How to choose an infrared heater: classification, tips and popular models

The interest around the heating of rooms with infrared devices does not cease: some consider them ineffective, others - the most comfortable and economical.

Before choosing an infrared heater, you need to understand its technical characteristics and installation nuances, as well as get acquainted with the modern models on the market. It is precisely these issues that our article is devoted to - here we will consider in detail the advantages of this type of heaters, highlight the main varieties that are present on the market.

We also consider the best models of well-known manufacturers, which users rated above others. In addition, the article is equipped with thematic photos and videos with recommendations for choosing the best heater for the house and apartment.

What are good IR heaters?

Unlike radiators and convectorsInfrared devices have a completely different operating principle. They do not initially heat the airspace they are in contact with, but objects that are exposed to infrared rays.

If there is a cabinet in the room opposite the heater, then the vertically located surfaces of this cabinet will heat up first, and then air.

Why do users abandon traditional devices and purchase infrared devices?

According to reviews, infrared household appliances have a number of indisputable advantages:

• lack of a "heat zone" under the ceilingcharacteristic for rooms with convective heating, as the heated air is evenly distributed throughout the room;
• the possibility of local heating of a single areafor example, a sofa in the living room or dining table in the kitchen;
• furniture safety and other objects that are “in the way” of infrared rays;
• solving special problems - suppose heating of glazed structures (windows, doors, double-glazed windows in the loggia), which are cooled in winter and reduce the air temperature in the kitchen, living room or bedroom.

The infrared heaters on the market do not require additional maintenance and are easy to manage. To actuate the device, you must use the manual switch.

There are many more expensive models with automatic control. If set temperature controller, then the heater will turn on or change the intensity of heating, if it is necessary to increase / decrease the temperature in the room.

Infrared heaters competed with more familiar oil radiators, which are usually used seasonally, during the cooling period, as a backup heat source

They also note the safety and environmental friendliness of the devices: in the process, they do not emit substances hazardous to living creatures and plants, and when properly installed, the radiation itself is only positive.

The disadvantages include the high cost of models with additional functions, the dependence of the operation of heaters on installation errors and the poor health of some users. We talked more about the dangers of IR devices in this article.

The electric models that are most common in everyday life, operate from a 220 V network and at the same time spend much less energy than alternative oil radiators

Classifications of Infrared Devices

The basis of the division into groups was formed by such parameters as the length of the thermal waves, the place and method of installation, power supply (the energy source from which the IR devices work). Before deciding which model of infrared heater to choose, you need to get acquainted with all the possible options for devices.

Classification # 1 - division by energy source

Depending on what kind of power the IR device needs, these types of heaters are produced:

• electric;
• gas;
• liquid (water);
• diesel (kerosene).

They differ not only in the source of energy, but also in design, characteristics and cost.

The largest group consists of electrical models. They can be divided into two subgroups: radiating thermal waves and radiating heat + light.

The second subgroup includes devices with halogen, carbon or quartz lamps, the main heating element of which can be a carbon spiral, tungsten or nichrome filament.

There is a classification according to the type of heating element, when lamp devices are assigned to one group, solid-state (ceramic) to another, and film to the third. Some manufacturers classify devices based on the features of the model range.

For example, Ballu series of devices (S2, AP4, APL, LW, etc.) are arranged depending on the installation location and specific purpose - heating the entire room, a section on the street, or a separate item.

Film IR electric heating systems are good for mounting on the ceiling or wall - a large working area provides efficient and uniform heating of the room (garage, porch, workshop)

Gas devices used to be used only for heating industrial facilities, but now there are many household models. They work on gas cylinders of various volumes (usually from 5 l to 50 l) and spend about 300-350 g of fuel per hour.

Safety is achieved by safety valves, which are activated if the gas supply is interrupted or when the concentration of CO is reached₂ in the air more than one and a half percent.

An example of a portable gas-fired device is a Kovea piezoelectric ignition model (Fire Ball series) that can be used to heat and heat products.

Diesel heaters are used where there is no way to connect to electricity or use a gas cylinder.Mobile models can be taken in the same way with you to the cottage or to the garage.

There are special camping options for tents. They are efficient and economical since they require a small amount of fuel.

Unlike diesel heat guns, infrared models do not emit combustion products, therefore, do not burn oxygen in a limited space

There is such a variety as infrared electrical appliances with hot water. They are connected to the heating system and provide heating for the lower part of the premises. An example is FRICO Aquaztrip AZB panels, designed specifically to save energy in industrial and office buildings.

A striking example of a floor-mounted electric IR heater, ideal for local heating of an office or home, is the Scarlett SC-253.

The cost of Scarlett SC-253 at various points of sale - from 2400 to 2700 rubles., That is, it can be attributed to budget models.

Classification # 2 - differences in installation method

By type of installation, all devices can be divided into 2 categories:

• stationary (ceiling, hinged, plinth, wall);
• mobile (indoor and outdoor).

The first type is suitable for users who regularly require heating the room as a whole or a separate area. The shape and size of the devices are completely dependent on the installation location. For example, ceiling models most often have an elongated configuration, and wall models are rectangular or square.

In addition to conventional wall mounted heaters, there are also built-in ones that can be placed in a suspended ceiling or shelf.

Floor models are usually equipped with stands or legs, some of them have a handle for easy transfer to another place. In size, mobile modifications are smaller, although there are exceptions, and in weight it is lighter - everything is provided for easy transportation. They also do not differ in large power, but are quite suitable for local heating.

Popular models at the installation location:

Heaters intended for heating limited areas on the street (open terrace) cannot be used indoors, and especially in residential premises. Modern models for outdoor use, as well as room analogues, are equipped with safety protective devices: they automatically turn off when the flame goes out.

Classification # 3 - variations by emission range

Experienced users of infrared equipment are well aware that it can differ in wavelength. The power of the device and some other technical nuances depend on this indicator.

Three groups of infrared heaters that differ in wavelength are conventionally distinguished:

• with short waves;
• with average;
• with long ones.

The first type of devices can be recognized at the time of switching on due to the wavelength range from 0.5 μm to 3.0 μm. Halogen or carbon lamps act as heating elements, which give bright radiation and are able to heat up to a temperature of +900 ° С.

Powerful short-wave infrared heaters are used not in everyday life, but in workshops, hangars, in warehouses or on the street, as they burn oxygen and consume a large amount of electricity

Medium-wave devices heat up to approximately + 550-600 ° C and have waves with a length of 45-50 microns. We barely notice the light, but with difficulty. Longwave models are devices designed for domestic use. They heat up to a maximum of + 300 ° C in the range of over 50 μm, that is, the waves are almost invisible.

Recommendations for choosing a heater

Before buying, you have to decide: which model of infrared heater is better to choose for your own use? If you are attracted by the option of an infrared carbon fiber device, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the varieties and tips for carbon model selection.

It is also necessary to determine exactly where the device will be installed, whether it is necessary to transfer it to another room, what heating area should be calculated, which power source is preferable for it.

Power is calculated in the standard way: 1 kW per 10 m², that is, to heat one room, a device no more powerful than 2 kW is required.

One of the indicators of “longevity” of home heaters is durable materials and good build quality. Sometimes even by sight, one can appreciate how reliable and functional a thing is.

If there are no nicks, nicks or scratches on the case, all the parts are precisely sized, the grille is not deformed, the adjustment is free - the products are of decent quality.

If in the first place is an unusual design, the main attention is to wall-mounted electric models.Some of them are made so skillfully that they are difficult to distinguish from paintings or graphic works.

You should be careful about the cheapest models. Even if the appearance suits you, you need to look for a trick - perhaps the matter is in poor-quality materials or in the absence of any protection. Heater safety is one of the main criteria for which you can overpay.

If the price is higher than usual, then the device is equipped with additional devices that may be useful. For example, a temperature-controlled thermostat, an overheat sensor, or a remote control.

Browse Popular Models

When evaluating a particular model, users pay attention to the following nuances:

• design features;
• a set of additional options;
• installation method;
• the price of the device;
• power consumption;
• power, etc.

As a result, the best models were selected that combine high quality performance and positive performance.

Model # 1 - DeLonghi HMP2000

Universal device that can be installed both on the floor and on a vertical surface. For wall mounting, special mounts are provided.

The infrared device of the HMP2000 series has a power of 2 kW and is suitable for heating a room with an area of ​​up to 24 m². Metal case - an additional guarantee of the service life declared by the manufacturer

Floor models are equipped with small wheels to move around the apartment. Power adjustment is carried out mechanically, using the handle located on the body. The cost of the heater is 4.5 thousand rubles.

Model # 2 - Polaris PKSH 0608D

The dual-mode carbon heater is convenient for home use. Adjusting the power from 400 to 800 W allows you to configure the device for a comfortable mode of operation. It is possible to rotate the housing, which is located vertically, at 70 degrees.

In the event of an accidental rollover, the automation is triggered and the power is turned off. An electronic thermostat and a remote control make the model even easier to operate. The cost of the device is 3,250 rubles.

The laconic design of the floor heater allows you to easily fit into almost any interior. The relatively small dimensions and elongated housing contribute to the fact that the device occupies a minimum of space even in a modest apartment

Model # 3 - Teplofon ERG / EVNAP 1.0

The Teplofon Binar model effectively heats an area of ​​up to 12 m² and has a power of 1 kW. The secret of popularity lies in the double principle of space heating: it can carry out heating in a convective way and with the help of an IR glass panel.

For comfortable control of the heater, a panel with a display is located in the upper part of the housing. Using the buttons you can set a specific power and set the desired temperature

If desired, the wall-mounted device can be installed on the floor - there are special legs for this. An unusual design, a glossy glass panel and a convenient way of adjustment made the model popular, despite the high cost - 6300 rubles.

Model # 4 - Ballu BIH-APL-0.6

The budget wall model has an affordable cost of 2500 rubles and a power of 600 watts, which is enough to heat 6 m² of area. If you need to warm up a larger room, you should install several devices with the same interval between them.

Lightweight, compact and stylish heater is easy to fix on the ceiling with your own hands. Despite its modest dimensions, the device is quite effective

Complete with a heater there are fasteners, which, if desired, can be used for installation on the wall. Light weight, modest price and simple execution made the model popular for office equipment.

Manufacturers from different continents produce a line of high-quality infrared equipment, which differs in power and installation method.Among the well-known brands are Hyundai, IRIT, Loriot, Neoclima, Rovex, Royal Clima, Scarlett, SUPRA, Timberk, Vitesse, Zencha, ZENET, Zilon.

If you like the principle of operation and the effectiveness of infrared devices, then you can use them to arrange infrared heating at home or to assemble and connect underfloor heating.

We wrote more about these features in the following articles:

• Infrared heating of a private house: an overview of modern infrared heating systems
• Infrared film for underfloor heating: types of films, how it works, laying rules
• Infrared carbon warm floor: operating principle and laying rules

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

To supplement your knowledge with additional information about IR devices and to better understand their performance, we suggest watching useful videos.

The author of the following video argues in favor of buying an infrared heater model:

Video recommendations for choosing the best heater for home and apartment:

If among all types of heaters you nevertheless settled on the infrared model, carefully study its characteristics. It will be useful to calculate heat losses in the rooms and determine the power in advance. Find out if the selected equipment can become a full-fledged heating device or play the role of a backup / additional / local device.

Looking closely at infrared devices, planning to buy a heater for your home? Maybe you still have questions after reading the article? Or want to tell other site visitors about your experience using an infrared heater? Write your questions and recommendations in the block under this article, express your opinion, share experience with newcomers in this matter.