Infrared space heaters are used to heat buildings or large rooms where forced air heating is impractical or ineffective. Infrared heaters use electromagnetic radiation from infrared light to heat objects, materials or spaces with the help of a reflective shield.
Infrared heat waves are long electromagnetic waves located very near the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum which can give off a large amount of heat. Radiated energy is easily absorbed by people and objects rather than air, making infrared space heaters ideal for public spaces that are not easily insulated, such as patio or outdoor heaters. Instead of using air molecules to transport heat energy, infrared waves will heat the air - saving energy and making it an efficient way to heat larger spaces. Warehouse heaters, garage heaters and shed heaters use infrared heat because of this capability. Heaters are usually portable or wall-mounted and consist of a filament, typically tungsten, surrounded by a reflective surface, typically composed of a metal. The filament is protected by a quartz glass or ceramic tube, and energy from the filament is radiated from the reflective surface causing it to lose minimal energy to the processes of conduction and convection. Heating patterns are more uniform when using infrared space heaters and there is less chance of finding hot or cool pockets of air within a space.
Due to their high level of energy efficiency, infrared heaters are considered a "green" or environmentally sustainable method of creating heat, making it a feasible heating option for larger spaces. Using infrared heating in the place of regular forced air heaters in space heating, drying and curing applications has a large number of benefits, both environmentally and economically. Residential, commercial or industrial applications can use infrared space heaters in a variety of applications, but the radiant heat absorption properties of different materials should be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate usage of infrared heaters as this could alter effectiveness and required energy output. Unlike other heating methods, infrared heaters provide an immediate source of heat and remove the existence of a lag between turning on a heater and feeling its effects. Further advantages to using electric infrared heaters include: less health risks than other methods of heating as there are no burning fuels and infrared heaters do not emit harmful fumes into the environment. Another benefit is the overall heat of the element being lower in infrared heaters resulting in a decreased risk of fire or burning. Some infrared heaters may combine fans and air movement to redistribute heated air molecules and spread heat around a room faster, but these are not necessary for efficient infrared heating.
