Is an infrared heater safe?

Author: Prof. Reyna Cummings  |  Last update: Thursday, July 3, 2025

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.

What are the risks of infrared heat?

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).

Is it safe to leave infrared heaters on overnight?

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.

Why is infrared heating not popular in the USA?

  • The reason is fairly simple...and then also quite complex.
  • The primary reason is that while infrared (radiant) heat is quite effective at warming the human body surface, it doesn't heat everything else at the same rate...
  • In addition, IR radiant heating does a poor job at heating air.

Are infrared heaters safe for the body?

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.

Is Infrared Heating Safe? - [Surya Heating FAQs]

Do infrared heaters give off eMF?

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.

What are common problems with infrared heaters?

Infrared Outdoor Heater Not Blowing Hot Air? Let's Dive In!
  • Common reasons why an infrared heater may not blow hot air. ...
  • Insufficient power supply. ...
  • Malfunctioning thermostat. ...
  • Blocked or dirty heating elements. ...
  • Issues with the fan or air flow. ...
  • Problems with the heating element itself.

Are infrared heaters safer than space 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.

What are the problems with infrared?

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.

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.

Do infrared heaters clean the air?

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.

What are the disadvantages of infrared heating panels?

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.

Can you run an infrared heater 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.

What are 2 disadvantages of infrared?

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.

What is the safest space heater?

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.

Do infrared heaters produce carbon monoxide?

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.

What are three harmful effects 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.

Is infrared heat bad for you?

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.

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.

Is it safe to leave an infrared heater on all the time?

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

Can infrared heaters cause headaches?

The deep, penetrative effects of Near and Mid-infrared in the short term are beneficial, but over time leads to headaches and dry-skin.

Previous article
Can you mix R134a with other refrigerants?
Next article
Will my furnace shut off if filter is dirty?