Film infrared heater for the ceiling

Options for using technology

Infrared heating is used quite widely today.
Regardless of whether a person lives in the house permanently or uses the home as a temporary shelter, such devices are ideal for heating living rooms at any time of the year. But this is not the only area of ​​their application. Such units can be used for heating balconies and loggias, unheated garages, dressing rooms, terraces, verandas of open and closed gazebos, greenhouses and winter gardens, chicken coops and other premises for animals.

With the help of such devices, you can very quickly reach the desired room temperature, warm the soil, extend the summer season, reap a good harvest, and achieve amazing results in livestock farming. At the same time, creating a comfortable microclimate will not provoke an increase in electricity costs, which leads to significant financial savings.

Features of the film heater

Infrared film wall heaters are quite popular. They consist of a resistive-type heating element, a heat-distributing base, a thermostat, two protective layers and a connection cable. The total thickness of the sheet is no more than 1.5 mm.

The thermostat has a temperature sensor, which simplifies operation. The laminating film used in this work can withstand temperatures up to 210˚C. Such layers are used as protective layers; between them there is foil with heating elements. This infrared flexible film wall heater has resistors, and the heating elements are based on metals or carbon-containing materials. When an electric current passes through them, heating occurs up to a maximum of 55 ˚C.

Design and components of a tape heater

ENGL is a woven glass fiber tape (base), in the middle of which several heating threads made of an alloy with high resistivity (nichrome - nickel with chromium) are located parallel to each other. The outside of the tape is covered with a waterproof shell of silicone rubber, from which the ends of the ENGL are also crimped. The connection of the tape heater to the network is made through an electrical wire coming out of the end crimp, connecting in the tape with heating threads.

Depending on the type of network voltage consumed, heating tapes are produced for 12, 220 and 380 V.

The main element of a tape heater, which determines its characteristics, is the heating cable, which is made up of rows inside the tape. To better understand the characteristics of ENGL, let's consider the types of cables that are used for heating.

Heating cables

According to the operating principle, heating cables are divided into:

• resistive - with a fixed power and a heating core as a heat source, placed in a 3-layer shell (electrical insulation, braided shielding and ultraviolet protection);
• self-regulating - two parallel conductors (phase and neutral) at a distance of 1 cm with a heat source located between them - a matrix, which heats up when current passes through it from the phase wire to the neutral.

A single-core cable has only one heating core, so both ends need to be connected to the network (the turns of such a cable must be positioned so that the far end returns to the starting point, and both cable contacts are nearby);

A two-core cable consists of heating and current-carrying cores, the currents in which flow in different directions - the negative factors of the magnetic fields of the wires compensate each other (the two-core cable is connected to the network at one end, and a special coupling is installed at the other end);

Main types of infrared heaters

Infrared heaters for the home are presented on the product market in a variety of types and characteristics.

Classification of devices

Heaters are distinguished by the following features:

1. By type of placement. Ceiling, wall, floor and film are available. The first two types of placement involve stationary use. They are mounted using brackets or hooks, respectively, on the ceiling or wall. Since the design is lightweight, there are no special requirements for fasteners. Floor-standing devices have a special stand in their design, on which they are installed anywhere on the floor. A special type is film devices. The heating element here is a flexible resist cable that heats the outer metal film.
2. By radiation power. Infrared heaters for home are manufactured with a power from 200 W to 2.5 kW, and those intended for use in industrial areas - over 2 kW.
3. According to the range of waves used. Waves lying in the range from 5.6 to 100 microns are called long-wavelength. They have an operating temperature of about 600 degrees and are completely harmless to the human body. The range from 2.5 to 5.6 microns is called mid-wave, the heating temperature can be 1 thousand degrees. Such devices are used in rooms with high ceilings. Short-wave, using a wavelength of up to 2.5 microns, are considered harmful to the human body, and are used for ceiling mounting at a height of 5-7 meters.
4. Based on the type of heating element used, heaters are structurally divided into lamp, panel, and film. Lamp ones are made with a tubular heating element. They differ in shape, flask filling (vacuum or gas), and spiral material. Typically, in addition to the lamp, the device includes a reflector and a protective transparent screen. Panel heaters are produced in the form of flat panels of various sizes. The heater itself is made of quartz or carbonite.
5. Depending on the method of powering, devices can be electric, gas or diesel.

Halogen lamps are low cost, but when they work, heating light is visible. While quartz and carbon, although more expensive, work in the invisible spectrum for the human eye.

Micathermic heater

This device is a new technological solution on the IR heaters market.
The radiation source in the device is the plate. This plate is made of several layers of mica, due to which thermal radiation spreads evenly and heating occurs very quickly. It must contain protection against overheating and overturning of the device. The main advantages are efficiency, since energy costs are lower by almost 30 percent compared to other types of IR heaters. The case temperature does not exceed 50 degrees, complete silence. Different body variations make this product even more attractive. Greater degree of mobility. The main manufacturer is Polaris. The disadvantage of such a heater is its price.

How to choose a ceiling infrared heater

Infrared ceiling devices are installed in residential buildings, open areas, greenhouses and factories.

What types of IR devices are there?

IR devices for outdoor and indoor installation are available on the market. Manufacturers produce household and industrial models that differ in appearance, heating temperature and power. There are samples for rooms with high humidity levels (saunas) and with explosion protection.

Ceiling-type infrared heaters are:

• with and without thermostat;
• gas;
• electrical;
• with open and closed coolant.

There are differences in the wavelength emitted by the device:

• shortwave, intended for rooms 6 m high;
• medium wave – for objects 3-6 m high;
• long-wave – installed in rooms up to 3 m high.

Heating elements are:

• carbon (heating occurs due to carbon threads);
• quartz (heating is carried out by a tungsten filament);
• ceramic (the body of such a device does not heat up);
• tubular (heating elements);
• halogen (the coolant is an inert gas located in the tube).

Manufacturers produce low- and high-temperature models. For small rooms, choose dark samples (they do not glow when heated) with low temperatures. For large production areas, light type heaters are chosen. They are used in stadiums, warehouses, and open trading floors.

For greater efficiency of the ceiling-type IR heater, a thermal curtain is installed along with the device. It retains heat and reduces energy losses.

Pros of IR heaters

The efficiency of the devices is 95-98%. The room is heated vertically, in the bottom-to-top direction. Thanks to this, heat fills the room faster, energy consumption is reduced by 5-10% for each degree saved. The operation of IR devices does not require constant human supervision. They are cheap compared to other heating devices. Since ceiling systems are static and contain no moving parts, they require minimal maintenance and no maintenance.

IR heaters also have advantages over other types:

• high heating rate;
• since models of this type do not have fans, they operate silently;
• easy and quick to install;
• do not emit light;
• fireproof;
• it is possible to heat a separate area of ​​the room;
• IR rays have a positive effect on the body.

Minuses

A relatively new type of equipment for heating rooms has a number of disadvantages:

• after switching off, the room cools quickly;
• there is a limitation on the power of the heat flow (if it exceeds 350 W/m², the radiation becomes harmful to the body);
• do not place paintings or objects made of artificial materials in the area of ​​effect of the rays (they can be deformed when heated);
• when purchasing a ceiling device, take into account that the distance from the heating source to the person’s head must be at least 50 cm;
• installation on a ceiling made of materials that are unstable to heat is not allowed.

Subtleties of choice

Depending on the heated area and operating conditions, the number of heaters is calculated. For a small room, one device is installed; for large areas, several are installed. When choosing a model, a number of indicators are taken into account.

1. Before choosing a ceiling infrared heater, determine what area it should work on. For industrial, office and warehouse premises with a large area, powerful light-type heaters are chosen.
2. An important indicator is the condition of the ceiling. Beams, floors, tension structures must support the weight of the model.
3. The ceiling height should ensure normal heat flow.
4. Coolant type.
5. For installation on the ceiling, choose lightweight models with an aluminum body and film devices.
6. The presence of a remote control, an overheating sensor, and a thermostat in the sample. With these devices, servicing the model is simplified.
7. Several models are installed over a large area.

If you follow the selection rules, the device will last a long time, and energy consumption will be minimal.

Installation subtleties

Heaters are installed parallel to windows, doors, and external walls. If you plan to install several devices, make calculations to ensure uniform heating of the room.

One heater installed on the ceiling at a height of 2.5 m operates on an average area of ​​20 m². There are hanging heaters and built-in models on sale.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of such equipment is high efficiency.
A person, like an object, heats up under the influence of infrared radiation. Almost immediately after turning on the device in the room, a person begins to feel warmth. In addition, among the advantages of IR heaters are:

• High efficiency. The effectiveness of such heating lies in the direct thermal effect on the object without loss of power for heating the air environment.
• Cost-effectiveness, which is ensured by a long period of heat transfer from heated objects and the absence of dependence on air flows (drafts).
• Versatility. IR emitters can be used both indoors and outdoors. The owner can independently adjust the power and radiation angle.
• Easy to install and operate.

In addition, IR heaters do not dry out the air, which is very important for maintaining a healthy indoor microclimate. Despite the abundance of advantages, IR heaters also have disadvantages, namely:

• As soon as a person leaves the radiation zone, he immediately begins to feel a temperature difference.
• Dimensions that directly depend on the power of the device.
• Fire hazard if the emitter is not focused correctly.

The issue of the safety of long-term human exposure to infrared radiation is being actively discussed online. Doctors and physicists have not been able to reach consensus on this issue, so the lack of confidence in the safety of these devices for humans should also be considered a disadvantage.

The main advantages and disadvantages of film infrared heaters

The advantages are as follows:

• Positive health effect. It is especially noticeable in winter, in the absence of the sun, when infrared radiation compensates for the lack of natural light and replenishes all the body’s losses associated with this problem.
• Easy installation. For example, a film wall panel heater is installed quite simply and quickly. Moreover, this can be done independently, without the participation of specialists, but after carefully reading the instructions. The same can be said about ceiling and floor devices.
• Long service life. Ages 25 years and older. Does not require maintenance due to the design features and simplicity of the device.
• Low financial costs. The equipment itself has a low cost; in addition, installation and subsequent operation may not incur any financial burden.
• Fire safety. Typically, the surface of the heater has a temperature of no more than 80 degrees, which is a safe limit.
• No noise and high environmental friendliness. The operation of such a heater does not cause noise; in addition, during the use of infrared film, oxygen does not dry out or burn out.

The main disadvantages of film heaters:

• Fast cooling after switching off. If you read reviews about film heaters, this is one of the main disadvantages voiced by consumers.
• Weak heating. Some buyers note the poor quality of heating. Although this may apply to a small area film hanging on the wall. If you completely cover the ceiling or floor, then this problem is not observed.
• Heating of household appliances. This drawback is typical for ceiling film infrared heaters.
• Impossibility of surface treatment. When using such heaters, there are some restrictions in designing the room as you wish.

Installation of film-type IR heaters

Installation of flexible film heaters, regardless of the installation location, does not require the contractor to have high-level professional skills, but must be carried out in compliance with the following rules:

• the installation site of the PLEN must be level and dry;
• cutting rolls, if provided for by the model, should be performed only according to the markings specified by the manufacturer;
• testing the functionality by plugging in a rolled-up heater is prohibited;
• the length of one strip film fragment should not exceed 8 m;
• adjacent strips of the heating system are located at a distance of at least 5 mm;
• bending the PLEN at an angle of more than 90 degrees is not allowed;
• installation of the film to the base is carried out with staples using a construction stapler or special fasteners (the use of ordinary nails and self-tapping screws is not effective);
• It is prohibited to carry out installation work at sub-zero air temperatures - after warming up the room, the film strips will increase in size and form folds.

Sequence of installation of film IR heaters

To protect against overheating, the base for placing the PLEN must be equipped with a foil reflective screen that acts as a heat and water insulator, for example, penofol, isolon.

The protective coating is mounted on the base with an overlap of adjacent edges of 3-5 cm; to speed up the process, it is advisable to use special fasteners for fastening, which are available in a wide range on sale.

From above, the joints of the screen strips are glued longitudinally with special foil tape.

The elements of the film heater are mounted on top of the laid screen - after preliminary layout and in accordance with the installation instructions supplied with the device. Installation is carried out taking into account the rule - for 1 square meter of flexible film there should be 8-10 fastening elements.

When the heating circuit is ready to be installed, it is connected to the thermostat, which should be located at a height of 1-1.5 m from the floor, and the system’s functionality is checked.

In addition, to correctly monitor the temperature in the room, the thermostat must be located away from other heating devices, have a thermal insulation pad underneath, and be protected from direct sunlight and drafts.

If the results of testing the IR device are positive, finishing materials are laid - floor covering or suspended ceiling, which are installed with a gap of 10-15 mm between the cladding and the film.

Read on the topic - how to attach, lay and glue penofol.

Criterias of choice

To purchase a high-quality unit suitable for a particular home, you need to pay attention to the technical characteristics, as well as the efficiency of the equipment. You can also look at a number of additional functions and the cost of the device

As for the cost, you can choose high-quality models at approximately the same price, which greatly simplifies the choice. If desired, you can find more expensive types of devices equipped with additional functionality.

You need to know that convection and ceramic heaters become ineffective if the house has very high ceilings

This is also worth paying attention to when purchasing.

If the heater needs to be used constantly, then you will need to choose the most powerful models that have a heat sensor, timer, and other useful functions. In this way, system efficiency can be increased and energy consumption can be reduced. But you will have to spend an extra few thousand rubles on such models.

Also, before purchasing, it is advisable to read the reviews of people who have already purchased the equipment and installed it in their home. If a certain model or company has a large number of positive reviews, then this is considered one of the main guidelines when choosing the right unit.

Operating principle of infrared heaters

At their core, infrared electric heaters are a heated physical body that emits infrared waves. A feature of this radiation spectrum is the ability to transfer thermal energy, which is absorbed by nearby objects. As a result, uniform heat transfer occurs, which makes the temperature in the room more comfortable.

This heating method is good because it allows you to make the temperature at different altitudes of the room the same; there is no overheating of the upper part of the room, as happens when using traditional heating devices.

Main types of infrared heaters

Manufacturers offer various devices that operate on the principle of infrared emitters. They all have their pros and cons and can be used for heating premises in various conditions.

Most often used:

• Wall heaters, which can have different designs, differ in power consumption. This type of device is used most often.
• Floor heaters are arranged in a layer under the covering used. They are distinguished by high power and are able to create quite comfortable conditions. The cost of such systems is quite high.
• Window heaters, they are also called moldings. They have small overall dimensions and are installed above window openings. Devices of this type can effectively combat cold drafts typical of rooms with low-quality windows.

Operating principle of infrared heaters

Advantages of wall-mounted infrared heaters

Wall-mounted heater models are becoming the most popular. In many ways, the demand for them is determined by interesting design solutions. Some modifications are almost impossible to distinguish from wall paintings or other decorative elements.

But besides their appearance, infrared wall heaters deserve attention due to their other features:

• The high efficiency of infrared heaters ensures their low power consumption. The use of such devices is more advantageous compared to other electrical devices.
• An infrared heater does not burn out oxygen, making the entire atmosphere in the room more favorable for humans.
• An infrared heater with a thermostat allows you to maintain the optimal temperature within a given range.
• Devices of this type meet safety requirements; the heating temperature of the working surface in rare models exceeds 70 degrees.

The main types of wall-mounted infrared heaters

On sale you can most often find two main types of wall-mounted heaters.

• The first panels to appear on the market were only a few centimeters thick. Various types of temperature-resistant plastic, glass and some other substances can be used as the housing material. The power of the heating element used in the design of such a wall-mounted infrared heater is quite high; it can be used to heat even a large room. These devices are reliable, economical and durable.
• Recently, ultra-thin infrared film-type heaters have become increasingly popular. Such devices can be placed on any wall surfaces; they are absolutely safe.

Film wall infrared heater

Structurally, these heaters are a two-layer film structure, inside of which a heating element made of carbon filament is placed. Such a thread receives thermal energy, the parameters of which are close to ordinary solar heat. Thanks to this, such heaters allow you to create the most comfortable indoor conditions for a person.

A standard film heater has dimensions of 1 by 0.6 meters; manufacturers offer devices with different designs that can fit into any interior.

A distinctive feature of infrared devices is their noiselessness during operation, so they can be used even in children's and bedrooms.

Types of heaters

Film

Features of electric heaters and recommendations for their selection

Infrared film heaters have the largest share of demand in the market. This device runs solely on electricity.

Heating of the room by this device occurs only during its operation, that is, the film heater requires a constant connection to the electrical network.

The device is mounted equally well for finishing:

• walls;
• gender;
• ceiling.

This placement feature allows the heater to remain invisible to human eyes.

Externally, the device is a plastic film. The film heater is very sensitive to damage, which is already clear from the installation conditions. In addition, the heater can be styled to match the decor of the room or a painting, if necessary.

Floor-standing

A floor film heater is a special type of heated floor. Like any film heaters, floor heaters require a constant power supply. However, unlike other film devices, a heated floor requires less electricity, and therefore the costs will be minimal.

The operating principle of a floor heater is based on the same rules as other film heaters.

One of the special features is that infrared heated floors heat the room much faster than any heating system.

Appearance of a film floor infrared heater

The floor infrared film heater can only be dismantled if absolutely necessary. Under any other circumstances, it is recommended to avoid such actions.

Floor-mounted infrared heaters for domestic and industrial purposes are strikingly different from each other. This is expressed to a greater extent in their size and power.

Hanging

Suspended (ceiling) heaters are unique in that they must be mounted directly to the ceiling.

Ceiling heater in the house

Hanging devices have some special advantages:

• attached to the ceiling (inaccessible to children and animals);
• do not take up excessive space;
• virtually invisible to human eyes in any interior.

If the interior of the room features light colors, the design of dark heaters will stand out strongly, attracting attention. To avoid this, manufacturers of hanging film heaters have provided the ability to choose the color of the device depending on the consumer’s requirements.

In most cases, hanging heaters are equipped with a built-in thermostat and a remote control system. This also allows you to control the device from a distance, regardless of its location.

Wall mounted

Wall-mounted infrared heater is one of the most commonly used. Such a device is mounted on the walls of a heated room, mainly near windows.

Wall-mounted infrared heaters are used for local heating of a room, without the possibility of transportation. Only these devices are considered full-fledged heating devices.

In some cases, wall heaters may contain a temperature regulator.

As an example, we can pay attention to the “Velvet Season” model, which has an unusual appearance. The unit looks like an attractive wall panel, which is combined with a relatively low cost.

Among the advantages of wall-mounted infrared heaters it is worth highlighting:

• excellent appearance, capable of complementing even the most elegant interior of the room;
• high level of flexibility;
• absolute moisture resistance.

Among other infrared heaters, only wall-mounted ones can be used for drying clothes. Other varieties (especially ceiling ones) are not suitable for these purposes due to certain design features.

Heater “Velvet Season”, made in the form of a painting

The “Velvet Season” panel has the following advantages:

• light weight and overall size;
• has an aesthetic appearance;
• easily transportable.

In the event that there is no electricity supply at all in the country, the ideal option would be to use an infrared gas heater. This device operates directly from gas, which makes its use not only possible, but also more ergonomic.

It is worth considering that a wall heater, like any other film heater, is based on a special film. Heating occurs directly from the carbon filament.

Most film infrared heaters initially look like an ordinary wall picture that can be rolled up. Having seen such a device in the interior, a person who has not seen such units before will not be able to determine at first glance that this is an electric heating device.

This type of device can be easily transported due to its small size and weight, regardless of whether it is considered wall-mounted.

Industrial

The main feature of any industrial heater is their relatively large dimensions and corresponding power. Such devices are designed to heat extremely large areas.

Ceiling industrial heater

The following types of devices are mainly used:

1. Ceiling mounted – mounted in large rooms (warehouses, workshops, etc.) to the ceiling on specialized poles. The devices have the highest power ratings.
2. Gas wall heaters - they work on the same principle as ordinary wall heaters, with the only difference being the type of energy.
3. Gas floor heaters are a complete analogue of wall-mounted gas heaters, installed on the floor and not on the walls.

As you can see, for industrial purposes it is mainly customary to use gas devices, since the electric unit is less ergonomic. The amount of energy consumed depends entirely on the power of the device.

Industrial Gas Wall Heater

Operating principle of PLEN

When the power cable is connected to the network, the resistive elements heat up to a preset temperature value (35-50 degrees) within 10 seconds. Film heaters for non-domestic purposes (for mini-saunas, dryers of agricultural products), used in rooms with ceiling heights of more than 3.5 m, have resistive elements of wire, tape, plate design made of nichrome, fechral or multicomponent alloys, providing a higher temperature heating

The heat of the heaters is transferred to the foil and, due to the high thermal conductivity of aluminum, is evenly distributed over its surface, which allows the heater to generate IR radiation of equal intensity over its entire area. When the air in the room reaches the set temperature value, the film heater turns off based on a signal from the temperature sensor in the thermostat, and objects heated by radiation continue to give off heat. When the temperature in the room drops by 1 degree, the thermostat will turn on again, and the film heater will perform a new radiation cycle.

A correctly calculated combination of the material of the reflective layer, its thickness, and the arrangement of resistive heaters ensures the conversion of electricity into heat, and then into infrared radiation with a wavelength of 8-15 microns favorable for human perception.

Operating principle of a film heater

Everything ingenious is simple, this phrase can be successfully applied to film infrared heaters, the principle of operation of which is quite simple. Electric current from the heating elements spreads through the resistive layer, heating it to a certain temperature.

This heat is transferred to the aluminum foil, which produces radiation. By emitting infrared radiation, the heater transfers heat energy to all objects located in the room. And objects give off heat to the room.

This principle of secondary heat distribution is very similar to natural heating by the sun.

The heat is distributed very evenly throughout the room and working according to this scheme, infrared film heaters have a very high efficiency. In general, infrared radiation is very useful for humans, helping to fight, for example, colds and stomach diseases.

Description

Infrared electric heaters become in demand at a time when it is already cold outside and the central heating has not yet been connected. If you find yourself in such a situation, you can resolve the issue in one of two ways. The first involves the use of a different type of heater, while the second involves the use of infrared devices. Such devices produce thermal energy that passes through the air and heats objects. It is the surfaces that begin to heat up, due to this the room becomes warm. The degree of heating will depend on the shape of the surface, the angle of incidence of the rays, and the materials. Heat is transferred into the air from the objects themselves, and not from the heating device. Infrared electric heaters operate on a principle that involves accumulating heat in the place where it is most needed, namely, near furniture, walls and people in the room. An interesting fact is that the heat released from the heater can be compared to natural solar radiation.

How does infrared film heating work?

Infrared radiation is part of a wave change in the electromagnetic background; its second name is thermal, because the human body perceives it as heat. The sun is also a source of heat and the principle of its operation is as follows: it brings heat to our planet, its rays, falling on the earth, heat water, soil, trees, buildings, and those, with their radiation, warm the surrounding airspace.
A low-temperature film heater works in the same way , the maximum heating temperature of which is no more than 50˚C. Regardless of the manufacturer, any IP (infrared film) consists of three components:

• a heating element that converts electricity into heat;
• foil, thanks to which heat is distributed with equal force over the entire surface;
• double-sided lamination with PET film, which performs the functions of insulation and protection from mechanical influences.

Heating begins after current is applied to the heater. Passing through the heating components, the current is converted into thermal energy, which is transferred from the emitter to the double-sided PET film by contact method, and both sides of it begin to emit thermal waves. Thus, the source of radiation is the IP, and not the foil or heating elements.

What happens when film is used as ceiling heating when it is covered with plasterboard, for example? The primary radiation of the film will heat the drywall, and it will begin to emit infrared waves into the surrounding space, heating the objects located there, and then the air. The same thing will happen in a heated floor system, only there the radiation flow will go from bottom to top. Again, the primary radiation is IP, and the secondary radiation is the floor covering.

Purpose

The main purpose of an infrared heater is to expose any absorbing surface to the rays it produces. Such surfaces include any objects around you that absorb light energy, that is, not transparent and the person himself. Due to this property, heating of the surrounding air space is a side effect of the operation of an infrared heater, when thermal energy from heated objects is transferred to the air. This determines the main advantage over classical systems - direct impact on a specific area and the absence of such large losses.

Rice. 1: fundamental difference in heating

In practice, an infrared gas heater is designed to heat any space in places where it is not possible to connect electric convectors to the network or where power supply is impractical.

As specific examples, an IR heater can be used for:

• Heating of gazebos and tables in nature, in park areas and recreation areas, etc.;
• Heating tents in the cold season from a gas cylinder;
• Heating garages to ensure comfortable working conditions;
• Heating of residential premises in summer cottages;
• Ensuring temperature conditions in the working area of ​​industrial premises;
• Heating of greenhouses, chicken coops and nurseries for livestock;
• Heating any area in the open air (at construction sites, quarries, geological exploration sites, terraces, etc.).

Also, using this type of gas heaters, various surfaces can be dried and heated. An important advantage of an infrared gas heater is the use of a special element for burning fuel and producing infrared radiation. This feature makes its operation identical to that of electrical appliances, with the difference that it can function regardless of the presence of a centralized fuel source.

Types of infrared heaters

The principle of infrared electric heaters is that the devices emit long wavelengths. They are perceived by the skin as heat that comes from the sun's rays. If we consider the types of such devices, we can distinguish wall, ceiling or floor models. Which device to choose will depend on the size of the room and the intended conditions for using the device. A stationary device will not be able to be moved from room to room, but mobile heaters, as a rule, are smaller in size and have low power. If you decide to choose a stationary unit, you can choose a baseboard, ceiling or wall unit. According to the majority, ceiling-type devices are the most convenient. They take up the least space, and their radiation range is very large.

On sale you can find models that are mounted in a suspended ceiling or built into it. You can choose an option that is attached to the surface using hanging brackets. In this case, the step to the base of the housing from the ceiling surface should not be less than 5 centimeters

It is important to remember that when choosing floor-mounted low-power heaters, you run the risk that the radiation will encounter many obstacles along its path. It is best to choose such devices with tubular or carbon heating elements

Film heater device

The film heater has a simple device that resembles a double sandwich. Metal foil, which is a resistive layer, is packed on both sides with lavsan heat-resistant film. Another layer of aluminum foil with film is placed on top of the film. Heating elements are inserted inside such a sandwich. Such heaters use temperature sensors, which, when the desired heating limit is reached, turn off the system, and when it drops to a predetermined minimum temperature, turn on again. This sensor allows you to significantly save energy.

To such a heating system, you can add local thermostats, with which you can program the temperature for the day. Then, for example, in your absence, the infrared film wall heater will not work, but before your arrival it turns on and starts heating. Of course, such programmable thermostats cost more than regular ones, but they also significantly increase the level of comfort. The thickness of this entire structure is no more than 0.5 mm.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of wall-mounted devices:

1. Modern home heating devices are characterized by low energy consumption, but at the same time they are highly efficient.
2. Using equipment, you can convert electricity into heat by 90% or a little less.
3. In earlier times, floor heaters were often used, which took up quite a lot of space and were very heavy. The use of devices indoors spoiled the appearance and also made it impossible to use 100% of the entire space of the room. But the days of large-sized structures are over, and on sale you can find convenient and small wall-mounted analogues that have great practicality, aesthetic appearance, and practicality.
4. There are a large number of models from different manufacturers to choose from. Therefore, the choice is quite wide and it is possible to choose the ideal option that suits a specific situation, as well as depending on a person’s financial capabilities.
5. There is a wide color palette of devices, as well as various decorative solutions for the body. The heater also serves as a decorative element if you purchase a housing with an interesting design.

Flaws:

1. Some models may dry out the air a little during operation.
2. You will have to comply with the mandatory conditions during installation - select a certain distance between the floor and the unit.
3. If a person has never worked with a drill and brackets, he will have to call a specialist to install the equipment.

Additional functions and equipment

Modern infrared heaters can be equipped with additional options that simplify the operation of the device, but significantly increase its cost. In modern heating devices you can find:

1. Built-in humidifier that helps create an optimal and healthy microclimate in a heated room.
2. The fan creates air currents to distribute heat evenly throughout the room.
3. The disinfectant neutralizes most pathogenic bacteria in the air.
4. The ionizer reduces the amount of dust in the air.
5. The built-in thermostat is designed to regulate and maintain the set temperature.
6. Automatic shut-off device in case of accidental fall. Very desirable for floor models.
7. A telescopic tripod allows you to change the position of the emitter in space.
8. Remote control. Availability will be a plus.
9. A protective grille is required for all mobile and some wall-mounted models.
10. The swivel bracket is required for wall-mounted models.
11. Overheating protection is required.
12. Moisture protection. A necessary option if you plan to use the device in wet areas.

Rules for installing infrared wall heaters

To ensure safe operation and longevity of such heaters, the following installation recommendations should be followed:

• Wall mounting should only be carried out using the elements included in the delivery kit. Replacement and use of other fasteners is not permitted.
• The distance from the heater to the nearest objects on all sides must be at least 100 mm to ensure free air circulation.
• It is not recommended to install heaters of this type in small enclosed spaces. In addition, it is prohibited to cover infrared heaters with fabric or other materials.

Film heaters of the Technology 21 brand

Heaters of domestic development have a very affordable price.

On average, such a device can be purchased for 1300-1500 rubles.

Film infrared wall heater Sunbeam “CITY”

Made in the form of a color painting, it can fit into any interior. Has the following characteristics:

• Power consumption - 400 W.
• The maximum surface temperature does not exceed 75 degrees.
• Reaches operating temperature in just 1 minute and can be used for long periods of time. Allows you to heat objects located at a distance of up to 6 meters.
• It features reliable protection and can be used in rooms with high humidity.
• Has a significant working resource.

Wall heaters Teplofon

The products of this company are also quite affordable.

So, model ERGNA 0.3/220(p)

Heater Teplofon ERGNA 0.3

power 300 W

The temperature of the working surface does not exceed 90 degrees, so special attention must be paid to maintaining regulatory clearances to nearby surfaces

It will cost only 1750-1900 rubles.

The installation can be used to heat a room whose area is 12-15 square meters.

Therefore, it is worth considering the possibility of using them, at least as auxiliary devices that can ensure the creation of comfortable conditions in case of problems in the operation of central heating systems.

We also recommend watching:

• How to choose a geyser - overview of manufacturers and models
• The principle of heating control via a GSM node
• Combined indirect heating water heater
• Installation rules and choosing the best heating meter for an apartment

Types of infrared films

Infrared films from different manufacturers may differ in their appearance, technical parameters, however, high-temperature and low-temperature IP films can be distinguished from them. Films also differ in technical parameters - power, maximum heating temperature, width and thickness, type of application of emitting material (solid and striped), and, accordingly, areas of application. An important parameter for IP is the heating temperature of the film.
A film that heats up to a temperature above 27˚C is absolutely not suitable for a heated floor under a laminated coating, because it is deformed from high temperatures. But it will be just right for ceramic tiles.

The 13.5 cm wide Ondolla high temperature film can be used as baseboard heating. It has many advantages: located around the entire perimeter of the room, it heats it from all sides, is easy to install, invisible in the interior, and has a low power of 10 to 35 watts per 1 linear meter.

Installation of infrared heaters

Many people nowadays are concerned about choosing a place to install an infrared heater. On average, this device has a length of about 80 cm, which is quite a lot. Today, manufacturers can provide floor, wall, and ceiling devices. It is the latter option that is in greatest demand. When installing the device on the ceiling, you can significantly save space in the room. Additionally, the air will warm up better. However, such infrared heaters also have disadvantages. First of all, they are associated with poor fastening and the inability to install with low ceilings.

Wall-mounted devices also have their fans. The main thing is to choose a suitable place. There should be no fire hazardous materials nearby (including on the wall itself). Furniture, in turn, must be placed at a safe distance. The damage to an infrared heater if installed incorrectly can be significant.

The last type of installation is called floor-mounted. It is the most common because it is the simplest. An infrared heater usually comes with a tripod or a small stand. With its help you can easily adjust the height of the device. You can also quickly move the infrared heater to any other place. And wall and floor installations require reliable installation of the device using brackets. Additionally, metal hooks and dowels can be used.

Kinds

Film heaters come in three types:

1. floor;
2. wall;
3. ceiling

A film wall heater is considered the most ineffective due to the nature of heat distribution. After all, warm air rises and this significantly limits the heating area.

Therefore, they are not suitable as the main type of room heating, but as an additional type they are used everywhere.

Ceiling film infrared heaters are more efficient. Infrared radiation is directed downward and heats objects, from which the heat spreads evenly throughout the room. They can be mounted on almost any type of ceiling covering and their installation does not cause any additional inconvenience, as it may seem at first. In addition, the undoubted advantage of such a heater is the absence of the risk of accidental damage.

If you are wondering how to choose a film heater for your dacha, then the ceiling option is most suitable for this purpose.

1. Firstly, the absence of apartments on top eliminates the possibility of flooding and damage to such equipment.
2. Secondly, a large heating area will not require the use of additional heating systems.

The obvious disadvantages of such coatings include heating of household appliances and the inability to use them with ceiling heights of more than 3.5 m. In this case, heating costs increase sharply and it becomes less efficient.

The floor covering can be installed under any final covering. The main advantage is the lack of impact on household appliances. The disadvantage is that it is undesirable to be under heavy furniture due to the possibility of damage.

Advantages and disadvantages

There are many types of electric infrared heaters. Their operating principle is the same, the only difference is in the design and type of emitting material. IR heaters have become widespread, and today they are used not only as auxiliary, but also as the main heating equipment. They heat living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, auxiliary rooms, garages, outbuildings, production workshops and much more - the scope of application is almost unlimited.

We will talk about the types and features of infrared electric heaters in the next part of the review, for now we will consider their general advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

An undeniable advantage of IR heating devices is the ability to use them outdoors.

Compactness – infrared heaters, even the highest power ones, are small in size. Some of them are so thin that they can be hung on the wall like a picture (some models are made in this unusual form factor); High efficiency and cost-effectiveness - this indicator is different for all varieties, but in general this is true

Separately, you should pay attention to carbon models - with a power of 1 kW they can heat 22-25 sq. m

residential or non-residential area; Ease of control – ensured by built-in or connected thermostats; Ease of deployment of a heating system - in order to create heating in a house, you only need to determine the area of ​​​​individual rooms and purchase electric infrared heaters of suitable power, while classical heating requires laying pipes and installing heaters; Safety – if an electrical appliance is working properly, it is safe. The same applies to infrared heaters. They are electrical devices, but they do not contain a conductive coolant, which in the event of an equipment failure can only aggravate the situation; Possibility of working in open areas - outdoor electric wall or floor infrared heaters are used for this. And here they give pretty decent results, giving warmth and comfort; Possibility of operation in wet rooms - for this you need to choose a device with a protected housing; An abundance of modifications allows you to solve any problem of heating rooms. For example, with their help you can organize main or auxiliary heating. Certain types of heaters can even be rolled up and taken with you (for example, from the dacha to the city). There are also film heaters that are attached to the ceiling and allow you to create an invisible heating system.

Next, let's look at some of the disadvantages:

IR heaters installed too close to your family's recreational areas can cause headaches and dry skin.

• It is necessary to ensure that the equipment is in good working order - if you want to prevent infrared heaters from causing an accident, you should check them regularly. In particular, the electrical wire and the resistance between the wires and the housing (more precisely, its absence) need to be checked;
• Expensive – the devices themselves are cheap if you compare their total cost for heating a house with the cost of a full-fledged water heating system. Only operating costs, when compared with gas costs, remain high;
• Infrared electric heaters can cause headaches - to prevent their unpleasant effects, you must adhere to the rules for operating the equipment.

Despite some disadvantages, electric infrared heaters continue to be a popular heating equipment for summer houses, country cottages, small workshops, utility rooms and even greenhouses.

Advantages of infrared heaters

The effectiveness of infrared heaters is based on the principle of their operation - the device does not heat the air in the room, but directs the rays to objects. Objects receive heat and give it back to a person - as is the case with receiving heat from solar radiation in nature. The high level of efficiency of modern infrared heaters is achieved through direct heating without an intermediary in the form of an intermediate heat carrier. High rate of heat transfer from source to target - on average, 25-27 seconds after switching on. To maintain the temperature, the model is equipped with a thermostat. The device operates without noise. Installation of infrared heaters does not require complex and expensive steps. Waterproof models can be used in conditions of high humidity. Inverter devices are suitable. The operation of infrared devices does not create the problem of dry air, since the IR lamps do not overheat. Radiation does not have a negative effect on humans and is considered one of the most optimal options from an environmental point of view. Safe materials are used, including glass. The use of IR devices not only ensures the creation of a comfortable atmosphere, but also allows you to save money. All types of infrared heaters allow you to avoid irrational distribution of heat in the room: the energy saving level is about 40%

Directional heating makes it possible to bypass the rule of distribution of warm air: the cold mass descends, the warm mass rises to the ceiling. An important advantage of infrared devices is the ability to create directional, zonal, and spot heating. The result is that local zones with different temperature regimes are formed

For example, workplaces in the office or a place of relaxation in the house. Installation requires normal tools. Since air circulation is not formed during operation, there will be no draft in the room. Carbon heater provides maximum comfort. High level of safety in operation of the device - the likelihood of fire is reduced to a minimum. A portable, mobile infrared heater is convenient to use in different rooms - where it is needed: for a veranda, terrace, balcony. During operation it does not produce unpleasant odors. A wide range of prices allows you to find a model based on individual needs at the optimal cost. Fire safety. Models can work with a remote control that is as convenient as possible.