Infrared heating has been around since the beginning of time. Our best known infrared heater is the sun, which can make even a cold winter day feel nice and warm.

Being warm or cold does not always depend on the temperature of the surrounding air. Skiers and snowboarders are hot as long as the sun is shining on them.

Who discovered infrared radiation?

William Herschel discovered infrared in 1800. He did this by using a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the spectrum of light passing through a prism.

The temperature in the red part of the spectrum was higher than in the blue part. In the part of the spectrum beyond the red, temperatures were even higher.

Herschel concluded that this part of the spectrum contains light that is not visible to the human eye. That new region in the electromagnetic spectrum was called infrared radiation.

How does infrared heating work?

Infrared home heating, therefore, works according to the same principle as the sun. We can identify three types of electromagnetic radiation that used in infrared devices. Shorter infrared waves coincide with hotter temperatures.

1. Short-wave infrared radiation (IR-A): 0.78 to 1.5 microns.

Short-wave infrared radiation is the most intense and has a prominent red-orange colour. This type often appears in patio heaters.

2. Medium wave infrared radiation (IR-B): 1.5 to 3 microns.

Medium wave infrared radiation can be identified by its dark red light. It is suitable for public areas, saunas, living rooms, bathrooms, and patio heaters.

3. Long-wave infrared radiation (IR-C): 3 microns to 1000 microns (1 mm).

Long-wave infrared radiation, which emits no visible light, is suitable for use as the main heating unit. This type of radiation is also best absorbed by the human body.

Infrared panels can also heat objects in the room using this type of radiation. The infrared rays release heat onto the surface, regardless of the environmental temperature.

Most objects absorb this radiant heat and slowly release it back. The same naturally applies to our skin and clothing, which absorb light (and thus heat). More light means hotter temperatures. Compare sitting in the sun with sitting in the shade.

Questions? Please let us know!