The relatively high cost of such devices is the reason that they are more used in administrative, industrial and other premises, and in the private sector have not yet found wide distribution. However, their advantages are so obvious that more and more owners prefer to install infrared heaters. To determine the optimal choice, first of all, it is necessary to understand what models are available and what their differences are.
Design of the radiating element
Such heating elements as a heater or a spiral are gradually disappearing into the past, but nevertheless devices with them can still be found in retail outlets. They are characterized by two main drawbacks - fire hazard and strong air dehumidification. Products with such emitters literally "burn" oxygen. Therefore, their use in residential areas is not recommended. In addition, they need constant "supervision", and this is not always convenient.
In most models, the role of radiators is played by quartz tubes. They have a higher efficiency, and in terms of security, there are no significant claims. But they also have certain drawbacks.
Firstly, , "exacting" to the purity of the ambient air. Since the tube is heated to 650 - 700 ° C, all dust is burned in the immediate vicinity of it. Therefore, this smell will be present in the room.
Secondly , some restrictions on the placement of such models - it's impossible to fix them "anywhere".It's all about the powerful flow of heat that comes from the tube. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly combine the power of the device with the location of its attachment. As a rule, they are mounted on the ceilings, thereby ensuring a good warming of the floors.
Thirdly, , such emitters "do not like" sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
Another type of radiator is a plate. It is a profile made of aluminum, inside which there is a heater( TEN).Such models are considered the best, since they absolutely do not affect the humidity level in the room. Although some people note their lack - a slight "crackling" in the process of work. But this is a subjective opinion, since many people even like, for example, a light crackle of firewood burning in the fireplace. More details of the pros and cons of infrared heaters are discussed in this article.
Specialists recommend paying attention to the protective layer of the plate( anodizing).If it is thinner than 15 microns, then the life of such a product is small. The method of measurement can not be verified by this method. But it is possible to determine approximately the reliability of such a coating - when the device is first switched on, a "spider's web" appears on the quality plate, which is clearly visible.
This kind of radiators, like halogen lamps, in a residential building should not be used, because they are far from harmless.
Device power
For any heating device, it is calculated from a ratio of 10 kW per 100 m2 of heated space( at normal room height).At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the need for some of its stock, since no product will be able to function for a long time at the limit of its capabilities. That's why the load is about 70% optimal. Hence, the calculated value should be increased by at least 1/3.In this case, it is necessary to take into account the quality of the insulation of the structure, the presence of drafts. So an increase of 30% is just indicative.
If you want to heat a particular place in the room( working, rest area), then for such local "heating" you can choose the model of infrared heater with a small power - in the range 0.3 - 0.5 kW.
Type of fuel
The industry produces electric and gas "IR" heaters. The latter have quite a significant power( at least 1.5 kW), so their use in small rooms, especially in urban apartments, is inappropriate. And from the point of view of the type of energy, electric appliances are preferable, since in any residential building there is necessarily an energy supply, otherwise it can not be considered as such. But with gas, there are often difficulties - either the "thread" of the highway is not brought up, or the difficulties with refueling the cylinders.
Case
Serious Manufacturers paint it only from the outside, as "internal" processing does not make sense. If the product is painted and from the inside, then there is no guarantee that in the future, the user does not expect any "surprises".For example, a low-quality, cheaper metal, hidden under a layer of paint.
Separately it is necessary to stop on PLEN( film heaters).Their main advantage is that they can be mounted under the external finish of any surface. In this regard, they are universal and very convenient for living rooms.
Design
This determines the location of the device - on which surface it is more convenient to install( wall, ceiling, floor).There are also so-called "skirting" options, which can be placed without restrictions.
foil The effectiveness of an infrared heater depends on its quality. Its minimum thickness is 120 μm. If the foil layer is less than this value, the device will radiate heat not only "forward", but also "back".In other words, instead of heating the floor surface( at the top placement), it will partially heat and ceiling.
So it should be, but in fact, in order to save, some manufacturers deliberately understate this parameter. Check the thickness is not difficult. For example, gently poke the ballpoint pen. The quality layer springs, but on the excessively thin there will be a small dent. If the goods are good, the Seller will not prevent such a test of the product, since it will not bring any harm.
Insulator
Various materials are used in this quality. But are they all harmless? It is advisable to get acquainted with the content of the certificate for the product, especially if the family has people prone to allergies, suffering from asthma and a number of other diseases. Naturally, as an insulator, for example, asbestos is not suitable for a device used in a residential building.
Additional elements
For devices intended for floor placement, in the first place - the tipping sensor. In this case, the circuit breaks and the device switches off. In addition, the presence of a thermostat, control panel and a number of other "services".
Packaging
In addition to the fact that it must be branded, you need to pay attention to the label. It should have clear inscriptions with all the necessary information, including a barcode. Bad type, fuzziness, matte paper( should be gloss) are the true signs of a low-grade commodity.
The most famous manufacturers represented on our market are Ballu, Neoclima, Sinbo, Polaris. The cost of such devices, given the huge range of products, lies in large limits. For example, the "Ballu" model at 0.8 kW( electric) will cost 2 150 rubles. A gas appliance of the same brand at 12 kW costs about 30,000 rubles.
Practical tips of
Having studied all the "pluses" and "minuses" of "IR" heaters, one should also take into account the specificity of their further operation:
- with what intensity the "IR" heater is supposed to be used, and a number of other features of the application.
- method of its installation( open installation or hidden, under the lining);
- is the most convenient place for placing the product;
- room dimensions;
- in which room the device will be installed( residential or utility).For rooms with excessive humidity, you need to purchase a model with a housing made of "stainless steel", since it is not susceptible to corrosion;
It should immediately be clarified the possibility of acquiring a radiator if it becomes necessary to replace it. By the way, it is important, and how much it costs for this heater model.
In order not to "run into" a one-day company, you need to ask whether the manufacturer has its own website. Having come to him, you can find all the information, including, and about the official representative in this region.
Practice shows that the devices of Russian manufacturers are in no way inferior to imported samples, although they are much cheaper. For the most part, we pay for fame, "promotion" of the brand, and not the product itself.
