Heating a house with infrared film. Alternative heating – infrared heaters. Impact on humans

One of the publications on our website has already discussed various types of electric heated floors, as well as their advantages over similar water systems. Returning to this topic, we want to talk in more detail about infrared (hereinafter referred to as IR) heating, its structure, features, advantages and disadvantages, as well as methods of installation on the floor, walls and ceiling. The information collected will be useful to those who have decided to insulate a house or room with film electric heaters and want to do it themselves.

Operating principle and design of IR heating film

The main element in this design is a carbon coating; modern nanotechnology is used to apply it, allowing printing on a film base. The result is a unique atomic structure in the form of a hexagonal lattice, which is so small that to describe its dimensions it is necessary to use a nanometer scale (this order is expressed in 10-9 m). Thanks to this, the material acquires the ability to emit waves with a length of 5.0-20.0 microns, that is, those in the IR range (not to be confused with ultraviolet and infrared radiation).

Let us recall that the peculiarity of this radiation is that upon contact with matter, wave energy turns into heat. That is why such designs are also called PLEN heaters. This abbreviation stands for as follows:

P – film.
L – radial (radiant).
E – electric.
H – heating.

Film film can be produced in rolls or mats, their design is presented below.

Designations:

A – Carbon (carbon) coating plays the role of the main heating element.
B – Dense film base.
C – Silver plating (used as an electrical conductor).
D – Power bus, made of flexible copper tape.
E – Film, used as a protective coating.

Pros and cons of film heating

Let's start with the main advantages:

As for the disadvantages, these include the high cost of the equipment compared to other types of electric floors. In addition, you should take into account the features of IR heating panels, namely:

The PLEN must be installed on a flat (smooth) surface, otherwise there is a high probability of damage to the heating element.
Installation should be carried out only in free space, that is, furniture should not be located in the area where the IR film is installed. This limitation does not allow the entire floor area to be used. As practice shows, the PLEN system is installed, at best, on 70% of the total area.
Without the skills to connect the PLEN the first time, it is almost impossible, this is due to the installation features.
Installing an electric floor in wet rooms (bathroom or bathhouse) is undesirable, since an installation error can lead to dangerous consequences for humans.

Scope of application

Despite the fact that some PLEN manufacturers position their products as an alternative to central heating, independent use of that system for heating a summer house, house, store, warehouse or other type of building in winter is not economically profitable. To do this, it is better to use a water boiler and a tubular heater for heated floors, despite the fact that the installation of such equipment is much more complicated. As for industrial and production premises, gas emitters are more suitable for them.

Gas-radiant heating of the workshop is most efficient when installed on the ceiling

The ideal application area for IR films is an auxiliary heating system, which is used to heat a nursery, loggia, French balcony or the floors of a private house.

This system can also be used to heat small auxiliary spaces, such as a garage, poultry house or chicken coop, basement, etc. PLEN is often used as a soil heater in a polycarbonate greenhouse.

Taking into account the facts stated above, it can be stated that the efficiency of PLEN decreases with increasing heating area.

Main technical characteristics

Despite the large number of PLEN manufacturers, the main parameters of their products are quite similar, here are the main ones:

Power specifications: 220-240 VAC, 50 Hz.
Maximum power ≈ 200 W/m2.
Average daily power is 25-65 W/m2.
Permissible heating temperature 150°C, melting point 250°C.
The temperature of the heating elements is 45-50°C.
Width 0.50-1.0 m.
Roll length – up to 50 m.
The maximum laying length is 8 m.
Thickness – up to 0.4 mm.
Heating inertness – no more than 3 minutes.
Efficiency up to 90%.

Installation on floor, ceiling, walls

Now that we have a general idea of PLEN, we can move on to a description of the installation. Before starting the process, it is necessary to plan the placement of the film on the floor surface. As we remember, the film should be placed only on free areas. We recommend making a floor plan, indicating on it the location of furniture and IR coverage.

An example of a plan for laying IR film, taking into account the interior of the room

Power calculation

Knowing the total area of the PLEN heater, we calculate the maximum power. For example, if 100 m2 is needed to heat a house, then the maximum load will be 20 kW, and the current will be slightly more than 90 A (I=P/U), which is quite a lot for a household electrical network. Average daily consumption will be about 2.5-6.5 kW. That is, with 10 hours of operation, such a system will consume from 250 to 650 kW/h per day, and this is a very expensive pleasure. As you can see, the simplest calculation once again suggests that using infrared flooring as the main heating is unprofitable.

On the Internet you can find resources with an online calculator that can significantly simplify the calculation process.

Algorithm of actions when laying infrared warm floors

Having made the calculations and made sure that the results are satisfactory, we proceed directly to installation. Below is a typical installation diagram.

We will assume that the floor surface is leveled and cleared of debris and dust, and all necessary materials have already been purchased. In this case, the algorithm of actions will be as follows:

Like thermal insulation, fragments can be fixed with mounting tape.

We make a connection. This process requires a more detailed description. The sequence of actions is as follows:

After connection, the finishing coating is installed. After this, installation of the system can be considered complete.

Using the described method, you can install both strip PLEN and IR panels for heating.

How is infrared heating installed on ceilings?

The only difference from the method described above is that it is necessary to install a wooden sheathing on the ceiling. The substrate will be attached to it, and thermal modular elements or PLEN will be attached to it. They are fastened using a construction stapler. In this case, care must be taken not to pierce the carbon coating and current-carrying structural elements with staples. Otherwise, the installation principle does not differ from that described above.

Designations:

A – Main ceiling.
B – sheathing beam.
C – Vapor barrier layer.
D – Thermal insulation coating.
E – IR elements.
F – Ceiling finishing.

It is noteworthy that a properly installed heating ceiling can be used in conjunction with stretch ceilings. We also note that infrared heaters can be installed not only on concrete floors in an apartment, but also on the wooden ceilings of a country house, but using them as the main heating system is unprofitable, even if there is no gas. When heating a large area, infrared heating consumes a lot of electricity. In such situations, it is better to use heating convectors.

As for wall mounting, it is performed in the same way as IR film ceilings. If the wall bases are plasterboard or wooden, then lathing is not required in this case.

Manufacturer selection

The characteristics of PLEN are approximately the same, since the same production technology is used, so statements about the advantages of a particular brand are not always reliable. PLEN from the Zebra plant has proven itself well, in particular EVO 300; you can buy this film in almost any large city, even Khabarovsk or Irkutsk. There are also many good reviews about Fracarro and Orient heating plates.

However, it should be taken into account that energy-saving technologies do not stand still, so new products regularly appear on the market that make it possible to reduce heat loss, and, accordingly, electricity consumption. Therefore, when designing alternative heating systems, this issue should be carefully studied.

About benefits and harms

Concluding the topic, we should mention the myths that say that infrared heating at home is harmful to human health. This is absolutely false, such systems are safer than microwave cookers. As for the benefits, to tell the truth, its importance is also greatly exaggerated for marketing purposes.

Nowadays, when technological progress does not stand still, a large number of country property owners are abandoning traditional heating systems in favor of more innovative ones.

One of these heating systems, which has already been tested and shown to be effective, is IR heating.

Infrared heating of a home is far from a new technology, but at the same time innovative, as it is an affordable and effective way to heat a property. The basis of such heating is the power of nature, because all devices for infrared heating use the same principles as the Sun - it is not the air itself that is heated, but directly the surface of the room.

Heating with infrared rays: features

In itself, infrared heating of a country house, although technically complex, is still characterized by increased productivity. Due to the high power of the heaters themselves, as well as the innovative method of heating the air in the room (the walls, furniture, floor and ceiling receive heat first, and then the air), it is possible to achieve not only high quality work, but also significantly reduce the cost of heating .

It should be noted that due to the absence of absorption by the air of heat emanating directly from the device itself, it is possible to eliminate energy losses. Thus, there is no irrational temperature distribution, and therefore the efficiency of IR heaters is an order of magnitude higher than that of the same batteries or air heating devices. Energy savings amount to 70%, which significantly affects the cost of heating and allows you to save money.

Floor-standing IR heaters for a country house

The instructions for heating devices using this technology also indicate that they can be used for spot or zone heating of a room. By the way, this is the only type of heating equipment with similar characteristics.

Design of IR heating devices

Today, all infrared devices for heating a country house presented on the domestic market have a single design. The main structural element of such equipment is a heating element (as a rule, several heaters are used).

The design also uses aluminum alloy plates, which can heat up to 250C and emit electromagnetic waves in a certain range. It should be noted that the body of the IR device does not heat up above 80 C, and therefore they can be safely installed in any room, without fear of sudden fire or accidental burns.

Installation of a heating system with IR heaters: preliminary work

Before starting any work and heating a country house with infrared heaters, you need to collect some information:

The area of the house where it is planned to install an infrared heating system. Be sure to take into account the size and number of window openings and doors;
Thermal insulation coefficient of the house (determined through special reference books, depends on the material from which the building is constructed);

The total power needed to heat the entire house.

If you do the installation of devices yourself, it is important to check the maximum voltage in the electrical system of the house. The indicators should be within 220-230 V - otherwise you need to take care of purchasing stabilizers, because IR devices are sensitive to voltage fluctuations.

In addition, you should select rooms that will be heated. As a rule, infrared heating is used for a certain number of rooms where the highest efficiency and productivity can be achieved - living room, kitchen, hallway, bathrooms and utility rooms. For all these rooms, 6-8 heaters will be enough.

Advice. When choosing equipment and calculating it, you need to take devices “with a reserve” of power. This can be useful if one of the panels fails (others will take on its load).

Infrared heating equipment: how to install correctly

Installing infrared heating is a process that requires a certain sequence and knowledge of the features. So, for example, installation of equipment must be done at a certain height (this can be seen in the photo and video on our website) and for each heater the parameters will be different.

IR heaters installed in the living room of a private house

The norm is considered to be 2.2-3.5 meters from the floor - with such indicators the highest productivity is achieved. It should be noted that IR equipment should be mounted at a height of at least 0.5 meters from a person’s head, and such a heating system should not be installed above furniture.

In order to ensure the most optimal room temperature and save a lot of money, it is important to perform a load balancing process during the installation of IR systems. Its essence lies in managing equipment, in particular, the load on the system.

It is planned to install special automation devices in the heating system that control operating modes and load on the entire system.

Advice. There are no difficulties during the installation of IR equipment. The main requirement is compliance with electrical safety measures prescribed by the equipment manufacturer.

Advantages of such systems

The use of infrared technology for heating a country house has many advantages over more traditional heating systems.

Among the most important advantages are:

Low price of heating itself. Despite the slightly higher cost of the equipment itself, heating the room is cheaper than using water or;

One of the types of floor IR heaters

Versatility. IR devices are effectively suitable for heating absolutely any room in a country house, from living rooms to bathrooms and storage rooms. There are practically no restrictions;
IR heaters do not burn oxygen in the room, do not create vibrations or noise. As a result, it is very comfortable to be in such a room, even after long-term operation of the heating system (this cannot be said about traditional heating);
Duration of trouble-free operation. Many equipment manufacturers claim that infrared heating of a country house will last at least 20 years and will not lose its performance, reliability and safety;
Fast heat transfer. Unlike most heating systems, IR devices begin to transfer heat immediately after switching on, which allows you to heat a room of any size in just a few minutes;
No need for expensive installation and maintenance. Equipment installation and maintenance can be performed even by a person without specific qualifications. It is enough just to study the instructions and take into account the requirements of the manufacturers;

Effective automation of equipment operation without extra costs and complex work. Without any problems, you can install various devices into an infrared heating system, thanks to which the operation of the system will become more productive and of higher quality, and it will be possible to reduce costs.

Types of IR emitters for heating a home

Various companies offer domestic consumers a wide range of infrared devices designed to heat a country house. Basically all type devices, but you can also find wall-mounted and floor-mounted devices. As a rule, in most cases the fuel is electricity, but there are also gas equipment (industrial devices).

The most innovative IR heaters are the so-called picture heaters. This is not only equipment that allows you to effectively heat the air in a room, but also a stylish element of interior decoration that will fit into any room. Such devices consist of heating carbon filaments that operate without overloads or overheating.

Bottom line

Infrared heating of a home is the most economical, practical and reliable way to ensure effective heating of any property, regardless of size. A large selection of heating devices, affordable prices and ease of installation make IR technology an affordable and very profitable alternative to traditional heating.

Among modern heating systems, infrared (radiant) heating is becoming increasingly attractive for owners of private houses. This heating method is new for us, but in Western countries it has been used for a long time.

The principle of such heating is reminiscent of nature, when our planet warms up under the rays of the sun. Thanks to the sun's rays, the surface of the earth warms up and then the air temperature rises. Infrared heaters warm objects in the house, and they, in turn, give off heat to the air in the room.

Operating principle of infrared heating

Infrared device for the first time appeared in Switzerland in the 60s last century, it was invented for infrared saunas. Heating of rooms using infrared radiation only began to receive attention in recent years, when the topic of alternative energy sources became relevant.

With the help of a built-in heating element inside the heater, heat is supplied to all nearby objects. The rays warm the floor and walls of the room, after which the entire room is provided with heat. It is not absorbed by the air coming from the devices, but spreads to all objects in the room. The waves are invisible to humans, but the thermal effect is immediately felt. The range of waves can be different; experts have divided them into short, medium and long.

The device itself consists of an aluminum plate and a heating element, which heats the plate to a temperature of 250 o C, waves of a certain range of electromagnetic type come from it. The heater body, unlike the plate, will not heat up to such a high temperature; the maximum it can warm up to is +80 o C.

All devices with infrared rays, unlike conventional heaters, distribute heat rationally; it does not rise to the ceiling and is not displaced by cold air currents. All heating goes only to solid objects in the room, and not to air. Due to the fact that the air is heated evenly in the room, about 70% of the energy, such heating is today the only method that allows you to heat a single area of the room.

Today there is three types infrared heating system:

Ceiling
Wall mounted
Floor

It is worth writing about them in more detail so that it is clear how each of them works.

Ceiling type heating system suspended from the ceiling, during operation, the flow of warm air is directed downwards and slightly to the sides. It is clear that the floor in the room immediately warms up and the temperature below will be several degrees higher than in the upper part of the room. If we take other types of heating, then warm air, on the contrary, rises to the top under the ceiling. The heating element for such structures with infrared rays can be made of three materials - tungsten, quartz or ceramics. The power and efficiency of the entire device will depend on the type of material used for the heating element.

Conveniently, such a device does not take up space in the room, since it is located in the ceiling. It can be used as one of the auxiliary heat sources in the house. Thermal sensors upon reaching the set temperature automatically turn off, and then turn on when the set temperature level drops. Ceiling infrared film heating can be a very good solution, especially since a new type of IR panels has already appeared. They are ideal for suspended ceilings and are mounted in the Armstrong profile, which is a simple and convenient solution. For ceilings made of plastic or suspended types of PVC films, such IR panels are not suitable.

Wall-mounted infrared panel systems can be used like regular radiators, they are thin and come in a variety of sizes. Any owner of a private house will be able to install them independently. Panel heaters are available in several versions.

Wall-mounted IR panels, in the form of ordinary radiators, are mounted in a niche under the window.
Designer models of IR panels can come in a variety of sizes and colors.
Warm IR skirting boards, they are usually installed instead of simple panels.

There is also a universal film version of wall heating, it is mounted in the wall, it is only important when installing film panels to use a screening film, it will prevent heat loss. It is rational to install them not on one side, but in several external walls, then the planes will serve as protection against freezing, the formation of dampness and fungus.

Floor systems look in the form of film mats, they contain flat heating elements, they are connected to each other in series. They can be installed in floors with any finishing coating, since film mats have a minimum thickness. The floor height will remain the same after installing the IR film mats. They are perfect for linoleum, carpet, laminate, but it is best to install such heating in a floor with ceramic tiles, in this case there will be the most effective heat transfer.

All work on installation of film mats not associated with dirty work, the whole process occurs quickly in one stage, unlike conventional heated floors. The only point that is important to consider when installing floor film mats is that they should not be located under furniture. Thus, heat transfer will decrease, and this will also contribute to the drying out of the furniture.

Infrared heating: pros and cons

As with any room heating system, the IR system also has its advantages and disadvantages; among the positive aspects, the following points should be noted:

It also needs to be said about the negative side infrared heating.

During operation, heating elements begin to attract dust as static voltage accumulates on their surface. Electromagnetic radiation does not always have a good effect on the human body.
The recoupment of all costs will occur only in a few years, since prices are high for all the necessary equipment.
Infrared heating will be expensive if installed as the only heat source in the house.
There is also an opinion that the constant operation of such a heating system can negatively affect household electrical appliances that are located in the room.

IR heating installation price

The cost of installing such heating for a home may vary. Before purchasing materials, calculations need to be done. In any case, all expenses will consist of three points.

Any cost will be linked to the area of the room in which installation work is planned to be carried out. Experts advise not to cover the entire area, but only partially install a film covering approximately 60-70% of the total area. If you take a room of about 15 m2, then it will take 75 kW per month to heat it, this figure must be multiplied by the cost of electricity, then you will get the total amount taking into account the total area of the housing.

In conclusion, it must be said that before deciding to install infrared heating at home, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the technical side of the issue, the operational characteristics of the system, and the feasibility of this heating method for any type of room. If everything is studied and weighed correctly, then an infrared home heating system can become a very profitable and rational heating option.

Before choosing an infrared heater and installing it in the house, each owner needs to understand the operating principle of this type of equipment and become familiar with the main manufacturers in detail. This article provides a classification of infrared devices according to the method of arrangement of elements, and also offers a number of recommendations that will help users correctly install heating equipment of this type of operation.

What is infrared heating at home? Operating principle, advantages and disadvantages of the project

Infrared heating is becoming more and more widespread in the world every year and takes the position of a worthy alternative to conventional heaters. All IR devices operate according to the standard scheme:

equipment is connected to the network (220 W);
The heating element heats up;
heat is redirected from the heating element to a specially installed heat-radiating plate;
Infrared radiation is generated from the plate.

At the same time, this heating system differs from the traditional one in that the objects in the room are first heated, and the air receives heat from them. This process of heating rooms is effective because the air rises as it heats up, and the heat spreads evenly throughout the room.

Living organisms, including humans, react to infrared heat a little differently than to normal heat. Due to the fact that the former actively influences the peripheral circulatory system, the feeling of comfort with such heating occurs 2-3 degrees lower than when exposed to the latter. This allows you not to turn on the devices at full power, and significantly save their energy.

The advantages and disadvantages of the infrared heating system design can be displayed as follows. Advantages:

installation of equipment does not require a separate room;
compactness of equipment;
the ability to fit devices into any interior;
the system is absolutely safe for human health;
IR devices are intended for use both indoors and outdoors, the main thing is that there is an electrical network;
the equipment is actively used on farms, as well as in greenhouses.

With the above advantages, the most important drawback of the infrared heating system project can be identified - the high price indicators for the equipment.

Types of infrared heaters. Panel, film

Infrared heaters are produced in two designs: film and panel. The first type is used to create a specific recreation area, as a thermal arrangement for a loggia, etc. They are intended for both ceiling, wall and floor coverings. Stretch ceilings are absolutely not suitable for these heating structures. Film heaters can be based on a thin layer of graphite or carbonate filaments, which are arranged parallel to one another. This type fits perfectly into the interior and is used as a local heating device in a specially designated area of the room.

The operating principle of the second type of heaters is to receive heat from a heating element, a specially installed panel, the design of which can be made of materials such as plasterboard (supplemented with a heat-insulating layer and graphite thread), as well as glass or plastic (supplemented with ceramics or anodized aluminum). This technique is sold in various decorated, exquisite models.

The main classification is based on the method of arrangement of elements. Floor, wall and ceiling units

The modern market offers a large assortment of infrared heating devices, which, according to the method of arrangement of elements, are usually divided into floor, wall and ceiling. More detailed information is provided in the table.

Classification of IR heaters according to the method of arrangement of elements
Floor	Flat heating parts are installed inside floor-standing appliances. This type of coating is sold in rolls. During the installation process, they are cut into pieces of the required size. These modular materials, when laid on the floor, require a distance between the materials of about 10 - 15 cm; they are contraindicated to be placed one on top of the other. Floor panels can be decorated using laminate, carpet and similar types of coverings. An excellent result is obtained when using ceramic tiles.
Wall mounted	The main condition for the operation of this type of structure is its location on the wall. The fact is that the panels should be placed so that they are either above the residents’ heads or below. When using wall-mounted infrared heaters, it is recommended to avoid local recreation areas; this can lead to dry skin of a person, as well as other uncomfortable situations.
Ceiling	Ceiling radiators are suitable for installation in suspended ceilings. As a rule, they are located at a height of more than 3 meters. Due to the design, under the influence of this type of device, the floor in the room first warms up. It is not recommended to place ceiling panels close to doors and windows, otherwise significant heat loss will occur.

Major manufacturers of IR heaters

Models of IR heaters from such manufacturers as:

Ecostar;
Teplov;
Thermoplase;
Bilux;
Timberk;
Ballu.

Infrared systems from Ecostar are intended for use in large and small rooms. Models for industrial premises are capable of heating large departments of factories and factories, workshops and technical centers. The advantages of using such products include cost-effectiveness and reliability; the operational life of the devices is designed for 25 years.

Manufacturer Teplov specializes in the sale of ceiling, wall and floor heaters, which are distinguished by such features as: ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, absence of harmful radiation, etc. Modern devices on the market from this company are equipped with an innovative mechanism for adjusting thermal conditions.

UFO infrared heaters are popular in 27 countries around the world. Thanks to a special moisture-proof housing, this type of equipment can easily operate even in rooms with high humidity. When the UFO overheats, the devices automatically turn off, which significantly reduces the electrical load and allows you to insure against fire.

Devices from the manufacturer Thermoplaza do not emit any noise or sounds during operation, and they operate on the basis of two principles of room heating: infrared and natural convection heat. Installation of equipment from Thermoplaz can be done at home, with your own hands.

IR heaters from the Ukrainian manufacturer Bilux are supplemented with high-quality thermal insulation, which is characterized by non-flammability even at a maximum temperature of 1500 degrees. Therefore, heaters from this production are considered absolutely safe. The radiation from these heating devices has a gentle effect on the human body and does not cause discomfort.

An imported manufacturer of IR equipment is the Swiss company Timberk, which specializes in the production of high-quality heaters for this purpose. The products of this brand are very popular and meet international quality standards.

The international holding Ballu is engaged in the production and sale of household and heating equipment, including infrared heaters. Products from the manufacturer are intended for use for industrial purposes and to provide heat in small, cozy apartments. The company's main emphasis is on the sale of ceiling and wall structures, regularly replenishing the range with mobile, modern new products.

How to choose the right heater for your home or apartment

The choice of an IR heater for a house or apartment primarily depends on the size of the room. Before purchasing, the user needs to decide which device he needs, stationary or portable. The second type of heating equipment is characterized by relatively low power and size; they are practical and mobile. Stationary models are mounted directly into walls, ceilings and flooring.

The second point that requires attention is the type of heating element. They come in metal, ceramic and quartz, due to which they have different effects on the world around them. For example, a quartz heater is not suitable for use by people suffering from allergies and asthma, and due to the red color, such devices are very irritating to the eyes. Heaters with a ceramic heating element have good performance. There is no light during operation of the device, but it is as economical as possible and can last for more than 3 years. The disadvantage of this technology is its high cost.

When purchasing an infrared heater, you should inquire about the thickness of the anodizing layer, which covers the plate and is responsible for emitting infrared waves. A thickness of more than 25 microns is considered an indicator of quality. This suggests that the service life of the device can reach or exceed 20 years.

Experts recommend asking about the thickness of the emitter foil. In high-quality, high-end devices this figure exceeds 120 microns. It is also worth paying attention to the power of the heating equipment. This indicator should be equated to 1 to 10 (per 10 sq.m. power 1 kW).

The modern market represents not only infrared heaters that operate under the influence of electricity, but also models powered by liquefied gas. Gas installations are intended for heating large areas such as country houses, dachas, and cottages. In addition to this nuance, the choice of device according to the type of heating is considered important. Regarding this criterion, there are techniques of direct and indirect action. In the second case, a gas exhaust system is provided; in the first, it is absent, so combustion products return to the room, which means that the owner needs to take care of a high-quality, productive ventilation system.

How to properly install infrared heaters in your home

In recent years, infrared electric heaters have earned great trust among consumers and are extremely popular. As practice shows, virtually anyone can handle the installation of this type of heating system in small rooms. The installation process itself does not take much time and is considered quite simple.

At the initial stage, the owner needs to choose the right place to install the device. It is worth considering that IR heaters are not recommended to be installed in places:

located close to other electrical equipment;
close to the placement of large furniture;
not distant from doors, windows, etc.

Installation of the IR device takes place in several steps, which consist of attaching the brackets using self-tapping screws and then installing the panel. In the process, the master will need tools such as: a tape measure, a simple pencil, screwdrivers, a screwdriver and pliers. Having installed infrared equipment, you also need to properly connect it to the thermostat, and then connect it to the network. To do this, you must use a three-core cable and follow the earth - phase - zero system. The end parts of the cable are connected to the terminals, according to the indicated polarity at the ends of the wires. Before turning it on, experts recommend wiping the device panel with an alcohol solution.

Infrared heating devices, with their strengths and weaknesses, occupy a significant place among advanced heating systems, allowing a person to create an acceptable thermal regime in the house.

In addition to the article, watch the thematic video on infrared heating of a home:

IR Radiation is electromagnetic waves that are invisible to the human eye. These waves are also called “thermal”; this is exactly how they affect our perception, and even more so, thermal radiation from the sun works in the same way. The peculiarity of this radiation is that it does not heat the air, but it warms objects - people, animals, furniture, floors. As objects cool down, they give off heat to the air. This ensures a comfortable temperature in the room. The sun heats according to the same principle. It does not heat the air, but objects, which in turn give off heat. And since the sun is not dangerous for living organisms, the same can be said about infrared heating. With proper installation and operation, a person will not feel any negative effect from its use.

pros infrared heating

The most important advantage of IR technology is that this heating method is extremely economical. While with traditional central heating you need to heat the entire room to warm the people in it, the IR source warms the person and the objects around him. It works immediately after switching on; there is no need to preheat the room. Take a close look at these numbers:

To heat a room of 16 square meters using an IR source, you need 900 W.
To heat the same room using an electric heater you need 2 - 2.5 kW.

The numbers speak for themselves.

In addition to saving and rational use of energy, this technology has a number of advantages:

No radiators or pipes: no problems with freezing or leakage;
The air is not dried out, oxygen is not burned;
No need to spend money on periodic restoration or maintenance;
Long service life - 30-50 years;
Safety: you are not at risk of fire or electric shock;
No possibility of accidental injury and burns;
There is no need to ventilate or install a chimney - there are no combustion products;
Absolutely silent operation (unlike a boiler or water circulation in a central heating system);
Minimum amount of space occupied in the room;
There is no negative impact on the environment because there is no waste;
During operation, no convection currents are created that move dust indoors;
The microclimate in the room is stably maintained at a given level, regardless of the weather;
Possibility of creating several temperature zones in one room;
Sudden temperature changes in height are excluded (in traditional heating, the temperature in the floor area is significantly lower);
Possibility of full automation and use of remote control;
Light weight, easy to transport, simple installation, ability to dismantle for re-installation in another location;
Record high efficiency;
High resistance to power surges, which is very important for the private sector.

As you can see, there are a lot of advantages. It is safe to say that none of the types known to the modern world heating does not have the same long list of advantages. You can see a photo from a real site of our company for installing infrared heating. Now let's talk about the disadvantages.

Minuses infrared heating:

Ceiling panels are difficult to combine with the interior style, especially with the classic one. The same cannot be said for hi-tech or minimalism - here they are just right;
The need for preliminary design, preferably at the stage of building a house or renovating an apartment. Although, it all depends on the chosen type, we will talk about this later;
Possibility of overheating due to incorrect power calculation. Specialist consultation and design by an experienced craftsman are required;
At a set high temperature, the skin may dry out if a person remains in one position for a long time. But this can be easily avoided if you make it a rule not to use high heat for a long time in one place.

That's all its disadvantages. We can say with confidence that with proper installation by specialists, as well as with proper operation, infrared heating does not pose any threat to humans. That is, the main point is the choice of an experienced design and installation specialist.

Still, if we compare the above four disadvantages with the list of disadvantages that are typical for electric heaters and central heating systems, then IR wins significantly. Any type of heating is associated with some disadvantages, but here they can be said to be minimal.

Where is infrared heating used?

Due to their properties, IR panels have a very wide range of applications:

Warehouses;
Workshops and industrial buildings;
Stadiums;
Train stations and airports;
Gas stations, car washes, car dealerships;
Pavilions and exhibition centers;
Medical institutions;
Theaters and concert halls;
Office and administrative premises;

What can we say about the fact that in residential premises they are most relevant in the context of constantly rising electricity prices.

Types and types of IR heaters

Depending on the object of application, the required characteristics, power and temperature conditions, various types of infrared heating can be used. We will look at the most popular ones.

Spot type

Can be used as part of the interior. They look like fluorescent lamps and can be mounted in different places on the bracket. They heat a small part of the room and are used locally. The only drawback of such infrared heating is the price. But in terms of the energy spent on heating, this type pays for itself quite quickly and is still beneficial as an addition to the main system.

Film type

Special IR film is installed under the floor to heat it or on the ceiling. This film does not affect the functionality of the equipment, and the room heats up evenly. This film can also be used as local mobile heating, in the form of a mat. Very convenient for creating a workspace or in the bathroom. IR film can be installed under any coating, even cement screed. Ideal for use in residential areas.

Heating drywall

This is the name for infrared panels built into a wall or ceiling with plasterboard finishing using the frame method. On the back side of the finish there are electrically conductive carbon threads, which are additionally insulated with a polymer coating for heat reflection. These panels are indispensable in the interior. They can be easily used for repairs, just like regular drywall. And by the way, it is recommended to install such infrared heating as backup heating to the central system.

Ceiling panels

Infrared heating of this type is considered the best of all available types today. Mounting on the ceiling does not create any inconvenience with repairs or interiors; the radiation comes from top to bottom. Can be installed in separate zones. For example, in a workshop, when you only need to warm up the workspace, without the area where the machines are located. At the same time, the floor and walls can be used more functionally.

The panel is a compact device, powder-coated and housed in a metal case. Such devices can be installed under any non-stretch ceiling covering. IR panels are almost invulnerable to accidental damage; only water leaks in apartment buildings can be dangerous. And one more disadvantage - such devices heat up household appliances, which can damage them. Therefore, you need to use it rationally and carefully approach the issue of choosing power.

Ceiling IR heaters with water coolant

Warm or hot water (temperature from 40°C to 120°C) is used here as a coolant; it transfers heat to the pipes and the radiating screen. This type of infrared heating is used in industry. Can be used as an alternative energy source. Can also be used in air conditioning mode.

Wall IR panels

They are less efficient than the floor and ceiling type, because heated air, according to physics, always tends upward. Efficiency decreases and energy costs increase slightly. But still, in comparison with electric heating, it is many times more profitable. Wall-mounted IR panels can be used as an additional source in particularly cold areas.

Gas IR heaters

This type works by heating plates made of a heat-resistant composition, inside which an air-gas mixture is burned. Their power is the highest, so the use of this type in residential premises is contraindicated. In addition, the price of such infrared heating is quite high, which makes them in demand only in industrial enterprises or in large facilities such as a shopping center or sports ground.

Radiation intensity

When choosing infrared heating, you need to be careful with the power of the device. Normally, it should not exceed 350 W per square meter. If the radiating element is not heated above 100°C, then the surface of the heated objects will not be above 35°C. Properly designed and installed IR heaters can distribute heat evenly throughout the home, creating a comfortable microclimate.

Powerful infrared heating over a long period of time is dangerous for the skin and eyes. But household IR devices are adapted and the spectrum is configured for human use in residential conditions.

Conclusion

Infrared heating is a new product on the modern market with great potential. Despite the fact that this technology was invented at the beginning of the last century, it is only now that it is being actively used for heating rooms. In the construction of large facilities, such heating is simply irreplaceable, because it significantly saves energy, is convenient to install and use, and has a number of other advantages. It is safe to say that this is the technology of the future, since in the context of the desire to reduce energy consumption, infrared heating is a big and bold step towards the goal.