Infrared heaters, like those supplied by ARC Thermal, could be the evolution of home heating.
Builders are turning to infrared heating for their customers as an alternative to conventional heating methods. This technology works on the principle of “radiant warmth” and has the capacity to provide more efficient heat, save on energy costs and reduce the generation of dust and allergens.
Infrared heaters use electrical energy to generate an infrared wavelength which is emitted from the surface of the heater. The infrared waves travel inertly through air until they come into contact with solid objects such as furniture, ceilings or human beings. They are then transformed into comfortable warmth. This works in the same way you don’t freeze on a sunny winter’s day, despite sub-zero temperatures. When infrared warmth meets human skin, it instantly releases a pleasant sensation of heat (called “radiant warmth”).
The heat energy generated in this way is then emitted by the objects and the occupants into the room. This is the difference between infrared heating – where occupants are warmed directly – and the heat generated by traditional convection heating where occupants are warmed through contact with warm air. Convection heating only warms the ambient air in the room. As the less dense warm air rises, the ceiling of the room receives most of the warmth – wasting valuable energy. Floors and corners receive little warmth. It is only as the hot air loses energy and cools does it sink towards the floor where the occupants finally feel the benefit. Occupants often still feel cold drafts (caused by the convection currents sucking in cool air under doors for example) even though the heating is turned up.
The radiant warmth of an infrared heating system provides a comfortable, evenly distributed temperature throughout the entire room. With infrared, the ambient temperature can be reduced without any effect on comfort. Every degree lower means reduced heating costs.
Efficient heat
Compared to other heating systems, infrared heaters generate warmth directly where they are installed. An infrared heating system suffers none of the heat loss associated with water-borne heating systems while transferring the warm heating water from the boiler through the pipes to the radiators. Thanks to this improved use of heat energy, infrared heaters provide a permanent reduction in heating costs.
The direct heat effect from infrared heating means that people believe that the room temperature is 2-3 degrees warmer than it actually is. Infrared heating requires less heat output than other heating systems, while at the same time also ensuring shorter warm-up times.
Storing energy within the thermal mass of a room is more efficient than heating air. It retains the heat for longer. This means less energy (on-time) is required to maintain the ambient temperature. This offers your customer not only fuel savings, but also the possibility of more sustainable, intelligent heating. Each temperature degree lower means a reduction in energy consumption of approximately 6%.
ARC Thermal’s products from ETHERMA are proven devices designed to make best use of infrared. Easy installation, longevity and no maintenance are also key selling points. Infrared heaters can be used in a wide range of building projects. The products can be used throughout the house, including bathrooms and in offices, garden rooms, factories and warehouses.
The individual ARC Infrared products use different wavelengths of infrared for different applications. Long-wave infrared is best for indoor applications with LAVA Design infrared panels and flush-mounted ceiling heating. Medium-wave infrared is for ceiling heaters for larger commercial spaces. Short-wave infrared does best with outdoor heaters for al fresco dining and patios or exposed areas like loading bays.
For more information and technical advice on ARC Thermal and its flexible solutions visit: Energy Efficient Heating | ARC Thermal Products – Ingenious Infrared Heating.
