When you start comparing patio heaters, you will quickly come across terms such as shortwave, mediumwave and longwave infrared heating. To many, these may seem like technical details, but the choice of technology has a major impact on how the heat is experienced and how well the patio heater works in practice.
At Infracenter, we have been working with infrared heating since 2014 and have helped thousands of customers find the right solution for everything from balconies and patios to restaurants, hotels and outdoor cafes. Experience shows that there is no one technology that fits everywhere. It's about choosing the right infrared heating for the right environment.
In this guide, we go through the differences between short-wave, medium-wave and long-wave infrared heating so that you can more easily choose the right patio heater.
What is infrared heating?
Infrared heating works in the same way as the sun's heat rays. Instead of first heating the air, people, furniture, floors and other surfaces are heated directly.
That is why infrared heating is perceived as fast, comfortable and energy efficient.
Unlike many traditional heating systems, the entire air volume does not need to be heated before comfort is achieved. The heat is felt directly on the body, making the technology particularly appreciated in both residential and outdoor environments.
What is shortwave infrared heat?
Short-wave infrared heat, also called IR-A, is the most powerful type 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. The high temperature also means that the heat is very little affected by wind and air currents.
That's why shortwave patio heaters are used in many restaurants, hotels, outdoor cafes and open patios where the heat needs to work even when the weather isn't perfect.
Short-wave infrared heat gives an intense feeling of warmth and can be experienced almost like standing in the sun on a cold spring day. If you sit very close to a powerful short-wave infrared heater, the heat can even be experienced as very strong.
At Infracenter, this technology is represented, among other things, by the Outside Heater series.
What is mid-wave infrared heat?
Medium-wave infrared heat, also called IR-B, falls between short-wave and long-wave infrared heat.
The heat is perceived as softer than short-wave infrared heat while still working well in many outdoor environments. The technology is often used where you want to combine good thermal comfort with a more discreet light than traditional short-wave patio heaters.
At Infracenter, this technology is represented by the Dark Heater series.
To achieve the best results, the heat needs to hit people, furniture or other surfaces that can absorb the energy. Therefore, mid-wave infrared heat is often a very good choice in pergolas, sheltered terraces, restaurants and other environments where the wind is not as noticeable.
What is long-wave infrared heat?
Long-wave infrared heat, also called IR-C, works in a completely different way.
This is not about intense heat directly on the skin, but about building up a smooth and pleasant comfort over time. The temperature in the heat source is significantly lower and the heat is therefore experienced much softer.
A big advantage is that long-wave infrared heat does not emit any visible light. You get 100% heat without any disturbing glare.
That's why long-wave infrared heating is used in homes, offices, bathrooms, yoga studios, treatment rooms and other environments where comfort is more important than quick heating.
At Infracenter, long-wave infrared heat is used in our infrared heating panels.
Why some patio heaters work better outdoors than others
One of the most common questions we receive at Infracenter is why some patio heaters are perceived to provide significantly better heat than others.
The explanation is rarely about the power in watts. Instead, it is about the technology used and how well it fits the current environment.
An open patio, balcony or outdoor seating area has completely different requirements than a glazed conservatory. Wind, air circulation, ceiling height and location affect how the heat is experienced and how effective the heating is.
This is why two patio heaters with the same output can give completely different results in practice.
This is why wind is the patio heater's biggest enemy
Many people believe that it is the wattage that determines how well a patio heater works. In reality, the wind is often much more important.
Shortwave IR-A is designed to work even when the air is moving. The heat travels efficiently through the air and reaches people and surfaces even in windy environments.
Long-wave IR-C works differently. The idea here is that the heat is absorbed by floors, walls, furniture and other surfaces, which then store the energy and emit the heat back into the environment. If the wind constantly cools these surfaces, much of the effect is lost.
That's why an infrared heating panel works great in a living room or conservatory but significantly worse on an open terrace.
Therefore, the basis affects the result
Not all materials absorb infrared heat in the same way.
Wood, furniture, textiles and insulated structures often work very well with infrared heating. They store the heat and help create a pleasant comfort.
Cold stone slabs, concrete floors and other heavy materials, however, can be significantly more difficult to heat up, especially outdoors where cold is constantly added from below.
This is one of the reasons why the same patio heater can be perceived to give completely different results depending on where it is installed.
Infracenter offers all types of infrared heating
One of the big advantages of choosing Infracenter is that we work with the entire infrared heat spectrum.
Since 2014, we have helped thousands of customers find the right solution for their needs. Experience shows that there is no one technology that is best everywhere. It is about choosing the right product for the right environment.
For open patios, terraces, balconies and outdoor dining areas, short-wave infrared heating is often a very good choice. For example, the Outside Heater series is used there.
In pergolas, restaurant terraces and other more protected environments, the Dark Heater series with mid-wave infrared heating is a popular option.
When the goal is instead to create even and pleasant indoor comfort, Infracenter's infrared heating panels with long-wave infrared heat are used.
What type of infrared heating is best?
If you are going to heat an open patio, deck, balcony or outdoor dining area where the wind affects comfort, shortwave IR-A is often the most effective choice.
If the environment is more protected, such as a pergola, restaurant terrace or glazed balcony, mid-wave infrared heating can be a very good alternative.
When the goal is instead to create even and pleasant indoor comfort, long-wave infrared heating is the natural choice.
The most important thing is not to choose the most powerful heater or the latest model. The most important thing is to choose the right technology for the environment to be heated.
Frequently asked questions about shortwave and longwave infrared heating
Is shortwave infrared heating best for outdoor use?
In many open outdoor environments, short-wave infrared heating is a very good alternative because the heat is felt quickly and works effectively even when the air is moving.
Is long-wave infrared heating better in conservatories?
In many protected environments, the softer feeling of warmth that long-wave infrared heat can provide is appreciated.
Which patio heater works best when it's windy?
Shortwave patio heaters with IR-A technology are often used in environments where wind affects comfort.
What is the difference between Dark Heater and Outside Heater?
The Outside Heater uses short-wave IR-A infrared heat while the Dark Heater uses medium-wave IR-B.They are developed for different types of environments and heating needs.
What type of infrared heating is used in Infracenter's heating panels?
Infracenter's infrared heating panels use long-wave IR-C infrared heat.
Summary
Shortwave, mediumwave and longwave infrared heat have different strengths. The most important thing is not to choose one technology or another, but to choose the right solution for the environment to be heated.
Since 2014, Infracenter has helped thousands of customers find the right infrared heating for everything from balconies and patios to restaurants, hotels, homes and offices. With the right technology, you get better comfort, more efficient heating and more heat for your money.