Infrared heating of a private home: a review of modern infrared heating systems

Efficiency and economy are key parameters when choosing a heating system.The price of energy resources is quite high; prudent owners of apartments and private houses try to use them wisely. These two parameters form the basis for the development of an innovative infrared heating system.

The article we have proposed will help you find out on what principle infrared heating of a private home works. We will tell you how and how you can set up IR heating. You will learn what equipment is needed to achieve the intended goal and how to secure it.

For you, we have collected and systematized all the information about the types of infrared heating systems and the criteria for their selection. For visual perception, photo selections, informative diagrams and video presentations have been attached.

Operating principle of infrared heating

In nature, infrared radiation is included in the spectral region of electromagnetic waves emitted by the main “luminary” of our system – the Sun. Thanks to the invisible wave spectrum emitted by it, all living things on our planet are capable of developing.

Scientists infrared radiation, which is referred to as “thermal”, is divided into three components, highlighting the near, middle and far spectrum.

The most effective for heating and the safest for living organisms are electromagnetic oscillations, immediately following the visible red side of the middle spectrum.

Almost 50% of the solar spectrum is occupied by infrared rays - the closest radiation to the human body

The wavelength range of radiation, called “rays of life,” ranges from 8 to 14 microns. In a number of sources, the “life-giving” interval is slightly increased: from 6 to 20 microns. However, even these discrepancies in the readings are not critical.

It is the long-wave spectrum, close in value to the radiation of the human body, that is involved in the development of equipment and the arrangement of a heating system with infrared heaters.

Heating plates used in infrared heating generate heat with an operating range of 5-15 microns

Infrared installations can be considered a kind of mini-sun. The only difference from the natural “luminary” is that they will warm up the space constantly, regardless of the weather conditions outside the room. Such installations operate in everyday life from a 220V network.

Infrared rays, passing through air barriers, heat the hard surfaces of objects in the room, and they subsequently redirect the heat into the space

The heating element, which is the main component of the device, distributes light waves. Thanks to the reflector, during operation of the equipment, the object at which the device is directed warms up.

The role of “receivers” and then “emitters” of heat can be performed by any objects in the room: ceramic and stone objects, wooden and glass surfaces, living organisms.

Objects receive heat or transfer it to a nearby space. During operation of the equipment, the surfaces of interior items in the radiation zone are 7-10 degrees warmer than the surrounding air.

Heating with infrared rays can be perfectly combined with other traditional heating methods, making it easy to create a “heat island”—a zone of increased comfort—in any room with minimal effort.

Both at the domestic level and on an industrial scale, this type of heating is convenient to use as auxiliary or emergency heating. Heat losses during its use on average do not exceed 10%.

Advantages and disadvantages of the system

A heating system based on infrared radiation has a number of undeniable advantages compared to convector heating methods:

1. Wide range of applications. Infrared heating panels are used to heat all types of rooms. They are used to increase the temperature in warehouses, livestock farms, utility rooms and garages.
2. High heating rate. The feeling of thermal comfort from the moment you turn on the equipment occurs in a matter of minutes. This occurs due to the fact that the air does not absorb thermal radiation, and the energy is spent for its intended purpose with minimal losses. And even after turning off the device, it will continue to emit heat for some time.
3. Quiet operation. The operation of the heaters is not accompanied by any vibrations or noise, and no combustion products are released during the heating process.
4. Safety for the health of household members. By its nature, infrared heat is as close as possible to solar heat.It is the most comfortable for a person. The devices used do not emit an unpleasant odor, do not emit toxins or harmful substances, and are absolutely safe for human health.

Heaters of this type are not afraid of moisture. Thereby infrared devices You can safely use it to create “islands of heat” in the open air, using it to heat a garden gazebo and veranda.

By installing IR heaters, you can significantly reduce heat costs and minimize the problem of irrational temperature distribution

Unlike spiral heaters, infrared systems do not burn oxygen out of the air or dry it out. Heat is distributed evenly in the room without accumulation in the upper half, closer to the ceiling, of the room.

And the heating process does not involve convection air currents, which can raise dust. Thanks to this, it is possible to maintain a constant microclimate, providing conditions for a comfortable stay for household members.

Heaters are placed in the floor, ceiling, or simply attached to existing ceilings. They are often used when installing a “smart home” system.

Infrared panels and film coatings are famous for their compactness, occupying a minimum of usable space in the room and giving off maximum heat

An argument in favor of the modern system is the fact that in recent years, infrared saunas have become increasingly popular among connoisseurs of spa treatments.

According to research by Japanese scientists, they are an excellent preventive measure for many diseases. Penetrating under the skin of a person, the rays heat up the blood vessels, thereby promoting the rapid spread of heat throughout the body.

But the infrared heating system is not without its drawbacks. These include:

• Infrared rays have a targeted effect. Therefore, within one spacious room, it may be too warm in one place, while in another, on the contrary, it can be cool.
• Since infrared rays warm up objects rather than air, during the process of heating a room whose interior consists of equipment, a subtle smell of plastic may appear.
• In aesthetic terms, such hanging heaters are not always able to successfully fit into the overall interior design.

Enough energy efficient infrared heating cannot be considered fully economically beneficial. Firstly, you will initially have to invest a significant amount on the equipment itself.

Secondly, in order to achieve rational energy consumption with its help, you will have to spend money on meeting a number of key requirements. For example: for insulating a building, installing reflective screens that reduce heat loss.

Depending on the power, such devices consume approximately 50 to 200 W per square meter per hour of operation

But if all necessary installation conditions are met, the efficiency of the system can reach 95%. And to maintain a comfortable microclimate, it is enough for the film coating to occupy 50% of the surface of the walls or floor.

Types of infrared heaters

Modern industry produces two types of heaters for infrared heating systems: film version and panel version.

The principle of operation for both types of devices is identical: it is based on an emitter and a reflector that focuses IR rays in the required direction

The differences between film and panel emitters are only in design features. When installing ceiling infrared heating, both film emitters and panels are used.

But for floor heating, only film-type equipment is used.

No. 1 - panel heaters

Flat heating panels are good because they allow you to maintain the area of ​​living space while maintaining the same height of the room. This is very convenient when arranging rooms with low walls and sloping ceilings.

When IR panels operate, only 10% of the energy is spent on heating the air, the main part of the heat, 90%, is directed to objects

Structurally, such devices include the following main elements:

• heating element - a heating element;
• panel, which receives heat from the heating element and transfers energy to heated objects;
• insulation, located on the back side, preventing the loss of thermal energy;
• plate – reflecting electromagnetic waves from the back of the device;
• housing with cable entry, terminal block, etc.

The material for the manufacture of heating elements can be ceramics, quartz or tungsten. The material used largely determines the power and efficiency of the equipment as a whole. The heater is covered on top with a decorative coating, which acts as an infrared wave emitter.

Depending on the installation method, the panels can be built-in or wall-mounted. The first are plasterboard structures with thermal insulation applied to them and a built-in graphite thread.

The body of the hinged panels is made of heat-resistant plastic or glass, and the heating element is covered with a screen made of ceramics or anodized aluminum.

Infrared panels are installed under the window instead of the usual battery, or simply hung on the wall or ceiling using brackets

Such heaters are available for sale in the form of traditional panels and more sophisticated models, decorated to look like stone or natural wood. Exquisite design products can be a worthy addition to the interior.

No. 2 - film-type emitters

Film heaters are most often used when it is necessary to organize zone heating. For example, when arranging a loggia, arranging a work area or creating a relaxation area on the veranda.

Coverings of this type can be placed both on the floor and on the ceiling with walls. The only exceptions are suspended ceilings made of fabric or PVC sheets. For suspended ceilings, manufacturers offer cassette-type infrared emitters.

Such heating systems are film mats into which heating elements connected in series are sealed.

The main material of the system is a thin layer of graphite deposited on a thin thermoplastic film or parallel carbon fibers, which produce a heat flow when heated.

Film coatings consist of interchangeable modules, so that if a separate section fails, it will not be difficult to replace it with a new one without compromising the integrity of the system.

To give film heating systems Some craftsmen equip them with decor to make them more presentable. To do this, a plasterboard frame is first built over the coating, and a decorative finish is applied on top of it. The only condition is that it does not contain metal.

More and more fans among connoisseurs of quality and beauty are finding film picture heaters that successfully combine functionality and aesthetics

In improved versions, film IR heating systems are mounted under a layer of decorative finishing. Decorative film heaters are low-power devices and therefore are used mainly for local heating of one area of ​​the room.

Classification according to the method of arrangement of elements

Infrared heating devices are presented on the market in a wide range. According to the method of arrangement of heating elements, they can be divided into three groups: floor, wall and ceiling.

Option #1 - floor heaters

Floor coverings are modular materials, inside of which flat heating elements are laid. The coating is produced in the form of rolls. For installation, it is cut into pieces of the required sizes.

Strips of rolled material are placed on the floor so that the emitters do not end up under heavy furniture; this will prevent a decrease in heat transfer and drying out of the wooden elements of the set

Insulation material and infrared film is laid directly onto the prepared base floor. During the installation process, avoid placing the panels overlapping and try to maintain a distance of 10-15 cm from the walls.

The following can be laid on top of floor infrared strips:

• carpet;
• parquet board;
• linoleum;
• laminate;
• ceramic tiles.

The most successful combination is obtained when using ceramic tiles as a floor covering. Laminate is a little inferior in this regard. And the greatest shielding of IR radiation is created by carpet and linoleum.

Film systems are installed not only on floors, but also on ceilings under suspended structures and attic roof slopes. Installation and connection are carried out according to a similar scheme:

Infrared heating systems include not only film options, but also rod carbon floors. Will familiarize you with the rules for their installation popular article our site.

Option #2 - wall and ceiling fixtures

Compared to underfloor heating systems, the choice of ceiling and wall-mounted units is wider. In addition to traditional panels, there are also designer built-in models of ceiling radiators.

They can be installed in suspended ceilings. They are available for sale in different sizes and colors.

The plates are placed in such a way that the rays emanating from them are directed to the furniture, and the latter, having absorbed heat, begins to act as a source of thermal energy

Ceiling models of infrared emitters are located at a height of 3 meters and above. With this arrangement, the thermal ceiling is directed downward and diverges slightly to the sides.

Rushing down, the rays first warm up the floor covering. Due to this, the temperature at the level of the feet is always a couple of degrees higher than in the head area. To prevent heat from leaking into the street, the panels are not placed opposite doors and window openings.

Wall-mounted infrared emitters are placed so that they are above or below the level of a person’s head

Among wall emitters, it is worth highlighting baseboard systems. They are narrow, long structures. The systems are installed around the perimeter of the room, placing them instead of conventional plastic or wooden baseboards.

When choosing a location for the panels, you should avoid recreational areas where there is a high probability of direct impact on household members. For example: at the level of a sofa or bed.

Otherwise, the rays directed at right angles will overheat and dry out the skin, causing discomfort among residents and guests of the house. The coverage area of ​​directional emitters is one of the main characteristics and is usually indicated in the product data sheet.

IR wall heaters are rarely used. The circulation of warm and cold air occurs from bottom to top, so it is wiser to prefer ceiling or floor options

Manufacturers of IR heaters

Many companies around the world are engaged in the production of IR equipment. The most popular among foreign manufacturers are:

• "STIEBEL ELTRON" — a German company that produces products of traditionally high quality;
• FENIX TRADING — the Czech company pays close attention to the issue of energy efficiency of its products;
• "AIR COMFORT" — the Italian concern is relying on the creation of a safe heating system of a new generation;
• "FRICO" — the Swedish manufacturer guarantees Scandinavian quality and places increased demands on the design of its products.

Domestic manufacturers are represented by such brands as "Bilux", "Peony", "EcoLine", "Almak". In terms of quality characteristics, the products of these brands are not much inferior to their imported counterparts.

The cost of domestic-made IR equipment is 30% lower than imported analogues, so a wide range of buyers can afford its installation

But it is worth noting that not all of these domestic devices for infrared heating are supplied complete with brackets. In addition, judging by the reviews, the operation of domestic devices is often accompanied by a slight crackling sound, which can be annoying especially at night.

You should also be wary of Chinese-made products. Some companies put the “SE", meaning "China Export" Visually, this abbreviation is similar to the sign of compliance with European requirements "SE", meaning "Conformite European».

The only difference is that in the second case the font density is a little wider and the letters are located a little further from each other. Therefore, in addition to studying the labeling, ask for certificates of conformity.

Criteria for proper selection of equipment

The main thing you should focus on when choosing heating elements is their design and operational parameters.To calculate the optimal power, use the classic formula, taking as a basis that heating 10 meters of area requires an average of 1.2 kW.

Available for sale and mobile installations, which are convenient to use for temporary heating, placing them in the right place in the room and, if necessary, taking them out onto the site. They operate on both electricity and gas.

Such a portable IR heater can effectively heat an area with a radius of 2.5 meters, filling the room with comfort and warmth.

If we compare floor- and ceiling-type models, the difference between them will be insignificant, since in any case the floor and lower part of the walls will warm up first, and warm air will still rise upward. For this reason, look only at how convenient it will be to place the equipment on the ceiling or floor.

Models with a built-in temperature sensor are convenient to use: when the temperature in the room drops below the set point, the equipment automatically turns on, and when the set value is reached, it turns off.

Preference should also be given to devices whose design allows you to adjust the tilt of the radiation direction.

When choosing a product, pay attention to the presence of a thermostat, with which it is convenient to set a certain mode and thereby save energy consumption

In general, when choosing heating elements, you need to be guided by the parameters of the product, the materials from which the house is built, the presence of another type of heating system, and, of course, your financial capabilities.

But don’t be tempted by products with unreasonably low prices.In an effort to reduce production costs, some manufacturers do this at the expense of quality, saving on contacts and using low-quality wires.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video #1. A clear example of how a heating system works:

Video #2. Film IR heating: pros and cons:

Video #3. Review of ceramic heating panels:

The infrared system is a safe new generation heating technology, which, with the right approach, can become an economical and rational option. Moreover, both as a zonal and as the main heating of a private house.

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