Yes, 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).
Infrared panels are made for continuous operation over many hours. Once turned on, they'll heat up in a few minutes and can be left running for extended periods of time without issue. With the incorporated safety features, if the panel gets too hot, they will automatically shut off until the temperature has reduced.
Is Infrared Heating Safe? Far infrared heating is 100% safe and this has been backed up by numerous studies. Including those done by the Swedish National Institute of Radiation Protection. Although our infrared heaters generate the same sort of heat as the sun, no harmful UV rays are projected from our panels.
All electrical devices, including infrared heaters, emit some level of EMFs. However, the levels emitted by infrared heaters are typically low and considered safe. The concern over EMFs is generally associated with high-frequency EMFs. These are different from the low-frequency EMFs emitted by infrared heaters.
Understanding Infrared Heating
These waves are a type of radiation emitted by the sun and are safe for human exposure when used correctly. They provide even warmth throughout rooms while being safer than conventional heaters due to their targeted approach.
That means it has the potential to burn, and exposure to near infrared has been found to burn the retinas of the eyes. Far-infrared, by contrast, is completely safe. It's known as the 'light of life' – we said earlier that 49% of the light from the sun is infrared.
But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible.
In effect, infrared heat dries out walls from the inside. Eliminating mould and condensation can improve or maintain air quality for those with allergies or breathing problems.
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.
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.
Following are the disadvantages of Infrared sensor: ➨Infrared frequencies are affected by hard objects (e.g. walls, doors) , smoke, dust, fog, sunlight etc. Hence it does not work through walls or doors. ➨Infrared waves at high power can damage eyes.
Sealed combustion heaters are much safer to operate than other types of space heaters, and operate more efficiently because they do not draw in the heated air from the room and exhaust it to the outdoors. They are also less likely to backdraft and adversely affect indoor air quality.
This is excellent news for people who have respiratory problems because an infrared heater does not emit any harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, soot particles, or other chemicals into the air around it. The only thing an infrared heater emits is water vapor from moist skin and clothes when you get near it.
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.
Thermal or heat injuries can happen, depending on the wavelength of the infrared light. Thermal injury can occur even without pain. Also, pregnant women, people with heart diseases, and those who are sick should never undergo infrared therapy.
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.
It may sound good, but you might remain concerned about the safety issues of these electrical appliances. 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.
Compared to electric storage heaters or electric radiators, infrared panel heaters convert almost 100% of the electricity to heat, therefore are more energy efficient and need to operate for less time for a better output.
What is the safest heater to leave on overnight? While it's not recommended to leave any space heater on if you're not monitoring it, oil-filled, radiant space heaters are considered safer than ceramic convection (hot air) types, according to Roberson. Both of these options are safer than open-coil heaters.
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.
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.
The deep, penetrative effects of Near and Mid-infrared in the short term are beneficial, but over time leads to headaches and dry-skin.