Why is Infrared Heating Set to Revolutionise How we Heat our Homes?

Many of us living rurally are stuck with electric heating as there is no other option! Traditionally this has meant large bulky storage heaters, tatty metal wall panels and massive bills for running costs, however over the past ten years infrared heating has come onto the market in the UK and has really taken off, the heaters are slim and stylish in design and the gentle warmth is very comfortable. But the concept of how infrared works is revolutionary.

Better thermal comfort

Infrared energy is the warmth we feel from the sun, the warmth that soaks into our bodies and warms us directly, it also warms objects like stone walls and sandy beaches these objects stay warm and radiate heat long after the sun has gone down. Technology has been developed into electric infrared home heating, working along exactly the same principles, if we can very gently raise the surface temperature of the objects within the room then they will radiate warmth and keep the air warm for longer. Infrared home heating is designed to be very comfortable, by gently heating the very room itself and for longer periods we feel all round thermal comfort, whilst still benefitting from that lovely feeling of infrared soaking into the body. Infrared energy is totally harmless, in fact our bodies naturally absorb and emit infrared.

Better thermal comfort is gained by having the heating on at a lower air temperature whilst being in warm surroundings as provided by infrared heating. Rather than hot air temperatures in cold surroundings as provided by storage and convection heaters.

Heating that is affordable to run.

Many electric heaters use 2000 or 3000 watts because they warm air and blow it into the room, this is an endless cycle. However, infrared heating works very differently, by only having to heat its own surface and maintain that high surface temperature the panel uses far less energy, heaters range from 300 watts for a small bathroom to 800 watts for a bedroom. Plus, once the objects within a room are warmed they help keep the air warm too, so the heater does not have to work so hard and will draw less power.

Heating that is easy to install.

Electric heating is very easy to install. The panels just screw fix on the wall and the cables can be neatly hidden by hard wiring or simply plugged in to a controller switch. A qualified electrician can put in a new wiring loop to your fuse board if you have infrared heaters in every room. Infrared heating is maintenance free.

Heating that is easy to control.

Infrared heaters themselves have no controls, it is up to the customer to fit a switch, timer, thermostat or full thermostatic programmer depending on their personal circumstances. A thermostatic programmer per room or zone of the house, will ensure the heating comes on or off appropriately, avoiding any waste of energy. By heating each room individually, there is better control of the fuel bills. Smart controls are also available for electric heating!

Stylish designs

Infrared heaters are very slim – just a couple of centimetres deep.  The panels consist of a backing plate for durability, a fine layer of “technology” which produces the heat and a front plate. This front plate becomes the design element, changing what might have been an ugly radiator into a beautiful or statement feature of the room. Mirror finish heaters are great for bathrooms and can also make an attractive feature in other rooms of the house where wall space is at a premium. White glass panels are stunning and highly reflective bringing light and movement to a room, heaters are best positioned at picture height rather than low down like a traditional radiator, so this panel looks great when designed as part of the interior décor. It is also possible to personalise the heater with a photo or JPEG image to create an individual picture on the wall or above the mantle shelf.

 

This blog was provided by Heather from Multi Heat Energy & Systems