The Science of Infrared Heat
What is Infrared Heat?!
“Infra” means “below” in Latin and infrared literally means below red; it is directly below the color red on the electromagnetic spectrum.
1.
Infrared is a wavelength on the electromagnetic spectrum, which simply put is a wave that transfers energy.
The electromagnetic spectrum includes many different categories of wavelength such as visible light, radio waves, and ultraviolet (UV). For example, in the visible light spectrum different wavelengths correspond with different colors, you can see this in a rainbow as sunlight is refracted into its different colors (i.e. wavelengths!).Â
2.
A band of infrared wavelengths next to the visible light spectrum, and it is no coincidence that some infrared heaters glow red. It’s the same reason that ultraviolet (UV) light sometimes appears purple, “ultra” means “beyond” in Latin and UV means “beyond violet” and is directly above the violet color of visible light.
3.
Infrared is a band of wavelengths that are grouped into categories called short, mid, and far wavelengths. Similarly, Just like visible light is a band of wavelengths that correspond with color, the wavelength of an infrared heater is predominately correlated to the temperature of the heater. Shorter wavelength heaters typically produce more visible light (glowing red) because they are closest to the red color wavelength, and there is some crossover. Far infrared heaters typically do not produce any visible light.Â
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Short Wave
High Temperature
Our halogen heaters – Also known as our “instant heat” heaters, they use a technology that allows the majority of the visible bright light to be filtered, and the heat travels “at the speed of light.” Approximately 900F.
Medium Wave and Temperature
Our quartz heaters – A good example of this is our quartz heaters which are slightly less hot and put off far less visible light, only having a faint glow and a maximum surface temperature of ~700F.
Long Wave
Low Temperature
Our panel heaters – Also known as “Far Infrared” the remainder of our infrared heaters, used for indoor applications (non-glowing) fall into this category, with a surface temperature range of 170-425F.Â
Why this is beneficial...
Our bodies love it!
Science and the sun – As our own body gives off heat at a wavelength of around 12 microns and our IR heaters emit a wavelength of 7-12 microns, therefore the body easily absorbs the heat in this wavelength, which easily heats water molecules (the human body is made up of ~60% water), and penetrates well below the skin, which is optimal for heating people at room temperature or hot yoga enthusiast alike – resulting in sun-like warmth!Â
Speaking of our sun – Although 93 million miles from the earth, the sun, which is obviously visible to the naked eye, keeps us alive along with many other benefits and has a surface temperature of 10,000 degrees F.Â
Energy Savings
Lower power bill? Increase comfort? Yes please! – Many of our customers have reported saving between 20 – 50% over conventional heating systems, including gas, oil, electric, and wood burning systems.Â
- Our products require zero scheduled maintenance (some heaters do have replacement elements that are easy to swap out).
- Installation costs are often less than traditional heating system.
- Our heaters have the longest warranties in the industry – up to a lifetime warranty!
- Long product lifecycle – up to 40 years of continuous use!
- All of our heaters are made in the USA with one exception of being made in Italy.
Savings vary depending on your local utility expense, time of use, the performance of the building/space, weather, etc. To find how much electricity is charged in your area, please visit Electricity Local’s website.
F.A.C.E the FACTS
First, catch a wave – Think of infrared light being on a wavelength spectrum from short wave/bright infrared light to long wave/no visible infrared light. The shorter the wave, the higher the temperature, the longer the wave, the lower the temperature.
Each type of wavelength is represented in our fine infrared products, and we have just the right heaters and controls for you to pick from for your indoor and outdoor projects.Â
Our website caters to as does our team of experts to help you with the right solution based on four variables.
1. Function. 2. Aesthetics. 3. Cost. and 4. Electrical needs (hardwired, plug-in and installation).Â
Ultimately, residential customers want to be warm and cozy and hopefully have energy savings, whereas commercial customers desire the same as above, in addition to our heaters making their business money. Â
How well do our heaters compare?
Heating Green
Infrared Radiant Heating Systems
- Quiet operation & Hypoallergenic
- Maintenance-free
- Mount on the ceiling or high on the walls, no usable space is taken up
- 30-year life-cycle & the HVAC industry's longest warranties
Conventional
Heating Systems
- Noisy & aggravates environmental allergies
- Requires annual maintenance
- Cumbersome HVAC vents, or baseboards that take up floor space
- Short life-cycle, less than 15 years with annual maintenance
