Surface Temperature: While the surface of infrared heaters can get hot during use, many have safety features like cool-to-touch exteriors to prevent potential burns. Many also have automatic shut-off systems to prevent overheating.
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.
Infrared panels are suitable for all-day heating.
Using far infrared, they deliver a deeply soothing heat that penetrates walls and is absorbed and radiated back by the people, surfaces, and objects in its path.
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).
The upfront cost of installing infrared heating can also be a deterrent for some homeowners. While infrared heating panels are competitively priced when compared to installing boilers or central heating systems, people may still see them as more expensive than traditional convection heaters or electric radiators.
Fire Hazard: One of the foremost concerns surrounding infrared heaters is the risk of fire hazards. Improper usage, flammable materials placed too close to the heater, or malfunctioning components can all lead to catastrophic consequences, posing a significant danger to life and property.
2. Myth: Infrared Panels Overheat and Cause Fires. Fact: High-quality infrared heaters and panels are equipped with safety features such as temperature regulators, overheat protection, and automatic shut-off systems to prevent overheating.
Yes, infrared heating is generally considered safe for both residential and commercial use. Far-infrared (FIR) heaters emit a gentle heat that does not cause burns or other health risks.
The precise surface temperature of panels can vary depending on the specific product, but it's safe to say they'll feel hot to touch. However, because IR panels have lower 'watt densities' than equivalent heaters, you won't burn yourself from quick touches and glances by.
But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible.
Potential health issues
Indeed, if you sit too close to an infrared heater, you can experience blotchy skin, so there is damage occurring at a cellular level. Also, if you overheat, you sweat. While this isn't an issue with convector heaters that gently heat and circulate the air, it is a problem with infrared heat.
The good news is that modern infrared heaters are very safe to use even when left unattended during the night, even while you are sleeping.
Because they do not move large quantities of air around, they don't dry out the air excessively or move dust around compared to forced-air heating systems. They are also considerably safer than other types of space heaters since the heating coils do not become ultra hot.
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.
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.
Q: Are Infrared Heaters Safe? A: The simple answer to this question is yes. They are 100% safe!
They can be installed either vented or unvented, may use outside air for combustion if necessary and may be installed in different configurations depending on the heating requirements. Two types of infrared heating The two types of infrared heating are high intensity and low intensity.
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.
Uncontrolled, frequent, or long-term exposure to Near Infrared can also cause thermal burns and ageing effects such as “Bakers Arms” or “Glassblowers Face” (Cho & others, 2009). The health impacts of Far infrared, on the other hand, extend simply to warming the tissue.
In older, draughty homes, infrared panels alone may not be enough to keep rooms warm. Rooms will feel nice and comfortable when they are on, but without good insulation, the room temperature will quickly cool down when the panels are switched off. Infrared heating works best in modern, highly insulated buildings.
Can infrared heaters run all the time? Yes, and if you want an efficient heating system then this is the best way to set them up.
No combustion or open flames: Unlike many heating systems, infrared heaters don't burn fuel in the open air. This means they don't produce carbon monoxide or other harmful gases as a by-product.
Infrared panels perform much better when either ceiling mounted or mounted at picture level on walls. The other thing to be aware of is the surface temperature. Herschel infrared heating panels have surface temperatures of around 85-100C. This makes them hot to touch.
infrared radiation is felt as heat and causes skin to burn; visible light from a laser which is very intense can damage the retina at the back of the eye; ultraviolet can damage skin cells and lead to skin cancer and damage the eyes, it can cause skin to age prematurely; X-rays damage cells inside the body.