The term “radiant heater” specifies that the heater is generating heat using radiation while the term “infrared heater” indicates the primary type of radiation being used by the heater to transmit that heat. All infrared radiant heaters are radiant heaters, they provide warmth. Radiant heat, heats objects not the air.
Infrared heaters are generally more environmentally friendly as they do not use combustion for heat generation, reducing carbon emissions. Radiant heaters, depending on their fuel source, may have a greater environmental impact—for example, if you use a combustion boiler to heat the water used in the system.
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.
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.
Electric heaters of any type are unsafe to leave running overnight because they carry a significant amount of risk. If a space heater falls over or becomes too hot from running for too long of a period of time, that can lead to a fast-moving fire that occurs while you are asleep and cannot act fast enough.
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).
Electric radiant floor heating systems are generally very efficient and use as much or less energy than other heating systems.
But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible.
Radiant heaters emit infrared radiation that directly heats objects and people within their line of sight, and are a more efficient choice when you will be in a room for only a few hours and can stay within the line of sight of the heater.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Although radiant heaters do get very hot to the touch, when they heat up infrared light leaves the heater and transfers to the cooler objects around it, like how the sun warms the earth.
Space heaters are good for specific circumstances, like larger spaces with perhaps more people. Infrared Heaters are more cost effective for a smaller areas with fewer workers, and outdoor or poorly insulated spaces.
Convection heaters come in a variety of sizes and heat up quickly, making them a good option for warming up a room fast. These heaters use different types of heating elements internally, such as ceramic, to heat the air around them.
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.
The truth is Infrared heaters and radiant heaters are in fact the same. The term “radiant heater” specifies that the heater is generating heat using radiation while the term “infrared heater” indicates the primary type of radiation being used by the heater to transmit that heat.
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.
Electric radiant heating can be expensive to operate, depending on local electricity rates. Hydronic systems are expensive to install. Radiant heat is difficult to retrofit and may require major renovations.
The best way to prevent a fire is to never leave a space heater running in a room unattended—that way, if anything does go wrong, you can take action quickly. If you have kids or pets that could knock a heater over or drape fabric on it, keep a very close eye on its operation.
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.