Understanding Infrared
Infrared waves are part of the natural light spectrum from the sun, without skin-damaging ultraviolet radiation.
Short-wave infrared is most effective for outdoor areas and large indoor spaces.
Long-wave (Far) infrared is most effective for indoor areas with low ceilings.
Infrared is much more energy efficient compared to convection heating.
Infrared Heating
Infrared is divided into Short, Medium and Far and the pre-dominant wavelength will determine which form is the most effective for the location you wish to heat.
- Short-wave infrared emits a small amount of light and is the most effective for large indoor open spaces, for spot heating, or for outdoor areas.
- Long-wave (Far) infrared emits no light and is most effective for indoor areas where there is less air movement.
- Infrared is a 100% safe and natural way to heat and is much more energy efficient compared to convection (air) heating.
Just as the sun has been heating people here on earth for thousands of years, our products radiate sun-like warmth to indoor or outdoor spaces, floors, and furniture, rather than heating the air. Remember the feeling of the sun on your face on a cold day? The air around you remains cold but it is infrared waves, particularly short – wave infrared that travel through the vacuum to radiant off surfaces, including your body.
The reason that this is so energy efficient is that unlike convection heating, there is no heat lost to the air, except through re-radiation off surfaces, whether this is the ground, a building, furniture or a person. With convection or air heating, because hot air rises, upper levels are always the hottest and the floor level is the coldest. With infrared it is the opposite as a roof space only receives secondary re-radiated heat.
We advocate for the use of Far infrared radiant heaters in indoor areas, such as rooms in a house, office or restaurant. While they are only 40% efficient, they provide completely unobtrusive heating, and because they are in controlled spaces, the air heating is contained within the space.
For more information on Comparing types of infrared heating, including where Gas radiant heaters fit into the picture, please follow this link to our White Paper ‘Clearing Up differences between short wave and other infrared heating options for open spaces and outdoor areas.’