As we already mentioned in our blog from last March, infrared is one of the oldest forms of heating known to man – it’s just the technology that’s changed over the years. While we might be familiar with the wood-burning stoves and bar fires that use infrared to heat spaces, people are less au fait with the more contemporary infrared products on the market. Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge can sometimes be exploited by businesses for their own gain. Less reputable companies might make outlandish and unsubstantiated claims about their products’ running costs, whereas others who have jumped on the infrared bandwagon may lack the necessary experience to accurately specify requirements for property interiors. If you’re thinking of installing an infrared system in your home or business, here’s why it pays to stick with the big-name brands on the market…
Heating Companies in the News
Heating systems very rarely hit the headlines, but in a recent article by the BBC, a Yorkshire housing association has received complaints from its residents after their storage heaters were replaced by an infrared-based product. The residents – who comprise some of the most vulnerable members of society – have been placed in an unenviable position where they’re spending the equivalent of “rent twice over with the energy cost.” No infrared system should cost this much to run. In fact, no heating system in the world should cost as much as rent to run! The entire scope of the problem isn’t clear from the details provided in the article but a quote suggests that the heating system may not be operating as it should be, with residents returning home “to find the heating has been on all day despite being switched off.” Without all the facts, it’s easy to speculate, so should we be sceptical of all infrared heaters?
Looking for Trusted Manufacturers
At the moment, the infrared market is still fairly new and there are many small companies and manufacturers emerging onto the scene. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they will offer a sub-standard product or service – it just means that it’s harder for customers to find a company with a good reputation. Sadly, this situation means it’s also very easy for unscrupulous companies to take advantage of this fact and sell poor quality products that they don’t fully understand. To avoid falling foul of the cowboy manufacturers, your first port of call should always be the market leader, and in the case of infrared heating, that’s Herschel Infrared. Based in Bristol, the success of their infrared heaters has seen their company expand across Europe, Central America and even as far as Australia. We stock Herschel infrared products because they represent the very best the industry has to offer, and as a company they’re constantly innovating in their field. But it’s not just the quality of their products that’s elevated them to this position – it’s their whole attitude toward infrared heating and how it can benefit customers.
No Substitute for Experience
Out of all the UK infrared suppliers, Herschel have the most experience and have installed systems within a wide variety of commercial and domestic properties. You can see this in their extensive online case studies page. It’s not just a few cherry-picked installations in luxurious modern buildings. Herschel’s case studies showcase 47 different applications across a diverse mix of properties including homes, offices, schools and industrial units, all the way to indoor markets, venues and churches. Aside from the domestic installations, many of these properties are open to the public, so if you happen to see a location close to where you live, there’s nothing stopping you from experiencing their infrared heating systems first-hand. Herschel have illustrated how versatile infrared can be with their wide range of heating solutions for all interiors. So long as a space has been properly assessed, Herschel’s infrared heaters can be used in any sized interior.
Fully Trained Installers for the Best Results
The installation process is also something Herschel Infrared is very passionate about. They’re currently the only manufacturer in the UK that provides comprehensive training and a network of accredited installers, so customers can find an electrician that understands how to get the most out of an infrared system. This is more important than you might realise. As infrared provides directional heat, it’s important to install them in a suitable location so that they work as efficiently as possible. You could get a non-accredited electrician to fit your infrared heating panels, but if they don’t have a good grasp on installation best practice, there’s every chance they may fit them in a location where their heat will be less effective. Herschel’s list of installers stretches the length and breadth of the UK, so if you’re having them hardwired to the mains, you can have your infrared heaters fitted quickly and professionally.
Contact Us for More Information
Infrared is an energy-efficient heating system – after all, we wouldn’t stay afloat as a company otherwise! – but it does require more careful planning because of how different it is to conventional systems. Accept no substitutes when it comes to infrared. We stock products from leading brands that emphasise the importance of quality, durability and longevity. If you’re not sure whether infrared is right for you, talk to our Sales team who can help you weigh up your options, and in the case of larger commercial installations, we can even arrange to have a comprehensive, on-site assessment completed of your property.
