaces.
11. Film systems are able to evenly distribute heat throughout the room.
12. You can regulate the microclimate in the house yourself, which cannot be done with water heating systems.

Yes, when used judiciously enough, these systems can create a "paradise" in your room. But this is with reasonable use. From this it follows that IR radiation has disadvantages.

1. If installed incorrectly, there is a risk of point orientation (for example, if there is an uneven and close position of large objects in the field of action), which will interfere with uniform heating.
2. The temperature effect on susceptible objects will be noticeable, although much less than with other heating options.
3. These systems do not always fit well into interior design.
4. Long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation can cause damage to health.
5. There is a theory that the presence of such radiation in a room can adversely affect electronics (TV, computer, etc.)
6. Not in all cases you will be able to save money on this. It depends on the size of the room and compliance with operating standards.

Of course it needed to be highlighted. Based on the above pros and cons, you can form important characteristics for yourself and determine whether you need such heating.

Home heating with infrared radiation

Classical heating devices - batteries, radiators, convectors of various types, to one degree or another, are also sources of infrared radiation. But the heating of the room occurs with the help of air heated by the device, which is distributed throughout the room by convection currents. Infrared heating devices, such as an infrared convector, work differently. They emit infrared rays that heat the surrounding objects, the ceiling, walls and furniture, and then they heat the air. This method of heating creates a very uniform heating of the room, in contrast to heating by convection currents.

What are infrared heating panels?

All products of this type are divided into two large groups:

1. Mounted. Most often they are equipped with a colored metal case, heated by an infrared emitter. The power supply of the device is provided by a conventional socket. Both separate and mounted type of installation are used.
2. Embedded. The basis of such a panel is a gypsum board covered with a layer of insulation. The IR emitter located on top is made in the form of a carbon conductive wire protected by a polymer sheath. The panel is powered by a standard 220 V network.

As for designer wall heating panels, they can have different colors and sizes, and usually stand out in a separate line. The stove in the form of a plinth looks very original: with its help, you can decorate the perimeter of the heated room. When decorating walls with drywall, wall heating can play the role of the main one. In those dwellings where the source of the main heating is already available (solid or liquid fuel boiler), heating panels are assigned a secondary role.

It should also be said about the weaknesses of these devices:

• Although the feeling of warmth from the rays comes almost instantly, infrared devices operate mainly locally: one area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room will be heated, and the second one will not.
• Due to the uneven effect of heat on the human body, he may experience health problems - headaches, fatigue, chills.
• Since the operation of the IR panel does not heat the air, but the surrounding objects, a plastic smell may appear in the room due to the heating of the plastic surfaces.
• Despite the high power of such heaters (about 1.2 kW), their range is usually limited to a space of 8 m2.
• Infrared radiation has a negative effect on the eyes.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric infrared heating

To make the final decision on choosing a heating system for your home, you need to carefully study the pros and cons of infrared heating.

What is attractive new generation heating

1. Infrared heat heats objects and people's bodies without using electricity to heat the air. The efficiency of radiant heaters is 90%.
2. IR devices do not dry the air and do not burn oxygen, which is especially valuable for people suffering from respiratory diseases.
3. Radiant systems do not take up much space, they work absolutely silently and without convection, without raising dust during operation.
4. Infrared heating of a private house allows you to save a lot on the installation of equipment and on energy bills. Its installation does not require permits (as for connecting gas), and the energy consumption of such systems is much lower than that of other types of electric heating.
5. Long-wave heaters are absolutely safe for health.
6. The absence of a coolant simplifies the operation of the innovative system - there is no need to drain water, flush radiators and pipes, or worry about leaks.

Comparison of the distribution of warm air flows in traditional radiator and infrared heating systems

Disadvantages of Radiant Heat

The most significant disadvantages can be called the higher cost of electricity compared to the main gas. If gas has already been supplied to the house, then it makes no sense to completely change the system.However, it is possible to use IR emitters zonally as an additional heat source.

The installation of infrared elements must be planned at the repair stage. When installing heaters, the location of furniture and space zoning must be taken into account. This is a minor inconvenience in cases where repairs are not planned in the house or a rearrangement is often carried out.

Electrical heating devices

All electrical appliances used when it is impossible to install a water heating system have different features and characteristics - from power to the principles of heat generation. At the same time, the main disadvantages of any such equipment are the high cost of operation and the need for an electrical network capable of withstanding heavy loads (with a total power of electric heaters of more than 9–12 kW, a network with a voltage of 380 V is required). Each variety has its own advantages.

convection appliances

The design that electric heating devices of this type have allows you to quickly heat the room with the help of air flows moving through them.

Air gets inside the devices through the holes in the lower part, it is heated using a heating element, and the exit is provided by the presence of upper slots. To date, there are electric convectors with a capacity of 0.25 to 2.5 kW.

Oil devices

Oil electric heaters also use the convection method of heating. Inside the case contains a special oil, which is heated by a heating element.In this case, the heating can be regulated using a thermostat that turns off the device when the air reaches the set temperature.

The features of the heaters is their high inertia. Due to this, the heaters heat up very slowly, however, even after a power cut, their surface continues to emit heat for a long period of time.

In addition, the surface of oil equipment heats up to 110-150 degrees, which is much higher than the parameters of other devices and requires special handling - for example, installation away from objects that can ignite.

The use of such radiators makes it possible to conveniently control the intensity of heating - almost all of them have 2-4 operating modes. In addition, taking into account the performance of one section of 150–250 kW, it is quite easy to select a device for a particular room. And the range of most manufacturers includes models with a power of up to 4.5 kW.

A revolutionary approach to space heating

Among all natural heaters, the most efficient and effective is the Sun. Heat is distributed by numerous infrared rays.

Infrared rays are the radiation of electromagnetic waves that have certain parameters. Under certain parameters, radiation can affect a person.

The rays are absorbed by almost all objects around, from clothes to human skin. Clothes and other things are heated with the help of air, and from the skin the heat spreads through the blood vessels throughout the body.

These rays penetrate very deeply into the body, thereby maintaining a stable and optimal body temperature.

Ceiling heating with infrared rays is a heat source that is not visible to the human eye. In addition, the rays do not affect the humidity and the amount of unused oxygen in the room.

Heat is distributed evenly throughout the room. The air does not overheat, and there is not too much temperature difference between the floor and the ceiling. In general, we can say that the energy supply is quite efficient. IR-based water panels can absorb excess heat in hot weather, thereby acting as an air conditioner.

In order for the system not to overheat, the temperature level can be reduced by about 3 degrees. Compared with conventional radiator heating systems, three degrees is an insignificant indicator.

With each decrease in temperature by one degree, about 5% of energy is saved. You can independently regulate the thermal regime using the program or directly in the system itself.

There is a benefit in relation to the acquisition of equipment. An infrared heating system does not require a boiler room. It is not necessary to carry out the installation of steam heating, which is quite complicated. The infrared system does not provide for the presence of large additional installations that will take up extra space.

Ceiling heating with infrared panels

The main sectors of the installation location are near the front door and directly above the windows. Tubular resistors are the main part that is responsible for the distribution of heat. They can both be covered with panels, and vice versa. High temperature resistors are very rarely used in residential areas.Most often they are installed in places such as gyms.

Water IR ceiling panels

The main feature of such heaters for ceilings is that there are special reflectors in the system that direct heat to a specific sector. These panels are called water panels because they use tubes whose diameter is from 15 to 28 mm. Hot water is distributed through these pipes.

This design does not pose any danger and is very easy to install, so it is very often used in factories, workshops and other industrial facilities.

Film form factors are heaters that provide heat distribution. They comply with all European standards and fire safety regulations. They are also made of environmentally friendly materials, have a fairly long service life and do not require difficult maintenance.

There are different models of heating systems. Thanks to this, you can choose a system that will be most suitable for a particular room or room. The mode for a particular room can be set using local thermostats.

You can also monitor the climate in the house using feedback sensors and the central point of the system. For example, if you want to heat the living room during the day, then you can set a lower temperature in the bedroom at that time.

Infrared heating: the principle of operation

The principle of operation of an infrared heating system has been known for a long time - the very first heater of this type can in some way be called a star named the Sun, which emits a wide range of electromagnetic waves, which includes infrared radiation.It is thanks to this invisible wave spectrum that we feel the heat of the sun, and also all living things exist on our planet.

With infrared radiation, things are not as simple as it seems at first glance - in turn, this radiation spectrum can also be divided into three components. Scientists conventionally divided the spectrum into near, medium and far. In heating systems, the so-called long-wave radiation spectrum is used, which is the most efficient for heating and the least dangerous for humans. It is this type of radiation that is used in all infrared heaters without exception.

Infrared heating of a private house photo