Infrared heating is slowly becoming a staple in a lot of households, not only because it is an environmentally friendly solution, but also because it is a very efficient way to save energy. Many people wonder if infrared heating is suitable for their home, and how it compares to traditional heating methods such as convection heating. In this article, we answer all of these questions and take a closer look at the consumption, benefits and application of infrared heating in different rooms, such as the living room.
What is infrared heating and how does it work?
Infrared heating is a form of electric heating in which panels emit radiation that directly heats objects and people rather than the air, as is the case with traditional convection heating. This process provides targeted and even heat distribution, which is particularly useful in areas where direct heating is needed, such as the infrared heating living room or bathroom.
The consumption of infrared heating is an important advantage. An infrared heating panel of 600 watts, for example, can heat a similar space as a 1500-watt convection heater, which means you can save up to 60% on energy. In addition, infrared heaters have a long lifespan of 30 years on average, contributing to additional long-term savings.
Infrared vs convection heating: Which is more economical?
A frequently asked question is whether infrared heating is economical compared to other heating methods. The answer depends on several factors, such as home insulation and the type of room to be heated. Convection heating heats the air, which can lead to heat loss in poorly insulated rooms, while infrared heats objects directly, which is more effective in rooms where you spend only a short time or where you need targeted heat.
The consumption of infrared panels is generally lower than that of convection heating. The output of an infrared panel ranges from 60 to 150 watts per square meter, depending on the insulation of the room. In well-insulated rooms, such as a living room, you can choose infrared heating living room with a lower output, while in poorly insulated rooms you need a higher output.
How much does an infrared panel consume?
The consumption of infrared panels is one of the main reasons why more and more people are choosing this form of heating. A 600-watt panel can effectively heat a room of 20 to 25 square meters. Compared to traditional electric heaters, an infrared heater consumes less energy because it emits heat directly to the objects in the room.
When calculating infrared heater consumption, consider the size of the room, its insulation and the desired temperature. On average, an infrared heating system consumes between 75 and 150 watts per square foot. For larger rooms or poorly insulated homes, the consumption can increase, but even then the consumption is often lower than traditional systems.
Calculating and comparing infrared heating
When calculating wattage, it is necessary to properly spread and distribute the heat. The objective is to divide the total energy power into smaller elements considering the size of the room and mounting height.
On average, an output between 60 – 150 Watts/m² is applied. A capacity of 150 Watt/m² is applied when the room is insufficiently insulated, or for small rooms (smaller than 10m²). An output of 60 Watt/m² is applied in large rooms (from 30m²) where the room meets the current insulation standards.
Advantages of infrared heating
Infrared heating has several advantages over traditional heating methods:
- Energy efficiency: As mentioned earlier, an infrared panel uses less energy because it heats objects and people directly. This means that no energy is lost in heating the air.
- Longevity: An infrared heating panel can last up to 30 years, making it a sustainable choice.
- Environment-friendly: Because infrared heating uses less energy, it helps reduce CO2 emissions, which is good for the environment.
- Fast heating: Unlike convection heating, which takes time to heat the air in the room, infrared heating works instantly, so you feel heat within minutes.
- Flexibility of use: You can use supplemental infrared heating in rooms you don’t heat constantly, such as a bedroom or bathroom. This means you don’t have to heat the entire house, providing additional savings.
- Even heat: Because infrared heating heats objects directly, you experience even heat throughout the room without cold spots.
Where can infrared heaters be used?
Infrared heaters can be used in a variety of spaces. The living room is one of the most popular spaces, but infrared is also increasingly used in bathrooms, bedrooms, offices and even commercial spaces.
- Living room: An infrared heater living room offers an energy-efficient solution to comfortably heat this often-used space. At 85 watts per square foot in well-insulated homes, this can be an efficient way to keep costs down.
- Bathroom: In a bathroom, supplemental infrared heating is ideal because it delivers heat quickly when needed without having to constantly heat the entire room.
- Kitchen: Since the kitchen is often a room where you spend only a short time, infrared heating is a good choice here to provide targeted heat without wasting energy unnecessarily.
Conclusion: Is infrared heating a good choice?
If you’re looking for an economical electric heater for your living room, bedroom or office, infrared heating is definitely worth considering. Not only does it offer significant savings on energy bills, but it also contributes to a lower carbon footprint. Moreover, it is a flexible option that can be used as both main and auxiliary heating.
With an infrared heater or infrared panel standing, you can heat specific rooms in a targeted way, which is especially useful if you don’t want to keep all the rooms in your home heated all the time. Due to its low consumption and efficient heat output, infrared heating is economical and environmentally friendly, making it an attractive choice for many households and businesses.
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