What Is Infrared Heat?
Infrared heat is a form of radiant energy that transfers heat directly to people, objects and surfaces. Discover how it works, the difference between near and far infrared, and why far infrared is used for heating homes and buildings.
It is radiant heat. Instead of relying primarily on warming and circulating air, infrared radiation transfers energy to surfaces, objects and people that absorb it and become warmer.
What is infrared heat?
Infrared heat is a naturally occurring form of energy within the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared radiation was first identified by astronomer Sir William Herschel in 1800 while investigating temperatures beyond the visible red end of the light spectrum.
In heating applications, infrared energy is emitted by a warm surface and travels through the surrounding space as electromagnetic radiation.
When that energy reaches and is absorbed by a surface, object or person, it is converted into thermal energy and the absorbing material becomes warmer.
A familiar example is the warmth you feel from sunlight even when the surrounding air is cool. Infrared heaters use the same principle of radiant heat transfer, without producing ultraviolet radiation.
How infrared heating works
Infrared heating transfers energy through radiation rather than relying primarily on moving heated air around a room.
The heater warms
Electrical energy heats the emitting surface of the infrared heater.
Infrared energy radiates
The heated surface emits infrared radiation into the space around it.
Surfaces absorb the energy
Walls, floors, furniture and people absorb the radiant energy and become warmer.
Air is the main heat carrier
Many conventional heating systems transfer a significant proportion of their heat to the surrounding air. The warmer air then circulates through the room.
Surfaces receive radiant energy
Infrared energy travels from the heater to people and surfaces within its effective field, where it is absorbed as heat. Those warmed surfaces can subsequently transfer heat to their surroundings.
Near, mid & far infrared
Infrared radiation lies beyond visible red light on the electromagnetic spectrum and covers wavelengths from approximately 700 nanometres to 1 millimetre.
Near Infrared
Near infrared sits closest to visible light and is used in a variety of technical and industrial applications where relatively intense radiant energy is required.
Mid Infrared
Mid infrared occupies the wavelength range between near and far infrared and is used across a variety of heating, industrial and specialist applications.
Far Infrared
Far infrared covers the longer-wave portion of the infrared spectrum and is commonly associated with low-temperature radiant heating applications, including infrared panel heating.
Why is far infrared used for heating buildings?
Far infrared heating is well suited to many indoor heating applications because radiant energy can be directed towards the people and surfaces within a room rather than depending solely on warming a volume of air.
As the building surfaces absorb energy and warm, they also exchange heat with the surrounding room.
The effectiveness of any infrared heating system still depends on correct heater output, positioning, insulation, room dimensions, controls and how the space is used.
Find out how much heating your room needs.
Understanding infrared is the first step. The next is working out the correct heater output and position for your room. Use our free infrared heating calculator to estimate the wattage required for your space.
Where can infrared heating be used?
Infrared heating can be designed for a wide range of building types. The required output, heater type and positioning depend on the characteristics of the individual space.
Room-by-room or whole-property electric heating for domestic spaces.
02 CommercialHeating solutions for offices, retail, hospitality and other commercial environments.
03 Churches & HeritageRadiant heating options for large-volume and specialist heritage spaces.
04 IndustrialInfrared heating for larger workspaces and selected industrial applications.
Choose the right type of infrared heater
Different heater formats suit different rooms, mounting positions and applications.
Ceiling Panels
Discreet radiant heating that keeps wall space free and provides clear coverage from above.
→ WallWall Panels
Slim electric infrared panels designed for wall-mounted heating in domestic and commercial rooms.
→ Higher outputInfrared Bar Heaters
Higher-output infrared heaters for larger spaces and applications requiring more concentrated heating capacity.
→Could infrared heating work for your property?
Tell us about your room or property, or use our calculator to estimate the heating requirement yourself. From individual rooms to complete properties and commercial projects, we can help you work out the appropriate heater type, output and positioning.
