How does an infrared heater work?
The ecological advantages of infrared panels for space heating are appreciated by a growing group of users. How does an infrared heater work? Is it safe for humans? We will answer common questions from readers later in the article. We invite you!
What is infrared used in radiant heaters for heating?
Light, depending on the range of wavelengths, can be divided into visible and invisible to humans. We can distinguish colors thanks to visible waves. Waves invisible to the human eye are below the range of human vision. These are infrared waves, otherwise known as infrared (from the Latin infra - below). Infrared waves are a fragment of electromagnetic waves. They emit both invisible light and sensible heat. The principle of their operation is most similar to the sun's rays.
infrared waves breakdown
Infrared waves are divided into bands:
-
near NIR (near infrared )
-
medium MIR (medium infrared)
-
far FIR (far infrared)
The infrared heating technology uses the safest infrared radiation, far FIR.
Is infrared safe for humans?
Near NIR infrared rays can cause burns and damage the cornea of the eye. Therefore, people who work in the near-infrared environment should wear special protective clothing. Panels, heaters or infrared heating mats work using only far infrared rays FIR, which are safe for humans.
The infrared used in radiant heating resembles the background in which a person is normally located, however, in order to avoid unnecessary exposure to electromagnetic wave radiation, it is suggested not to mount heating panels directly next to the bed.
How does an infrared heater work?
Far infrared rays, unlike conventional heating with radiators, do not heat the air, but people and objects inside.
The human body consists mostly of water. Infrared rays penetrate water molecules and heat it up. The air around a person is heated by the heat of the human body.
There is no loss of thermal energy, and thus no unnecessary costs for utilities.
This is similar to exposing yourself to sunlight. The temperature of the air in the sun and in the shade is very similar, but the feeling of warmth on the skin, on which the sun shines, is much, much higher. Old-style light bulbs work in a similar way, which, in addition to providing light, also heated the environment.
FIR infrared radiation is used in physiotherapy, industry and for heating flats, halls and offices.
Why are infrared heaters considered as ecological heating energy?
The operation of infrared heaters is based solely on electricity. The power of infrared panels is matched to the size of the room. FIR infrared rays only heat objects within the operating range, leaving the air at a lower temperature. This means that comfort for residents is higher, because it is easier and healthier to breathe cooler, and thus, wetter air.
Infrared rays used for heating do not emit unnecessary smoke and other pollutants.
In addition, it is worth noting that heating with infrared radiators does not move the air, as is the case with standard radiators.
What does it matter?
Relief in breathing will be immediately noticed by inhalant allergy sufferers, who suffer especially during the heating season. The air heated by radiators rises, moves under the ceiling and falls in a cool wave on the wall opposite to the radiator. It then returns to the heater and the process repeats. Constant air circulation spreads dust around the room. An additional problem is the issue of perceptible dryness of mucous membranes in conventionally heated rooms. Residents of overheated blocks cope with this by mounting water containers on radiators to restore the balance of humidity in the air.
Heating with infrared rays does not cause continuous air movement. The mucous membranes of the nose and mouth are not dry, and thermal comfort is preserved.
Another problem for allergy sufferers is the fungus on damp walls. Walls in older buildings are often damp, especially when they are covered with furniture. Air heated by radiators does not dry these places, so fungus appears, causing health problems for people allergic to mold.
Fungus and mold will not appear in the environment heated by infrared radiators, and the walls will be better heated, and thus, more insulated against the cold from the outside.