Radiant heat is what sets our IR Panels apart from any other source of heat! Let’s separate the myths from the reality, and see how radiant heat can totally change how you heat your home!

A lot of people ask us about how IR panels could ever save energy, because they’re used to old-fashioned electric space heaters. You put in energy and you get the same amount of energy out- how could that ever be more efficient?

The crucial difference is that IR heaters use radiant heating instead of convection heating.

What’s The Difference?

Convection heaters operate on a cycle, warming air around them. This hot air rises to the top of the room, forcing cooler air downwards. That cooler air then also gets warmed, and the cycle continues until eventually all the air in the room is warm.

This works. It’s why convection heating systems are the most common on the market. But it’s not particularly fast or efficient.

Radiant heaters produce waves of infrared radiation. These waves get absorbed directly by objects and people in the room, warming them up directly. This is fast and efficient, you feel the effects almost as soon as your panel is switched on. That means you don’t need to leave it on as long, saving energy!

Right, now you’ve got an understanding of how radiant heating works, let’s take a look at some of the common assumption people make about it!

1)     Radiators also produce radiant heat

Fiction. Despite the name, radiators use convection heat, transferring heat energy from one space (inside your radiator) to another space (your room). IR Panels are the simplest way to get radiant heating into your home!

2)     Radiant Heaters Can Leave You Chilly

Fiction. It’s easy to assume that something that leaves the air around you cold but warms you could mean you feeling uncomfortable if you don’t sit directly in front of the panel. But if you use a powerful enough panel in the proper place your room will feel just as comfortable as when your convection heaters have been running for a while.

The key is to avoid placing your IR panels as if they’re radiators. Remember, they operate with line of sight, so they’re best mounted on your ceiling or high up on your wall where they can best spread as many IR waves into the space as possible. They won’t work super well if placed under windows, or have objects placed in front of you.

It’s also important to remember radiant heat also isn’t nearly as impacted by drafts as convection heat, further improving its efficacy.

3)     Radiant Heaters Are Uncomfortable

Fiction. A lot of us are used to infrared patio heaters, which produce a much more intense form of heating than other IR heaters.  They have to, to account for the much colder air temperature and lack of insulation around them. Sitting close to these for an extended period of time can get uncomfortable!

Infrared panels are a lot gentler, designed to be very comfortable to sit next to for a long period of time. They also use far Infrared radiation, which is much less intense.

4)     Radiant heaters are bulky and ugly

Fiction. When the technology was new, IR heaters more closely resembled old CRT TVs. They were bulky and heavy, and ugly.

As the technology has developed, it has got a lot more compact. This leads to incredible sleek designs like our glass panels, especially discrete models like our mirror panels and has even paved the way for custom print and image panels that let you show off your own style!

5)     Infrared Radiation is dangerous

Fiction. The name might sound scary, but infrared radiation is entirely natural and safe. It’s the exact same energy you experience when you step into sunlight- minus any harmful UV radiation. Infrared can actually be good for your health, improving circulation and natural recovery!

If you want to make sure you’re using your panels in the best location, get in touch with our team by giving us a ring on 0116 321 4120, or by sending us an email to cs@wled.co.uk. We can provide you with details about how many panels your room will need and free advice on where to put your panels!

You can also check out our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages for some inspiration or head over to our YouTube channel to learn more.