How to choose an infrared heater: classification, tips and popular models

3 Ballu BIGH-55

Ballu BIGH-55 is the optimal solution for rooms with a large area, the device is most often used for heating production and work rooms.The heater is powered by a gas cylinder that heats the ceramic plate, converting heat into infrared radiation, thereby generating a large flow of warm air. Due to the high power (4200 W), the device instantly heats up and heats a room up to 60 square meters in a matter of minutes. The heater consumes not so much - 300 grams of fuel is enough for an hour of continuous operation of the device.

The gas heater is made in a classic black and gray case, which looks very presentable and stylish. For ease of use, the device is equipped with wheels, due to them and the small dimensions of the heater, it is easy to move. This model has a thermostat, which is located on the top of the device, with its help you can independently set the desired temperature, the heater will maintain it all the time. The disadvantages include the lack of auto-ignition and protection against overheating, but this does not detract from its main advantages.

The health benefits and harms of radiation

In this issue, as in all - how many people, so many opinions. Some say that any radiation is harmful, including infrared. Others - that there is no harm and cannot be. Objectively, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Let's remember what infrared radiation is. This is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths from 0.7 microns to 1000 microns. A person feels it as heat emanating from the sun, a fire and any heated bodies when their temperature is higher than the ambient temperature.

Depending on the wavelength, radiation can be short-wave (0.75–1.5 µm), medium-wave (1.5–5.5 µm), and long-wave (5.5–1000 µm). The latter is not only safe, but also useful.Under the influence of such waves, pathogenic microorganisms die, and the human body recovers faster from injuries and illnesses. These effects are successfully used by physiotherapy for medicinal purposes.

However, some precautions are still required:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct rays to avoid heat stroke, overdrying of the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes and nasopharynx.
• Monitor your well-being. If the state of health worsens, it is urgent to reduce the power.
• It is recommended to use devices operating in the range from 60 to 100 watts per 1 sq.m.

Infrared heaters help make life warmer and more comfortable. Having all the necessary information, you can easily choose the right device. And high-quality things are created in order to please and make people's lives better.

Rating of infrared heaters 2019

Ballu BIH-L-2.0

Inexpensive quartz infrared heater designed for heating 20 m2. Its power is 2000W, so for this model the power ratio is 100W/1m2. The design is equipped with a thermostat that turns on / off the device to maintain the optimum temperature in the room. You can also control the temperature yourself.

Note that the design of the device allows you to mount it on a wall or on a telescopic stand. However, the rack itself and fasteners are not included, so they will have to be purchased separately. The device is protected against overheating.

Polaris PKSH 0508H

An inexpensive model from Polaris is equipped with a carbon fiber heating element. At full power of 800 W, the device can heat up to 20 m2 of area (depending on the insulation of the room).During operation, the unit does not dry the air and does not burn dust, evenly heats the room. There is a 3 hour timer that can turn off the device at night, for example.

ZENET ZET-505

This heater is able to heat as much as 30 m2 with its power of 900 watts. However, you can reduce the power to 450 W to save electricity if the room is smaller. In terms of power / heated area, ZENET ZET-505 is the best in its class. When tipping over backwards, the unit turns off. The same thing happens when the device overheats.

Only floor mounting is allowed here, without the possibility of wall mounting. However, the model has a swivel design that allows you to rotate the working "head" at an angle of 90 ° - this simplifies the heating of objects in the room.

Almac IK7A

The halogen-type device is designed for heating both rooms inside the building and open areas on the street. With a power of 2000 W, the device is able to heat up to 20 m2 inside the house and 12 m2 outside. It takes about 2 seconds to heat up the element, which is much faster than quartz counterparts. The Almac IK7A model is suitable for open-type cafes and restaurants.

The unit can be wall, ceiling or stand mounted. It weighs only 850 grams. The maximum ceiling mounting height is 2.2 m. There is a grill on the case that protects against burns if a person accidentally touches the device. The kit includes brackets for mounting on a wall or ceiling, but there is no stand for floor installation.

Peony Thermo Glass P-10

Micathermic heater Thermo Glass P-10 is designed for mounting on a wall or ceiling.Moreover, the mounting height on the ceiling can be up to 4 m - children, even with a strong desire, will not be able to get it. The plate only heats up to 200°C, which is relatively small. With a power of 1000 W, the unit heats up to 20 m2.

The heater has a moisture-proof housing (protection class IP54), so it can be installed in damp rooms, such as in a bathhouse, sauna or bathroom. We recommend that you immediately buy an additional thermostat (not included) to save energy. The price of the device is certainly rather big, but it pays for itself with high-quality work and durability.

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Classification of infrared heaters

All currently existing IR heaters can be classified:

By radiation range

Depending on the radiated wave range, infrared heating systems can be:

• Shortwave. Waves, length from 0.74 to 2.5 microns. Operate at temperatures from 100°C Required ceiling height - from 6 to 8 meters. Short-wave devices are energy-consuming, burn oxygen, so they are rarely used to heat residential premises. The main scope of application is the heating of industrial premises.
• Medium wave. Wavelength from 2.5 to 5.6 microns. Heating temperature from 600 to 1000°C. Ceiling height from 3 to 6 m.
• Longwave. Wavelength ranging from 5.6 to 100 microns. Operating temperature 100 - 600°C. Recommended ceiling height up to 3 m.Such models are most often used in everyday life, due to the insufficient production of heat flow for large rooms.

Differences between convection heating and infrared

By emitter type

The design features of IR heaters quite often depend on the type of heating element used in the models. There are the following varieties:

• quartz;
• halogen;
• carbon;
• TEN.

Each of the above elements has its own efficiency, emits a certain wavelength and spectrum of visible light. These parameters will be discussed in detail below.

By energy source

• Electric ones are most often used in everyday life. They are easy to use, compact and have a fairly large resource.
• Gas models are characterized by sufficiently high power and impressive dimensions. They work on the same principle as electric ones. In fairness, it should be noted that today, on the domestic market, there is a large assortment of compact gas infrared heaters that use liquefied gas as a source of thermal energy.
• Infrared heaters operating on diesel fuel are used in production, construction sites in various technological processes. The power of such devices is commensurate with gas installations.
• In water infrared heaters, hot water from the heating system acts as a source of radiation. Infrared water heating panels are quickly mounted and can be used in any room.

Advice! For home heating, it is better to use electric models that are quite compact, safe, durable and have an optimal price-performance ratio.

By installation method

According to the installation method, IR heaters can be:

• Stationary. Allocate wall, ceiling and plinth models. They can be suspended, fixed to a plane, built-in.
• Mobile or portable. Usually these are floor models. They are characterized by small power and dimensions.

Devices with a ceiling placement option are considered the most convenient. They do not occupy a useful area in the room and have an extensive radiation zone. With a power similar to ceiling models, wall-mounted installations are less efficient, as they are directed strictly to one point in space.

Very similar in characteristics to wall-mounted, floor-standing models. Thanks to the swivel "leg" the emitter can be directed in different directions, heating specific areas of the room.

pros

The undoubted advantages of infrared heaters can be considered:

• excellent level of heat transfer with a small consumption of heat or electric current;
• a wide variety of appearance depending on the design of the designers;
• "soft heat";
• maintaining normal air humidity;
• no smell of burning dust;
• relatively small area of ​​the device;
• no need to store a supply of fuel;
• almost complete absence of noise;
• the ability to connect to a conventional electrical outlet;
• technology mobility.

But it is necessary to understand the positive aspects correctly - that is, not as absolute virtues. So, the efficiency of infrared heaters is manifested only with a competent approach. A lot depends on the correct selection of materials for the house and good thermal insulation. If mistakes are made in these moments, the efficiency of heating devices will not correct the situation.By the way, it only slightly exceeds the efficiency of conventional electric convectors.

Infrared ceiling heaters with thermostat: device prices

Comparison of prices for infrared ceiling heaters various manufacturers:

Manufacturer	Price level, rub.
Ecoline	2100-7500
Peony	2600-3800
Ballu	from 2500
HeatV	from 4000
PLEN	from 3000

Choosing a heater, I want to save money. However, try to think over the purchase in the future, because it is worth taking into account not only the cost, but also the power and durability of the device. First of all, you should start from your goal.

For example, buying an infrared film ceiling heater with a thermostat, the price of which is much lower than other types of infrared heaters, will be justified if your task is to solve a momentary problem of heating a room (for example, in a rented apartment or in a country house)

But, if you expect to use such a heater for decades, it is better to pay attention to models with longer service life - they are more expensive, but pay off with long and trouble-free operation.

best wall mounted infrared heater

Ballu BIH-AP4-1.0

Wall modification from Ballu for medium rooms about 12 sq. m generates heat flows with a power of 1000 watts. A pleasant bonus of the design is the swivel of the case and the possibility of ceiling mounting. The moisture-proof design of the case allows you to use the device in the bathroom, in the kitchen and even on the loggia or balcony. The model is available in three versatile colors, white, black and gray, so it fits perfectly into the interior of various styles.

Advantages:

• simple installation requiring a minimum of tools and knowledge;
• compact dimensions;
• uniform thermal distribution;
• The casing is covered with high-quality heat-resistant paint.

Flaws:

• there is no thermostat;
• During operation, the housing becomes very hot.

PROFFI PH9474

The powerful heater PROFFI (2000 W) is designed for heating spacious rooms of about 20-25 sq. m. The manufacturer provides for both wall mounting and mounting on a tripod for outdoor use. The model has a thermostat, therefore it is able to maintain a comfortable temperature set by the user. The protective block provides lightning-fast shutdown in case of overheating, thereby increasing the fire safety of the device. With this rich configuration, the PH9474 has an extremely pleasant average price.

Advantages:

• decent heating of spacious rooms;
• not the highest price tag against the background of optimal performance;
• acceptable consumption of electrical energy;
• the possibility of installation on the floor;
• complete with ergonomic telescopic aluminum tripod.

Flaws:

• consumer doubts are caused by the quality of the materials used for some elements of the heater;
• short power cord;
• it is difficult to find suitable quartz lamps to replace failed ones.

Almac IK7A

The Russian IR model is designed for heating 10 sq. m, for which the power of 0.5 kW is more than enough. The device is most often located in loggias, kitchens, small offices, garages

The color scheme proposed by the manufacturer allows you to perfectly and discreetly fit the heater into the interior, without drawing too much attention to it.

Advantages:

• does not make unnecessary noise during operation;
• sufficient choice of colors;
• economy;
• fast heating;
• thorough heating of surfaces and objects.

Flaws:

• the set does not include a thermostat, an electric power cable of an acceptable length;
• standard mounts do not allow changing the angle of inclination;
• overpriced for such power and equipment cost.

Peony Thermo Glass A-06

One of the most stylish and spectacular models in the top. 600 W is enough for full heating of a small room, hallway, closed balcony. A special feature of the device is a heating plate made of tempered thermal glass with a special NANO Energy coating. The material is durable, does not respond to light shocks, withstands sudden voltage surges up to 400 V, and successfully adapts to temperature changes from -60 to +400 degrees. The efficiency of the heater is 97%, which is an excellent high indicator.

Advantages:

• convenient to mount in the Armstrong ceiling;
• stylish modern design;
• beautiful thin glass body is easy to care for;
• high efficiency.

Flaws:

• the body does not turn;
• price;
• weight almost 10 kg;
• slow warm up.

Thermophone ERGN 0.4 Glassar

Another infrared electric heater made of tempered glass effectively heats an area up to 8 square meters. m, which is facilitated by a power of 400 watts. Economical energy consumption is not the only advantage of the model. In addition to the modern laconic design, Glassar is distinguished by its ultra-thin body, the thickness of the heating panel in which is only 5 mm. When the panel heats up to 95 degrees, an automatic shutdown is activated, preventing emergency overheating of the heater. The dimensions of the mounts and brackets are also minimal: you can install the device at a distance of only 4.5 cm from the wall.

Advantages:

• reliable glass;
• profitability;
• discreet design, optimal for modern interior solutions;
• simple wall mounting.

Flaws:

modest power.

The best wall-mounted infrared heaters

Wall-mounted heaters also do not take up much space and are suitable for both primary and secondary space heating. They can be placed next to a work desk or sofa for local impact.

Hyundai H-HC2-40-UI693 - a large heater for spacious rooms

5

★★★★★
editorial score

90%
buyers recommend this product

See review

High power and increased dimensions make this heater suitable for large rooms. It can be used not only as an additional, but also the main type of heating. In addition to wall mounting, the model also provides for ceiling mounting.

Hyundai H-HC2 is suitable for semi-open spaces and can be used as a small air curtain. The IR heating element is hidden behind the case, which prevents burns.

The equipment does not emit visible light, operates silently and does not dry out the air. Produced in Russia, the birthplace of the brand is South Korea.

Advantages:

• High power;
• Silent operation;
• Hidden heating element;
• Work in semi-open spaces;
• Universal installation.

Flaws:

No remote control.

The H-HC2-40-UI693 heater from Hyundai is suitable for large residential and non-residential premises, it can be used in apartments, cottages, garages, offices or factories.

Timberk TCH AR7 2000 is a high quality device with economical energy consumption

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

87%
buyers recommend this product

High performance with low electricity consumption are the main advantages of the heater of this model. It is equipped with a reliable, durable heating element, easy to mount on the wall and does not require constant maintenance.

The device is protected from overheating and can be used in the absence of people in the room, as it is protected from fire. A high degree of moisture resistance makes it suitable for rooms with high humidity and poor insulation. The country of production is China, although the brand is Swedish.

Advantages:

• Profitability;
• High performance;
• Overheat protection;
• Resistance to high humidity;
• Power adjustment;
• Small width.

Flaws:

The thermostat is only available as an option.

Timberk's TCH AR7 2000 infrared heater is ideal for medium-sized residential or industrial premises.

Ballu BIH-LW-1.2 - ergonomic model

4.7

★★★★★
editorial score

86%
buyers recommend this product

A compact heater from the Dutch manufacturer perfectly copes with its purpose in any room - with a low and high level of insulation.

The built-in quartz lamp quickly heats objects within the range of the device, while emitting a soft orange light comparable to the sun's rays. It is comfortable to be under the heater during the day and in the evening, but it is uncomfortable to sleep.

Thanks to the built-in bracket, the case can be tilted up to 5 steps in 15° increments. It can be installed to a height of up to 2.5 m, while it has compact dimensions and does not occupy the usable space of the room.

Advantages:

• outdoor efficiency;
• Tilt bracket included;
• Compact dimensions;
• Fast heating;
• Economical electricity consumption.

Flaws:

Glow orange light is not for everyone.

The BIH-LW-1.2 Ballu heater is suitable for apartments, cottages, loggias, summer cafes, gazebos and any other indoor and semi-open space.

Thermophone ERGN 0.4 Glassar - stylish and modern

4.5

★★★★★
editorial score

81%
buyers recommend this product

In appearance, this IR heater resembles a plasma TV, but it is intended for local heating of residential premises.

The model is produced in white and black colors, organically fitting into most modern interiors. The case is made of glass, which acts as a radiating panel.

During operation, the heater is almost silent, does not give a visible glow. It is protected from overheating and equipped with a built-in thermostat.

Advantages:

• Stylish design;
• thermostat;
• Overheat protection;
• No visible glow;
• Slim body.

Flaws:

Little power.

The ERGN 0.4 Glassar heater from the Russian company Teplofon is suitable for small enclosed spaces.

What are IR heaters

According to the type of installation, infrared heaters can be divided into the following: ceiling; floor; wall.

Ceiling heaters are considered the most efficient in terms of heating the room. Their radiation covers almost the entire area of ​​the room. Such warming is safe and harmless, comfortable. Some models are installed at the junction between the ceiling and the wall.

Underfloor heaters are not as efficient as ceiling mounted ones. However, their advantage is ease of use (they do not require special installation, they are plugged into a power outlet).It is recommended to buy such devices to replace oil heaters, since they are much more comfortable and economical.

Wall-mounted IR heaters are used outdoors. This is a separate class of IR heaters - convective infrared heaters. This is a type of device that not only emits IR heat, but also warms up the air next to it. In this they are similar to Soviet cast-iron batteries.

Types of heaters by wavelength

shortwave heaters. They have a high heating temperature (up to 800 degrees Celsius) and glow red. Shortwave heaters are halogen, quartz, carbon.

As a rule, they are mounted on a wall or installed on the floor. It is very comfortable to be under the rays of such a device for a long time, since the temperature is high. As a rule, shortwave models are installed on the street.

medium wave devices. They are also not recommended for heating residential premises. These are models of heaters with an open heating element. Medium-wave heaters are a steel tube heated to a red glow, surrounded by a reflector. Application: rooms with high ceilings (workshops, warehouses), rooms subject to drafts (metro).

Long wave heaters. They radiate a rather mild heat flux. It is this variety that is recommended to be used for the main or additional heating of residential premises, as well as children's and medical institutions. The heat from long-wave devices is felt much less, but it is much more comfortable and pleasant.

How to choose a ceiling infrared heater

Ceiling infrared type devices are installed in residential buildings, in open areas, in greenhouses and in industries.

What are IR devices

There are IR devices for outdoor and indoor installation on the market. Manufacturers produce household and industrial models that differ in appearance, heating temperature and power. There are samples for rooms with a high level of humidity (saunas) and with explosion protection.

Ceiling-type infrared heaters are:

• with and without thermostat
• gas;
• electrical;
• with open and closed coolant.

There are differences in the wavelength emitted by the device:

• shortwave, designed for rooms with a height of 6 m;
• medium wave - for objects 3-6 m high;
• long-wave - installed in rooms up to 3 m high.

Heating elements are:

• carbon fiber (heating occurs due to carbon filaments);
• quartz (heating is carried out by a tungsten filament);
• ceramic (the case of such a device does not heat up);
• tubular (heaters);
• halogen (the coolant is an inert gas, which is in the tube).

Manufacturers produce low and high temperature models. For small rooms choose dark samples (do not glow when heated) with low temperatures. For large production areas, light-type heaters are chosen. They are used in stadiums, warehouses, open marketplaces.

For greater efficiency of the ceiling-type IR heater, a thermal curtain is installed together with the device. It retains heat and reduces energy losses.

Advantages of infrared heaters

The efficiency of devices is 95-98%. The room is heated vertically, in the direction from bottom to top.Thanks to this, heat fills the room faster, energy consumption is reduced by 5-10% for each degree saved. The operation of IR devices does not require constant human control. They are cheap compared to other heaters. Since ceiling systems are static and contain no moving parts, maintenance is minimal and no maintenance is required.

Also, IR heaters have advantages in comparison with other types:

• high heating rate;
• since there are no fans in models of this type, they operate silently;
• easy and quick to install;
• do not emit light;
• fireproof;
• the possibility of heating a separate zone of the room is provided;
• IR rays have a positive effect on the body.

Minuses

A relatively new type of equipment for space heating has a number of disadvantages:

• after turning off the room cools quickly;
• there is a limitation in the power of the heat flux (if it exceeds 350 W / m², the radiation becomes harmful to the body);
• paintings, objects made of artificial materials are not placed in the zone of action of the rays (they can be deformed when heated);
• when buying a ceiling appliance, take into account that the distance from the heating source to the person’s head must be at least 50 cm;
• installation on a ceiling made of materials that are not resistant to heat is not allowed.

Subtleties of choice

Depending on the heated area and operating conditions, the number of heaters is calculated. For a small room, one device is installed, for working in large areas - several. When choosing a model, a number of indicators are taken into account.

1. Before choosing a ceiling infrared heater, determine on what area it should work.For industrial, office and warehouse premises of a large area, powerful light-type heaters are chosen.
2. An important indicator is the condition of the ceiling. Beams, ceilings, tension structures must support the weight of the model.
3. The height of the ceiling must ensure normal heat flow.
4. Heat carrier type.
5. For ceiling mounting, light models with an aluminum case, film devices are chosen.
6. The presence of a remote control, overheating sensor, thermostat in the sample. With these devices, the maintenance of the model is simplified.
7. Several models are installed on a large area.

Subject to the selection rules, the device will last a long time, and power consumption will be minimal.

Installation subtleties

Heaters are installed parallel to windows, doors, external walls. If you plan to install several devices, make a calculation to ensure uniform heating of the room.

One heater, mounted on the ceiling at a height of 2.5 m, operates on an average of 20 m². On sale there are suspended heaters and built-in models.

The principle of operation and design features of IR heaters

As mentioned above, these household appliances are radically different from convection heating devices. They do not heat the air, but the surrounding objects in the room: furniture, appliances, floors and walls. Infrared devices can be called a small home sun, the rays of which penetrate the air without heating it at all. Only objects that do not transmit light heat up under the influence of this radiation and transfer heat to the surrounding air, heating it to the required temperature.

Infrared radiation is perceived by human skin as heat emanating from our sun.We do not see these rays, but we feel them with our whole body. This radiation warms us regardless of external factors. He is not afraid of drafts and other natural factors. The main thing is that the radiation does not have insurmountable obstacles in front of it and freely passes to the required place. In the same way as our luminary, infrared heaters also act, because the wavelength of radiation from these devices is similar to the solar IR spectrum.

Converter-type heaters are unable to instantly create a comfortable temperature in the room, because the principle of their operation is based on the constant movement of warm air upwards. In this case, first of all, it warms up under the ceiling space, and only after a long time does the mixing of warm and cold air masses occur, which leads to the creation of a comfortable thermal regime throughout the room. During this period, a person has to freeze.

Infrared heaters work quite differently. A person feels heat from this type of household appliance immediately after turning on the device, but it can not be felt in the entire room. The infrared heater acts locally, that is, thermal energy is directed to a specific place. On the one hand, this allows you to create an instant effect of increasing the temperature at the required point in space, on the other hand, it saves energy. This is what household heaters that use infrared radiation for work are good for.

There are no complicated parts inside ordinary electric infrared heaters. An aluminum reflector is mounted in the body of the device, most often made of metal.The main part of the structure is installed on it - the heating element, which is the "heart" of the device. Currently, there are several varieties of this part: tubular (heater), halogen, ceramic or carbon. Also, in heaters of this type, thermostats are installed to adjust the temperature and special sensors that turn off the device in case of emergency.

In addition to electric infrared heaters, there are devices that use other energy sources: solid and liquid fuels, as well as natural gas. But such devices are used in domestic conditions extremely rarely and we will not consider them. We have considered the principle of operation and design features of IR heat sources, now let's move on to the pros and cons of this household appliance.