There are multiple varieties, including natural gas-heated systems and electric
The higher the watt output rating, the more heat the infrared heater produces. If the heater serves as the room's primary source of warmth, you'll want a higher watt rating (closer to 1,500 watts) for bigger rooms.
There's two types of infrared heating that can be categorised as 'near' and 'far'. Near infrared heat is up close and intense, and has the potential to be hazardous. With far infrared heat, the warmth needs to be transported to reach a particular space at a much lower intensity to provide a safe heating means.
Different infrared heaters produce different types of infrared waves, with some producing higher temperatures than others as a result. Radiant heat panels produce a gentle type of infrared called far-infrared. Far-infrared is so comfortable and soothing that it's used in incubators for infants and baby animals.
Far infrared energy has the longest wavelength of the infrared spectrum. This allows it to penetrate the body most deeply, affecting soft tissue and the cellular activity of those tissues. This is the type of infrared that is most associated with infrared saunas.
We understand why people look at infrared heating—it sounds energy efficient. But in reality, infrared heaters need to stay on longer to maintain warmth, and because they only heat what they directly touch, they often end up using more energy than expected.
So the 1500 watt will usually heat up to 150 square feet.
To give you the quick answer, the majority of good infrared heating panels are designed with safety and efficiency in mind, allowing them to be left on throughout the day without major safety issues or costing you a small fortune.
But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible. This makes them much cheaper to run than central heating, space heating, and air source heat pumps.
A: The 1500W model that puts out the most heat is the DR-999.
IR is commonly divided between longer-wavelength thermal IR, emitted from terrestrial sources, and shorter-wavelength IR or near-IR, part of the solar spectrum.
In the bedroom, it's better to place a panel on the wall opposite your bed, or to the side, rather than immediately behind your head. This will allow the infrared heat to disperse across your whole bed and gently warm you.
As Mid-infrared heating is commonly available on the market, many products use cheap materials and as they're high-powered, this leads to frequent breakdowns and an energy efficiency rating of 80%. Far-infrared however requires substantially less wattage in order to run, and is 98.5% energy efficient.
Runs on expensive electricity – Infrared panels use electricity, which is currently more expensive than gas (from 1st January 2025 to 31st March, costs will be 24.86p/kWh vs. 6.34p/kWh respectively). While their efficiency can lower energy bills, electricity prices may still impact overall savings.
Lifespan of infrared panels vs traditional heating
When considering heating options, longevity is a crucial factor. Infrared panels are known for their durability and should last around 20 years, but depending on the quality of the panel, this could be anywhere from 10 to 30 years.
Q: Are Infrared Heaters Safe? A: The simple answer to this question is yes. They are 100% safe!
They often heat empty spaces. Rooms are heated on the basis that they may be used. Not always the case. Infrared heat is felt almost instantly.
The first technique is to simply figure the square footage of the space you want to heat. In warmer climates, multiply this number by 10 - 15. In more moderate climates, multiply by 20 - 30. And in cold climates multiply the square foot number by 30 - 40.
A 250 square feet room is equivalent to a space that measures approximately 15.81 feet by 15.81 feet if it were square. However, rooms can come in various shapes and dimensions.
An electric space heater rated at 1,500 watts will put out the same amount of heat regardless what you pay for it. You would be better off to take the money you would spend on a space heater and put it toward weatherization improvements to your home, such as adding insulation and caulking.
IR-A radiation with its excessive heat can cause irreversible damage (such as burns) to the retina and cloud the lens, which can lead to a cataract (also known as glassblower's cataract or infrared cataract). IR-B radiation can damage the blood vessels down to the fatty tissue.
The Benefits of Infrared Light Therapy
The bulk of clinical literature suggests that light in the mid-600nm range to high-800nm range is most effective. That is because these wavelengths have the greatest effect on the cellular respiration process.