Is an infrared heater better than a regular heater?

Author: Mrs. Shania Johnson Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, April 27, 2025

The ability to effectively heat the desired area by using infrared heaters also means more energy efficiency. This type of focused heating means less heat lost therefore more energy saving. More comfortable temperature levels can be achieved with a lower thermostat setting rather than with a forced-air system.

Do infrared heaters use a lot of electricity?

But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible.

What is the main disadvantage to infrared?

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.

Which is better, an electric heater or an infrared heater?

Infrared heaters are more efficient than regular heaters as they heat objects and people directly, rather than heating the air. They provide heat more quickly and effectively because there is no need to wait for the air to heat up and then circulate.

Why is infrared heating not popular?

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.

Ceramic Heater vs Infrared Heater - Which is BETTER for YOU?

Are infrared heaters safe to leave on overnight?

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.

Is it cheaper to run an infrared heater than the furnace?

Infrared heater energy consumption is much less than other forms of heating systems due to their direct method of transferring heat, as outlined earlier. As a result, you can expect your energy bills to be significantly lower over traditional electric or gas heaters.

Do infrared heaters warm a room?

In the same way that lights are sited to light a room, Herschel Infrared heaters emit heat to directly warm the walls, floor and ceiling of a building (the 'thermal mass'). Once the thermal mass is warm, the building itself retains the heat for a period of time, so the heater only needs to be on to top up.

What are the negative of infrared?

Results: Detrimental effects such as thermal burns, photocarcinogenesis, and photoaging have been reported, though evidence suggests that these may be due to the thermal effects produced secondary to IR exposure rather than the isolated effect of IR.

Do infrared heaters get hot to the touch?

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.

What is the main risk infrared?

Excessive exposure can result in damage or even burns. In general, thermal burden can lead to disturbances in the heat balance of the entire organism. The eyes are particularly sensitive to thermal effects. Suitable protective goggles can protect the eyes against excessive exposure to infrared radiation.

Are ceramic heaters better than infrared heaters?

Quartz infrared heaters offer very fast heat-up and cool down times. Ceramic heaters, however, require more time to heat circulating air and warm up the room via convection. Quartz heaters can be used to create quieter heating equipment as in most cases air movement from noisy convection blowers is not needed.

Can you run an infrared heater all day?

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.

Is infrared better than traditional electric heater?

The main difference between infrared heating and space heating is that space heaters heat the air within a space, whereas infrared heaters heat objects, surfaces and people directly rather than the air.

Why is infrared heating not popular in the USA?

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.

Do infrared heaters raise your electric bill?

Used in conjunction with your current heating system, stand-alone infrared heaters can reduce your home heating bills by as much as 50 percent because you can turn down the thermostat for the whole house, then supplement as needed with infrared.

Which heaters cost the least to run?

Generally speaking, Halogen heaters are one of the most inexpensive types of electric heater. They average around 1200W in terms of power output and because they provide instant-heat at close quarters, you shouldn't need to leave them on for long periods of time.

What are the side effects of infrared heating?

Near IR can be harmful to the eyes because it penetrates as far as the cornea (Voke, 1999). 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).

Which is better, an infrared or convection heater?

With the same efficiency, an infrared heater consumes 30% less energy than a convection radiator. The choice is yours, let your apartment, office or country house will always be comfortable and warm!

What is the safest heater to leave on overnight?

Oil filled radiator space heaters are some of the safest on the market. 1500W is all the juice an outlet will provide (Roughly 5,000 btus).

What size room will a 1500 watt infrared heater heat?

As a rule of thumb it will require about 10 watts for every square foot. So the 1500 watt will usually heat up to 150 square feet. Heating question - trying to understand what size heater to ... I am trying to understand in layman terms what this actually ...

How many years do infrared heaters last?

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.

Can you leave an infrared heater on 24/7?

Infrared panels are suitable for all-day heating.

The gradual build-up of heat ensures a comfortable environment, allowing them to be left on for extended periods without making a room feel stuffy.

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