You may have heard a few myths about infrared heating in the past, but we’re here to sort the fact from the fiction, starting with how infrared affects your body. Sophisticated, efficient and stylish, infrared heating is a modern solution that perfectly matches a range of spaces, which is why it continues to increase in popularity as a primary heating system. It’s a completely safe way to keep you and your property warm and we’re going to explore why that is.
How does infrared heat work?
Infrared is a form of radiation and is the most natural type of heat we know. 100% safe, it’s the same type of warmth felt from the sun, only without the damaging ultraviolet rays. Instead of simply heating the air, it travels in a wave, supplying direct warmth that is easily absorbed by people, surrounding objects and surfaces. It sinks deep into the walls for lasting warmth that then re-radiates back into the room, effectively turning your space into a 360ᵒ heater. Infrared works particularly well in open-plan interiors because the warmth produced isn’t easily lost to open doors or windows, making it much more efficient and effective than more traditional forms of heating such as convection heaters.
How does it affect your body?
Aside from keeping you comfortable and warm, infrared heat doesn’t affect your body. Our bodies emit and absorb radiant warmth on a daily basis, which is why it’s so effective and feels so comfortable to us – we’re already used to it. Radiant heat warms liquids first and since a good percentage of the human body is made up of water, it’s easy to see why infrared heaters work so well at keeping us warm. If anything, infrared is a far superior – and arguably safer – way to keep you and your home warm when comparing to other heating solutions, simply because of the way in which heat is produced. These heaters may reach higher temperatures compared to other heating solutions, but they can be fitted well out of reach and angled to wherever heat is needed most, for ultimately safer heating. Plus, there are a number of health benefits that come with using infrared heaters.
How are infrared heaters better for your health?
Infrared heaters not only offer better efficiency and effective warmth, but they can also be beneficial for your health. These benefits include:
- Gentle on allergies: as infrared doesn’t use the air to transfer warmth, it doesn’t disturb any dust particles, making it much kinder to those with allergies.
- Can help to prevent damp: because radiant warmth sinks deep into the walls, it can help to stop moisture from settling, preventing damp and mould from growing.
- Cleaner air: infrared heaters can also help to improve the air quality in your home because they don’t have any effect on the humidity in the room, which means no dry air.
Choosing the right infrared heater for your space
Now that you know how infrared heat affects the body, it’s time to look at how it can be used to heat your home. These appliances come in a range of shapes and sizes to suit every area of your property and some even give off different types of infrared warmth, to uniquely benefit each space. So, let’s take a look at two of the most popular types of infrared heaters and where they can be used.
Patio heaters: shortwave infrared
Suitable for: exposed outside areas such as gardens, patios and terraces.
Patio heaters use a heat lamp to provide lighting as well as warmth and are often used for on-demand outdoor heating. They’re simple to install and come in a range of styles to suit every garden aesthetic, both domestic and commercial. Many of them use shortwave infrared to supply a more intense form of radiant warmth, which is great for offsetting colder outdoor temperatures. They’re fast-acting, providing heat instantly so you can feel the effects as soon as you switch your patio heater on. However, due to their robust heat, patio heaters can start to feel a little overbearing when used for constant, all-day heating, meaning it’s always best to use them over a short period of time. So, if you’re spending a couple of hours out on the patio or entertaining guests in the garden, an infrared patio heater is the ideal solution.
Infrared panels: far infrared
Suitable for: domestic and commercial interiors, such as living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, offices and shops.
Infrared panels use far infrared, the gentlest form of radiant warmth, which is why they can be installed in so many different locations. This type of heat isn’t as intense as shortwave, but that doesn’t make it any less effective. In fact, the subtle heat produced by infrared panels is easily absorbed by the skin, for a deeper level of warmth that’s perfect for all-day heating. It’s a mellow, comforting type of warmth that can be used throughout your property. Boasting ultra-slim designs and sophisticated controllability, infrared panels integrate seamlessly into any property and can even be fitted on the ceiling to help maximise space. With mirror, glass and colour finishes available, there’s an infrared panel for every room.
Browse our range of infrared heaters
Completely safe to use, infrared heating can only affect your body in a positive way – by keeping you comfortably warm whenever needed. It’s the ideal solution if you’re looking for a primary heating system and with so many options to choose from, there’s something to match every design scheme. We offer a wide range of infrared heaters, from our collection of Ecostrad panels with built-in WiFi control, to stylish patio heaters designed to keep you warm outdoors, no matter the season. So, browse our range today to find the best infrared heater for your space.
