Thanks to technological advances in the field of air conditioning, it is becoming easier to find highly efficient heating systems. An example of this is infrared heaters which, although they are not very well known at present, are a low-consumption option that should be considered to endure the coldest months of the year in any home Infrapanel.
How does the infrared heat system work?
Infrared heating is a system that generates heat in a completely innovative way compared to traditional alternatives . The increase in temperature in any room is achieved through a type of electromagnetic and thermal radiation. That is, heat is transmitted through the propagation of waves from a certain source.
This technology allows you to enjoy a pleasant thermal sensation at home thanks to the infrared rays that heat the elements in your path, whether walls, ceilings, furniture or people. Unlike what happens in other types of radiators that work by convection, in this case no hot air is produced that circulates through the space.
Thus, infrared heating is characterized by directly heating the matter instead of the environment. However, because things are hot, when the air comes into contact with them it also increases its degrees because heat transfer occurs naturally.
At first glance, these radiators are a completely smooth plate that connects to the electrical network and a thermostat to regulate the temperature. Once plugged in, they begin to emit a series of electromagnetic waves that reach the surface of objects or people around them. When the different elements have reached a certain level of heat, it is transferred to the room, making it stay warm for much longer.
Types of infrared rays
The rays spread by infrared heating can be of two types depending on the wavelength: short and long.
Shortwave radiation: It is also known as high-frequency rays and stands out for radiating red light when they are working. In this case, the heating system is more powerful because it spreads more light and has the capacity to reach higher temperatures. It is recommended to use this type in outdoor areas or very large spaces where more direct and immediate heat is needed.
Long-wave radiation: unlike previous rays, in this case the environment is heated progressively and with greater efficiency. Due to its operation, it is usually installed inside different rooms so that the irradiation reaches all corners.
Installation of infrared heating system
The installation of this technology is very simple: it is only necessary to place the specific panels that emit infrared rays and make sure that there is an electrical outlet nearby. Taking into account that the range of these plates is usually 3 meters and at an angle of 45 degrees, the most appropriate place to place them is the ceiling and walls to ensure that the radiation reaches as many objects as possible.
Since during assembly it is only necessary to choose the most suitable location and have a plug and a thermostat, the result is very discreet and can go almost completely unnoticed, completely integrating with the rest of the decoration. Likewise, this heating system does not generate any noise or produce smoke or polluting gases.
Broadly speaking, the cost of installing this system is usually quite economical, since it is not necessary to have any network of pipes, nor is it necessary to have any heat generator. According to data from the OCU (Organization of Consumers and Users), the price ranges between 200 and 600 euros, although there are variations depending on the square meters of the property and the rates established by each manufacturer.
Infrared heating efficiency and consumption
Infrared heating translates into significant savings not only from an assembly point of view . In terms of energy consumption, the panels used in this system in homes usually have half the power of conventional electric radiators (between 300 and 1,200 W compared to a range of 1,500 – 2,500 W).
These figures translate into lower electricity costs. Broadly speaking, a panel consumes an average of 0.5 kWh, although it must be taken into account that the price of electricity is currently reaching historical highs compared to other types of supplies.
To achieve greater efficiency from these panels, it is important to size the system appropriately to ensure that the heat is distributed evenly throughout all the rooms. Likewise, it is also advisable to connect them to a thermostat or other advanced device that allows the equipment to be turned off automatically when the environment has reached the desired degrees.
Furthermore, since the plates can operate independently in each room, it is possible to turn off those that are not needed, thus contributing to greater savings. On the other hand, when ventilating the home, with infrared heating there is no risk of hot air being lost, since the temperature is conserved in the elements.
