Infrared heat. How does it work?

In this informational piece we will dive into how infrared heat works, how it is used in space heaters and electric heaters, and how it can benefit a home.

That being said, I will start with a very simplified version of how infrared space heaters work to radiate heat.

Inside of an electric space heater sits a cooper element. This copper PTC (positive thermal coefficient) ceramic material is heated up via electricity. This creates a high level of heat that is then blown out by a fan.

What you feel when you place your hand in front of an infrared heater is the result of this. This heat is efficient because it heats up people and objects rather than the air itself. This in returns lessens heat loss and maximizes efficiency of electricity.

What is infrared heat?

Infrared radiation (IR) is a type of radiant energy that is not visible to human eyes but we can feel it as heat. All objects in the universe emit some level of IR radiation, but two of the most obvious are the sun and fire (What is infrared?).

Through electromagnetic radiation, we get infrared radiation. Electromagnetic radiation produces energy from high to low frequencies including gamma-rays, X-rays, UV, visible light, IR, microwaves, and radio waves. All of these together make up the spectrum known as electromagnetic spectrum (What is infrared?)

Heat can be produced by conduction, convection, or radiation. Infrared heaters use radiation. But what is the difference between the 3?

Conduction

Conduction is the result of molecules that are faster than others, passing energy along to them.

Convection

Convection transfer involves mixing warm and cool particles. Convection heaters warm up the air, which allows for heat loss very easily. For example, something as simple as an open door can lead to 60% of the heat leaving the room in just a few seconds.

Radiation

Radiation does not need matter to accomplish the transfer. Infra-red is transmitted at the speed of light, 186,000 miles per second, in a straight line with minimal loss to the air. (Space hating principals). With radiation, the heat is spread from object to object via transfer. This makes the heat very sustainable. This is a reason why infrared heaters a very superior to cheap convectional ceramic heaters.

A good infrared heater will apply all of these benefits to your home. Aside from heating up the objects in your home and minimizing heat loss, a heater like the Air Jet Series-1 will save you up to 42% on your heating bills. This is possible from the little energy used. It has a built-in thermostat that you are able to set via the LED touch pad control screen. Once the heater hits this desired temperature, it will automatically shut off until it goes back below it, using the least amount of energy possible. It is also safe for pets and children. Being that it uses a modern bladeless fan, it is never to hot touch. Furthermore, it will shut off if it gets to hot or tips over with Proper Smart Tech. The oscillation and tilt features allow for air flow to any desired location. Don’t want to move? It even comes with a long-range remote. See all the features and purchase yourself one this winter, it’ll be the best decision you make all year!

Citations

(What is infrared?) https://www.livescience.com/50260-infrared-radiation.html

(Space heating principles) https://solaronicsusa.com/space-heating-principals/