Infrared light is invisible light because it has spectrum wavelengths that are beyond the wavelength spectrums we can see normally. This is the key why we cannot see the heat of infrared light product from infrared heater. So how does infrared heater work? Well, as the name suggests, it use the invisible infrared lights to heat directly the objects surrounding it. But how we or any objects near of the unit will get warm? The answer is due to the absorption process of the invisible lights into the surface (molecules) of the object or through our skin (or our clothes). We can figure out this clearly when we get warm in the sun (the lights of the sun will heat your skin or your clothes directly, so thus you will keep warm). On the other hand, if you are sitting in the shade of the sunlight, then you will not get the heat directly. Take a few minutes to read pieces of helpful information below on understanding how does infrared heater work!

Understanding radiation of infrared

Infrared radiation can be categorized into electromagnetic radiation. So it is similar like radio and light waves. Visible light has higher frequency than infrared radiation, and therefore infrared lights cannot be seen normally by human eyes. And theoretically, while the temperature level of an object gets higher (warmer), it will result more radiation of invisible infrared lights at a higher level of frequency.

About infrared heating!

You might remember that there are three ways of distributing the heat that are conduction, convection and radiation.

1. Conduction is the heat distribution process which involves a material to move or distribute the heat energy. Example: if we have a metal spatula and we leave it in a hot pan, and in a few minutes we will find that the temperature of the handle increases significantly. In this case, the heat spread to all surface of metal spatula (including the handle) with conduction principle.

2. Convection is the heat distribution process which use material (like water and air) for the heat-transit to move the heat energy. Example, hydronic heater that use water pipeline (installed under the floor) to distribute and spread the heat into the room.

3. And the third type is radiation. It is adopted by infrared heaters to warm up objects surrounding them. At particular wavelength, infrared radiation tends to be absorbed by molecules. And like mentioned earlier, when the molecules (object) absorb the infrared radiation then theoretically the molecules be heated up. So, infrared heaters are tuned to result the correct wavelength for whatever they are designed and purposed to heat.

Efficiency performance

One benefit of infrared heating technology is that it can be properly set to heat a specific thing! A heating coil element has vital function to determine a specific wavelength in order to make sure the infrared radiation can be absorbed by the molecules of the object that will be heated. The coil can be tuned to produce so high temperature (mostly 999.99 degrees Celsius or even more (depending on the model of the infrared heater itself what will be used to heat for)). Example, for infrared heaters that are purposed to create sauna effect, they are tuned with the right wavelength to only heat the water and sore muscles of human body. There are also some of them that are tuned to heat a specific kind of metal or plastic (industrial applications). And almost of the energy will be used to heat the target, so there is so little of the heat energy wasted.

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Infrared Heater | How Does It Work? is a post from: More Heaters

Infrared sauna heater

Before discussing ideas on how to create sauna effects by using far infrared heaters (FIR), it is not too bad idea we discuss first about what is actually infrared heaters. As the name suggests, infrared light (a part of the invisible light spectrum) is used by infrared heaters to heat any objects around them directly! Like other common heaters, they are offered in a wide variety of size, design (shape) and also powered by some different fuels (like natural gas, propane, and electricity (mostly)). In line with the technological developments, they are now also designed with the newest features either for ease of operating & installing, or for better safety. Mostly they have already been equipped with digital thermostat to maintain the temperature and modern noiseless radiate light to circulate and transfer the heat outward.

Pros:

1. Infrared heaters are relatively friendlier to the environment, especially for the ones that are powered by electricity sources which don’t produce pollutants.
2. They can work instantly and will warm up the room much faster and will heat the object directly without needing to heat the entire space first (therefore we will feel warm quickly). So there is almost no pre-heated moment if you choose to use an infrared heater.
3. With their radiate light (without involving fan-working), they will work noiseless.
4. Because there is almost no moving part, they will require less maintenance (for regular maintenance).
5. And mostly, they come with more stylish design that will be so beneficial to encourage the quality of your room interior.

Cons:

1. Be careful to the coils of infrared heater! They are extremely hot and therefore can be so dangerous to anyone (especially for pets and children) who touches these coils accidentally. For better safety, consider ‘tip-over switch off feature’ while purchasing.
2. With their work principle that heats the object directly, a single infrared heating will be less powerful if multiple individuals in the room. Directly heating mechanism also will be not powerful if you are moving around in your room a lot. The point, they will work properly and powerful on objects either for individual, furniture, or floor in their immediate vicinity.
3. Since they heat the objects directly and instantly then if we turn off the heater, the room will get cool down (lose the heat) so quickly!

And below are some ideas to create sauna effect with far infrared heaters (FIR):

1. FIR heaters are usually priced more expensive but they are bargain enough on saving more money than if you choose to pay for the membership of in-home sauna. You just only need a couple of FIR heaters to create simple sauna effect in your private room.
2. Position a couple of FIR heater to be facing each other (give distance between both around 6 feet apart and then plug them in).
3. If your room (bathroom) only has a single outlet circuit that less than 20 Ampere capacity, then you can use the proper extension cord to plug the other heater into different circuit, but make sure you use a heavy duty cord of larger wire (for better safety). Ensure also the extension cord is positioned safely so thus no one can trip over it!
4. Then turn both FIR heaters on for a few minutes to warm up!
5. Take position between both heaters (make sure the heating elements of both heaters and the position that you choose will be directly pointing at your body), and now enjoy your new sauna room. After around 15 minutes turn off both units and you can get dressed!
6. In addition; before trying any kind of sauna you should consult to a doctor periodically. And to maintain the core temperature of your body as you get your sauna, you can use a little cool fresh water on your hands.

The other post: How to minimize kerosene odor from your kerosene heater?

Infrared Heaters (FIR) | Sauna Effects | Pros and Cons is a post from: More Heaters