An overview on the benefits of Infrared heating.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to a networking event for Construction Businesses. The event was held at an Infrared Heating showroom in Hale, Cheshire. I have to say, the technology blew me away (& anyone that knows me, knows tech is not my thing!)
As soon as I walked into the showroom, the first thing I noticed was the heat. As a lady of a certain age, I rarely get cold but this room was roasting. Here lies the magic of Infrared as a heating source. It isn’t the room that is warm, but you that is being warmed within it. Following that, some science on how infrared waves work and what makes them special.
In an age where heating our homes is becoming an expensive luxury, a new generation of heating is drastically needed & this is where IHS (www.infraredheatingspecialists.co.uk) comes into it’s own. The list of benefits is incredible (& no I’m not on commission) but I can see the enormous benefits for clients and also for designers (eradicating the need for radiators / gas central heating).
This type of heating is standard across Europe but for us here in Blighty (traditionalists by nature), it is yet to take off. Over the last 2 weeks, I have spoken about this to many people in my network & the response has ranged from Scepticism to mild interest at best. Remarks tend to be ‘harmful rays, no thanks’ to ‘ bet it costs a fortune to set up’.
So, let me list & briefly discuss the benefits of Infrared Heating with you & see what you think for yourself.
- Sustainability
Infrared heaters warm objects and people directly rather than heating the air, reducing energy waste. This leads to more efficient heating, especially in spaces where quick warmth is needed. Since infrared heaters don’t need to heat an entire room to provide comfort, they consume less energy compared to traditional convection heaters (radiators). As the overall energy consumption is lower, it’s likely the overall carbon footprint of the house / business is lower.
In addition, infrared heaters do not produce combustion gases, making them a cleaner heating option. - Health
Unlike conventional heaters, infrared heating doesn’t reduce humidity levels & prevent the air from becoming dry. This is better for skin and respiratory health. In addition, as they don’t circulate air, they reduce the movement of dust, allergens, and bacteria, making them ideal for people with allergies or asthma.
Furthermore, infrared can also help eliminate damp. Infrared doesn’t heat the air responsible for carrying mould spores & penetrates the fabric of the building so helps to stop mould developing. - Efficiency
Infrared heaters are battery operated which can be charged overnight when the cost of electricity is at its lowest. The panels can be installed in walls or ceilings & are only switched on when required. As they heat you & not the entire room, they provide immediate warmth and don’t require a long pre-heating period. Due to their efficiency and targeted heating approach, infrared heaters tend to have lower operating costs, especially in large or poorly insulated spaces. They also have fewer moving parts so require less maintenance compared to other heating systems. - Versatility
The heaters can be used for both indoor and outdoor use. They are compact and can be mounted on walls or ceilings. Amazingly they can also be personalised with any high-resolution picture / photo of your choice (i.e. wedding photos, travel pictures, family portraits). They can be created in any colour and size. They can also be made as a mirror. How clever to have a bathroom mirror that doubles as the heater in the room! - Safety
Infrared is totally safe, contains no UV and is used in many incubators for its health benefits. It’s also commonly used to treat sports injuries. There is no risk of fire or explosion like the risk of using gas as a heating source & the surface temperature is like a standard radiator so no risk of burns.
Conclusion
It is clear that Infrared has many benefits that conventional heating methods don’t have so what are we all waiting for? If you buy into the benefits, start talking about the idea of using Infrared for heating homes and businesses with your friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues, children, random people in the street! Let’s make this the norm; eliminate fossil fuels, cut our energy costs & improve the design versatility of our homes.
Lots of love & warm cuddles!
Jane xxx
Further reading at http://www.infraredheatingspecialists.co.uk
