Are infrared heaters dangerous? Infrared heaters are harmful to health. Why is a heater dangerous?

Infrared heaters are extremely popular today. They are positioned by manufacturers as economical, durable, super-efficient devices. It would seem that this is an ideal solution for organizing additional heating.

At the same time, many buyers are confused by the possible harm of infrared heaters, which is not just something that “grandmothers on a bench” talk about. We will help you sort out this difficult issue. The article we have presented is based on the opinion of specialists who have studied the effects of infrared radiation on the human body.

The source of IR radiation is any heated body. A significant part of the radiation falling on the earth is infrared rays. Do heating devices, the operating principle of which is borrowed from the celestial body, really pose a real threat to human health and environment? It's worth looking into.

Unlike UV radiation, which triggers photochemical reactions and essentially acts only on the skin, infrared has a predominantly thermal effect and the ability to penetrate deep into tissue.

There are natural and man-made sources IR radiation, the first includes:

• solar radiation;
• thermal waters;
• Forest fires;
• active volcanoes;
• heat and mass transfer in the atmosphere.

All these are processes and phenomena that are very familiar to us, the influence of which on the body is difficult to classify as factors creating a real threat.

Contact with infrared radiation is inevitable - we encounter it every day: at home, on the street, at work. It can have both beneficial and destructive effects

Man-made sources of infrared radiation are:

• electric and carbon arcs;
• gas discharge lamps;
• electric heating devices;
• electric stoves with a spiral;
• generators;
• engines;
• ovens;
• infrared lasers;
• plasma installations;
• nuclear reactors, etc.

Thus, it is quite obvious that this radiation is a continuously influencing factor on the human body.

Infrared rays occupy the region of the electromagnetic spectrum located between red visible light and short-wave radio emission.

Infrared radiation itself is conventionally divided into:

• shortwave;
• medium wave;
• long wave.

The length of the waves emitted by a body directly depends on its temperature: the higher it is, the shorter the waves, and the higher the heating intensity.

A person with normal body temperature emits energy with a wavelength of 9.6 microns. And it is precisely this radiation (9.6 microns or more) that is most comfortable and safe for the body. The operating wavelength range of the PPI is 3-10 µm, which in principle is considered acceptable

Operating principle and advantages of devices

In traditional heating systems With the use of radiators or convectors, heat from heating devices is intensively removed into the surrounding space and then distributed throughout the entire volume of the room by mixing the air.

This heat transfer mechanism is called convective. The principle of operation of infrared heaters is radically different: the infrared flow of energy directly heats objects, and not the air in the room.

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All energy from the device reaches people and objects in its coverage area with virtually no losses. And the air is already heated by them. It is important to note that heating with infrared units is local in nature, i.e. If you are located outside the reach of its rays, you will not feel the heat. But this is by no means a minus, but in many ways rather a plus.

In particular, when there is no accumulation of warm air mass under the ceiling - a phenomenon very characteristic of convective heating.

Thanks to this feature, ICOs are an excellent solution to the problem economical heating rooms with high ceilings. Radiators are also useful in situations where only certain work areas require heating.

When organizing additional heating using this equipment, you can afford to slightly reduce the temperature in the main heating system without the slightest risk to health.

The temperature felt by a person in the desired zones will still be comfortable, despite the cooler air. Thus, the “IR additive” allows you to reduce energy consumption and save a lot on heating.

Emitters installed under the ceiling or built into it do not create any problems when installing other equipment, furniture, and interior items. Compact floor-standing models can be easily transported between rooms and taken on the road.

Thanks to ICO, it is possible to solve some specific problems - for example, to create thermal curtains before panoramic windows, stained glass windows, domes and other translucent structures, the heat-shielding properties of which may not be sufficient.

Aimed at window design IR radiation facilitates trouble-free cleaning of ice and snow - precipitation simply melts without having time to freeze. Steps, porches, paths leading to the house, and garage exits can be cleaned in a similar way. Such work cannot be done with such high quality by human hands.

As for the energy consumption of infrared units, their power can range from a couple of tens of watts to several kilowatts. Despite the considerable “gluttony” of the devices, they are considered highly efficient, since about 90% of the energy consumed is converted into heat.

The following article will introduce you to the criteria, the contents of which we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.

Types of units and their features

Distinguish following types ICO:

• electrical;
• diesel;
• gas;
• devices with hot water supply.

The use of diesel engines is optimal for outdoors, for heating residential premises this is not the best the best option. Such equipment is as economical as possible, but to ensure its quality and safe work removal of combustion products is required.

Gas infrared heaters are used with great success for heating open areas, gazebos, balconies, verandas, hallways, garages, hangars, technical rooms

The most popular and purchased are electrical devices. At the most simple devices This type of heating coil (tungsten) is placed in a transparent glass quartz tube. Such equipment has a short warranty period (only 1-2 years) and a relatively affordable price.

The power consumption of the devices is 1-2.5 kW. The main disadvantage is the presence of visible radiation, albeit not very intense. For people with hypersensitive eyes, regular “contemplation” of such devices may be extremely undesirable.

ICOs with a base made of carbon fibers are more durable (able to work without interruption for 5 years or more), but they are also expensive. Visible radiation is also present.

Ceramic appliances are the most good choice among electric infrared heaters. Their heating coil is securely “hidden” in a ceramic shell: there is no visible glow from the devices. Manufacturers' warranty for such equipment is from 3 years. Ceramic heaters have a wide range of power consumption - this is their important advantage.

Depending on the installation method, the ICOs are:

• wall;
• floor;
• ceiling

Ceiling units are the most in demand today - they completely eliminate the effect of convection, which means they do not tolerate dust.

Electric infrared heater in unique design can become not only a reliable source of heat in the house, but also a real highlight of the interior

There are newcomers to the “family” of infrared devices that have appeared on the consumer market relatively recently. This article, which we recommend, will introduce you to the features of their operation and design, as well as guidelines for selection.

Popular myths about emitters

Despite the mass obvious advantages, the question of the harm of IR heaters stops many from purchasing. Let's try to debunk the most common prejudices regarding radiant heating equipment.

Myth No. 1. IR heaters are dangerous a priori

It is impossible to speak categorically about the dangers of infrared equipment. This is equivalent to saying that the Sun is 100% evil. After all, their action is similar.

On a hot summer day in the sun, especially without a hat, you can easily suffer from heatstroke. But if you choose the right time for a walk, wear a scarf and sit in the shade, the sun's rays will bring exceptional benefits.

The same applies to infrared emitters. Sitting in an embrace with a device of dubious quality is definitely dangerous. But a well-chosen and positioned device from a trusted brand will not do any harm: on the contrary, it will improve your well-being, have a tonic effect on the body and save money on heating.

The effectiveness and safety of infrared radiation in a reasonable dosage has been proven by many scientific studies. A strong argument in favor of IR radiation is its widespread use in medicine and manufacturing (including food production).

Correctly dosed infrared radiation has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, stimulating and circulatory effects. It should not be perceived as an absolute health threat.

Myth No. 2. Devices burn oxygen

Not a single heater burns oxygen - this is an ordinary story. Oxygen is an oxidizing agent, and combustion is, in fact, a special case of oxidation, accompanied by the release of heat. Oxidize the oxidizing agent? This is some kind of anti-scientific nonsense.

It is more correct to say that heating equipment can “dry” the air (and with it all the mucous membranes) in the room. After all, a decrease in the relative humidity of the air is a natural process when it is heated. Only house dust can “burn” the heater.

By the way, you should not believe the advertising slogans of manufacturers that there are good heaters that do not dry the air at all (read - their products), and there are bad ones (that is, from all other companies). All heating units reduce indoor humidity. ICO is no worse or better than others in this matter.

How to deal with drought? To make it easier to breathe in the house during the heating period, the rooms need to be regularly ventilated, wet cleaning Perhaps purchase a humidifier.

High temperature IR devices cannot be used in fire hazardous areas. To avoid burns, do not touch the surface of the operating device.

What is the real danger?

One of the most likely harmful effects of ICO is drying out the skin. The surface of the skin, being exposed to an infrared source, heats up and moisture evaporates from its surface. But since the subcutaneous layers do not have time to warm up, the body does not produce sweat. Because of this, the skin “dries out” and sometimes burns occur.

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Real danger for operation are devices powered by gas cylinders

When operating infrared heaters, you must strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions specified by him in the instructions attached to the product.

If gas heating equipment is intended for use in an open area, it should not be used for heating premises.

When using gas infrared devices in the house, they must be installed in rooms with an area no less than that specified by the manufacturer and the room must be regularly ventilated

If you believe consumer reviews about infrared units, the “baking” effect during their operation is quite common, and the skin especially suffers in infrared saunas. The effect of intense infrared radiation on people has been studied for a long time - both by physiotherapists and specialists in charge of occupational safety issues.

With prolonged or insufficient exposure, infrared rays are considered a highly harmful factor. In physiotherapy, the effect of using radiant heat is considered beneficial in strictly regulated “portions” and a short duration of irradiation.

Permissible intensity of infrared irradiation of a surface human body(for a long stay in a room with an IR source) is regulated by SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96

IR heaters also pose a danger to the eyes - thermal damage to the lens and retina can provoke the development of cataracts, as well as contribute to the progression of existing problems with the organs of vision.

Infrared rays directed directly at the head cause migraines, nausea, and deterioration in general well-being. Such complaints from owners of ceiling radiators are especially frequent.

Whether an infrared heater will cause real harm depends in each specific case on the following points:

• Wavelength emitted by equipment. Long heat waves are most beneficial for the human body; short ones, penetrating through the skin and even the bones of the skull, do not act in the best way;
• Radiation intensity. The body reacts positively to infrared rays with an intensity of up to 100 W/m2: activity increases biochemical processes, vigor appears, appetite improves. But radiation intensity above 150 W/m2 can be dangerous: it suppresses the immune system and leads to irreversible cell damage;
• Individual sensitivity. Some people respond well to exposure to infrared rays, while others immediately feel worse. You should always listen to your feelings.

It is also worth remembering that there are a number of diseases for which infrared heating is contraindicated regardless of wishes (tumors, cardiovascular diseases).

Ways to avoid negative impacts

To reduce the possible harmful effects of heaters, follow these steps: simple rules when selecting and installing them:

An ideally placed heater gives off heat to walls, floors, and pieces of furniture and does not cause discomfort to a person.

Using this table you can determine optimal height suspension of IR units based on their power. But these data are averaged; each specific case requires a more accurate thermal engineering calculation

Heating schemes are now widely used country houses, made on the basis of infrared heating systems. The features of their design and operation are described in detail here. The presented article examines the specifics of an effective version of PLEN.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video #1. A short answer from an expert about the dangers of infrared units:

Video #2. Reviews and impressions of real users of IR devices:

High-quality PPIs, selected and placed according to basic security rules, will not cause any harm. They will provide high thermal comfort and good energy savings.

Proper heating of all furnace walls is of great importance, both in sanitary and hygienic and economic terms. When the temperature of the heat-releasing surface is above 70-75°, the decomposition of organic dust and the release of odorous substances and carbon monoxide begin. Therefore, as a sanitary and hygienic standard, the maximum permissible temperature of the heat-releasing surface is 70° - for stoves in iron cases, 80° - for brick plastered and unplastered stoves and lined with unglazed tiles and 90 "J - for a surface made of glazed smooth tiles. The higher the temperature heating surface of the furnace, the greater the heat transfer of the latter.

Therefore, from an economic point of view, it is important to achieve the maximum permissible high temperature of all parts of the heat-transferring heating surface of the furnace. The better the heating surface is used, the smaller the furnace dimensions can be made. Thus, weak heating of the furnace is economically disadvantageous, excessive heating is harmful to health, and uneven heating combines both disadvantages.

The reasons for improper heating of the oven may be the following:

A) low heat The entire stove or any part of it may be a structural defect or a disease of the stove, not counting, of course, the case of firing the stove with insufficient fuel.

It can occur due to excessive wall thickness, as well as due to improper design, for example, with a sequential smoke circulation system, in which, as a rule, the walls of the last smoke circulation are heated weakly, as well as when chimneys from lower furnaces are passed through the oven, etc.

Both defects are discovered during the first test fires and can only be corrected by re-laying the stove again.

Thick layer of soot on inner surface smoke circulation can also greatly reduce the heating of the walls.

And finally, in the event of destruction of the partitions between the smoke circuits, depending on the location of the destruction, the gases may go directly and not heat all the channels of the furnace.

An increase in the temperature of the gases in the chimney is also one of the signs of the resulting incorrect communication between the individual channels.

By carefully examining the internal structure, punching holes in the walls or dismantling the ceiling, you can find and fix the damaged area.

In addition, as a general rule, the stove does not heat up well with poor draft, since the combustion process proceeds unsatisfactorily;

b) excessive heating of the entire outer surface of the furnace or part of it (similar to weak heating) can occur both due to illness and design flaws: excessively thin walls of the entire furnace or in some place. The latter is most often observed at the point where the gas jet hits the wall, for example in the Smukhnin furnace shown in Fig. 67, at the bottom of the back wall above the cleaning, in the Kashkarov (Fig. 68) and Protopopov (Fig. 69) ovens against the heil.

To eliminate such a defect, the wall in this place should be thickened, if possible.

Overheating as a disease can also occur from the destruction of partitions and, even more often, from the destruction of the lining, especially with iron cases and tile cladding;

c) uneven heating of the heat-releasing surface of the furnace, i.e. heating in some parts is weak, and in others is higher than normal, occurs for various reasons, similar to those just discussed and quite clear after what is stated in paragraphs. a and b.

With the onset of cold days, we begin to wrap ourselves in warm clothes and think about buying an infrared heater. However, there are so many rumors surrounding this modern device about the dangers of its effect on health that one becomes afraid for the safety of one’s loved ones. Today we will tell you the whole truth about how dangerous this device is to your health.

Infrared heaters are a heating device that causes a huge amount of controversy. Some believe that its rays are akin to radiation waves, others claim that it is almost healing properties. Today we will try to dispel all the myths and bring the truth to light.

Do not confuse IR and UV radiation. The latter really has Negative influence on human health, but we still have to understand the influence of the former.

Manufacturers assure that the rays of an infrared heater are indistinguishable from exposure to the sun. However, many people know that not all solar radiation is harmless to health.

First of all, it is worth considering that there are three types of infrared heating. Their harmfulness is at different levels and not all of them are dangerous to health.

What types of IF batteries are there:

• Shortwave;
• Medium wave;
• Long wave.

The first and second options can heat up to 800 degrees Celsius. Such devices, UFOs, are used only for short-term heating of outdoor premises. When such devices are operating, you should not be near them.

It is short and medium waves that penetrate the skin as quickly as possible. They are harmful to health and are used only for special purposes. The shorter the wave, the more harm it causes, and the higher the heating temperature, the shorter the waves.

Harm of an infrared heater

Infrared heaters can be harmful if used incorrectly. Also, the negative impact of such devices occurs due to poor quality assembly.

Unfortunately, infrared heaters really aren't very healthy. However, all the harm that we will describe can only be caused by such devices with prolonged exposure to the skin.

Harm from infrared emitters:

1. Such heating can dry out the skin. The fact is that with prolonged exposure to IF waves on the skin, it begins to dry out at such a speed that sweat does not have time to be produced. Thus, you risk getting dry and lifeless skin.
2. With prolonged exposure to IF, cells begin to deform. The membrane loses permeability. The protein is denatured. However, such an influence is only possible if you are exposed to a powerful short-wave device.
3. With direct exposure to If on the eyes, there is a risk of burns to the retina and lens. Such a burn can lead to the development of cataracts.
4. If you installed ceiling infrared heaters incorrectly, you risk developing headaches. This is possible if the rays directly affect a person’s head.

As you can see, infrared heating does pose some danger. However, such negative consequences most often occur due to improper installation or selection of a low-quality device.

However, one should not rush to conclusions. Such a lamp also has a positive effect on health, and the negative consequences can be eliminated with the help of simple manipulations.

The benefits and harms of infrared radiation for humans

Infrared heaters also have their “light” sides. However, this only applies to long-wave models. Since it is long-wave radiation that is as close as possible to natural radiation.

Long-wave infrared radiation is used for warming procedures. As you can see, it is also used for medical purposes.

Such waves penetrate only the upper layers of human skin and are completely absorbed by them. At correct use they will only have a beneficial effect on your body.

Benefits of IR radiation for humans:

1. Infrared radiation, at correct installation and choosing a device. Can be used in residential premises for quite a long time.
2. Short-term exposure to long wavelength IF is beneficial for older people. This effect also has a positive effect on the immune system.
3. Such waves are used in medicine, for example, in surgery and dentistry. They are also taken in the form of IF baths.
4. Using small doses of infrared radiation, you can improve blood circulation, which will have a positive effect on skin color.
5. Such devices nullify the radiation of microwave ovens and computers. Such heating also cleanses your home of negative waves.
6. Unlike other heaters, quartz and laser heating does not drive dust around the house, does not make noise or emit unpleasant odor. It also does not burn oxygen.
7. Short-term exposure to IF has a positive effect on nervous system. Thanks to it, you will sleep better.
8. Increases the release of melatonin. This fact will help you get rid of winter depression.
9. Increases insulin production. This is especially important for diabetics.
10. Improves joint function in arthritis and radiculitis.
11. Japanese doctors have proven that long-wavelength IF rays suppress the growth of cancer cells. This conclusion is not actively used in medicine, but provides a platform for further advancement. Perhaps soon the harmful radiation used in the treatment of cancer will be replaced by IF waves.
12. Using an IF heater, you can disinfect the air in your home. The fact is that such radiation kills some pathogenic microbes.

Despite the wide range of beneficial effects, you should not think that this is a panacea for all diseases. Without a doctor's permission, such treatment cannot be used.

Ceiling infrared heaters: the whole truth and myths

So, having looked at the lists of advantages and disadvantages of infrared heaters. And after analyzing the new knowledge, we can confidently debunk all the myths regarding the use of IF heaters.

The whole truth and myths about IF heaters:

1. IF radiation is similar to radiation - you've heard this myth quite often. However, unlike radioactive waves, infrared radiation does not lead to irreversible consequences after short-term exposure.
2. You can get cancer from IF heaters - this fact has not been proven at all. Of course, long-term exposure to IF has a negative effect on the skin, but some doctors even note the suppression of the development of malignant cells with long-wave IF irradiation.
3. With the help of IF heaters, you can be cured of many diseases - this conclusion also cannot be called true. Yes, when used correctly, IF rays have some positive effects on the human body, but it cannot be used as a cure for serious diseases.
4. The safety of IF heaters is 100%. Unfortunately, this statement cannot be called true either. The red “coal” inside the lamp, emitting infrared waves, can cause a lot of harm if used incorrectly.

Thus, by dispelling all the myths, you can understand whether you need an infrared heater. When used correctly, it will significantly improve the comfort in your home.

Infrared heaters: how to make them harmless

Infrared heaters can be used to heat your apartment. However, in order to minimize the negative impact of such devices, several conditions must be met.

How to reduce the negative impact of IF heaters:

1. Try to stay as far away from it as possible while the device is operating. The closer you are to the source of infrared radiation, the greater its influence on you.
2. Do not abuse IF heating. You should not turn it on all night in a room where people sleep.
3. Choose models with a rotation function. Such devices have minimal impact on the same area.
4. Do not install infrared heaters in children's rooms. The skin of babies is more delicate than that of adults, and therefore more susceptible to the effects of infrared rays.

In addition to these rules, there is one more thing: install the device so that the emitter is directed at the ceiling or wall. In this case, you will minimize its effect on the body of your loved ones.

Expert's answer: are infrared heaters harmful to health (video)

Infrared heaters have their positive and negative sides. If you decide to install such a device at home, then choose only a high-quality product, because your health depends on it!

Due to numerous advantages, the demand for infrared heaters is increasing every year. With their help, you can quickly and efficiently warm any residential or industrial premises. IR heaters produce significantly more heat than many other heating devices. For example, fan heaters. In addition, this type of climate control equipment does not burn the oxygen available in the room. According to manufacturers, the harm of an infrared heater to a person’s well-being is insignificant. But practice and research do not fully confirm this.

What is IR radiation?

Any heating household appliance emits a certain amount of infrared radiation. This even applies to conventional steam heating radiators. But when using IR heating devices, their frequency and wavelength are much greater.

Infrared radiation is one of the types of electromagnetic fluxes. The most powerful natural source of such radiation is the sun. But despite this, being under the rays of the sun is not dangerous for humans.

Attention: When the IR heater operates, heat rays are directed to the desired area of ​​the room and heat it evenly.

With the help of these devices, you can warm only certain areas in the room. The emitted waves come in the following varieties:

1. Short. Their length is 0.76 - 2.5 microns, and the element temperature is at least +800 degrees.
2. Average. 50 microns long, and the temperature is approximately +600 degrees.
3. Long. Their diameter is 200 microns, and the temperature is +300 degrees.

If the instructions are not followed, infrared heaters are harmful to health, because their radiation can penetrate human skin. The depth of impact on the skin largely depends on their intensity. The waves generated during the operation of the IR heater are of three categories:

1. IR-C – characterized by insignificant effects on the human body. Their length is 3 microns. The effect is on the surface of the skin.
2. IR-B – whose length is from 1.5 to 3.0 microns. These waves penetrate only the surface layer of the skin.
3. IR-A – these waves have the deepest penetration. Their length is from 0.76 to 1.5 microns. The penetration depth is approximately 4 centimeters.

When the IR heater operates, waves of various sizes are formed. In this case, the number of certain rays may be different. But as research shows, the higher the heating temperature, the more short waves there will be.

Much also depends on the material from which the radiating surface of this heating device is made. The biggest negative impact is the black heated surface. If the body is made of ceramic materials, then the strength and frequency of the radiation are much lower.

Harm of IR radiation

The issue concerning the negative effects of infrared radiation on humans has occupied many leading scientific and medical figures. Numerous studies have been conducted that have shown that these heaters can, in some cases, have a negative impact on human health.

Attention: The greatest harm from infrared heaters is associated with drying out the skin, which heats up very quickly, after which moisture evaporates, which the body is not able to quickly restore.

If long time is in close proximity to such a heater, you may get burns. After all, at a short distance, this heating device emits waves that are the most dangerous.

Infrared radiation is always present in any production. People who are in the workplace are regularly exposed to it. If the skin is not protected by clothing, then with daily exposure changes occur within its structure. In particular, the permeability of cell membranes decreases, protein melting occurs, which is irreversible, and the appearance of blood cells changes.

The eyes also suffer from radiation. Especially the retina and lenses. Because of this, vision may deteriorate. In addition, cataracts may develop in the future.

To heat various outdoor objects, heaters that emit short or long waves are most often used. They can be installed in gazebos, cafes, and summer areas. If such a device is installed indoors, a person regularly exposed to radiation can get quite severe burns. Often, skin redness and blisters appear.

Methods of protection against infrared radiation

In order to understand whether an infrared heater is harmful or not, you need to familiarize yourself with the methods of protection against their radiation. There are several effective methods, how to reduce the negative impact of infrared heaters on the human body. Here a lot depends on the correct choice of the heater and the location of its installation:

If you follow these rules, you can not only quickly and effectively warm the room, but also protect yourself from the negative effects of infrared rays on the human body.

But when figuring out whether an IR heater is harmful to a person, you should understand that if used correctly, it will not only not harm your health, but will also become an excellent means of heating. After all, an infrared heater has numerous advantages:

• silent operation;
• fast heating speed;
• long service life;
• uniform heating of the surface;
• the ability to heat only the necessary zones, and not the entire room.

Attention: When choosing an infrared heater, you should carefully study the instructions and thoroughly find out what its benefits and harms are, what waves are produced during operation of this device.

Much depends on the material from which the heating element is made. You should not purchase devices that use a halogen lamp as a heating element. It emits short waves, which pose the greatest danger to human health. Such devices should not be used for household purposes, as this will negatively affect your well-being.

As mentioned above, a lot depends on the installation location of this climate control device. Much depends on the size of the room and the height of the walls. Especially if you intend to mount it on the ceiling. The device must be at a certain height.

Before installing an IR heater, you should remember that the waves it emits should spread evenly throughout the room, and not be directed only to one part of it. Not only the quality of heating, but also the state of your health depends on how correctly this device is installed.

Care should be taken to ensure that the specified specifications, corresponded to reality. A modern IR heater is often equipped with a tip-over and overheating protection sensor, and has a built-in thermostat with which you can install and maintain desired temperature in room. There should also be a control panel. All this additional equipment allows you to make the process of its operation more comfortable.

Remember, the safest heaters are long-wave ones. They must be correctly located in the room and made of quality materials. This is the key to their safe use and quality of room heating. In addition, you should follow the recommendations specified in the instructions.

Infrared heating devices are a first-class type of climate control technology. Are infrared heaters harmful? No. After all, if you choose and install them correctly, they will be safe, convenient and versatile. With their help, you can not only effectively heat the room even in very coldy, but it’s not bad to save money either.

When purchasing a device for heating your home, you need to pay attention not only to the technical characteristics of the unit, but also to the safety of its use. To choose the safest heater, you should evaluate the degree of its fire safety, in the presence of the oxygen consumption factor - its intensity, the heating temperature of the housing and other parameters. After all, for example, if the heater body gets very hot during operation, you can get burned by accidentally touching the device. One of the first places when choosing a heater is also the degree of environmental friendliness of the device - a particularly important characteristic if a child lives in the house.

Oil radiators

Attention: Among all types of heaters, oil heaters are considered the most reliable and safe. They consist of a sealed housing filled with oil and an electric heating element. All modern models Such devices have a thermostat designed to manually control the heating temperature of the device. High-end heaters are equipped with timers for programming heating and liquid crystal displays that display the current operating parameters of the device. Models equipped with a built-in fan heat the room faster and more evenly, accelerating the movement of convective flows and more intensely mixing layers of air in the room with different meanings temperature.

Oil radiator with liquid crystal display, equipped with a removable device for safe drying of clothes.

The body of the oil heater, depending on the type of unit, has the shape of a flat panel or a cast-iron central heating radiator - it consists of separate sections assembled into a battery. The more sections there are in such a device, the more intense the heating of the room will occur. Radiator capacity various models oil heaters can be different - you can increase the heat transfer area of ​​the battery by changing the profile of the sections while maintaining the main dimensions of the unit.

This heating equipment has the following advantages:

• simplicity of design;
• noiselessness (models without fan);
• affordable price;
• presence of automatic control;
• safety.

Among the disadvantages are increased energy consumption and low speed of entry into operating mode - the result of the heater will be felt no earlier than 30 minutes after switching on. In addition, it is worth mentioning the fairly significant weight of oil radiators - from 18 to 25 kg.

Fan heaters

The main advantage of fan heaters is their compactness and the ability to quickly heat the room. An electric fan heater consists of a heating element and a fan.

Important! Fan heaters, depending on the power of the model, can be used to heat both residential premises and large industrial facilities large areas, such as warehouses or hangars.

Household fan heaters are easy to use and compact. Their cost and quality depend on the type of installed heating element, which is used:

• spiral;
• ceramic type heater.

Portable compact fan heater Timberk in a plastic case

The main disadvantages of spiral fan heaters are also the increased consumption of electricity and the high heating temperature of the spiral - when dust gets on the spiral, it burns, emitting an unpleasant and harmful odor to humans.

Important! Ignition of dust accumulation can cause a fire, so it is necessary to turn on the unit with visual control of the start of work.

The fan heater must be installed out of the reach of children; the device must not be left turned on unattended or children should be allowed to control its operation.

New types of heating element fan heaters are equipped with a heating element made of wire or graphite. They are safer to use than their spiral counterparts, but are more expensive.

The most advanced fan heaters are ceramic models, equipped with heating elements coated with a layer of porous ceramics. Ceramic coating is a kind of heat insulator that reduces the surface temperature of the heater, making it safer. However, this effective design feature also results in a higher price for such devices.

Convectors

Convectors have been used for heating homes for a long time. These are safe and effective heaters that can quickly warm up a room. In addition, this device is not capable of causing burns - the temperature of its body does not rise above 60 degrees.

IMPORTANT! The high degree of safety of the design allows you to leave the convector turned on for a short (1-3 hours) absence of residents, setting the temperature value with the regulator to 2-3 degrees less than usual.

Floor-mounted electric convector, equipped with support stands on wheels for ease of movement.

Convectors are characterized by compactness, the presence of additional options, for example, touch panels, an operating mode switch, and high heat output.

Infrared heaters

Infrared heaters are a fairly popular means of heating homes and other premises. They are sources of infrared radiation that can heat objects in the room that are exposed to infrared rays. Most often, such emitters are mounted on the ceiling or walls, but there are also portable tripod units.

Attention: With the help of these heaters, you can provide high-quality heating of relevant areas in the room. For example, you can warm only a working or sleeping area, and maintain the temperature in the rest of the room without significant changes, which increases the efficiency of heating.

An example of placement of a hanging infrared heater

IR heaters have the following advantages:

• resistance to moisture;
• noiselessness;
• relatively low power consumption;
• a fairly wide power range of manufactured devices;
• do not change the air humidity in the room.

The distance from infrared heaters to the nearest object in the path of infrared rays should be at least 2-3 meters to avoid fire. There should be no flammable objects (wool, paper, wood shavings) in the room where the infrared heater is installed.

Electric fireplaces

In an effort to effectively heat a room, many people prefer electric fireplaces with a “living fire” effect.

Note: in reality, such an electric fireplace is an ordinary fan heater with a visual imitation of a moving flame. The cost of this type of heater largely depends on the model, but is usually high due to the high-class decorative design of the housing.

One of the electric fireplace models with the body trimmed with valuable varieties of wood and 3D imitation of a living flame

Typically, an electric fireplace is built into a wall or installed close to the building envelope. The device is efficient, reliable and has sufficient power. In addition, this heater can be used not only for heating, but also as an element of room decor.

Non-electric heaters

All of the heaters listed above require electricity to operate. But in the absence of power supply, the need for heating does not disappear, and in such situations a gas convector is indispensable. Such devices are distinguished by their heating efficiency, durability and reliability. When burned, household gas produces almost no harmful substances, so there is no need for an exhaust hood in the room. However, gas combustion is accompanied by the consumption of oxygen from the air, and the heated room must be periodically ventilated.

The gas convector is equipped with devices for automatically stopping the gas supply when the burner goes out (flame sensor), gas pressure surges in the supply or the device overturns.

Household portable floor-mounted gas convector with protective grille

To heat rooms, you can also use more powerful devices - gas guns, but they are used more often in industrial buildings, where people are not present constantly, but periodically. However, even in such a situation, fire safety is the factor that occupies first place in the requirements for the operation of such equipment.

Conclusion

Of all the heating devices listed above, electric convectors are also the safest. But, no matter what heating device you buy, during its operation there is always a factor of increased temperature of the equipment body and the danger of a fire or burn. Therefore, you should always remember safety precautions and strictly follow its rules. The type of heater you use will only determine which safety priority you prioritize.

Except general rules using electrical or gas equipment, individual requirements set out by the manufacturer in the instructions for use are mandatory.