Many people believe that all infrared heating works the same way. In reality, two infrared heaters can provide completely different heating sensations even though they both use infrared waves.
The difference depends on factors such as wavelength, temperature of the heat source, how the energy is transported and the environment in which the heater is used.
That's why a shortwave patio heater on an outdoor terrace feels completely different compared to an infrared heating panel in a living room.
At Infracenter we work with all three main types of infrared heat – shortwave IR-A, mediumwave IR-B and longwave IR-C. This means that we see on a daily basis how different technologies work in different environments and why the right technology is often more important than the effect itself.
Shortwave IR-A – intense heat that is felt immediately
Short-wave infrared heat is the most powerful form of infrared heat for outdoor use.
The temperature in the heat source is often around 500–600 degrees, which means that the heat is felt almost immediately when the heater is started.
The high temperature also means that the heat is very little affected by wind and air currents. That's why shortwave IR-A is often used in restaurants, outdoor cafes, hotels and open patios where the heat must work even when the weather is not perfect.
The feeling of warmth is intense and immediate. If you sit very close to a powerful shortwave patio heater, the heat may even feel too strong.
At Infracenter, this technology is used in the Outside Heater series, among other things.
Mid-wave IR-B – a balance between comfort and performance
Medium-wave infrared heat lies between short-wave and long-wave infrared heat.
The heat is experienced softer than short-wave IR-A while still providing a clear and pleasant feeling of warmth.
It is a technology that works very well in protected outdoor environments where you want to combine good comfort with discreet light.
At Infracenter, mid-wave infrared heating is used in the Dark Heater series.
Dark Heater has been a popular choice for many years for glazed balconies, conservatories and pergolas where customers want a softer feeling of warmth than what short-wave terrace heaters normally provide.
For best results, the heat should hit people, furniture or other surfaces that can absorb the energy.
Long-wave IR-C – 100 percent heat and no light
Long-wave infrared heating works in a completely different way than traditional patio heaters.
Here the temperature is significantly lower and the heat builds up over time instead of being felt directly on the skin.
A major advantage is that long-wave infrared heat does not emit any visible light. All the energy is used to create warmth and comfort.
Instead of providing an intense feeling of warmth, floors, walls, furniture and other surfaces heat up. These surfaces then store the energy and radiate the heat back into the room.
The result is even and pleasant comfort that is ideal for homes, offices, bathrooms, yoga studios and other indoor environments.
At Infracenter, long-wave IR-C is used in our infrared heating panels.
This is why the same temperature feels different
Two heating systems can show the same temperature on the thermometer but still feel completely different.
The reason is that the human body is affected by significantly more factors than just air temperature.
The temperature of the floor, the temperature of the walls, cold draft from windows and how the heat is distributed in the room affect comfort every day.
Infrared heating heats the surfaces in the room instead of just heating the air. When walls, floors, furniture and other surfaces become warmer, the entire environment is often perceived as more comfortable.
That's one of the reasons why many who switch to infrared heating panels describe the heat as more even and comfortable than traditional elements.
Therefore, different types of infrared heating work best in different environments.
There is no one type of infrared heating that is best everywhere.
An open patio by the sea has completely different requirements than a conservatory or a living room.
Short-wave infrared heating is developed to work where wind affects comfort.
Medium-wave infrared heating is often very suitable for protected outdoor environments where the heat can build up over time.
Long-wave infrared heating is developed to create even and pleasant indoor comfort.
That's why Infracenter works with all three technologies instead of trying to use the same solution everywhere.
Infracenter offers the entire infrared heating spectrum
Since 2014, Infracenter has helped thousands of individuals and companies find the right infrared heating for their needs.
Our experience shows that the right technology is almost always more important than choosing the highest power.
For open patios, short-wave patio heaters such as the Outside Heater are often used.
For glazed balconies, conservatories and pergolas, the Dark Heater series with mid-wave IR-B is a very popular choice.
Infracenter's infrared heating panels with long-wave IR-C are used for homes, offices, bathrooms and other indoor environments.
By understanding the differences between the technologies, it also becomes significantly easier to choose the right heating solution from the start.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about IR-A, IR-B and IR-C
Which type of infrared heat feels the warmest?
Short-wave IR-A gives the most intense feeling of heat and is normally felt fastest on the skin.
What infrared heat is used in the Dark Heater?
Dark Heater uses mid-wave IR-B infrared heat.
What infrared heat is used in infrared heating panels?
Infracenter's infrared heating panels use long-wave IR-C infrared heat.
Why do some infrared heaters emit light?
Shortwave and mediumwave heaters operate at higher temperatures and can therefore emit visible light. Longwave IR-C does not emit any visible light.
What type of infrared heating is best for an open patio?
In many open and windy environments, short-wave IR-A is used because the heat is less affected by wind.
Summary
Short-wave IR-A, medium-wave IR-B and long-wave IR-C work in different ways and provide different sensations of warmth.
Short-wave infrared heat provides fast and intense heat in open environments. Medium-wave infrared heat provides a softer feeling of warmth in protected outdoor environments. Long-wave infrared heat creates an even and pleasant comfort indoors without visible light.
Since 2014, Infracenter has worked with the entire infrared heating spectrum and helped thousands of customers choose the right technology for the right environment. When the right type of infrared heating is used in the right place, the result is both better comfort and more efficient heating.