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Infrared heating or infrared rays are actually a miracle of nature with a number of good effects on our body. Why the miracle of nature? Infrared rays come from nature, to be precise, they are emitted by the Sun and every body that is heated. Most of the energy emitted by the Sun is in the infrared spectrum. We feel this energy as heat and at the moment when the sun obscures the cloud and thus prevents the passage of infraredrays, we feel a drop in temperature.
What are infrared rays and how do they work?
Infrared radiation refers to electromagnetic waves with wavelengths (nm) longer than the wavelengths of visible light but shorter than microwave waves. Thus, we can say that infrared light is part of the invisible light spectrum with different subtypes. It is also one of the most natural forms of heat transfer that accompanies us every step of the way. Infrared radiation is a type of energy that heats substances, objects and living beings directly. Heating thus occurs in a process called “conversion”.
There are different forms of infrared rays
Infrared heat in a certain form is emitted and received by everyone at all times. This shape is called longwave or C-length. Roughly speaking, we can divide infraredlight into IR-A, IR-B and IR-C.
IR (A) rays
IR (A) is the healthiest light that has a beneficial effect on our well-being and health. It is invisible to the eye and cannot be felt on the skin. The IR (A) wavelength is 700-1500 nm.
In infrared light IR (A), the absorption of water molecules is very small, so we do not feel it, but it penetrates very deep into our tissue. Molecules that absorb IR-A light are called chromophores. In them, there is an opening in the optical tissue that stretches. As a result, radiation can penetrate up to several centimeters or at least an inch into our tissue.
Why is IR-A light so important? IR-A light has a key impact on the regeneration of cells in our body that are simultaneously linked to the production of our biological energy that powers the human body to be able to function at all, so it is very important. Chromophore molecules absorb IR-A light.
IR (B) rays
IR (B) light is obtained when the wavelength is extended to 2000 nm. The absorption of water molecules increases significantly with this light, so we feel this light as heat.
IR (C) rays
Under IR (C) light, when the water molecules are almost completely absorbed by light, the body begins to heat up. The wavelength is then 3000 nm.
The Earth receives huge amounts of heat from the Sun every day exclusively through various forms of infraredwaves. The sun also emits a number of other electromagnetic waves, and some waves, such as UV rays, are even harmful, unlike infraredrays. Therefore, we cannot equate heating on infraredpanels with solar heat, despite the fact that the principle is similar. Namely, infrared heating panels do not contain other forms of electromagnetic waves emitted by the Sun, except IR-C, which is a clean and pleasant heat. It is this form of infrared rays that surrounds us every day (even if we are colder than the surroundings), even indoors, and we also emit it ourselves.
Infrared heat has been the subject of many studies that have identified a number of positive health effects. There are also heating panels that emit IR-A and IR-B wavelengths that are used for certain special purposes, such as outdoor heating. Infrared technologies are used not only for heating, but also for scientific, medical, therapeutic, security, household, industrial and other purposes, so it is also a well-researched field.
“IR (A) is the healthiest light that has a beneficial effect on our well-being and health. It is invisible to the eye and we do not feel it on the skin. "
The difference between LED light and infrared
In most cases, LED light is very harmful as it does not contain IR color value but only blue light which is very harmful. Especially at night it can have catastrophic consequences for our retina. Red light (IR) is important for the regeneration of mitochondria in the retina, which take care of the regeneration of our cells. If these stop regenerating, low vision gradually occurs and in some cases complete blindness. In the most extreme cases, however, cancer cells can also develop.
Is infrared heating environmentally friendly?
As mentioned above, IR light and heating are friendly to the environment, nature and people. In fact, it is the most natural form of heating, as it has been on Earth since time immemorial. So we can say that this method of heating is very environmentally friendly and if everyone used environmentally friendly types of heating, the air would be much cleaner. According to Slovenian Environment Agency data, small combustion plants contributed as much as 74% to the total emissions of dust particles in 2015. The shocking fact is that they even overtook the traffic in terms of pollution, which ranks second with 9%. This shows how we do great irreparable damage to ourselves, children and future generations with each heating season.
Infrared heating with infrared heating panels
The R waves emitted by infrared heating panels do not heat the air like conventional, convection heating systems. They mainly heat things in their immediate vicinity – floors, walls, objects, liquid and living beings, which emit heat to the surroundings in a natural and healthy way, thus ensuring evenly heated space and the air in it. The heat between the floor and the ceiling is evenly distributed, as a result we do not have a cold feeling at our feet. Thus the heat produced is beneficial and pleasant to man and animals.
The heating infraredpanel turns your space into one big low temperature radiator. This is a key feature of infrared heating that leads to many other benefits. Among other things, this method of heating leads to a long existence and ensures long-term heat retention in the room compared to other methods of heating, which cause high energy losses.
Infrared heating is a comfortable and most economical heating solution that can be used regardless of the complexity or shape of the room. You do not need a boiler room for this type of heating, so the investment is significantly lower. Experienced specialists in infrared heating create the ideal thermal comfort with very low heating costs by choosing the right product and setting it up. The advantage of heating with infrared heating panels compared to other heating methods is that infrared heating panels reduce the formation of dust, do not dry out the air and in short prevent humidity in the room, which can cause mold. In addition to all the health benefits, you can save up to 60 percent with infrared heating. You can read more about the benefits of heating with infrared heating panels by clicking on the button below.
Mistakes about infrared heating
Infrared heating, which is becoming an increasingly popular method of heating, brings many benefits. Based on the very efficient replacement of heat losses in the building, heating costs are greatly reduced, which is one of the main reasons for the growing popularity of infrared heating. Demand for infrared heating is growing sharply, at the same time there are many claims that are flawed, wrong or even misleading. What is the truth? For those who are not yet familiar with infrared heating, we have presented the most common claims in this article and checked their rightness.
Infrared heating is a new, high-tech invention.
NOT TRUE. infrared heating is as old as our universe, as it is the only heat transfer that does not require a medium (such as air) or contact between objects. Our planet Earth also receives heat from the Sun exclusively on the principle of infrared heating.
Heating bodies largely operate on the principle of infrared heating. Man has known the infraredmethod of heating since the time when people warmed themselves with fire, clay kilns, and later also brick ovens. Just rubbing hands together radiates infrared heat. Of course, there are now newer ways of producing infrared light and some modern infrared heaters are new inventions, also patented, made with modern high technology and thus enable durability, efficiency and safety. Nevertheless, they are not the inventors of infrared heating as what they present themselves with.
Infrared heating heats only objects.
NOT TRUE. Infrared heaters only heat objects to a greater extent than conventional radiators, which heat a larger proportion of air and objects to a lesser extent.
Unlike other heating methods, infrared heating initially heats objects (walls, floors, etc.) and then heats the room evenly through them. It is physically impossible for the air around the hot infrared heater not to heat up, just as it is impossible for classic radiators not to heat objects. So it’s really about the difference in proportions, which is a key advantage of infrared heating.
Infrared heating is only suitable for additional heating.
NOT TRUE. infrared heating, like any heating system, is suitable for main or auxiliary heating. When it comes to additional heating using infrared heating panels, we recommend that the infrared heating method be used as the main heating to reduce costs.
The chosen method of heating is more economical than buying just for additional heating. It is currently the most economical heating, so replacing the classic heating with infrared heating is always worth considering, as you can save up to 60 percent on heating (compared to heating oil). As a reheater, it is often used with poorly dimensioned heat pumps that emit too little heat on cold days, and is also used by users of firewood to maintain temperature or increase thermal comfort in bathrooms.
It's cold under the table, the infrared panel only heats directly under it.
NOT TRUE. With infraredpanels, it is warm under the table. The cold under the table is typical of convection heating mode (radiators), as warm air rises towards the ceiling, while cold air remains at the floor. Hence the cold feeling in the legs.
With infrared heating, the heat is evenly distributed throughout the room. Only under the infrared heating panel is it a little warmer. The infraredpanel heats the room evenly, as infrared heat is reflected from all objects, floors and walls and indirectly heats the whole room, which is also confirmed by all users and studies of IR heating.
It is misleading, as electricity is expensive and ecologically unacceptable for heating.
NOT TRUE. However, we understand your concern. Buyers are often interested in whether it is misleading, as kilowatts of electricity are more expensive than kilowatts of other energy sources, and electricity production is considered environmentally unacceptable. In this case, the energy consumption for heating depends primarily on the building and not on the heater.
In the case of infrared heating, due to different heat transfer, different dynamics of losses occur and thus less switching on the infraredpanels compared to classic radiators of the same rated power. This fact is reflected in all users, all over the world, and numerous studies have been done to prove the greater efficiency of infrared heating in compensating for heat loss. infrared heating system is so efficient due to a combination of the mode of operation, modern technologies, lower system losses due to natural properties of infrared heating, impact on wall humidity, favorable electricity prices, proper placement and selection and responsiveness of the system. In terms of actual energy consumption, the infrared heating system is almost equal to the electricity consumption of subsidized heat pumps. So the argument of ecological inadequacy is not acceptable even without taking into account the differences in the oil footprint of the systems, which is strongly in favor of infrared heating. In addition, you can combine infrared heating with photovoltaics or solar cells to ensure long-term savings and self-sufficiency in electricity.
There are no differences between infrared heaters and providers.
NOT TRUE. The differences can be very significant. There are several types of panels and manufacturers of infraredpanels. Among them are design, technological and quality differences, which result in differences in life expectancy, experiences, safety, usability and efficiency of products.
Manufacturers often cite exotic innovations, which are usually only theoretically improved versions of already known solutions, while neglecting the basic lifespan, experiences and appearance. There is a big difference between infrared heating providers, also in terms of the quality of advice, guarantees and experience. The company you choose should give you answers and advise you professionally and honestly. In Slovenia, companies in the field of infrared heating have achieved great development and a high level of professionalism, so that by buying from renowned companies you risk virtually nothing more.
Some infrared heaters are harmful to health.
NOT TRUE. No known infraredheater sold is harmful to health and there is no evidence that it exists. There are more or less quality, aesthetic and effective products, but infraredheaters themselves have no health effects, except for reducing the amount of dust and microorganisms in the air, because they reduce air circulation, which is naturally present in ordinary radiators-classic convection heating.
Infrared heat is harmful.
NOT TRUE. Quite the opposite, there is evidence of a good effect of infraredrays on the body. infraredrays are also used in various therapies. All analyzes refuted any negative health effects. Research has shown positive effects, which often promote the infrared heating method.
It should be noted that with normally dimensioned infrared heating, an individual receives a negligibly large amount of infraredheat, which in practice does not differ from the amount you would otherwise receive from your environment. As a result, they are not intended as a therapeutic aid, but as an efficient heater. Also, infraredheat is emitted in the same form by everything around you and you too. Rub your palms and bring them closer. This is infraredheat, which is equal to the heat emitted by infrared heating panels.
Infrared heating is not suitable for larger buildings and new buildings.
NOT AT ALL. Opposite. Due to low investment, long maintenance-free life, the system is even an ideal mode for heating modernly built large, small or industrial facilities.
In combination with photovoltaics, infrared heating provides complete self-sufficiency with low investment. In new buildings, it is necessary to take into account certain specifics related to ventilation and cooling, so there are a number of comprehensive solutions. Designers often do not know all the advantages and special features of infrared heating, so they create such solutions at customers request and in collaboration with infrared heating specialists.
Infrared heating is not suitable for buildings with poor insulation.
NOT TRUE. In no case is it advisable to have a poorly insulated building, as it is energy consuming and non-ecological regardless of the method and source of heating. The economic situation often does not allow for improved insulation.
Infrared heating is often the first step towards its improvement, because in reality, infrared heating saves the most for those who have high heating costs, which, depending on the energy source, are also halved. The difference they save is used in the second step to improve the insulation of the building. There are also situations where infrared heating is less efficient, which must be estimated by an expert on a site visit. In these cases, our experts give you honest, ethical and professional advice.
There are many dissatisfied users of infrared heating.
NOT TRUE. The truth is just the opposite. Almost all users are extremely satisfied. But there are also dissatisfied customers. These clients are victims of excessive promises by inexperienced consultants, errors in consumption estimates resulting from incorrect data or estimates of facility insulation, low-quality products, or a combination of causes.
Often, however, customers buy infraredpanels themselves, without seeing a specialist, making a mistake about assessing the required power, installing infraredpanels and buying low-quality products. Ekosen urges all such dissatisfied users to contact them to arrange their infrared heating professionally.
“We are very satisfied with the installation of the panels, as they are mounted without visible interventions on the walls. All installation takes place under the surface of the walls, without visible channels. Friendly installers are technically well-versed so they do the job professionally accurately. We have been using the infrared heating system for several years. Our guests are very happy, the feeling in the apartments is the same as pampering yourself on the sun terrace. In addition, we saved as much as 60% on electricity consumption. "
Use of infrared waves in other cases
As already mentioned, the infrared rays were known to man already at the time when he was warming himself with fire. So it is not surprising that there is a wide range of applications of infrared rays. In addition to medical and therapeutic purposes, it is also used for a number of other needs in our lives. As an interesting fact about the wide use of infraredrays, we have prepared some interesting things about the use and everyday encounters with infraredwaves.
Night vision. Infrared waves are also used, among other things, for night vision. The equipment detects radiation and converts it into an image in which warmer objects are seen brighter. Infrared equipment is also used by firefighters when working in smoky areas.
Photography: Infrared photography uses infrared filters that capture only light in the infrared spectrum. Digital cameras often use filters that block infrared light.
Thermography: Infrared radiation can be used to determine the temperature of objects at a distance. In certain cases, it is also used in cars.
Heating: As already mentioned, it is used in saunas as well as in defrosting.
Telecommunications: Infrared data transmission is used in telecommunications in cordless or corded optical connections. For short distances it is used e.g. between computer devices.
- Spectroscopy: Used to study the composition and structure of certain substances.
So to sum up, infraredrays have been present on Earth since time immemorial and accompany us at all times. In addition to the characteristic heat they emit, they have a number of other beneficial effects on our health and well-being. You can read more about infrared heating and infrared heating panels on our website or contact us.
In addition to professionalism, honesty and kindness, we offer you a free visit and measurements of your premises. We can also prepare an offer for you and calculate your annual savings if you wish. For calculation or quotation click on the button below.
