Infrared Space Heaters
Infrared space heaters heat objects and people rather than the air surrounding the heater. They are ideal for use in a small area, or to heat specific items. Both ceramic and electric space heaters can heat items via infrared radiation.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters work by emitting long wave infrared radiation. This strikes an object, and the radiation is then converted into heat. Infrared rays are not absorbed by the air, so instead the objects are heated. This means these heaters can be directed to where the heat is needed.
Spot Heaters
Infrared space heaters are spot heaters – they warm people and objects rather than air. Infrared heaters are more efficient than using electric convection heaters if they are used to heat someone who is only going to be in a room for a few hours. There are two main types of Infrared heater: metal rod and quartz heaters.
Quartz Heaters
Quartz heaters have electric elements placed inside a quartz glass tube. The electricity heats the quartz tube, and this radiates heat. However quartz heaters pose a significant fire hazard and the quartz tube is very fragile and can be broken easily.
Quartz heaters are sometimes used in industry. When used in this setting they often have a gold coating. Gold reflects infrared radiation, and so can direct the radiation towards the product which needs heating. Gold has a particularly high infrared reflectivity rating.
Metal Rod Heaters
Metal rod heaters are usually used in either basements or garages. They have a heat element which is placed in front of a shiny reflector. The reflector radiates the heat, which heats people or objects.
Infrared Space Heaters
Infrared heaters are also ideal for use outside. Infrared waves are not affected by air, meaning the heater will be unaffected by wind outside. They will still heat the object or person which is in front of the heater regardless of drafts.
Infrared space heaters usually come with safety features, including an overheat sensor and will shut off when tipped over. However despite these features, each infrared space heater can pose a fire hazard if the heat is focussed in on one place. They should particularly not be used to dry clothes or directed towards any fabric, as there is a fire risk.
There are a number of different applications for infrared space heaters, other than residential warming. They can be used in industry to heat plastic prior to forming, and in food factories for browning food. Infrared heaters can be used to provide warmth to captive animals. They are used by some zoos, particularly in the reptile and tropical animal enclosures. They can also be used in domestic pet reptile enclosures.