How to choose an IR heater, reviews

How does an infrared heater work?

Its heating effect can be compared to solar energy. It does not heat the air, but heats all the objects in the room: furniture, paintings, cups and, of course, people. And the heat from them begins to heat the air.

Moreover, unlike others (oil, spiral and gas heaters), the air begins to heat up from the floor, and not from the very top, which significantly speeds up the heating of the room. But, these heaters heat not only rooms. They are very effective even on the street, for example, in an open gazebo, because they do not heat the air on the street, which is unrealistic to warm up, but directly people and objects, as mentioned above.

fan heater

In fan heaters, air is heated by a hot electric coil and a fan that drives air through it.

The heat in the room becomes quite fast, but when it is turned off, it also quickly cools down.

Since the spiral is very hot, this type of heater dries the air and burns house dust.

As a result, specific odors appear. Therefore, in recent years, models with a ceramic heating element, which are devoid of these shortcomings, have become widespread.

In addition, during operation, the fan heater is quite noticeably noisy. So you won't get much sleep with him at night.

Heating control systems

In the budget configuration, infrared heaters of all types are equipped with adjustable heating power and maximum room temperature. When it reaches the set value, the thermostat turns off the heating elements. Floor models are additionally equipped with a safety sensor that turns off the device in the event of a tip over.

Panel and individual modifications of lamp heaters can be combined into groups controlled by an external thermostat and a common temperature sensor.Film elements of infrared heating are also controlled in this way, since they are not equipped with their own safety automatics.

Control of the ceiling model is best used from a remote thermostat

Manufacturers provide the following additional functions in the devices:

• programming the time and temperature of heating for 1 day or a week ahead;
• LCD display;
• Digital Watch;
• remote control control;
• remote control from a smartphone via the built-in GSM module.

Cons of infrared heaters

Despite all the advantages of infrared heaters, compared to oil or convection heaters, this type of equipment still has disadvantages. They are insignificant, but they should be taken into account when choosing a heater for an office, house or apartment, as this will affect ease of use and safety.

Rapid drop in temperature when the heater is turned off

If you turn off the oil heater, then the heat from the heated liquid will still spread throughout the room for some time. This allows you to alternate the intervals of activity and passivity of the device so that it consumes less electricity, but does not stop heating.

Infrared heaters give off heat only when switched on. As soon as the voltage stops flowing to the heating element, radiant heat stops. The user immediately becomes cool. If the device has been working in the room for a long time, so that the walls and objects have warmed up, then the comfortable temperature will last a little longer. When turned on for a short time, as soon as the device is turned off, it will immediately become cold.

Uneven heating

Another disadvantage of an infrared heater is uneven heating.All his work, due to the involvement of electromagnetic waves in the infrared range, has a directional effect. As a result, in a room of 5x5 m, heat will be felt by those people who are in the zone of influence of the heater. The rest will be cold. For example, if there are two beds in a children's room in different corners, then you will have to put them side by side or use two IR devices at once.

Uneven heating is also manifested in the fact that radiant heat heats the zone like light from a flashlight - where it hits. Therefore, on the one hand, the human body can even be hot, and on the other, it feels cool from the surrounding air. With such an operation of the device in the open air, it will have to be periodically rearranged or turned by itself in order to warm up from all sides.

Negative impact on a person with prolonged intensive exposure

In general, IR heaters are safe for health, but problems can arise when you stay under a constantly turned on high-temperature device for a long time. It's like sitting under the sun for a long time - you won't get a tan from infrared rays, but the concentrated heat will dry out the skin, and the body will not have time to compensate for the loss of moisture by removing sweat in this place. Overdried skin can then bake and peel off. Therefore, sitting on one side with bare parts of the body to a constantly turned on heater is not recommended.

Dangerous for children and pets

High-temperature IR heaters with spiral heating elements can cause burns if a person touches the bulb or reflector. Although the heating element of the IR heater is enclosed in a glass tube, the surface of the latter is still very hot.

The heating element of the apparatus is often covered with a metal grate with large cells, so children, out of curiosity, can easily stick their hand in there. In view of this, you should not leave the included IR heater and children in the same room unattended. A pet with long hair can be hurt if it rubs against the heater and accidentally touches the heated bulb with the coil.

Bright light

Infrared heaters with tubular heating elements have another drawback - a bright glow. In daylight, this is not very noticeable and only helps to see whether the device is working or not. In the setting of a street cafe, it is even attractive in the evening.

But in a room at night, such a “bulb” can interfere with rest, continuing to shine brightly in the eyes. It is impossible to turn the case in the other direction, because then the heat will be directed past.

Fire risk

This shortcoming again concerns only high-temperature models. The tall stand of the heater allows it to be installed at different heights to adjust the direction of radiant heat depending on the user's location. The stand has a four-point stand to ensure a stable position, but a large dog in the house can easily overwhelm the unit by running past. If this is not seen, then touching the carpet or continuing to shine on the wooden flooring in this position, the heater can start a fire.

Having considered from all sides the topic of the pros and cons of IR heaters, it will be easier for you to make your choice. And you can find out already tested and popular models that have positive reviews by looking at the next page of the site, which describes the best infrared heaters of all kinds.

The best ceiling heaters

In the category of ceiling heaters, the following models are widely used:

1. Almac IK8;
2. Peony Thermoglas Ceramic-10.

Let us dwell on their description and some technical parameters in more detail.

Almac IK8

Use as the main or additional source of heat is allowed. The body of the model is made of high-quality aluminum and equipped with a low-temperature type heating element. Fixing to the ceiling is carried out using special fasteners that come with the heater.

Power	800 W
The size	980x160x30 mm
The weight	2.4 kg
Room area	10 m²
Number of modes	1
Installation height	2.2 m

Cost: from 3,200 to 4,300 rubles.

pros

• aluminum body;
• the top layer consists of heat-resistant paint;
• the kit includes the parts necessary for installation;
• current strength is 3.6 A;
• for the purpose of precise temperature control, an additional connection of a thermostat is allowed.

Minuses

the white color of the body quickly attracts dirt.

Almac IK8

Peony Thermoglas Ceramic-10

The model is made of tempered glass. In its installation, the mandatory installation of a thermostat is required, which is not provided in the kit. Two mounting methods are allowed: ceiling and wall. Mounts are not included and must be purchased separately. The operation of the device is based on balanced type convection. Due to the absence of any coating on the heater, the likelihood of odor during operation is completely eliminated.

Voltage	220 V
Max Power	1000 W
Heating area	20 m²
The weight	4.6 kg
Installation height	2.5 - 3.5 m

Price: from 4,000 to 5,000 rubles.

pros

• large heating area (20 m²);
• power indicator allows you to achieve efficient work;
• light weight;
• simple installation.

Minuses

The kit does not include mounting brackets or a thermostat.

Peony Thermoglas Ceramic-10

Convector

The principle of operation of the convector is based on a simple law of physics. Cold air naturally enters the appliance from below. After that, heating occurs inside the case and, already heated, it exits through the upper grilles (at an angle) into the ceiling.

The case itself does not heat up as much as in radiator models. It's the air that's heating up.

The truth does not warm up in the room right away. Unless an additional fan is built in inside.
If you come from work to a cold apartment and turn on the convector, then for any reason the floor of the house will be cold for a very long time.

Moreover, at a small height from the floor there will also be a layer of cold air.
The warmest place in this case is the ceiling. If there is even a small draft, it will be quite difficult to warm up the walls and furniture in the room.

Almost all convectors are mounted on the wall, but some are also equipped with legs.

Remember the rule that the lower the convector is installed, the more efficiently it will work out its kilowatts.

The wall-mounted installation option looks very aesthetically pleasing, but it will no longer be possible to transfer it from the bedroom to the hall or to the kitchen.

The main heating element of the convector is a spiral. Therefore, such devices also burn oxygen.

But recently, heaters with a tube consisting of a large number of fins have been increasingly used.

Due to this, even during long-term operation, their case does not heat up more than 90 C. And for many models, the temperature is even less than + 55-60 degrees.

Such options will be a good solution for families with small children.

When installing heating in the bathroom, make sure that the model has a minimum degree of protection IP24.

The first digit indicates that the device is protected against penetration of solid objects larger than 12mm. For example, the fingers of an adult's hand.

The second digit (4) indicates that the heater is protected against splashing water from any direction.

You can find out how much it will actually cost you to heat your house with convectors as the main source of heat from this video:

Room area and device power

First of all, you need to decide what area you want to heat. It depends on what power you need. How to calculate this power?

There is a simple and reliable formula that is suitable for all types of heaters except infrared.

For every square meter of a room with a standard ceiling height, it is desirable to have at least 100W of power.

For an infrared heater, there is an unspoken rule that 100W per 1m2 of area is its maximum power, and not its minimum.

To the value obtained, you need to add 200W for each window.

From this it follows that, for example, one room with an area of ​​​​13m2, a model of 1.3kW + 0.2kW = 1.5kW will quite effectively heat up.

And if you have a ceiling height of 3m or more? Then use a slightly different calculation. Multiply the total area of ​​​​the room by the actual height of the ceiling and divide this value by an average coefficient equal to 30. Then you also add 0.2 kW per window.

Of course, according to the calculation, you can choose a less powerful device, especially for apartments where there is already a main heating (central or boiler).

But given the constant heat loss and the fact that it will warm up the room longer, it’s better to play it safe.Devices with several stages of heating are ideal. The more of them, the better.

Moreover, when the set temperature is reached, the built-in thermostat must turn off the device, no matter what stage it is at. And when it is lowered, turn it on again. Thereby essentially saving el.energiyu.

And yet, a more powerful heater, when operated in the “half” mode, will serve you much longer than its counterparts matched back to back.

Control system

In stores, you can buy heaters with two types of control:

mechanical

electronic

Models with mechanical control are the simplest and cheapest. However, they have a whole bunch of shortcomings, which not everyone is aware of.

first limited functionality

in addition, they are more prone to wear during long-term operation. This means they will fail earlier than electronic ones.

the error in setting the desired temperature can reach several degrees!

when automatically turned on and off, they click quite loudly

And it happens constantly every 10-20 minutes. So you don’t want to leave such a unit in the bedroom for the night.

The temperature in expensive models can be set with an accuracy of several tenths of a degree!

However, do not forget that electronic ones are often equipped with a backlight, which may not turn off completely.

And this can be quite annoying, especially if you are used to falling asleep in complete darkness.

There is a natural desire to close such a screen with something. And here the most important thing is not to forget the basic safety rules for heaters:

do not dry anything on them and do not cover the radiator openings

do not place near curtains or furniture

Therefore, check the backlight, as they say, without leaving the cash register.

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.

The best halogen infrared heaters for summer cottages and houses

This type of heating equipment heats up due to a special lamp, where the filament is placed in a gas - halogen. This combination creates infrared radiation and light.

Here are some popular options for a summer residence or a private house, which experts drew attention to.

Heliosa Hi Design 11BX5/11FMX5

Rating: 4.9

In the first place in the category of halogen heaters with infrared radiation, the model of the Italian brand with dimensions 45x13x9 cm and power 1500 W. Despite the large dimensions, the lamp heater weighs only 1 kg. Inside there are two halogen heating elements capable of heating an area up to 15 m². The item can be purchased in black or white. Reviews show that owners like the universal mount in the kit, which allows you to attach the fireplace to the wall in the country, hang it on a beam in the gazebo, or fix it in the house on a vertical stand. Since the heater has a degree of protection IP65, it is allowed to use it in the yard even in bad weather.

Our experts considered the product to be the best in terms of configuration. It is already sold with a mains cable and plug, but unlike other models, it has a switch on the wire. This allows you to start heating with the touch of a button located at a convenient level, instead of plugging in the plug or reaching for the cabinet. This is especially practical when placing a fireplace at a height.

Advantages

• adjustable tilt angle;
• can be attached to a vertical post or horizontal beam;
• sold in black and white;
• protected from water.

• bulky body;
• high price.

Frico IHF 10

Rating: 4.8

This halogen heater stands out for its design. The ribbed grille, in contrast to the thin twigs of competitor models, looks powerful and original. In appearance, the front panel, with its glow, resembles the heat emanating from a fireplace with firewood.The unit is endowed with a power of 1000 W and operates in one mode. Dimensions 50x17x7 cm can be easily placed on the ceiling, without the need to rearrange the lighting shades. The lamp heater weighs 2 kg. It always works in the same mode at full strength and without a thermostat. In the design, the manufacturer used a new solution - convex glass. This increases the transmission of infrared radiation by 10% compared to a flat screen.

This is another infrared model that leads in terms of installation height. The characteristics allow placement height of 2.3-3.5 m from the floor level

The product should be paid attention to the owners of cottages with spacious attics, where you can place a heater under the roof arch. Despite the remoteness of the device, everyone in the room will be warm.

Advantages

• universal mounting bracket for ceiling or wall mounting;
• well-polished reflector for better distribution of infrared rays throughout the room;
• interesting design;
• reliable protection of the front panel.

• not available everywhere;
• short wire 90 cm.

Almac IK7A

Rating: 4.7

The category is completed by a halogen heater with a power of 2000 W, which has an aluminum casing. Due to this implementation, the weight of the device is only 800 g. The manufacturer allows installation heights up to 2.2 m on the ceiling. Despite the compact dimensions of 39x15x8.5 cm, there are already three lamps inside the device. In the reviews, buyers share that at first they did not believe how such a “baby” is able to heat 20 m². But in practice, the device works perfectly and the declared power easily copes with heating a given space.

We drew attention to the product due to the unique fastening.Unlike most competitors, here you can not only adjust the angle of the heater, but move it to the side (the mount can move along the groove on the back wall)

With stationary ceiling fixing, this is relevant if in the country house you have to slightly rearrange the bed, sofa or table, not only along the IR beam stream line, but also to the left or right of it. Then you do not need to remove the heater and install it in a new place.

Advantages

• available in white and black case;
• three halogen lamps;
• universal design;
• improved casing cooling;
• weighs only 800 g.

Best Ceiling Infrared Heater

Hyundai H-HC2-30-UI692

One of the most expensive and powerful heaters in the ranking. The ceiling-mounting device can also be fixed to the wall if required. The appliance quickly heats up surfaces, so that the room temperature becomes more comfortable within half an hour. The turn of the body has a large angle, so that the heater can be easily directed to the desired area in the room. Buyers note the excellent performance of the device in warehouses: even with a constant influx of cold air from the street, Hyundai maintains a comfortable temperature regime.

Advantages:

• very fast heating of even a large room;
• amazing power;
• regulation of the heating level;
• high-quality assembly without backlash;
• reliability.

Flaws:

• highest cost;
• Energy consumption;
• no fasteners included.

RESANTA IKO-800

The budget modification from RESANT will cope with the low temperature in the room up to 10 square meters. m.800 W allow the device to be used as the only source of heating in a limited space. In larger rooms, it is appropriate to use the model as an addition to the central heating system. The heat-insulated steel case reliably hides the working lamp, contributes to a longer operation of the device.

Advantages:

• price;
• light weight;
• excellent assembly;
• warms up well
• cools down for a long time;
• economical;
• convenient carabiners and a chain for hanging installation.

Flaws:

poor set.

NeoClima IR-08

Modification from NeoClima has a light, thin body made of sheet steel. The heating element generates useful heat with a power of 700 watts. The manufacturer has provided the possibility of simultaneous cascade connection of several devices and their synchronization with each other, thanks to which it is possible to significantly raise the temperature even in the coldest room during peak winter frosts.

Advantages:

• ergonomic fastenings;
• sufficient power for small areas;
• fire safety;
• does not overheat the body if it is near a heater;
• lack of parts made of flimsy plastic;
• accelerated heating;
• price;
• prompt injection of a temperature comfortable for a person;
• the ability to connect a synchronized network of several devices to maintain an ideal indoor climate.

Flaws:

slight crackling during operation.

Ballu BIH-S2-0.6

Ergonomic model capable of heating up to 12 sq. m with a power of only 600 watts. At the same time, installation on suspended ceilings, which are still popular among consumers, is possible.The robust housing is protected from moisture, so the BIH-S2-0.6 is suitable for wet rooms where it is dangerous to install conventional heaters. Additional shielding reduces heat loss due to heating of the rear surface of the device. Four reliable fasteners allow you to hang the heater on cables.

Advantages:

• small dimensions;
• protection from dust and moisture;
• rapid heating;
• fire safety;
• the admissibility of installation on a false ceiling;
• acceptable energy costs;
• effective control of moisture and mold;
• reliable blocking from overheating;
• it is possible to understaff with an automatic thermostat;
• double thermal insulation.

Flaws:

• only frame mounting is possible;
• price.

Almac IK5

The heating element of the model is made of durable stainless steel, which, in combination with a power of 0.5 kW, allows you to quickly and efficiently heat a compact room of 10 square meters. m. The series is presented in four color options, thanks to which it is possible to make a stylish ceiling heater almost invisible in any interior. Easy installation will take up to 1 hour.

Advantages:

• well generates heat waves in compact rooms;
• neutral design for interiors of any style;
• thoroughly warms up not only objects, but also the floor surface;
• simple temperature control;
• operation without unpleasant noises and crackles.

Flaws:

• the basic configuration does not provide for a thermostat, wires for connection;
• too much heating of the rear of the heater housing.

The best floor ceramic heaters

Floor units are portable and compact.They can move from place to place indoors and be transported, for example, from home to summer cottage and back. Such heaters differ in shape, type of installation and dimensions.

ThermoUp Floor LED

5

★★★★★
editorial score

100%
buyers recommend this product

The representative of the Floor series from ThermoUp is not only efficient, but also visually attractive heating equipment. The main part of the body of the model is made of high-strength glass with protection against overheating, shock, scratches and clouding. At the base of the glass panel is a multi-colored LED backlight.

The case quickly heats up to 80 degrees, providing efficient heat dissipation. At the same time glass is not exposed to negative influence of differences of temperatures.

Power can be adjusted within 5 modes. The heater is protected from high humidity, so it is suitable for bathrooms. Supplied with remote control.

Advantages:

• Futuristic design, plus LED backlight;
• 5 operating modes;
• Remote control;
• High strength glass.

Flaws:

High price.

Ceramic heater from ThermoUp will create a comfortable microclimate in any room and complement the interior with its original design.

Veito CH1800 RE

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

96%
buyers recommend this product

The device has an ergonomic body and compact dimensions, while being able to heat a room up to 20 square meters. m. The ceramic heater is located vertically on a chrome-plated stand, taking up very little space in the room. The model is available in black and white body colors.

Thanks to the built-in thermostat, the heater allows you to set a comfortable temperature. It is equipped with an effective overheating protection system, which ensures a long service life.

The device is equipped with a remote control and is suitable for rooms with high humidity.

Advantages:

• Compact dimensions;
• Moisture resistant case;
• Remote control;
• Overheat protection;
• Built-in thermostat.

Flaws:

Short cord.

Thanks to its universal size and compact dimensions, Veito will organically fit into any room, providing efficient heating.

Heliosa 995 IPX5/2000W/BLK

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

89%
buyers recommend this product

The powerful 995 IPX5 ceramic heater from Heliosa is very versatile. It can be used not only for heating outdoors or indoors, but also for drying soil and building materials, as well as for creating the right microclimate in greenhouses.

The device is made in industrial style. Its height exceeds 2 m, and its dimensions are 50x50 cm. The device is supplied with a remote control. The safety of the model is ensured by protection against overheating, and the heater body is not afraid of rust.

Advantages:

• Wide scope of application;
• Sufficient thermal power (2 kW);
• Moisture resistant case;
• Complete remote control;
• Automatic shutdown.

Flaws:

• No built-in thermostat
• Bulky.

Ceramic heater from Heliosa is able to become the only source of heat in rooms up to 20 square meters. m, as well as an efficient local heater inside and outside buildings for various purposes.

Hyundai H-HC3-06-UI999

4.4

★★★★★
editorial score

80%
buyers recommend this product

A compact heater from Hyundai is designed to heat rooms with a total area of ​​​​up to 8-10 square meters. m. It is suitable for floor and desktop installation and can be used for local heating.The safety of the model is provided by a fall sensor and protection against overheating.

The device is capable of operating in two modes: 450 and 950 watts. It has compact dimensions - 24x32x9 cm, and weighs only 1 kg. The device can be easily moved around the room and transported in hand luggage.

Advantages:

• Two modes of operation;
• Compact size and light weight;
• Rollover sensors;
• Overheat protection;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• There is no thermostat;
• No remote control;
• Low power.

Hyundai ceramic heater will create a comfortable microclimate in a small room. Suitable for home, cottage, small office.