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Embrace radiant warmth: Infrared heaters, panels and radiators in the UK

What we’ll cover…

• Understanding infrared heating technology
• The various types of infrared heaters and their applications
• Advantages of infrared heating in comparison with traditional systems
• Energy efficient practice and potential cost savings
• Infrared heating criteria selection and installation considerations
• Safety aspects and best practices
• Compatibility and suitability for different home environments

Why could a switch to infrared heating be worthwhile?

Are you fed up of spiralling energy bills and draughty rooms? The answer could be beaming right down, with the opportunity to embrace a secret of the sun – infrared heating solutions.

Infrared heating’s innovative technology uses invisible waves to directly heat up people and objects to create a comfortable, targeted warmth in contrast to traditional air-based heating systems.

If you are a homeowner in search of an energy-efficient heating option, or an interiors enthusiast hoping to enhance your household aesthetic with a sleek heating model, this guide will assist you in making an informed choice about infrared heaters in the UK.

How does infrared heating work?

Picture basking in the glow of a warm sun on a cool, sharp winter day. That is the essence of infrared heating. Rather than warming up the air, infrared heaters will emit invisible infrared waves for absorption by people and objects, which are directly converted into heat. Imagine infrared heating like a gentle invisible blanket providing you warmth from the inside out.

Different wavelengths for different infrared applications

There are three main types of infrared waves used in heating applications:

  • Shortwave: Powerful and instant, perfect for spot heating outdoors or in a workshop environment.
  • Medium-wave: Versatile and efficient, ideal for the heating of whole rooms in houses and conservatories.
  • Far-wave: Gentle and penetrating, suited to bathrooms and spaces in which a radiant background warmth is desired.

Advantages of infrared heaters vs traditional heating?

In addition to sun-like comfort, infrared heating offers many of advantages to UK homeowners in comparison with more traditional heating vices.

Energy efficiency:

  • Contrasting with inefficient air heaters, infrared heating panels directly target objects and people, greatly reducing levels of energy wastage.
  • Potential energy savings ranging from 30 to 50% can be expected compared with traditional electric heating options.
  • Combine infrared heating with renewable energy systems such as solar panels for the utmost eco-friendly, energy efficient solution.

Targeted heating:

  • Perfect for combating draughty rooms, infrared heating solutions use targeted heating to warm up people and objects directly, creating warmth exactly where required.
  • An ideal choice for open-plan living spaces, conservatories, or specific spot-heating zones.

Health and comfort:

  • Enjoy a gentle and radiant heat transmission similar to the sun, and far removed from the dry, stuffy air that can emerge from traditional heating systems.
  • Infrared heating has the potential to provide health benefits such as reduced dust circulation and improved circulation.

Environmentally friendly:

  • Several infrared heaters operate via electricity, making for a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-based heating systems.
  • Combining infrared heaters with renewable energy systems further reduces your carbon footprint.

Are there any disadvantages to infrared heating?

There are a couple of points that might be considered to be disadvantages to infrared heating…

Purchase price:

  • The up-front initial cost of infrared heaters is often significantly higher than traditional heating systems.

Unsuitable for some spaces:

  • Infrared heating options are not entirely suitable for every room, as the warming up of large, poorly insulated spaces can be much less efficient.

How to choose the right infrared heater

Heating requirements:

  • Room size: Measure the room to work out the required heat output, which will be measured in Watts.
  • Insulation: Consider the insulation levels of the room the infrared heater is to be fit in. Well-insulated spaces offer better heat retention, so less powerful heaters will be needed.
  • Temperature preference: Are you looking for intense spot heating or simply want to create a comfortable level of background warmth?

Infrared heating types:

  • Infrared heaters: Freestanding infrared heater units are perfect for spot heating a small to medium-sized room.
  • Infrared panels: Ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted infrared panels are an efficient choice to effectively heat an entire room.
  • Infrared radiators: A stylish and energy efficient radiator choice, ideal for the upgrade or replacement of traditional or outdated radiators.

Features and settings:

  • Smart functionality: Provides the ability to connect the infrared heater to a smart home system with remote control amongst other advantageous settings. Smart functionality delivers the ultimate level of control over your infrared heating.
  • Programmable timers: Allows users to set heating schedules for household convenience and a reduction in energy bills.
  • Thermostats: For the maintenance of a consistent temperature, and ensuring as much energy as possible is being preserved whilst your infrared heating system is in use.

Design aesthetic:

  • Impressive range: Select from a brilliant range of contemporary, sleek infrared heating designs that will enhance your home interior.
  • Double-edged design: Certain infrared models will double up as wall art, with a modern aesthetic lending itself greatly to improving the look of any room in the home.

Installation:

DIY or professional: There are several types of infrared heating solutions available, with some suitable for DIY installation, and others that will require professional fitting.

Budget:

Short-term outlay for long-term gain: The up-front purchase price of an infrared heating system is likely to be higher than that of other more traditional heating options. However, their durability and efficiency in performance can lead to long-term savings on energy bills.

How to safely install and use an infrared heater

As with any heating device, it is imperative to put safety first when it comes to the installation and operation of infrared heating solutions. You should always pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions if you choose an infrared heating option suitable for DIY installation, and follow the guidance below for optimal use…

  • Ensure proper ventilation and avoid the blockage of airflow.
  • Keep flammable materials away from the infrared heater.
  • Clean the infrared heater frequently to guarantee a continued strong performance.
  • Use appropriate electrical connections and surge protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Infrared heating operates by directly transferring heat from the infrared device itself to the object, which is the person or people within a room and the actual room as well.

As such, infrared heating works without heating the air in between the object that needs it, to offer one of the very most energy efficient means to gather warmth.

For a deeper insight, explore our blogs, The ultimate guide to infrared heaters, and Embrace radiant warmth: infrared heaters, panels and radiators in the UK.

Infrared heating is extremely energy efficient, as it directly transfers heat from an infrared device to an object like the person within a room or the room itself, without heating up the air in between.

This is done from any infrared heating option such as infrared panel heaters or any alternative appliance, making infrared heating one of the most efficient means for warmth consumption on the market.

To find out more, visit our blogs, The ultimate guide to infrared heaters and Embrace radiant warmth: infrared heaters, panels and radiators in the UK.

Infrared radiators work by transferring heat directly to the object that requires it, whether that be the person or people in a room or the space itself.

Therefore, infrared panel heaters (to give them their proper name) operate without actually heating the air between them and the object that needs it for an efficient performance.

To discover more, explore our blogs, The ultimate guide to infrared heaters and Embrace radiant warmth: infrared heaters, panels and radiators in the UK.

An infrared radiator (or infrared panel heater) is a modern heating device that works in a completely different way to more traditional heating options that rely on the process of convection to heat up.

Essentially, an infrared radiator will heat a person or object directly, so no energy is wasted warming up the air in between. As such, infrared radiators can be considered an economically viable heating solution that helps to preserve energy.

For further information, explore our blogs, The ultimate guide to infrared radiators and Embrace radiant warmth: infrared heaters, panels and radiators in the UK.

Infrared radiators (or panel heaters) are modern heating appliances that operate in a different manner to more classic heating devices that use convection to warm up.

Infrared radiators will essentially heat up an object or person via direct heat transfer, so there is no wasting of energy heating up the air in between. Therefore, infrared radiators are recognised as a green heating design that work in an economically friendly way.

To find out more, browse our blogs, The ultimate guide to infrared radiators and Embrace radiant warmth: infrared heaters, panels and radiators in the UK.

Infrared radiators (or infrared panel heaters – to give them their proper name) retain heat especially well, and particularly so in comparison with heating devices that rely on the convection process to warm up.

Infrared rads use radiation to directly heat up people or objects, and don’t warm up the space in between; as such, they are not susceptible to losing warmth via draughts from open windows and doors, as is the case with more traditional heating models.

Essentially, infrared radiators recycle their heat by retaining it well, and can work at a lower power output than alternative devices for a more efficient and economical overall performance.

To find out more, browse our blogs, The ultimate guide to infrared radiators, and Embrace radiant warmth: infrared heaters, panels and radiators in the UK.

Infrared radiators are certifiably safe and would represent a risk-free addition to any home. The infrared radiation that emerges from infrared heating appliances is the same sort that is delivered by our bodies themselves, which is why we are able to intake the radiation so easily.

The fact that infrared radiation technology is prominently incorporated in the typical incubators designed for babies indicates just how safe it is.

Plus, infrared radiators can be noted as a safer and healthier choice than traditional gas powered heating appliances for anyone suffering from beathing issues, or conditions such as asthma or dust allergies. This is because they won’t heat up air unnecessarily to risk shifting dust and other particles that may cause irritation.

Explore our dedicated blogs, The ultimate guide to infrared radiators, and Embracing radiant warmth: infrared heaters, panels and radiators, to learn more.

Infrared radiators and panel heaters are very energy efficient, as they warm up people or objects via a direct heat transfer, so don’t waste energy by heating up the space in between. The infrared radiation is transported rapidly as well, so there is no wait for the desired temperature to be reached.

For a more detailed insight, browse our dedicated blogs, The ultimate guide to infrared radiators, and Embrace radiant warmth: infrared heaters, panels and radiators in the UK.

Shop infrared heating online with BestHeating

Infrared heating options provide a combination of comfort, style, efficiency and eco-friendliness, making for an attractive proposition for UK homeowners. In understanding the technology, selecting the right infrared heater, and installing and using the device safely, you can open up to a world of warm, sustainable modern infrared heating solutions for your home.

BestHeating offer a sublime collection of ultra-stylish, modern infrared heaters in the form of designer radiators and alternative types like dry thermal electric radiators. We also offer a wide range of affordable modern electric heating styles in many different designs. Explore our excellent choice of infrared heating models online now, or get in touch with us for any help and advice surrounding the best infrared heating solutions for your household. You can reach us in the comments section below, or via Instagram, Facebook or X.

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