Infrared heater for home. Types and principle of operation of infrared heaters Difference from conventional heating

It only took a few years for infrared heaters to become the most popular and in-demand type of heating. However, when purchasing, the question often arises of how to choose an infrared heater for the home so that the room is always warm, the devices do not break down, and serve their owners for a long time and properly. In order to determine which infrared heaters are better, you must first become familiar with the basic principles of their operation and the necessary criteria for making the right choice.

This type of electric heaters is fundamentally different in that it warms up not the air of an apartment or house, but the objects in it: floors, walls, furniture. IR radiation is comparable to solar rays: passing through the air, they do not heat it, but they perfectly warm up the objects on which they fall (for more details, see the article). These rays are not visible to the human eye, but.

palpable to the body

Not a single convection heater is capable of instantly warming up a room, unlike infrared devices. Their warmth is felt instantly, however, precisely in the zone where the rays are directed.

Difference between models by heating type

1. Models of IR electric heaters and their design features often depend on the type of heating element used in them:
2. with a filament made of tungsten or special carbon fiber. Such heaters emit a golden irritating light and have short-wave radiation that is not always favorable for humans. , made with a tubular vacuum quartz heater. Inside it is a carbon fiber coil, which helps the device heat up quickly. They emit red light (irritating to the human eye) and consume a lot of electricity. These models are not very preferable for long work , but they have a high coefficient.
3. with a heating element in the form of a ceramic protective shell that blocks radiation that is unpleasant to the eye. This type of electric heaters is distinguished by its efficiency and durability. They can be used even in moisture-containing rooms - saunas, bathrooms. But we must take into account that they can heat up for a long time, but at the same time they retain heat for a long time after being turned off, which allows them to be classified as economical devices. They are not recommended for ceiling or wall mounting; it is most successful to use floor or baseboard models.
4. Tubular heating elements(tension or), sometimes crackling during operation. When purchasing these heaters, you need to pay attention to the material of the heating elements (preferably stainless steel) and the insulator body (basalt without any additives is considered one of the best). This type of heating device is considered the most successful for long-term use, if you do not take into account the crackling that usually occurs when heating and cooling heating element.

Differences between IR devices by type of placement

All models of IR heating devices contain an instantaneous shutdown sensor for temperature regulation when overheating. IN floor options such devices are built-in additional sensors, reacting to the overturning of the device (include emergency shutdown heater).

In addition to the floor-mounted (least used) version of heating devices, there are wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted IR devices.

What model infrared heaters For an apartment, everyone decides based on their needs:

1. Mobile or usually small size, it is possible to move them from room to room. But they usually have little power. In addition, their rays encounter more obstacles in their path in the lower part of the room. When choosing floor-standing devices, it is best to give preference to options with a tubular (heating element) or carbon heating element. They are able to effectively warm up local zones in various rooms.
2. Stationary electric heaters (wall-mounted, baseboard, etc.) can be suspended, with conventional fastening to the surface, or built-in. In any case, they don't take up much space. When choosing wall-mounted options, they must be mounted at a height inaccessible to children. It is more advisable to install baseboard models under windows. It is better to give preference to stationary heating installations if constant heating of one room is expected, and the ceiling option the best way can warm up all areas of the room.

Ceiling devices can not only be suspended using suspended installation, but also install in suspended ceilings, which makes it possible to make them invisible from the point of view general interior premises.

If there are animals or small children in the apartment, it is better to give priority to ceiling models, especially those with remote control.

What else should you pay attention to when purchasing?

To determine for your home, it is not enough to pay attention to the heating elements, you need to decide:

1. With the desired power device, remembering that for every 10 m2 of heated area, at least 1 kW is required. If you need to heat a small room quickly and briefly, you can purchase heaters with a power of about 300 W. For summer houses You can also install low-power heaters (approximately 60-80 W per 1 m2). For heating residential premises in the city or in country houses, devices with more power are needed.
2. WITH manufacturer these devices. European brands are very profitable, but they can cost an order of magnitude more than, for example, the same Chinese models. Although they are no worse in quality. It’s just that Chinese factories use cheaper labor, but all components are mostly made in European factories and are of high quality.

When choosing infrared heating for your home, you also need to carefully consider the presence of:

1. Thermostat, maintaining the required constant temperature.
2. Sensor, which can protect the device from tipping over.
3. Remote control remote control (more often found in ceiling models).
4. Sensor, protecting the device from overheating.

If you want to completely duplicate the main heating (if there is none), it is best to use several IR heaters different types(for example, so that the rays of the ceiling intersect with the rays of wall or plinth models).

When choosing suitable infrared heaters for your apartments, it is important to understand the dependence of the heating temperature on the length of the waves used, namely:

1. Short waves(in the range of up to 2.5 microns), are emitted by heaters that have a heating temperature of over 100 degrees. They are considered not very beneficial for the human body. In this case, it is desirable that the ceiling height be from 5 to 7 meters, which is not always acceptable for residential premises. Such heaters are best used in workshops and various industrial premises.
2. Medium waves(range 2.5-5.7 microns), devices with a heating temperature of 600 to 1 thousand degrees can usually emit. It is better to use them in rooms with a ceiling height of at least 3 meters. They are great for country houses, offices or administrative premises.
3. Long waves(with a range of 5.6-100 microns) have an operating temperature of up to 600 degrees. They can be completely safely used in any residential premises (with a ceiling height of no higher than 3 meters), offices and work areas. An infrared heater is sufficient for living rooms , having a heating operating temperature of up to 120 degrees.

So, how to choose the right infrared heater? Taking into account all of the above, certain criteria can be identified:

1. Decide for what purpose the heater is purchased.
2. Decide on the type of heating element and the type of placement of the heating installation.
3. Calculate the heater power to warm up a specific room.
4. Take into account the price of the device, which usually depends on the type of heating elements used.
5. Select an electric heater that best meets all these requirements.

Conclusion

When using these heating devices at home, it is best to use electric models: they are the most efficient, safe and durable. By the way, when purchasing a device, its appearance is also important. And this is a good, trustworthy device case, a high-quality plug, and a thick cable. A properly selected infrared heater will give living rooms coziness, comfort, and warm everything around with its warmth.

With the onset of the off-season and the subsequent period of cold weather, heaters rule the roost on the climate control equipment market. There are many varieties of them, but, as they say, not all are equally useful. Typical problems: high energy consumption, slow heating, drying out the air, decreasing oxygen concentration.

In order to partially get out of the situation, you can buy humidifier(to be useful, you need a good and expensive one), ventilate the room more often (thereby lowering the temperature again). Is there a more advanced rational decision- choose an infrared heater as a heat source, which is largely devoid of the above disadvantages.

What is an IR heater and how does it work?

We will not consider industrial versions powered by gas or other types of fuel. They clearly have no place in everyday life, as do the accompanying cylinders and canisters. And here power socket suits us.

Hence the definition: for the devices considered below, infrared heating is a transformation electrical energy into thermal radiation. Classic analogy - sunlight, heating surfaces, objects, people and animals. Heat is transferred directly to the object, and from it to the surrounding air, and not vice versa. Consequently, less energy is wasted.

What we essentially have: a structure with an incandescent element and a reflector, which is a kind of local “luminary” of directional action, operating in a safe wave spectrum (no radiation and magnetic storms). It is not necessary to rotate around, but rotating or moving the source itself is easy. As needed, you can turn on “God Mode” by pressing the On/Off button or pulling the plug.

Infrared heating is new choice in solving the problem of constructing heating systems. The disadvantages of traditional convection heating devices are well known. They primarily heat the surrounding air, which accumulates near the ceiling of the room. This circumstance makes convection heating systems unsuitable for heating large areas with high ceilings, for example, production workshops. Most of the energy that an IR heater emits is long-wave radiation, similar in structure to the thermal spectrum of the sun. Just like the sun, infrared heating primarily heats opaque objects with its radiant energy. Further heating of the air occurs as a result of convection heat exchange with already heated objects. In this article, we decided to take a closer look at how to choose an infrared heater based on power and brand.

Application of IR rays in heating systems

IR heating can be chosen as the main or additional means of heating for both an apartment and a house, as well as for other buildings (chicken coop, greenhouse, garage, etc.). The infrared heater can even be used as heating device for a balcony, if the latter is glazed and well insulated.

One of the main features that distinguishes an IR heater from convection devices is the peculiarity of its effect on all living organisms. The fact is that when infrared rays hit human skin, they cause a feeling of warmth, regardless of the movement of the surrounding air and its temperature. Remember how the sun's rays warm you on a frosty winter day. Thanks to this effect, choosing infrared room heating provides a feeling of comfort for a person at an air temperature several degrees lower than in the case of convection heating. Thus, an infrared heater produces the greatest effect when a person is directly exposed to heat rays. This circumstance determines the most appropriate choice of using IR heaters.

This heating option is best chosen as an addition to the main heating system and implementation of zone heating. For example, you need to choose a device for a room. The infrared heater can be placed on the ceiling above the bed, sofa, desk. The overall temperature in the room can be reduced by adjusting the main heating system. Thus, the most comfortable conditions can be created only in areas where people stay for a long time, which will create certain savings. In general, the choice ceiling option The location of the IR heater is most preferable, taking into account its properties.

Promising is the use of radiant heating of workplaces in large production workshops, where winter time year, warm air quickly evaporates through the opened gates, and accumulates mainly under the ceiling, as already mentioned. In this situation, a low-power heater installed above the machine will provide comfortable conditions for the worker.

The use of infrared heating in greenhouses is very effective. Devices located on the ceiling deeply warm the soil in the beds and plant seedlings. In this case, it is advisable to control the temperature of the soil rather than the air in the greenhouse. Choosing this type of heating for a greenhouse can bring noticeable savings. For the same reason, it is more profitable to choose the use of IR rays for heating chicken coops.

What to look for when choosing

Now, briefly consider the main parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing the best IR heater in terms of price and quality.

Power

The choice of this parameter depends on whether the infrared heater will be used as the main or as an additional heating device. In the first case, it is recommended to choose a power of 1 kW per 10 m 2 of heated room area. In the second case, the power can be chosen to be minimal. In any case, it is preferable to choose a model with a thermostat. This will create comfortable conditions in any weather without consuming extra electricity.

The picture below clearly shows right choice IR heater power depending on the area of ​​the room:

It should be noted that if the ceiling height is 3 meters, you need to increase the power to 1.3 kW by 10 square meters. If in the room panoramic glazing, for calculation you need to increase the power to 1.5 kW.

Mounting method

In this matter, the choice can be made in favor of a ceiling, wall or floor structure. It all depends on the interior of a particular room and the tasks that an infrared heater must solve. In general, the choice ceiling structure looks preferable. With this arrangement, the device does not occupy useful space, the largest area of ​​the floor is in the zone of heat rays, and there are no obstacles between the emitter and the heating objects.

The choice deserves special attention portable design, which can be installed on a special tripod or hung on the walls. Such an infrared heater can be moved from one room to another, which has its advantages.

Additional options

Before choosing an infrared heater, you should pay attention to the presence of some very useful functions:

• Automatic temperature control provided by built-in thermostat.
• The presence of a protective shutdown implemented using an overheating sensor.
• For small desktop models, it is highly desirable to have limit switch, which turns off the heater when it tips over.
• For ease of use, it is better to choose a ceiling model equipped with a remote control system.

Manufacturer selection

So, which company should you choose a heater from in order to spend your money wisely and not make a bad choice? Many people distrust products made in China. This is not always justified. The fact is that many transnational companies locate their production in Asian countries, including China. This is due to the low cost work force in these countries compared to Europe and America. In such cases, the quality of goods produced, for example, in China, does not differ from the quality of goods produced by other branches of the company. Thus, it is more correct to make a choice in favor of a well-known brand, without taking into account the country of origin. It is much more important to choose an infrared heater from a company that is serviced by warranty and service centers located in your region.

The best manufacturers of infrared heaters today are the following companies:

• Ballu (China);
• Electrolux (Sweden);
• Timberk (Sweden);
• Noirot (France);
• Polaris (China);
• Sinbo (Türkiye);
• Neoclima (Russia, Ukraine);

These companies are the most popular among buyers in 2017. As for the most optimal models in terms of price and quality, we have listed them in a separate article, which we recommend that you read.

Now you know how to choose an infrared heater based on power, brand and additional features. We hope our tips helped you choose the right IR heater for your apartment, house or cottage!

Infrared heaters are popular heating equipment that is produced in Europe, as well as in Russia and China. For such devices to be durable and provide efficient heating home, it is necessary to understand the features of functioning and the subtleties of choice.

Design and principle of operation of infrared heaters

The main difference between such equipment and traditional convectors is that It is not the air that heats up, but all objects located in the home. In particular, this applies to walls and floors. Only after this will all things begin to give off heat to the air.

It is worth noting that infrared waves that form heat are perceived by humans in the same way as heat from the sun's rays. Accordingly, such heaters are not afraid of drafts.

It is important to remember that any the convector is unable to quickly heat the room, since during operation, warm air moves upward, which means that the space closer to the ceiling first heats up. It takes some time for it to become warm near the floor. Infrared heaters work differently. It is enough to turn on the device to feel the warmth.

Separately, it is worth understanding the equipment design. So, in a steel case covered powder paint, aluminum reflector located. There is a heating element here. In addition, there is a thermostat that provides regulation temperature regime, and a sensor, thanks to which the device will automatically turn off if it overheats. If the heater is a floor-standing type, then a tilt sensor is provided.

Types of heaters

There are many types of infrared heaters on sale. In addition, there are several classifications of such equipment.

Heaters by mounting method

Heating devices can be stationary and mobile. The latter variety is characterized by its compact size and minimal power. Stationary equipment will provide more efficient heating. Such models are divided into 3 groups.

1. Ceiling infrared heaters found to be the most convenient. They do not take up extra space and have a wide radiation range. Some models can be mounted directly to suspended ceiling, while others are secured with brackets. In this case, a gap of 5 cm is maintained between the device body and the ceiling.
2. Floor-standing infrared devices are considered less powerful and effective because there are many obstacles in the way of learning. When purchasing, you should give preference to a product with a tubular or carbon heating element. This is due to the fragility of the ceramic variety, as well as negative influence on the health of the halogen element.
3. Wall heaters fixed directly to the wall. In this case, it is important to maintain a certain gap from the floor surface to the body. If desired, the device can be mounted directly under the window.

Types of devices by wavelength

Inside any infrared heater there are special heating elements. They all have different wavelengths.

Heating element type

When purchasing an infrared heater, you should always pay attention to the type of heating element.

• Halogen product – This is a halogen lamp that emits in the infrared range. Inside it there is a filament, for the manufacture of which carbon fiber or tungsten is used. During the heating process, infrared energy is released and transferred to the tube. This produces golden-colored radiation. To prevent it from irritating the eyes, the lamp can be treated with a special compound. It is important to remember that such heating elements produce short waves, and this can negatively affect human health. Accordingly, this option is not preferable.
• Carbon variety is a quartz tube with a vacuum inside. This is where the carbon helix is ​​located. The advantage of this element is considered to be quick heating and higher efficiency, however, the product will last only 2 years and will consume a lot of electricity. This option is not suitable for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.
• Ceramic heating elements are protected, which means they will not glow during operation. Their service life is at least 3 years. Also, these products are more economical, and their price is relatively high. As a rule, such elements are used in saunas and various medical institutions.
• Tubular elements the design resembles ceramic variety. Their price is higher, which is explained by reliability, ease of use and efficiency. The disadvantage is considered to be slight cracking caused by the difference in the temperature resolution coefficients of the spiral and the body itself.

Optimal power

It is believed that a 10 m² room will require a power of 1 kW, however, it is better to purchase infrared heaters with a power reserve, because heat loss through walls and windows is possible.

Today on sale are often found models with a power of about 300 W. Such infrared devices become really effective if you need to warm up a room for several hours. Most often this basements or garages.

If you want to buy equipment for your dacha, then when calculating the power, remember that about 80 W will be enough per 1 m².

What to look for when purchasing equipment?

To make the right choice, it is not enough to consider only the type of heating element or the power of the device. There are several other important factors to consider.

Features of using infrared heaters

Ceiling devices are the most convenient to use, because it is enough to periodically brush off the dust. It is strictly forbidden to cover wall and floor models with anything.. It is important that the front panel of any unit is located at a distance of at least 1 m from any sockets and objects.

It should be remembered that IR examination is not harmful to humans, however, it is not recommended to be exposed to direct rays for a long time. To ensure that your health does not suffer, it is important to choose a power based on 60–100 W per 1 m².

Heaters emitting short waves are not suitable for home use, and products that provide long waves are important to correctly adjust in height.

Modern infrared heaters are the optimal source of heat for apartments, private houses and other premises. The use of such equipment is more profitable in contrast to conventional radiators and convectors, which is possible due to the operating principle of the device.

Infrared heaters (IR) are relative the new kind heating systems environment, which does not burn oxygen and does not pose a fire hazard. The principle of its operation is based on the release of heat through infrared radiation, which is absorbed by surrounding objects. This radiated heat warms the space. That is, IOs act in the same way as the sun, sending heat rays to the earth, where they are absorbed by various objects, including the surface of the earth, and heat the air.

If you heat a body, it will begin to release its heat either through a solid wall (heat transfer), or through a liquid or gas (convention), or thermal radiation will occur. It is on the latter principle of heat transfer that all IOs operate.

How do infrared heaters work?

The operation of the heater is based on the property of any heated body or substance to emit heat in the infrared spectrum. Main structural element such a heater is an emitter, due to the heating of which it emits infrared radiation. Heat is released only in the area of ​​operation of the EO, which gives this heating system the following advantages:

• warm air does not accumulate under the ceiling of the room;
• possibility of using zones local heating allows you to reduce the main room temperature;
• Possibility of installing the IO under the ceiling removes all restrictions on placement equipment;
• decides specific tasks, which are not subject to other heating systems (protection in winter period large glass windows, clearing snow from staircase steps, exiting garages and much more).

Types of infrared heaters

IO can be divided by type:

• radiation(short-wave, medium-wave, long-wave);
• obtaining an energy source(electric, gas, diesel);
• installation method(portable, stationary).

The applications of the EUT depend on the range of infrared radiation and the type of energy used in the heating system. Heaters can serve as additional heating, independent system heating, local heating in and outside the building, used for construction work in winter, heat exit routes. At home, for heating small rooms Floor, ceiling and spot heaters are used. They provide deep and rapid heating of the surface of the object and create the most comfortable climate in the house.

To choose an infrared heater for your home, you need to clearly understand whether you want to heat the entire room, apartment, or will it be enough for you to heat only your workplace. Based on this, you can start looking for the best option.

Main characteristics

To know what to look for in the device passport when purchasing, you need to study and compare all its parameters:

• power, which varies for home consumption from 300 to 2000 W, for industrial needs - up to 4 kW;
• wavelength; up to 2.5 microns - short, up to 50 microns - medium, from 50 microns - long.
• mains voltage(for household 220 V, power up to 2000 kW);
• moisture insulation(IP 24 marking);
• Fire safety;
• installation method(floor, wall, ceiling heaters);
• physical characteristics of the device (weight, area, thickness, body material);
• color to highlight the IR in the interior or, conversely, make it invisible;
• price, which varies over a wide range and is available to every buyer.

Knowing what characteristics to look for will make it easier for you to choose an AI.

Spot and film infrared heaters

Today manufacturers offer different kinds IO, the most popular of which are spot and film heaters. They are similar, the main difference is the ability to hide and not highlight film IR in the interior, whereas spot heaters can be used as part of the interior. to his appearance point IOs resemble fluorescent lamps and are mounted in different places using a bracket.

Infrared film is capable heat the surrounding area evenly due to the possibility of using a large area, and point devices heat a small part of the room, which is effective for local heating. The main disadvantage of film IOs compared to point ones is their high price.

Applications and types of ceiling heaters

If your apartment warms up well central heating, then in winter you don’t feel cool; it appears in the off-season, when the heating is turned off and it’s not always warm outside. Ceiling IOs will come to your aid during this period. Today These heaters are rightfully considered the best for all types of premises. They are placed on the ceiling, which does not create any inconvenience and harmonizes well with the interior; they warm the room from above.

The principle of operation of such a heater is similar to heating the earth by the sun's rays. This heating system allows you to heat the air up to comfortable temperature. Without overheating it and not allowing it to accumulate warm air up. This gives you a feeling of comfort - your feet are warm, your head is not hot and you have something to breathe.

Emitter temperature can reach 300˚С, about 90% of the energy of which will be directed to converting heat rays diverging in a cone at an angle of 90 degrees across the entire heated area, and only 10% of the energy will be spent on warming the air in contact with the emitter.

In each room desired temperature maintained by a thermostat in economy mode. When leaving home for a long time, you can set a low temperature, enough to avoid freezing pipes and walls, and if you use a programmable controller, this will allow you to forget about manually adjusting the heat.

Ceiling IOs are found wide application in heating of factory, warehouse, administrative and office premises, private houses, garages, apartments.

Their advantages are that they save energy consumption compared to convective (air heating) heating systems up to 60%, do not have toxic materials, keep the floor and walls free. Infrared radiation itself is harmless to human health.

An infrared heater comes to the rescue where it is necessary to provide local heating of a specific workplace, for example, for a person working computer desk, and full control of time and temperature conditions leads to savings.

Film floor and ceiling IO

Film heaters are mounted on the ceiling, floor, and walls. If we take a closer look at the floor and ceiling IOs, we will notice that they have the same operating principle and can be replaced with each other.

The principle of operation of a ceiling film infrared heater is that the rays emitted by the emitter, directed downwards, are accumulated by the floor surface and furniture, and then the heat is radiated into space. The most heat at your feet, which is very comfortable. Ceiling heaters can be installed under any non-tensioned ceiling covering, they are practically invulnerable to accidental damage, except in cases of water leaks in apartment buildings.

The disadvantages of such a system include the effect of radiated heat on household appliances , which sometimes negatively affects her work. As ceiling heights increase, electricity consumption increases, and ceilings greater than 3.5 m require more powerful equipment, which increases energy consumption.

System underfloor film heating is based on heating the floor and is mounted under it. Floor-standing devices do not affect the functionality of the equipment and do not heat it up, which is a definite advantage over ceiling system, and the uniformity and degree of heating of the room is practically the same in both systems.

A floor film heating system can act as local heating - in the form of rugs under your feet. This mobile system heating, extremely convenient for creating a temporary or permanent workplace.

Film heating can be mounted under any flooring, including cement screed. To protect against damage, the EUT is mounted with a special protective film. Installation of a film heating system is not recommended under heavy, permanently standing objects, due to overheating of these areas and rapid failure.

Film wall heaters

Wall option less effective than floor and ceiling, because heated air tends to rise, thereby reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs. They are not recommended to be used as the only heating system, but using them as an additional source in cold areas gives good results.

Let us add that these devices not only heat working space, But have an aesthetic appearance, can be made in the form of a painting, which decorates and complements the interior of the room. They consume about 400 W, quickly reach operating temperature, are easy to carry, and weigh no more than 1 kg. Thanks to the low temperature surface it is ensured burn safety in case of accidental contact.

Thus, by weighing your financial capabilities, heating problems, and the need for additional heating of any area of ​​the indoor or outdoor space, you can decide which heater you need. Will it be a point IR on the ceiling above a certain place (a computer or a chair where you read for a long time) or heating film panels under the ceiling.

Video about infrared heaters and the features of choosing such devices: