Infrared Heating Ireland

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IR heating or infrared rays are actually a miracle of nature with a number of good effects on our body. Why a miracle of nature? Infrared rays come from nature, to be precise, they are emitted by the Sun and any body that is heated. Most of the energy emitted by the Sun is in the infrared spectrum. We feel this energy as heat, and the moment the sun is covered by a cloud, preventing the passage of IR rays, we feel a drop in temperature.

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What are infrared rays and how do they work?

IR heating or infrared rays are actually a miracle of nature with a number of good effects on our body. Why a miracle of nature? Infrared rays come from nature, to be precise, they are emitted by the Sun and any body that is heated. Most of the energy emitted by the Sun is in the infrared spectrum. We feel this energy as heat, and the moment the sun is covered by a cloud, preventing the passage of IR rays, we feel a drop in temperature.

Infrared radiation refers to electromagnetic waves with wavelengths (nm) longer than those of visible light but shorter than microwaves. Thus, we can say that infrared light is part of the invisible light spectrum with different subspecies. It is also one of the most natural forms of heat transfer, which accompanies us at every step. Infrared radiation is a type of energy that directly heats substances, objects and living beings. The heating thus takes place in a process called “conversion”.

We know different forms of IR rays

Infrared heat in a certain form is emitted and received by all of us at any time. Such a form is called long-wavelength or C-length. Roughly speaking, IR light can be divided into IR-A, IR-B and IR-C.

IR(A) rays

IR(A) is the healthiest light that has a beneficial effect on our well-being and health. It is invisible to the eye and cannot be felt on the skin. The wavelength of IR(A) is from 700-1500 nm.

In the case of IR(A) infrared light, the absorption of water molecules is very small, so we do not feel it, but it penetrates very deeply into our tissue. Molecules that absorb IR-A light are called chromophores. They contain an opening into the optic tissue that extends. Because of this, radiation can penetrate up to several centimeters or at least a centimeter into our tissue.
Why exactly is IR-A light so important? IR-A light has a key influence on the regeneration of cells  in our body, which are also related to the production of our biological energy, which powers the human body to function at all, so it is very important. The chromophore molecules absorb IR-A light.

IR(B) rays

IR(B) light is obtained when the wavelength is extended to 2000 nm. Absorption of water molecules increases significantly with this light, which is why we feel this light as heat.

IR(C) rays

In the case of IR(C) light, the body begins to heat up when the water molecules are almost completely absorbed by the light. Then the wavelength is 3000 nm.

Earth receives enormous amounts of heat from the Sun every day exclusively through various forms of IR waves. The sun also emits a number of other electromagnetic waves, and some waves, such as UV rays, are even harmful, unlike IR rays. Therefore, we cannot equate heating on IR panels with solar heat, despite the fact that the principle is similar. Namely, with IR heating panels, there are no other forms of electromagnetic waves emitted by the Sun, except for IR-C, which is clean and pleasant heat. It is precisely this form of IR rays that is around us every day, even indoors, and we emit it ourselves, or it is all around us (even if we are cooler than the surroundings).
IR heat is the subject of many studies, which establish many positive effects on health. There are also heating panels that emit IR-A and IR-B wavelengths that are used for certain specific purposes, such as outdoor space heating. IR technologies are used not only for heating, but also for scientific, medical, therapeutic, security, household, industrial and other purposes, so it is also a well-researched field.
  • "IR(A) is the healthiest light that has a beneficial effect on our well-being and health. It is invisible to the eye and cannot be felt on the skin."

Difference between LED light and IR

In most cases, LED light is very harmful because it does not contain IR color value, but only blue light, which is very harmful. Especially at night, it can have disastrous consequences for our retina or retina of the eye. Red light (IR) is important for restoring the mitochondria in the retina, which take care of the regeneration of our cells. If these stop regenerating, it gradually leads to low vision and, in certain cases, complete blindness. In the most extreme cases, cancer cells can also develop.

Is IR heating environmentally friendly?

As already mentioned above, IR light and the heating method are friendly to the environment, nature and people. In fact, it is the most natural form of heating, as it has been on Earth since time immemorial. So we can say that this method of heating is very environmentally friendly and if everyone used environmentally friendly types of heating, the air would be much cleaner. According to ARSO data, small heating devices contributed as much as 74% to the total emissions of dust particles in 2015. The shocking fact is that in terms of pollution, they have even overtaken traffic, which ranks second with 9%. It is more than clear from this how with every heating season we do great irreparable damage to ourselves, children and future generations.

Infrared heating with IR heating panels

The R waves emitted by IR heating panels do not heat the air like conventional, convection heating systems. They mainly heat things in their immediate vicinity – floors, walls, objects, liquids and living beings, which in a natural and healthy way emit heat into the surroundings and thus ensure an evenly heated space and the air in it. The heat between the floor and the ceiling is evenly distributed, as a result, our feet do not feel cold . The heat produced in this way is favorable and pleasant for humans and animals.

The IR heating panel turns your room into one large low-temperature radiator. This is a key feature of IR heating that leads to many other benefits. Among other things, such a heating method leads to a long existence and ensures a long retention of heat in the room compared to other heating methods, which result in high energy losses.

IR heating is a comfortable and most economical heating solution that can be used regardless of the complexity or shape of the room. For this type of heating, you do not need a boiler room, and therefore the investment is significantly lower. Experienced specialists for IR heating create an ideal thermal comfort with the correct selection of the product and its placement, which has very low heating costs. The advantage of heating with IR panels compared to other heating methods is also that IR panels reduce the formation of dust, do not dry out the air and at the same time prevent humidity in the room, which can be the cause of mold. In addition to all the health benefits, you can save up to 60 percent with IR heating. You can read more about the advantages of heating with IR heating panels by clicking on the button below.

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Misconceptions about IR heating

IR heating, which is becoming an increasingly popular method of heating, brings many advantages. Based on the very efficient replacement of heat losses in the building, heating costs are greatly reduced, which is one of the main reasons for the ever-increasing popularity of IR heating. The demand for IR heating is increasing rapidly, and at the same time many claims are appearing which are flawed, incorrect or even misleading. What is the truth? For those of you who are not yet familiar with IR heating, in this article we have presented the most common claims and verified them.

IR heating is a new, high-tech invention.

DO NOT HOLD. IR heating is as old as our universe, as it is the only heat transfer that does not require a medium (e.g. air) or contact between objects. Our planet Earth also gets heat from the Sun exclusively on the principle of IR heating.

Heating elements work to a greater extent on the principle of IR heating. Therefore, the IR method of heating has been known to man since the time when people warmed themselves by fire, clay ovens, later also bread ovens, and just rubbing hands together emits IR heat. Of course, there are now newer ways of producing IR light and some modern IR heaters are new inventions, even patented, made with modern high technology and thus enable durability, efficiency and safety. However, they are not the inventors of IR heating as they claim to be.

IR heating only heats objects.

DO NOT HOLD., IR heating elements only heat objects to a greater extent than classic heating elements, which heat the air to a greater extent and objects to a lesser extent.

In contrast to other heating methods, IR heating initially heats objects (walls, floors, etc.) and the room is then evenly heated through them. It is physically impossible for the air around a hot IR heater not to heat up, just as it is impossible for classic radiators not to heat objects as well. So it is really a difference in proportions , which is the key advantage of IR heating.

IR heating is only suitable for additional heating.

DO NOT HOLD. IR heating, like any heating, is suitable for main or auxiliary heating. When it comes to additional heating using IR panels, it is recommended to use the IR heating mode as the main heating to reduce costs.

The chosen heating method is more economical than buying for additional heating. It is currently the most economical heating, so replacing classic heating with IR heating is always worth considering, as you can save up to 60 percent on heating (compared to heating oil). It is often used as supplemental heating in poorly dimensioned heat pumps that give off too little heat on cold days, it is also used by wood users to maintain the temperature or to increase thermal comfort in bathrooms.

It is cold under the table, the IR panel only heats directly under it.

DO NOT HOLD. With IR panels, it is warm under the table. The coldness under the table is characteristic of the convection method of heating (radiators), as the warm air rises towards the ceiling, while the cold air remains at the floor. Hence the cold feeling or coldness in the legs.

With IR heating, the heat is evenly distributed throughout the room. It’s only slightly warmer under the IR heating panel. The IR panel heats the room evenly, as the infrared heat is reflected from all objects, the floor and the wall, and indirectly heats the entire room, which is also confirmed by all users and studies of IR heating.

It is a deception, as electricity is expensive and ecologically unacceptable for heating.

DO NOT HOLD. But we understand your concern. Buyers are often interested in whether it is a scam, since kilowatts of electricity are more expensive than kilowatts of other energy sources, and the production of electricity is considered ecologically unacceptable. At the same time, energy consumption for heating primarily depends on the building and not on the heating body.

With IR heating, due to different heat transfer, there is a different dynamics of losses and thus fewer IR panel activations compared to classic heating elements of the same nominal power. This fact is evident in all users, all over the world, many studies have also been done that prove the greater efficiency of IR heating in replacing heat losses. The fact that the IR heating system is so efficient is the result of a combination of the way it works, modern technologies, lower losses of the system due to the natural properties of IR heating, the effect on the humidity of the walls, favorable electricity prices, the correct placement in the room and the selection and responsiveness of the system. In terms of actual energy consumption, the IR heating system is almost equal to the electricity consumption of subsidized heat pumps. So the ecological inadequacy argument is not acceptable, even without taking into account the differences in the olive footprint of the systems, which is strongly in favor of IR heating. In addition, you can combine the IR heating mode with photovoltaics or solar cells and thus provide yourself with long-term savings and self-sufficiency in electricity.

There are no differences between IR heaters and providers.

DO NOT HOLD. The differences can be very significant. There are several types and manufacturers of IR panels. Among them are design, technological and quality differences, which result in differences in the lifetime, testing, safety, intended use and efficiency of the products.

Manufacturers often cite exotic innovations, which are usually only theoretically improved versions of already known solutions, while neglecting basic life-span, provenance and appearance. There is a big difference between the providers of IR heating, also in terms of the quality of advice, warranty and experience . The company you choose must give you answers and advise you professionally and honestly. In Slovenia, companies in the field of IR heating have achieved great development and a high level of expertise, so that by purchasing from recognized companies you risk practically nothing more.

Some IR heaters are harmful to health.

DO NOT HOLD. No known IR heater sold is harmful to health and there is no information that it exists. There are more or less high-quality, aesthetic and efficient products., but IR heaters in themselves do not have any health effects,. apart from reducing the amount of dust and microorganisms in the air, because they reduce the air circulation that is naturally present in ordinary radiators - classic convection heating.

IR heat is harmful.

DO NOT HOLD. On the contrary, there is evidence of a good effect of IR rays on the body. IR rays are also used in various therapies. All analyzes refuted any negative health effects. Research has shown positive effects, with which the IR heating method is often promoted.

We would like to point out that with normally sized IR heating, the individual receives a negligibly larger amount of IR heat, which in practice does not differ from the amount you otherwise receive from your environment. As a result, they are not intended as a therapeutic device, but as an efficient heating body. Otherwise, everything around you emits IR heat in the same form, including you. Rub your palms together and bring them together. This is IR heat, which is the same as the heat emitted by IR heating panels.

IR heating is not suitable for larger buildings and new buildings.

IT DOESN'T HOLD AT ALL. Opposite. Due to the low investment and long service life without maintenance, the system is even an ideal method for modernly built large, small or industrial buildings.

In combination with photovoltaics, IR heating enables complete self-sufficiency with a low investment. In the case of new buildings, it is necessary to take into account certain special features related to ventilation and cooling, which is why there are a number of comprehensive solutions. Designers often do not know all the advantages and peculiarities of IR heating, so they create such solutions for customers at their request and in cooperation with IR heating specialists.

IR heating is not suitable for buildings with poor insulation.

DO NOT HOLD. In no case is it recommended to have a poorly insulated building, as this is energy-wasting and unecological, regardless of the method and source of heating. The economic situation often does not allow for the improvement of insulation.

IR heating is often the first step to its improvement, because in reality, those who have large heating costs, which, depending on the energy source, can be halved, save the most with IR heating. The difference they save is used in the second step to improve the building’s insulation. There are also situations where IR heating is less effective, which must be overestimated by an expert on a tour of the facility. In these cases, our experts give you honest, ethical and professional advice.

There are many dissatisfied users of IR heating.

DO NOT HOLD. The truth is just the opposite. Almost all users are extremely satisfied. But there are also dissatisfied customers. These customers are victims of over-promising by inexperienced consultants, errors in consumption estimation resulting from incorrect data or assessments of the insulation of the building, poor quality products or a combination of causes.

Often, however, customers buy IR panels on their own, without seeing a specialist, making a mistake about the assessment of the required power, the placement of the IR panels, and buying low-quality products. The Ekosen company urges all such unsatisfied users to contact them to have their IR heating arranged professionally.
  • "We are very satisfied with the installation of the panels, as they were installed without visible interventions on the walls. All installation takes place below the surface of the walls, without visible channels. The friendly installers are technically savvy, so they carry out the work with professional precision. We have been using the IR heating system for several years. Our guests are very satisfied, the feeling in the apartments is the same as being pampered on a sunny terrace. In addition, we saved as much as 60% in electricity consumption."

The use of infrared waves in other cases

As already mentioned, the infrared wave of rays was already known to man at the time when he was warming himself on clay stoves. So it is not surprising that infrared rays have a wide range of uses. In addition to medical and therapeutic purposes, it is also used for a number of other needs in our lives. As an interesting fact about the wide use of IR rays, we have prepared some interesting facts about the use and everyday encounter with IR waves.

Night viewing. Infrared waves are used, among others, for the purpose of night vision. The equipment detects the radiation and converts it into an image in which warmer objects appear brighter. Firefighters also use infrared equipment when working in smoky areas.

  • Photography : Infrared photography uses infrared filters that capture only light in the infrared spectrum. Digital cameras often use filters that block infrared light.
  • Thermography : Infrared radiation can be used to determine the temperature of objects remotely. In certain cases, it is also used in cars.
  • Heating : As already mentioned, it is used in saunas as well as for defrosting. 
  • Telecommunications : Infrared data transmission is used in telecommunications in free-air or fiber-optic links. For short distances it is used e.g. between computing devices.
  • Spectroscopy : Used in the investigation of the composition and structure of certain substances.
So to summarize, IR rays have always been present on Earth and accompany us at all times. In addition to the characteristic heat they emit, they have a number of other beneficial effects on our health and well-being. You can read more about IR heating and IR heating panels on our website or contact us .
In addition to professionalism, honesty and kindness, we offer you a free tour and measurements of the premises. We can also prepare an offer and, if you wish, calculate your annual savings. For a calculation or quote. Click on the button below.
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