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Infrared heaters are known to be very convenient, but they are also available in a wide variety of different specifications. This means that explaining how an infrared heater works depends on the type you are using. Infrared lights are probably something that you have heard referenced before in a science class in the past. Infrared technology is something that is connected to wavelengths and light spectrums. This means that infrared technology can often be complex and difficult to explain, but it can be broken down in to more general terms that are easier to understand. Learning about how infrared heaters work will enable you to make a more informed decision when it comes to various heating sources.
If your infrared technology knowledge is lacking, you can read the below information for a quick refresher on infrared technology and how it can be used for heat:
Infrared light is not something that you can actually see. This is because it is not visible in the spectrum that we can see. This sort of sums up the way that infrared heaters work. This means that an infrared heater uses light that is not visible to your eyes. Your skin and clothes absorb the heat from the light that is beyond the spectrum that you can see. It is as simple as how the heat from the sun warms your skin and clothes. The heat from the indivisible light works in the same way to create warmth.
Different Types
Infrared heaters all rely on this light source that is not visible to the human eye, but they are available in a variety of different types. Some infrared heaters actually produce this light source into a room to create heat, but others can have more parts that allow them to run more efficiently. This means that some infrared heaters create heat with infrared bulbs, but also feature a heat exchanger and a fan to ensure that the heat is dispersed evenly throughout the room. The amount of infrared light that is produced and how it is dispersed through the room varies depending on the type of infrared heater.
It is important to note the different specifications of infrared eaters and the certain situations that they should be used in. This is due to the fact that some are more environmentally friendly than others.
Fuel/Energy Source
The main difference in the way that different types of infrared heaters work can be traced to the different energy/fuel source tat is used to power them. Infrared heaters can be powered in a variety of different ways. This includes electricity, natural gas or propane. When you are choosing a infrared heater that is electric, it is important to consider the amount of volts that are used. This is due to the fact that different models of electric infrared heaters offer varying heat outputs and maximum operating temperatures. The otter differences to consider include filter controls, fan thermostat and other design differences.
Do Infrared Heaters Function in an Environmentally Friendly Way?
Heating your house using an environmentally friendly heat source is almost always a challenge. This is due in large part to the fact that heat often requires a lot of energy to produce. The type of infrared heater that you use will have the largest impact on if it is green or not. The fuel source that is used to power your infrared heater has the most say in its effect on the environment. Electric infrared heaters do not produce harmful fumes that are released in the air, which can’t be said for propane infrared heaters. However, no matter what type of infrared heater you choose to use they are normally better for the environment than alternative heat sources. This is due to the process of using invisible light as a source of heat.
When Should They Be Used?
Since infrared heaters function slightly different than other heating sources, it is important to know when they should be used. Infrared heaters offer access to a cost effective heat source (info), but they often can’t be used alone. This means that they normally can be used within your home in addition to a traditional central heating source. This is because they can’t heat an entire house on their own, in most cases. This is especially true if the home you are trying to heat is big in size.
Some infrared heaters are not even used in homes at all. You will often see infrared heaters being used in warehouses, garages and even airplane hangers to makeup for the amount of lost heat in these locations. These heaters can be sued to keep these types of areas from becoming too cool from the constant lost heat. This type of heater is popular primarily for its cost effectiveness, which comes in handy.