What we&#;ll cover&#;
&#; How infrared heaters operate
&#; Advantages and potential drawbacks
&#; Energy efficiency levels and cost savings
&#; Different types of infrared heaters
&#; Sustainability and environmental impact
&#; Comparison against traditional heating systems
&#; Suitability for different spaces
&#; Future developments in heating technology
VISSONIC contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Infrared heaters for a greener future
As the clamour for green heating options only enhances across the UK, and government incentivisation encourages a shift towards lowering emissions, there has never been a better time to invest in economically friendly heating solutions.
That said, infrared panel heaters must be considered a viable and desirable addition for anyone wanting to switch over to environmental heating systems, and assist the government goal of achieving a net-zero country by .
In this article, we&#;ll discuss how infrared heaters work, the merits they provide, and showcase some of the most exciting and innovative infrared heating technologies BestHeating has to offer too&#;
What is an infrared heater?
An infrared heater is essentially a very modern vice on the domestic heating landscape, and one which operates in a vastly different manner to traditional heating styles that make use of the convection process to warm up.
Infrared radiators will heat an object via a direct heat transfer, instead of wasting energy by heating the surrounding air.
Given they are able to work with a much higher level of efficiency than components that rely on conventional electric or gas boilers, infrared heaters enable users to reduce their overall energy usage levels, and potentially trim heating bills in the process.
At the very advent of their rise into prominent consideration as an economically friendly heating option, infrared heaters are sure to only increase in popularity in the coming years, particularly so as the UK gas boiler ban comes into effect.
What is infrared heating?
To properly understand the process of how infrared panel heaters or radiators work, it is useful to gain an idea of the different kinds of heat transfer &#; radiant heating, convection and conduction.
Infrared heaters utilise radiant heating to directly deliver heat to objects and people, as opposed to heating up the air in between.
There&#;s two types of infrared heating that can be categorised as &#;near&#; and &#;far&#;. Near infrared heat is up close and intense, and has the potential to be hazardous. With far infrared heat, the warmth needs to be transported to reach a particular space at a much lower intensity to provide a safe heating means. This is the sort of infrared heating technology used in the design of the modern infrared radiators and panels that are propelling in popularity.
How do infrared heaters work?
Infrared heaters will essentially release infrared energy that is transmitted through the air before reaching an object or a person. The person or object then soaks up the radiation, leading to molecular vibrations for the creation of heat. In addition to the direct heating of the object, these vibrations also re-emits the warmth back into the space to recycle the heat.
In terms of how infrared heaters heat people up, humans absorb infrared waves about an inch into our body for a safe, warming sensation.
Whilst it is possible for infrared radiators to work from an oil or gas supply, that would largely defeat their purpose as an economical heating solution. Plus, it makes life much easier to be powered via electricity, then invasive plumbing work isn&#;t required, nor pipe network alterations.
Furthermore, infrared heaters will take somewhere between three and five minutes to fully heat up once plugged in, so it doesn&#;t take long to adequately warm the specific person or object within a room.
Why choose infrared radiators over hot water radiators?
Energy efficiency is put forward as the primary reason that infrared radiators would take preference over hot water radiators. Some infrared models will actually feature an efficiency rating of anything up to 115%, in contrast to the 100% provision of a standard component.
The majority of radiators or alternate heating devices such as heated towel rails or modern electric heaters provide heat through the process of convection, which works effectively but can also expend unnecessary energy. Working through the transmission of radiation, infrared heating systems don&#;t heat up the air in between, instead transferring warmth directly to people or objects for a far more efficient performance.
Further to this, infrared heaters are likely to help you retain heat for longer periods; convector heating options can easily lose warmth via open windows and doors in the form of draughts. Those that rely on radiation instead heat objects or people in direct fashion, so can&#;t be susceptible to heat escaping via a draught.
That infrared radiators recycle heat, in effect, by this better retention, is another plus point that allows them to successfully operate at a lower wattage than alternatively powered counterparts.
Each of the aforementioned factors, practically all of which are linked to their proficiency to provide a more economical heating vice that could lead to lower running costs in turn, are catalysts for the ever enhancing reputation of infrared heaters.
Are infrared heaters safe?
The simple term &#;infrared&#; can instill fear in potential heating system investors, especially considering the nature of the technology, and how it manifests directly within objects or people especially.
But that said, the worries are unfounded, with the infrared radiation type utilised by infrared heaters, and other similar devices like infrared panels, certified completely free from risk and safe. In actual fact, the far infrared radiation emitted by infrared heating devices is the same sort that our bodies themselves output; this is the reason we can take in the radiation so readily. As an indication of just how safe this kind of infrared radiation technology is, it prominently features in incubators for babies.
What&#;s more, infrared heaters can even be considered a safer and healthier option than alternative gas heating systems for anybody that suffers from breathing difficulties, has conditions like asthma or are troubled by the likes of dust allergies. This is due to the fact that infrared radiators heat their objects directly without disturbing the air in between &#; more traditional heating devices can set about the movement of dust and other particles that could irritate or pose problems to people with the aforementioned ailments.
How much do infrared heaters cost?
Several factors can determine the initial purchase price of infrared heaters and alternate infrared heating devices, including but not limited to the size of the appliance, it&#;s unique design features and power output in terms of wattage.
With the BestHeating range of infrared heaters, the rarity is the level of aesthetic appeal afforded by the components. Infrared panels and other vices can sport a very generic look in a lot of instances, but the modern developments in infrared radiator technology means we are able to offer a stunning range of designer infrared heater options.
Again, many influences will determine the price point, but infrared heaters from BestHeating are available for between £149 and £410, and you should also factor in the installation cost that a heating engineer would charge on top of this outlay.
For context, infrared heating panels will tend to cost in the region of £500 apiece, so that total can add up as well if you are aiming to fully revamp your home heating system and place multiple infrared solutions in various rooms.
Can you save money with infrared heaters?
It is true to suggest you can save money with infrared heaters, with the potential to trim heating bills by up to 50% in comparison with alternative, more traditional heating systems. That said, a multitude of factors will again influence exactly how much your energy costs are trimmed by, such as the room layout, insulation attributes, ceiling height, general size and the heat output of your chosen infrared heater of course.
There&#;s the possibility to connect infrared radiators or panels to your existing home electricity setup too, so they can be switched on or turned off to your heart&#;s content in individual rooms as and when needed. This ensures no unnecessary energy is expended, which will also contribute to keeping heating running costs as low as possible.
What are the pros and cons of infrared heaters?
There&#;s plenty of advantages to infrared heaters, not least the energy efficiency with which they operate and their ability to significantly reduce household emissions, both especially so in comparison with gas boiler alternatives.
Infrared heaters are also low maintenance and simple to keep working to their full potential, and they retain heat with less hassle than traditional boilers also, whilst providing nothing in the way of noise pollution either.
From a looks perspective, BestHeating&#;s infrared heater collection features some of the very most stylish modern components that our site has to offer overall &#; there&#;s space-saving designs in both vertical and horizontal orientations to suit practically any room. On the downside, there is the ideology that infrared radiators can&#;t properly and adequately replace the services a traditional boiler can provide.
Plus, the layout of the room has to be readily considered, as any obstructions between infrared heaters and the objects they are designed to heat could lead to an inadequate performance. Infrared heaters are also more expensive to purchase initially than a variety of other more traditional heating appliances.
Infrared heater advantages
- Energy efficiency &#; Infrared heaters work with the utmost energy efficiency by heating up people or objects in a direct manner, instead of wasting energy by warming up the air in between. The infrared radiation transmits instantly too, so there&#;s no wait to get warm.
- Reduce emissions &#; As infrared radiators don&#;t utilise fossil fuels for energy, they can greatly decrease household emissions in no time. This type of radiator can also be used in line with renewable energy source solutions for an ultimate green heating option.
- Impressive aesthetics &#; The infrared heaters from BestHeating boast beautiful ultra-modern aesthetics that will enhance the look of virtually any home interiors, no matter what room they are positioned in.
- Space-saving design &#; You can identify stylish infrared heaters in space-saving horizontal and vertical designs, perfect to enhance the home heating within any room of the home, no matter how diminutive.
- Hassle-free heat retention &#; Given that they warm up solid objects or people, infrared heaters can retain heat quicker and easier than a traditional central heating system would, with these setups susceptible to heat escaping via draughts through open windows or doors especially.
- Zero noise pollution &#; There are no fans within infrared heaters, so they remain silent whilst creating and transporting heat.
- Easy maintenance &#; Infrared heaters feature no moving parts, which massively reduces the chances of wear and tear occurring. As such, they can work fine with little maintenance, as there is no engine to pose a concern, a lack of air filters to require potential replacement, and no lubrication necessary either. Essentially, a bit of basic cleaning is all that will be needed every so often to keep your infrared radiators in peak condition.
- Infrared radiator health benefits &#; Considering that air isn&#;t circulated from infrared heaters in the way it is from more classic heating solutions, the results are advantageous for anyone that suffers with breathing difficulties or conditions like asthma. Past studies from infrared technology specialists have shown infrared radiators and other vices of the same type to reduce damp in properties to assist with breathing issues for inhabitants.
Infrared heater disadvantages
- Unable to properly replace boilers &#; Infrared heaters heat their objects directly, and as such are unable to heat up water in contrast to gas boilers. As such, they can&#;t be seen to properly replace boilers in every integral sense. However, infrared water heating technology is evolving at a rapid rate, so keep checking on the BestHeating Advice Centre for news on the latest developments in this regard.
- No obstructions allowed &#; For the best effects of infrared heaters to take effect, a lack of obstructions is necessary between the radiators themselves and the objects or people they are trying to heat. This can limit the layout options of a home and influence how you might go about organising the décor within your space.
- Infrared radiator cost &#; It is true that infrared heaters have a higher cost to buy outright than many more traditional alternative devices that work alongside gas boilers, for example. That said, potential buyers should consider the savings they&#;ll make when infrared radiators are installed, given their lower running costs, and the potential to include them on an existing electrical network.
Are infrared heaters economically friendly?
As they work from an electricity supply, infrared heaters are much more economically friendly than heating appliances which rely on gas or oil boilers to power up. That said, it is unlikely they can be deemed to be an absolute green heating solution, considering the majority of countries still rely on fossil fuels to generate electricity.
However, if infrared heaters are installed in a property that utilises the likes of air source heat pumps, or solar panels for the generation of energy, then infrared rads can be considered to deliver totally clean heat.
Furthermore, infrared heaters have a particularly high efficiency rating, with some models exceeding 100%, so less energy is required for them to work to their full capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What next for infrared heaters?
With a UK gas boiler ban relatively imminent, there&#;s no doubting that infrared heaters will go from strength to strength as it pertains to their popularity in UK homes as people look for inventive new means to heat their houses in an economically friendly way. As continued advancements are made in infrared technology, expect to see a new wave of stylish infrared radiator designs dominate the market.
BestHeating already offer a wide selection of ultra-modern infrared heater models fit to upgrade any home. If you would like to know more about our infrared heater selection, or require further help or advice surrounding infrared, or any other green home heating options, don&#;t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.
Infrared heaters, also known as IR heaters, use a quartz heating element to directly warm people and objects in their vicinity, rather than heating up the air like a ceramic heater. The heaters stay relatively cool to the touch, making them a safer choice for homes with curious pets or kids.
"The most important things to consider when shopping for an infrared heater are whether it's rated for the size of the space you're trying to heat," says Mallory Micetich, vice president of corporate communications at Angi and an expert in consumer protection and small home living. We've confirmed this after years of researching and testing popular infrared heaters.
The higher the watt output rating, the more heat you get from the infrared heater. If the heater is the room's primary source of warmth in a room, you&#;ll want a higher watt rating (closer to 1,500 watts) for bigger rooms. Heaters with a low setting usually allow you to switch between 1,500 and 750 watts and are best suited for smaller spaces.
We tested over 50 different heaters, evaluating each on its heating performance, design, safety features, and value. We also carefully noted characteristics such as noise output and the temperature and humidity ratings in the rooms being heated to help you find the best option for your space.
What We Like
Powerful heating
Remote control
Adjustable thermostat
Adds a cozy ambiance
What We Don't Like
If your home doesn't have a built-in fireplace, or you want something more functional than a faux fireplace, this charming infrared heater is the next best thing. After testing the Duraflame stove in our lab and using it at home for six months, we're absolutely blown away by how well it heats any room.
One of our favorite features is the ability to control the heat and flame settings independently, which means we can enjoy the inviting glow of the flickering flame without overheating the room. We love how this heater is made to look like a wood stove, complete with fake logs and embers.
During testing, we were not only impressed by how realistic the heater was in replicating the appearance and ambiance of a real firebox but also by how well the heating worked. With 5,200 Btu, it can heat up to 1,000 square feet. It's worth noting that Btu is used to measure heat output, and the higher the unit, the greater the heating capacity. So, it's safe to say that this heater packs quite a punch and is perfect for those cold winter nights.
Assembly was a breeze; all we had to do was screw on the legs. This heater operates at a noise level of only 56 decibels, which is similar to that of a dishwasher, making it a relatively quiet option. The heater has an adjustable digital thermostat and auto-shutoff protection for added safety. To avoid the hassle of tangled cables, it has handy hooks on the back that can corral the cord when not in use.
The heater also has multiple settings for brightness and temperature that can be adjusted using the included remote control. Although we were able to use the remote, we wish the instructions had been written more clearly. Besides all the great features, the heater has also been tested by the Underwriters' Laboratory (UL), which Micetich says is an important consideration.
What An Expert Says
"Both UL and ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories, also called Intertek) are nationally recognized energy testing standards, and if your heater has one of these certifications, that's a great thing. All in all, this effective infrared heater is an excellent addition to your home that seamlessly blends in with your decor." &#; Mallory Micetich, vice president of corporate communications at Angi.
The timer functionality is also incredibly convenient, as it eliminates any concerns we had about accidentally leaving the heater on. Overall, we highly recommend this heater to anyone who wants the ambiance of a fireplace without any hassle.
Dimensions: 23.4 x 24 x 12.9 inches | Weight: 34 pounds | Voltage: 120 volts | Wattage: 1,500 watts | Btu: 5,200 | Safety Certifications: UL-certified
What To Know About Quartz Heating
Quartz heating, also known as short-wave infrared heating, uses infrared waves to directly heat people and objects. Some infrared heaters blow air over a metal-wrapped quartz heat exchanger to provide convective heating as well.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
If you're in the market for a space heater but don't need something as large as our best overall, consider the Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater. We tested this heater in the lab and at home and found it to be as effective as our top option. During testing, we found that our body temperature increased by almost 5°F when the heater was set on high and 1.4°F when it was set on low.
This infrared heater stands out with its two types of space-heating technology: quartz infrared and PTC (positive temperature coefficient), a self-regulating feature that adjusts based on the room's air temperature. The heater boasts high and low modes and an eco mode, which uses a mix of high and low to determine the most environmentally sound way to heat the room. The heater has a remote and digital control pad on the front, making it easy to adjust the target temperature between 50° and 86°F.
Although the heater works well if you're right next to it, we found that it doesn't warm the room as effectively as we had hoped. We weren't too discouraged, as this is a common characteristic of infrared heaters, which emit waves of warmth to heat you and nearby objects directly rather than solely warming the air like electric heaters.
Want more information on gooseneck xlr microphone? Feel free to contact us.
The safety features of this heater are impressive, with both tip-over and overheat protection. During our testing, we found that the tip-over protection worked effectively, shutting off the heater immediately. However, it is worth noting that the heater does not turn back on once it is upright again. Additionally, the unit is quite sturdy thanks to its wheels, making it difficult to overturn in most cases.
One potential issue we encountered is that the timer can only be set with the remote, which could be problematic if it is ever lost. We recommend storing it somewhere safely or in a remote organizer. There is also no way to turn on the heater from bed on a chilly morning, because you can not use a remote. Despite these shortcomings, we believe this is a solid choice given the handy wheels, reliability, and attractive profile that doesn't look like a tower fan.
Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 16 inches | Weight: 24 pounds | Voltage: 120 volts | Wattage: 1,500 watts | Btu: 5,200 | Safety Certifications: UL-certified
What We Like
Not too noisy
Great for smaller spaces
Washable filter
What We Don't Like
If you are contemplating whether or not to install an electric wall heater, this slim heater, which is ETL certified, gives you the option to mount it on a wall or set it up on the floor, thanks to its removable feet. It's compact and thin, so it doesn't take up much space, making it a great pick for small rooms. During testing, we didn't notice much warmth while using the low setting, but the high setting definitely kept us toasty (we saw a 2° increase in body temperature).
When we tested this heater at home, we tried relocating it to a room with poor circulation that tends to get chillier than the rest of the house. Our dogs noticed immediately, and we noticed them lounging in the warmth.
While we didn't have the opportunity to mount the heater during testing, we used the heating on the floor with the included feet. Even though we had no issues with the heater tipping over, we noticed the feet weren't the most durable.
Like our best overall pick, this heater is not too noisy, at just 55 decibels on low. It offers convenient features such as a washable filter and a front grill that stays cool to the touch, making it ideal for households with young children. We also found the remote control very convenient, allowing us to turn the heater on and off from a distance.
However, during our lab's tip-over test, we found that although the heat shut off as expected and displayed an error message, the fan continued to run. We also found the included remote a bit small and had to push the buttons several times to change the heater settings. Despite this, we value the convenience of controlling the heater with a remote.
Dimensions: 19 x 5 x 13 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Voltage: 120 volts | Wattage: 1,500 watts | Btu: 5,200 | Safety Certifications: ETL-certified
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Don't overlook the importance of portability if you want to bring warmth to any room easily. The heater comes with a top handle, which we found made it simple to transport from one place to another. Despite looking like a toaster, this space heater can produce up to 5,200 Btu of heating power from its four quartz heating elements, making it an excellent choice for an open floor space.
During testing, we placed this heater in our home office, where it can get cold enough for our hands and feet to start feeling numb. We enjoyed a comfy, warm working environment with the heater hard at work, even on the chilliest days.
We set the heater at its maximum setting (99°F), but it wasn't able to get the room that hot. While it never showed anything above 88°F on the thermostat, that was more than enough. The room became pretty hot at that reading, so we didn't feel it needed to be higher.
We noticed that the heater produced consistent white noise during our tests, but it wasn't overly loud and didn't interrupt conversations. We ran the heater for about four to eight hours each day and never had any trouble talking on the or watching TV, and we never found the noise distracting.
The temperature can be adjusted from 60° to 99°F through its three primary settings (low, auto, and high). The display also has a temperature lock and three brightness levels to ensure it won't disturb your sleep at night. The heater has an accompanying tiny remote control. However, we discovered that the remote only functions within a 4-foot range and only when you are directly in front of the heater.
Like the others on our recommended list, this model is loaded with safety features meant to keep you safe while using the heater. Overheat protection uses an inside sensor to prevent the heater from becoming too hot, and a child lock function prevents children from changing the temperature.
We noticed that the heater's body and sides did not get hot during our tests. However, we do not advise using this heater unattended around children or pets because the griddle from which the heat emanates gets extremely hot. Despite this, we think it's a great space heater to use in a larger space or even a garage heater.
Dimensions: 11.62 x 15.31 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Voltage: 120 volts | Wattage: 1,500 watts | Btu: 5,200 | Safety Certifications: ETL-certified
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Consider the EdenPURE CopperSMART Electric Space Heater for supplemental heating in large rooms like a bedroom. We tested this infrared space heater in the Lab, and while the low setting only provided slight warmth, the highest setting made us feel immediately comfortable, making it perfect for those chilly evenings. In just 15 minutes, we saw almost a 2° increase from 8 feet away. With 5,000 Btu, this heater can efficiently warm up both small and large rooms.
This electric heater is certified by ETL and boasts an innovative positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element made of copper that never requires replacement. You have the flexibility to choose between high or low mode, and a convenient remote control is included for easy operation. However, we found that you have to point the remote at the front of the heater for it to work.
We also wish there were an LCD screen, like the best overall, runner-up, since other than indicator lights to tell you whether you are on high or low fan, there is no thermostat to show the actual temperature of the heat coming out of the space heater.
While there are no handles to help you move the heater from one spot to another, there are wheels if you just want to roll it across the floor. It's also worth noting that this electric heater includes a washable lifetime filter, like our best wall-mounted pick, that can be cleaned using warm water and mild dish soap.
It also comes with safety features such as tip-over protection, overheat protection, and auto reboot, which help it recover in the event of a power outage or surge. We found that the entire exterior stays cool to the touch, with the exception of the grill, where the heat comes out. All in all, it checks off a lot of boxes when it comes to features and key considerations for infrared heaters.
Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 16 inches | Weight: 23 pounds | Voltage: 120V | Wattage: 1,500W | Btu: 5,000 | Safety Certifications: ETL-certified
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 is our favorite outdoor infrared heater because it starts heating fast and provides a noticeable warming effect to a distance of about 10 feet (if you stay more or less in front of it). We installed one under an overhang on our outdoor patio, and we were able to feel the extra warmth throughout the entire space, where we enjoyed entertaining guests on cooler days.
We like that the heater has nine heat settings to accommodate different outdoor temperatures, but we didn&#;t feel a lot of heat from it on the lowest setting. The remote is handy as well, since it lets you adjust the temperature without getting up (especially useful if you opt to mount it high on a wall like we did).
This heater is designed to be wall-mounted, but you can also use it with a tripod (sold separately). We opted for a wall mount, which requires drilling, so you may want to go with the tripod option for an easier installation. We also had to find a wrench to tighten it in place once we had it on the wall, as it didn&#;t feel sturdy when finger-tightened.
With an IPX4 waterproof rating, this heater is safe for outdoor use. This rating means the heater repels splashes of water, but it isn&#;t rated to withstand water jets, so we recommend mounting it in an area with at least partial protection from the driving rain.
We installed one of these heaters under an overhang, but it might also work well under a pergola, gazebo, four-season room, or other area that is at least partially protected from the elements.
Dimensions: 35 x 8 x 4 inches | Weight: 8 pounds | Voltage: 120 volts | Wattage: 1,500 watts | Btu: 5,200 | Safety Certifications: ETL-certified, IP55
Final Verdict
We gave the Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove our best overall accolade thanks to its adjustable thermostat and brightness, safety features such as auto shutoff, and cozy good looks. If you're looking for something easy to move around, the Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater has convenient wheels, a funky retro profile, and the bonus of having a slightly lower price than the Duraflame.
How We Tested the Heaters
Over the course of two years, we evaluated a diverse range of heaters, including 23 electric fireplace heaters, 54 space heaters, and 51 patio heaters, in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, and in our homes, assessing them on a variety of factors:
- Safety Features: Safety is very important to consider when shopping for an infrared heater, so we also conducted a tip-over test by gently nudging the unit over while it was on its lowest setting. We then recorded whether the unit automatically shut off or remained on after 30 seconds.
- Heating Performance: We utilized two infrared thermometers to evaluate heating performance and monitored ambient temperature and relative humidity changes. We took readings after testing each heat setting and again 30 minutes later. We also noted how each heater affected our core body temperature and how toasty we were. In our most recent tests, we recorded the temperature changes of a chair positioned 4 feet away from the heater, and another placed 8 feet away. We also took the interior and exterior temperatures of the heater from top to bottom and front to back to see if it would overheat during use. We measured these same areas of each space heater once they had been switched off for 15 minutes.
- Design: After testing all the heat settings, we looked at the added features. We turned them on to their highest setting for oscillating heaters and evaluated their range. For heaters with app control options, we assessed how easy it was to connect the heater to Wi-Fi and set up the app, and if the in-app controls were user-friendly. For remote-controlled heaters, we evaluated not only their ease of use but also the range of the remote. We tested the remote from a distance of four and eight feet away from the theater.
- Assembly: Our team meticulously assembled each heater, noting the time required, the tools needed, and the clarity of instructions. We then put each space heater into an outlet fitted with a P3 Kill a Watt meter to determine how much power it actually required.
- Overall Value: After evaluating all of the heaters' features and heat output, we compared prices and evaluated if each was reasonable for the quality of the heater.
What to Look For in an Infrared Heater
Size
Some IR heaters are designed for tabletops or small spaces (like our best portable heater, the Heat Storm Portable Heater); others are larger and must be placed on the floor (like our best for bedrooms pick, the EdenPURE CopperSMART Electric Space Heater). It&#;s always a good idea to measure the location where you plan to put your heater, so you can be sure to buy one with the right dimensions.
Some units can also be mounted on a wall or the ceiling such as our best wall-mounted pick, the Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater. Measure those areas, and note the electrical outlet locations.
Safety Features
When buying a space heater, it's worth going above and beyond in terms of safety and testing because these products have a certain amount of risk associated with them.
- ETL- and UL-Listed: If your heater of choice has either UL or ETL certification, like the Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater (our runner-up for best overall), it means it's been subject to rigorous safety tests at an independent laboratory.
- Tip-Over Shutoff: Many heaters have a tip-over shutoff, which means the unit turns off if it's flipped on its side, reducing the fire risk. However, during testing, we found that certain devices are highly sensitive and power down even when tipped only about 10°F.
- Overheat Shutoff: This safety feature causes the device to turn off if it overheats, which could happen if dust or something else (a blanket dropped by a toddler, for example) blocks the airflow. Our favorite portable pick, the Heat Storm Portable Infrared Heater, has this helpful feature.
- Cool-Touch Exterior: Infrared heaters are great because the outside never gets too hot. However, you should keep your fingers away from the grill and watch children carefully when they're around one. "Just because it's cool to the touch doesn't mean the risk isn't there," Micetich says. "But if a kid bumps it or a pet runs into it, it's not going to cause an immediate burn."
- Ingress Protection Code (IPC): This code is expressed as a two-digit number that shows how well a product, such as an outdoor heater, fares when exposed to the elements. The first digit refers to the product's resistance to solids, while the second is its resistance to liquids. Our top pick for an outdoor heater, the Dr Heater DR-238, has an IPC of X4, meaning it can withstand splashes of water but should placed indoors or in a covered area during heavy rainfall.
Noise Level
The sound of a heater becomes important when using a heater for hours on end. Heaters on average produce 60 decibels of sound, which is equivalent to rainfall or a friendly conversation.
All of the options on this list were relatively quiet, but still produced a bit of white noise. Our overall best infrared heater recommendation, the Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove, operated at 56 decibels, which is comparable to a running dishwasher.
FAQ
-
How does an infrared heater work?
Unlike a convection heater, which warms the air in a room, an infrared heater uses radiation to directly warm people and objects; the feeling is comparable to being warmed by sunlight. "It's important to know that when you have an infrared heater, you need a clear line of sight between you and it&#;you can't have something big, like an ottoman [between you], or you're going to heat the ottoman and not feel much," says Micetich. She notes that shoppers might want to consider the heater's aesthetic since it may need prominent placement in the room.
-
Do infrared heaters use a lot of electricity?
Infrared heaters are more energy efficient than electric space heaters. They still use electricity to run, however, and while your bill might be lower, energy use depends on the size of your machine and how much power it uses. This means some infrared heaters can use as much electricity as conventional heaters.
"Relatively speaking, radiant space heaters are fairly efficient, but any electric heating unit is not the most efficient," says Micetich, who notes that several factors may play a role in your final bill. "It costs approximately 30 cents an hour to run an infrared heater," Micetich adds, "but this also depends on where you live and the unit size. If you're using it as a primary heat source, you're going to need more than one, which of course will require more electricity."
-
Does an infrared heater heat a room?
Infrared heaters, therefore, do not heat the air in a room the same way conventional space heaters do; nonetheless, they raise the temperature slightly. Many manufacturers give square footage guidelines for specific models. Note that infrared heaters often don't work as well in draftier areas such as screened-in porches, or rooms with vaulted ceilings. "An infrared heater wouldn't be the best choice to heat up a large room," says Micetich, "but they're great for spaces like a small kitchen or bedroom, office, or breakfast nook." That said, you may also find when reading reviews that some models do a good job making a large room feel cozier, despite the manufacturer's recommendations.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This story was written by Daniela Galvez, a senior editor at The Spruce. Galvez currently lives in a one-story ranch in New Jersey, so she is also familiar with using heaters in her home to maintain a comfortable space. When she wants to cozy up her home just a bit, she loves using the Blueair ComfortPure 3-in-1 fan heater. She finds it&#;s the perfect way to add a little extra warmth.
After two years of testing heaters both at home and in The Lab, Galvez compiled a list of the best infrared heaters based on our findings. She also gave careful thought to the heaters' heating capacity, features, and cost.
Our Experts:
- Mallory Micetich, vice president of corporate communications at Angi (formerly Angie's List) and an expert in consumer protection and small home living.
- Jeremy Laukkonen, updates writer at The Spruce
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
IP Ratings, IEC.CH.
Are heat pumps noisy? &#; CleanBC Better Homes. CleanBC Better Homes.
Comments
0