Infrared heater: user reviews, types, manufacturers and the principle of operation

Infrared heater, user reviews which will be useful to read to each consumer, differs from convectors primarily by the principle of functioning.

Principle of operation

The first of the above heaters do not warm the air, but the surfaces and objects that are in the room, here you can include walls and floor. The infrared heater is compared with the indoor sun, since its radiation is similar to ultraviolet. The radiation of the unit permeates the air, but does not heat it. After the beam reaches an object that does not let the sun pass, it immediately absorbs heat, while warming up. Infrared waves have an impressive length, they are perceived by the skin as the sun's rays. A person feels such a radiation, but does not see it. These rays can warm up independently of drafts and wind. The infrared heater, which is used in everyday life, works on the same principle. Longwave radiation is similar to the wavelength of the infrared spectrum near the sun. If you decide to purchase an infrared heater, you are recommended to read the user reviews.

Why choose an IR heater

The convector can not heat the room instantly, since during its operation the warm air moves upwards. Initially, the space at the ceiling will heat up, while the person is at the bottom. Air masses, including cold and warm, will be mixed, which will take a lot of time.

If it is an infrared heater, the situation is different. The person feels the heat immediately after the unit is switched on, but it is not felt throughout the room, but locally, only in the place where the radiation occurs. The device is not supplied with any complicated elements during manufacturing. In the metal case, on which the powder paint is applied, there is a reflector made of aluminum. It installs the main element of the unit, which is called the heater. There are four types of these elements, namely carbon, halogen, tubular and ceramic. Among other things, each infrared heater, user reviews you should read about, is provided with a thermostat to adjust the temperature. There is also a sensor in the device that turns off the unit when it overheats. If the model is intended for installation on the floor, then it must necessarily be equipped with a rollover sensor.

Varieties of infrared heaters

If you are thinking about which type of infrared heater for your home to choose, then you should pay attention to the performance of the unit. Everything will depend on the dimensions of the room, as well as the conditions of use. The consumer must decide what device it needs: stationary or what can be moved around the room. A mobile version of such heaters has smaller dimensions and low power. With regard to stationary, they can be plinth, ceiling or wall.

If you decide to purchase an infrared heater, you will find it interesting to read the user reviews. Buyers point out that the most convenient type of such devices is a ceiling heater. It occupies the least space, and the radiation range will be very extensive. There are models that are designed to be suspended on the ceiling, they can be embedded in the elements of the system.

Mounting recommendations

If you do not want to work on embedding the device, you can choose a conventional model, which is equipped with brackets for hanging. In this case, the consumer should take into account that the distance to the surface of the ceiling from the body of the device should be about 5 centimeters.

Reviews of floor IR heaters

Feedback on the infrared heater will allow you to make the right choice. So, consumers do not often choose the floor type of such units, which are characterized by low power and not so high efficiency. This is due to the fact that the rays will meet on their way a lot of obstacles, which can not be said about the rays emanating from the ceiling heater.

If you decide to make a choice in favor of a floor heater, then it's best to consider a model with a tubular or carbon heating element. Buyers argue that the ceramic heater is not able to last for long, so it can not be called too suitable. A halogen element that emits short waves can have a negative effect on human health, which is why it is unacceptable to use this type of device, since long-wave radiation is necessary for the device to function normally.

Customer feedback on wall-mounted heaters

Buyers say that feedback on the infrared heater allows them to choose the right mdel, which has served for many decades. If we are talking about wall-type heaters, dismantling works must be carried out in such a way that the unit is installed at some distance from the floor surface. If the family has children, then the mounting height should be such that the kids do not reach the device during its operation. Quite often, consumers choose the plinth design of the infrared heater. In this case, the device can be installed under the window, then the unit will perfectly fit into the opening.

Feedback on the halogen heating element

If you still have not decided what kind of infrared heater you'd prefer, you should keep in mind that such devices differ in the shell, into which the element radiating waves is enclosed. This shell can be made of quartz, ceramic or metal.

Electric infrared heaters, which will be useful for every consumer, may have a halogen heating element. It is a lamp that emits heat in the infrared range. Inside this element is a filament that is made of carbon fiber or tungsten. At the moment of heating the filament, energy is released, which is transmitted through the lamp tube. Halogen lamps emit light of golden type, which can irritate the eyes (to avoid such a negative factor, manufacturers cover the surface of the lamp with a protective composition). However, as the main disadvantage of this heating element is the radiation of short waves, which can have a negative impact on human health. Consumers quite rarely choose such infrared heaters, which can be called justified.

Reviews about the carbon heating element

And what about the carbon infrared heater? Customer feedback reports that such devices can be equipped with a carbon heating element, which is made in the form of a quartz tube. Inside, a vacuum is created, in which a carbon carbon spiral is located.

Among the advantages of such an element is a quick warm-up, which is why the efficiency is higher. If we consider the feedback on infrared heaters, the principle of operation of which was described above, then it can be noted that if the model is supplied with a carbon heating element, it will be able to last for only 2 years, while the power consumption will be quite impressive. Among other things, such devices glow reddish light, which irritates the eyes. Consumers emphasize that one should not purchase such a heater if there are people with allergies or asthma in the house.

Reviews about heaters with a heating element under the ceramic sheath

Ceiling infrared heater is an innovation of modern industry. However, before choosing such a device, it is necessary to take into account that different heating elements can be located inside. If the latter has a ceramic sheath, then this indicates excellent protection. During operation, the heating element will not glow. Will serve this element for 3 years, and the price will be higher in comparison with models equipped with a quartz element.

Experienced consumers indicate the economy of such models: the range of power consumption will vary from 50 to 2000 watts. The difference is due to the design features of the instruments. As negative features, you can select a quick cooling, but you can count on a quick warm-up. It is for this reason that these devices are often used in saunas and medical institutions. A wide range of uses is also due to their high strength.

Select a manufacturer

The review of infrared heaters, whose rating will be presented below, will allow you to decide on the choice. If you want to buy a quality product, you can prefer the one that was imported from Europe. However, you will have to rely on a higher cost. It is important to pay attention to the country of origin, as many factories in Europe today are located in China, where the cheapest labor is. This indicates a decline in the quality of the goods. Among consumers, the infrared heaters of the brand Ballu are very popular. This company provides a long-term guarantee, which you can count on during the service life. Not less often, buyers choose Scarlett devices. This manufacturer has proven itself in the market of household appliances, so you can count on warranty service, which will cost inexpensively.

Conclusion

On sale today you can find even an infrared gas heater (a review of the most famous manufacturers is above). However, you can prefer the model of the brand "Prometheus". The cost of this equipment will be significantly higher compared with foreign goods.