An infrared heater, the user reviews of which will be useful to read to each consumer, differs from convectors primarily in the principle of operation.
Principle of operation
The first of the above heaters do not heat the air, but the surfaces and objects that are in the room, this can include walls and floor. An infrared heater is compared to the indoor sun, as its radiation is like ultraviolet. The radiation of the unit permeates the air, but does not warm it. After the beam reaches an object that the sun does not let through, it immediately absorbs heat, heating up at the same time. Infrared waves have an impressive length, they are perceived by the skin as sun rays. A person feels such radiation, but does not see it. These rays are able to warm regardless of drafts and wind. The infrared heater, which is used in everyday life, works on the same principle. Long-wave radiation is similar to the wavelength of the infrared spectrum in the sun. If you decide to purchase an infrared heater, it is recommended that you read the user reviews.
Why choose an IR heater
The convector will not be able to heat the room instantly, since during its operation warm air moves up. Initially, the space near the ceiling will be heated, while the person is below. Air masses, including cold and warm, will mix, which will take a lot of time.
If we are talking about an infrared heater, the situation is different. A person feels heat immediately after turning on the unit, however it is not felt throughout the room, but locally, only in the place where the radiation occurs. The device in the manufacture is not supplied with any complex elements. In a metal case, on which powder paint is applied, is a reflector made of aluminum. It establishes the main element of the unit, which is called a heater. Four types of these elements can be distinguished, namely, carbon, halogen, tubular and ceramic. Among other things, each infrared heater that you should read user reviews is equipped with a thermostat to adjust the temperature. There is also a sensor in the device that turns off the unit when it overheats. If the model is designed for installation on the floor, then it is mandatory to be equipped with a rollover sensor.
Varieties of infrared heaters
If you are thinking about which infrared type heater for the house to choose, then you should pay attention to the design of the unit. Everything will depend on the dimensions of the room, as well as the conditions of use. The consumer must decide which device he needs: stationary or what can be moved around the room. The mobile variety of such heaters has a smaller size and low power. As for stationary, they can be skirting, ceiling or wall.
If you decide to purchase an infrared heater, you will be interested to read user reviews. Buyers point out that the most convenient type of such appliances is a ceiling heater. It takes up the least space, and the radiation range will be very extensive. There are models that are designed for hanging on the ceiling, they can be built into the elements of the system.
Installation Recommendations
If you do not want to work on embedding the device, you can choose the usual model, which is equipped with brackets for hanging. In this case, the consumer should take into account that the distance to the ceiling surface from the device body should be approximately 5 centimeters.
Reviews of floor IR heaters
Reviews on the infrared heater will allow you to make the right choice. So, consumers do not too often choose the outdoor variety of such units, which are characterized by low power and not so high efficiency. This is due to the fact that the rays will meet many obstacles in their path, which cannot be said about the rays coming from the ceiling heater.
If you decide to opt for a floor heater, it is best to dwell on a model with a tubular or carbon heating element. Buyers claim that the ceramic heater is able to last not so long, so it can not be called too suitable. A halogen element that emits short waves can have a negative effect on human health, which is why it is unacceptable to use this type of device, since long-wave radiation is necessary for the normal operation of the device.
Consumer Reviews of Wall Heaters
Buyers claim that the reviews on the infrared heater allow them to choose the right model that has been in use for decades. If we are talking about wall-mounted heaters, dismantling must be carried out in such a way that the unit is installed at a certain distance from the floor surface. If there are children in the family, then the installation height should be such that the kids do not reach the device during its operation. Quite often, consumers choose the plinth design of an infrared heater. In this case, the device can be installed under the window, then the unit will fit perfectly into the opening.
Halogen Heating Element Reviews
If you still have not decided which type of infrared heater to prefer, it should be borne in mind that such devices differ in the shell in which the element emitting waves is enclosed. This shell can be made of quartz, ceramic or metal.
Electric infrared heaters, reviews of which will be useful to every consumer, may have a halogen heating element. It is a lamp that emits infrared heat. Inside this element there is an incandescent thread, which is made of carbon fiber or tungsten. At the time of heating the filament, energy is released that is transmitted through the tube of the lamp. Halogen lamps emit light of a golden type, which can irritate the eyes (to exclude such a negative factor, manufacturers cover the surface of the lamp with a protective composition). However, the main disadvantage of this heating element is the emission of short waves, which can have a negative effect on human health. Consumers rarely choose such infrared heaters, which can be called justified.
Reviews for Carbon Heating Element
And what about the carbon infrared heater? Customer reviews report that such devices can also be equipped with a carbon heating element, which is made in the form of a quartz tube. Inside, a vacuum is created in which a carbon carbon spiral is located.
Among the advantages of such an element is a quick warm-up, which is why the efficiency is higher. If we consider the reviews of infrared heaters, the principle of operation of which was described above, it can be noted that if the model is equipped with a carbon heating element, then it will be able to last for only 2 years, while the energy consumption will be very impressive. Among other things, such devices glow with a reddish light that irritates the eyes. Consumers emphasize that this type of heater should not be purchased if there are people with allergies or asthma in the house.
Reviews of heaters with a heating element under a ceramic shell
Ceiling infrared heater - an innovation in modern industry. However, before choosing such a device, it must be taken into account that different heating elements can be located inside. If the latter has a ceramic shell, then this indicates excellent protection. During operation, the heating element will not glow. This element will last for 3 years, and the price will be higher compared to models equipped with a quartz element.
Experienced consumers indicate the cost-effectiveness of such models: the range of power consumption will vary from 50 to 2000 watts. The difference is due to the design features of the devices. As negative features, quick cooling can be distinguished, however, you can count on quick heating. For this reason, these devices are often used in saunas and medical facilities. A wide area of use is due to their high strength.
Manufacturer's choice
A review of infrared heaters, the rating of which will be presented below, will allow you to make a choice. If you want to purchase a quality product, you may prefer the one that was imported from Europe. However, you will have to rely on a higher cost. It is important to pay attention to the country of origin, since many factories in Europe today are located in China, where the cheapest labor. This indicates a decrease in product quality. Among consumers, Ballu brand infrared heaters are quite popular. This company provides a long-term guarantee for which you can count on during the period of operation. No less often, customers choose Scarlett appliances. This manufacturer has established itself in the market of household appliances, so you can count on warranty service, which will cost inexpensively.
Conclusion
On sale today you can even find an infrared gas heater (a review of the most famous manufacturers is above). However, you may prefer the model of the Prometheus brand. The cost of this equipment will be significantly higher compared with foreign goods.