AEI Corporation

How Does Infrared Heating Work?

When thinking about using an infrared outdoor heater, you may not be aware of its benefits or the technology behind the way it works.

Luckily, we’ve brushed up on our physics so you don’t have to. 

In this article, we’ll explain both what infrared heating is and why it is a great tool for warming your space, helping the environment, and saving you money.

What is Infrared Light?

Infrared light is a kind of light that we feel but can’t see. Think of basking in the sun and feeling the warmth of the sun’s rays or warming your hands over a campfire—that heat that you feel is thermal infrared light. 

Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters utilize this kind of invisible, warming light in order to heat our indoor or outdoor spaces. Essentially, the things that we wear and the hairs on our skin take in the light and transform it into heat. Think of it as the difference between sitting in a shaded area or sunbathing in the direct sunlight—because the infrared light itself cannot reach you as easily through the shade, you are cooler, while the direct sunlight provides easier access, making you warmer.

What is the difference between Infrared Heaters and Gas Heaters?

While both infrared and gas heaters utilize radiant heat to warm the surrounding area, the electricity used in infrared heaters allows quicker, more efficient, and more effective heating than gas heaters, which take a while to warm up. 

Infrared heating heats the things in your space, such as the floors, your skin, and the furniture. In this way, the cat cannot block your heat from warming your whole space and you will find warmth anywhere that this invisible light touches. This means that it will stay more consistently warm.

Why should I consider this kind of heating?

Infrared heaters are more environmentally friendly, farther reaching, and economical to operate. They are extremely efficient, transferring at least 90% of all energy produced to the items in your space, whether indoors or outdoors. In contrast to gas heaters, infrared heaters need very little maintenance and are extremely quiet to operate. Plus, they do not produce any smells or emit any toxins into the air you’re breathing. 

Overall, infrared heaters provide a number of essential benefits for your wallet, your to-do list, and your planet. Consider this heating option today and see the difference that infrared heating can make!