At Infracenter we have been working with heating solutions since 2014 and one of the most common questions we get is about the difference between infrared heating and air heating. Many people know that both are used to create heat, but far fewer are aware that they work in completely different ways.
There is no one technology that is best for all situations. Both infrared heating and air heating have their strengths and are often used for different purposes. When you understand the difference, it also becomes much easier to choose the right heating solution for your home, holiday home, office or other spaces.
In this article, we will go over how the techniques work, what advantages they have, and when they are best suited.
Two different ways to create heat
Although both infrared heating and air heating have the same goal – to create a comfortable temperature – they do it in completely different ways.
Air heating works by heating the air in the room. When the air gets warmer, we also experience the room getting warmer.
Infrared heating works by directly heating people, floors, walls, furniture and other surfaces. The technology is reminiscent of how the sun warms the earth on a cold but sunny winter day.
The difference may seem small, but it affects both comfort, heat distribution and how the heat is experienced in practice.
How air heating works
Air heaters work by heating the air which then circulates around the room. As the temperature rises, the entire room feels warmer.
A major advantage of air heating is that the temperature can be raised quickly, making the technology popular in situations where you want to heat up in a short time.
Modern air heaters are also often portable and easy to use. All that is usually required is a wall outlet and within seconds the heater will start distributing warm air throughout the room.
Products such as the Flame Tower 2000W and Electric Fireplace Deluxe 2000W from Infracenter use modern PTC technology, which is an effective form of air heating that quickly helps create a comfortable temperature.
How infrared heating works
Infrared heating works in a completely different way. Instead of heating the air, the infrared panel sends out infrared waves that heat people and surfaces directly.
When floors, walls, furniture and other materials get hot, they store the heat and then help spread it further throughout the room. This contributes to an even and pleasant thermal comfort.
This is also why many people who switch from traditional elements to infrared heating find that the floors feel warmer and that the indoor environment becomes more comfortable.
At Infracenter, we have specialized in infrared heating since 2014 and today deliver infrared panels to thousands of homes, offices, yoga studios, stables, garages and holiday homes around the Nordic region.
Advantages of air heating
Air heating has several clear advantages that have made the technology popular in many different environments.
Perhaps the biggest advantage is how quickly the heat is felt in the room. Air heaters are also often portable and can be used wherever the need is at the moment. Many also appreciate that modern air heaters are easy to use and do not require any installation.
Products such as the Flame Tower 2000W and Electric Fireplace Deluxe 2000W also combine efficient air heating with decorative flame effects that contribute to a more pleasant atmosphere in the home.
Advantages of infrared heating
Infrared heating has other strengths.
Because the heat is stored in floors, walls and furniture, many people find that the heat feels more even and natural. Infrared heating also contributes to warmer floors, less drafts and a more comfortable indoor environment.
That's one of the reasons why so many people choose infrared panels as a permanent heating solution in homes and holiday homes.
Many customers also appreciate that infrared heating helps keep surfaces drier, which can help reduce problems with moisture and musty odors.
Comparison between infrared heating and air heating
| Air heating | Infrared heating |
|---|---|
| Heats the air in the room | Heats people and surfaces directly |
| Rapid temperature increase | Rapid sensation of heat |
| Often removable | Often permanently installed |
| Easy to move between rooms | Usually mounted on a wall or in a suspended ceiling |
| Perfect as supplementary heat | Perfect as a permanent heat source |
| Quickly creates warm air | Contributes to warm floors and even comfort |
When is air heating best suited?
Air heating is a very good option when you want fast heating and high flexibility.
Many people use air heaters in living rooms, bedrooms, vacation homes, home offices and other spaces where they want to be able to raise the temperature quickly. Portable models also make it easy to use the same heat source in several different places.
For those who want to combine warmth with comfort, models such as the Flame Tower 2000W and Electric Fireplace Deluxe 2000W also offer a decorative flame effect that contributes to a cozier environment.
When is infrared heating best suited?
Infrared heating is particularly suitable when the goal is to create a permanent and comfortable heating solution.
That's why the technology is used in everything from villas and apartments to offices, yoga studios, garages, stables and holiday homes. Thanks to the fact that the heat is stored in the room's surfaces, many people experience a high level of comfort while using energy efficiently.
Infracenter's infrared panels are developed to provide precisely this type of long-term and pleasant thermal comfort.
That's why Infracenter offers both infrared heating and air heating.
At Infracenter, we don't focus on selling a single type of heating to all customers. We focus on helping people find the right solution for their needs.
Since 2014, we have built one of the Nordic countries' largest knowledge banks in infrared heating and helped thousands of customers find the right heating solution for their homes and businesses. At the same time, we see that many customers are also asking for flexible air heaters for fast heating and extra comfort.
That's why we now offer both infrared panels, air heaters and electric stoves. This way, our customers can choose the solution that best suits their needs instead of having to adapt to a limited range.
FAQ
Are infrared heating and air heating the same thing?
No. Air heating heats the air in the room while infrared heating heats people and surfaces directly.
Which heat is felt the fastest?
Both techniques are experienced quickly, but in different ways. Air heating raises the air temperature, while infrared heating provides an immediate feeling of warmth when the rays hit the body and other surfaces.
Is infrared heating good as permanent heating?
Yes. Many people use infrared panels as main heating in both homes and holiday homes.
Are air heaters portable?
Many modern air heaters are portable and can easily be used in different rooms depending on needs.
Why does Infracenter offer both infrared heating and air heating?
Because different customers have different needs. Our goal is to offer the right heating solution for the right situation and help our customers create the most comfortable indoor environment possible.