Infrared Heaters Are Better Than Ordinary Space Heaters
Many people are tempted to get the most reasonably priced item in any category. Take space heaters, for example. Sure, you can get one for very little money, but it would be wiser to invest in an infrared heater.
Look For Good Quality, Not Just Low Price
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Penny wise, but pound foolish”. That means you’ve saved money on something, but gotten a poor quality item in the end. In the case of infrared heaters vs. space heaters, that’s exactly what you might end up with. You thought it would be a good idea to save money by buying a space heater, when the infrared heater would have suited your needs much better.
So, in order to answer the question, “Are Infrared Heaters Better Than Ordinary Space Heaters?”, we need to know more about each type of heater and how it works.
Radiant Heat or Heated Air?
An infrared heater in its basic form is a heated element which radiates its heat outward. Any colder object that is in front of this element, and within its radiant zone, will receive the benefit of this heat. The convection or space heater typically heats the air in a particular space. The warm air then transfers that heat to the occupants of the room and makes them more comfortable.
What Type Of Fuel?
Both heating types primarily use electricity but can use gas as fuel. Other fuels, like kerosene and paraffin, have been used in the past but have fallen out of favor because of pollution and safety concerns. Wood burners are more commonly used in rural areas as pollution restrictions have banned this type of heating in many urban environments.
How Infrared Heaters Work
Common Infrared heaters typically use electricity to heat a wire coil or quartz element until it is red hot. Behind the coil is a shiny metal plate which reflects the radiant energy outward. This captures the heat given off by the back side of the coil and redirects it in the direction that is needed. Additionally, the sheet is normally curved to concentrate the heat and add to the heater’s efficiency.
Space Heater Construction
There are 2 predominant methods of convection heating. One is passive: the air is allowed to pass over and through the heat source which then transfers the heated air to the room. The other is active: the air is forced over the heat source and then sent to the space surrounding it. The oil column heater is an example of the former and a portable fan heater an example of the latter. Heat pumps could also be described as space or convection units.
Different Heater Types For Different Situations
Space heaters are more efficient in smaller enclosed spaces, whereas radiant or infrared units are better at heating large open spaces. An example would be a construction site where the workers within the range of the infrared heater will receive the radiant energy from it.
Another good example of this can often be found in a large office. These spaces are never air tight and drafts are often a real problem. The air in the office might be heated with a space air heating or an air conditioning system. So while the general air at head and torso level might be warm, drafts at feet level can make the stationary office worker feel cold. A solution for this is to provide the worker with a small infrared heater which aims warmth at their feet which makes them feel much more comfortable.
Check out my iHeater review page for more information about the iHeater infrared heater.
So are infrared heaters better than ordinary space heaters? There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of heating. Just determine what your needs are and choose the type that satisfies them the best.
Mitch