How to choose an infrared heater for a summer residence: recommendations from a specialist
The range of equipment for heating unheated rooms has a huge selection. But among the existing models, infrared heaters for summer cottages have won great popularity among consumers. Due to their mobility, high efficiency and absolutely harmless radiation, devices of this type become indispensable for country houses.
Read also the article in the topic: selection of a quartz heater for a summer residence!
The principle of operation of an infrared heater
Most popular heating devices are based on convective heat transfer. But the principle of operation of infrared heaters for summer cottages can be compared with the action of sunlight, penetrating the air and at the same time not heating it.
Unlike sunlight, this type of light does not have the ultraviolet spectrum that provides a tan. Infrared heaters have only thermal radiation, heating those objects to which the beams of the device are directed. And already from them the thermal energy spreads to the surrounding space.
The internal design of the heating device is not particularly complex. An aluminum reflector is housed in a metal housing, coated with resistant powder paint. The main heating element is fixed on it - the heating element, which can be halogen, carbon, ceramic, tubular. To ensure smooth operation and long service life, each infrared heater is equipped with a temperature thermostat and a sensor that turns off the device in case of overheating.
Rules for choosing an infrared heater
To date, infrared heaters have only the best reviews. They are considered the most efficient, safe and durable infrared heating options. But among the huge variety, it is necessary to choose exactly the option that best suits these conditions.
Therefore, specialists have created special rules for choosing an infrared heater:
- first of all, the power that is required to heat the room is calculated. In this case, it is necessary to take into account how the heater will be used - as an additional or main source of heating;
- what energy source is supposed to be used. Usually, electricity is used for a country house, since infrared gas-fired heaters are designed for large rooms;
- selection of a heating element;
- place of installation of devices.
Heating element selection
Manufacturers have not used spirals for heating for a long time, since they are highly fire hazardous.
Therefore, it was decided to replace it with safer heating elements:
- Quartz tube.
- Heat radiating ceramic plate.
- Halogen lamp.
The heating element, made in the form of a quartz tube, is a closed cavity, inside which a carbon or carbon spiral is installed. The advantages of such an element are fast warming up and high efficiency. However, due to the short service life of the heating element, this type of heater is usually used as an additional heating source.
The heat-emitting ceramic plate has reliable protection, which allows it not to glow and be completely safe. Despite the fact that the cost of such a device is slightly higher than the previous type, reviews about infrared heaters with a ceramic heating element are usually positive. This is due to both their efficiency (power consumption from 50 - 2000 watts) and long service life (more than 3 years).
A halogen heater is essentially a halogen lamp that operates in the infrared range. Inside it is a filament made of tungsten or carbon fiber. When heated, infrared radiation is emitted, which has a golden light.
The choice of heaters depending on the installation location
Also, the parameters for choosing a heating device will depend on the method of its installation. Infrared heaters for summer cottages are ceiling, wall and floor. Therefore, when installing them, you must adhere to certain rules.
Ceiling infrared heaters for summer cottages are considered more convenient, since they do not take up extra space and, at the same time, the range of exposure is very extensive. They can be mounted both in a suspended ceiling and attached to the ceiling using special suspensions.
Wall mounted infrared heaters for summer cottages must be installed at some distance from the floor, especially if the family has a small child. If such a model needs to be installed under a window, then you can choose a model with a skirting board.
As for the outdoor type, they do not differ in high power and efficiency, since the rays encounter many obstacles during radiation. If it is not possible to install a ceiling or wall model, then it is better to give preference to heaters with carbon or tubular heating elements.
When installing a ceiling or wall-mounted infrared heater for a summer residence, it is necessary to maintain the required distance of exposure to rays on a person:
- a heater with a capacity of about 700-800 - 0.7 m;
- a heater with a power of more than 1.5 kW - at least 1 m.
Review of infrared heaters for summer cottages
The manufacturer is also of great importance when choosing equipment. A brief overview of manufacturers of infrared heaters for summer cottages will help the consumer quickly navigate and understand which brand to give preference to:
- UFO. They are used both outdoors and indoors. They do not burn oxygen and eliminate excess moisture.
- Sunny. It is used for enclosed spaces. Differs in lightness, compactness and quiet operation.
- Pion. Ceiling model with ceramic heating element. Thanks to the rounded body, the room is heated with maximum efficiency.
Adhering to the above rules for choosing an infrared heater, you can always find a good model for a country house.
I once worked in an electrical store and sold infrared heaters. I will say that summer residents were most often interested in infrared heaters. They are really very effective and can cover a large area. It is very hot directly under the heater, but throughout the room the air is heated to comfortable conditions. I recommend infrared heaters to everyone. They are very effective for giving.