There are so many choices for Infrared heaters not to mention a great demand as they become more and more popular for their effectiveness in heating. The problem is, so few people looking into them actually know how to use them, how they work and why they are so beneficial. This can sometimes result in a returned product which would have been a great asset had they known some of the tips I will explain.
I want to first point out that not all Infrared heaters are created equal. They vary in construction, cost, etc. This article is not going to cover models. I will cover this in other writings.
Here is how the more popular Infrared heaters work:
1.)A thermostat causes the heating source to turn on, which is either 4 or 6 Infrared lamps or bulbs, depending on the model. The thermostat has a temperature setting that tells it when to start heating.
2.)Once the heating chamber reaches a certain temperature, a fan kicks on.
3.)Air is drawn through a filter in the back of the unit, through the fan, through the heated chamber(s) and then forced out into the room.
Why Infrared heaters actually work better than other 1500 watt heaters:
Infrared heaters typically do not reduce the humidity in a room. What this does is allow the far infrared band to heat the water molecules in the room creating a more dense, heavier air. This is the key. Other heaters will remove the humidity and create a HOTTT dry air that is lighter and moves more quickly to the ceiling.
If you take a 1500 watt conventional heater vs a 1500 watt Infrared heater, the Infrared heater will heat between 5 to 8 x more area at the same or less the cost per kilowatt hour. Think of it this way. A hair dryer is up to 1500 watts. It puts out a lot of hot air, but it also drys your hair. This is what the conventional heaters are doing, hot dry air. The Amish fireplace and other fake flame electric fireplaces do the same as a hair dryer as well.
This is the most important thing to get the most out of your Infrared heater:
Humidity!!!!!! I can not stress this enough. Even as I am writing this article I have my Infrared heaters on. I am not feeling quite warm enough. The light goes off in my head! My humidifier has been off for days! So I stopped writing went and filled my humidifier up. I am not exaggerating, I am feeling a tremendous increase in temperature and I am not the only one in the room saying the same thing. I bet I just doubled my heat.
So you need humidity to heat better. This will enable your heaters to heat the water molecules in the air and keep the heat from rising. You will also feel the heat more. Keep your humidity between 20 and 40%. At 40%, it is like a turbo charger.
This is why we don't recommend someone in Arizona to purchase an Infrared heater because it is so dry. If you are in Arizona you need to keep your humidity to the previous mentioned to make it work. Otherwise, I do not advise them.
Where should I put my Infrared heater for maximum heating?
Put the heater in the warmer area of the room rather than the coldest. Face it towards the colder area. It is best on an inside wall or if needed on an outside wall. Avoid heavy draft areas such as large windows and doors.
The reason for this is that whatever temperature going in the back of the unit will typically be raised about 115 degrees or so. Therefore, if it is getting cold air in the back it may not raise it effectively to heat a room. Sometimes it is trial and error. I have commonly seen where a customer will move it from one area of the home to another and it makes a noticeable improvement in heating. Move it around to find the best location.
Don't be afraid to turn it on!
One of the worst things you can do is not let it work! I have personally had customer's keep our heaters on such a low setting that it does not have a fighting chance of prove itself. Some are afraid of using them because it is 1500 watts and they feel it will cost them. Here is the deal, people all across the country are saving money by putting the blunt of their heating needs on Infrared heaters. It is one of the most inexpensive forms of heat. Besides, there really is not a better way that I know of to heat hard to heat areas.
Here is my analogy. If I cut a hole in my wall and blew smoke into the room for lets say 10 minutes, it will start to fill an area then stop and dissipate. Now if I kept the smoke on for lets say 20 or 30 minutes at a time, the whole room would be filled evenly floor to ceiling. This is how Infrared heating works. Keep it on long enough to billow into a room.
When you are not home you may want to turn the thermostat down so it does not cycle on as much. This will also help save you some $. Keep in mind when you first get home you don't need as much heat as you are used to outside temperatures.
It's a supplemental heater start with it as one:
Unfortunately, most companies do not properly explain how to use their product nor do they explain that they are supplemental heaters. In my opinion, this has caused for a major misuse of the products. Don't turn off all other forms of heat unless you are finding that your SUPPLEMENTAL Infrared heater is able to be primary. Many people will find that they will kick on another form of heating for about 20 minutes in the morning and when they get home so that they can get chill off. Then they let the Infrared heater maintain.
How is it healthy?
First off it is not removing humidity which is important for good health. If you do your research you will find that a healthy environment has a descent amount of humidity. This will assist in a reductions of illnesses.
Far Infrared is also used in helping diabetics and others with circulation issues to increase blood flow. It is quite therapeutic. You will also find Infrared in saunas.
Far Infrared bands reduce positive ions which are a form of pollution in your area.
Charles, thanks for your article. My son has asked for a space heater for Christmas, so this was very timely, and helpful. I look forward to your next article on models.
Thank you Joyce. I am passionate about Infrared heaters. I have an older home and needed better heat. I tried the radiant heaters with no luck. This was before I tried Infrared heaters. I was sold once I tried Infrared. I was amazed at the results.
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