Infrared Heating: Basics

Short: Infrared heaters don’t primarily heat the air but directly radiate heat to people, walls, and furniture, similar to sunlight. They’re usually electric and particularly suited for spot or short-term heating.

In more detail: Since radiant heat is perceived differently from convection heat, a lower room air temperature can often suffice for the same felt comfort.

In detail

• Radiation principle: Infrared panels heat surfaces directly, which in turn release heat to room air, rather than heating the air itself.
• Fast heating effect: Unlike sluggish underfloor heating, infrared heat works almost immediately when switched on, suiting short heating periods.
• High electricity costs: Since these are usually pure electric heaters, running costs for continuous operation are often higher than gas or heat pump heating.
• Space-saving installation: Flat panels can be mounted on walls like pictures, without visible radiators or pipes.
• Sensible use cases: Particularly suited for rarely used rooms, bathrooms, or as supplementary heating, less so as the sole heating solution in continuous operation.
• Health aspects: Some users find radiant heat more pleasant, as it stirs up less dust than classic convection heaters.
• Weighing economics: For rarely used rooms with short heating times, high flexibility can offset the higher electricity costs (nachtspeicherheizung-grundlagen, waermepumpe).