Is Infrared Heating Safe?

Infrared heating has been a topic of hot discussion lately. It promises lots of benefits from efficiency to health.

If you’re considering infrared heating as a way to keep your home or office warm, you might wonder…

“Is infrared heating safe?”

It’s a valid question. So in this article, we’ll take a closer look at the safety of infrared heaters.

Key Takeaways

• Infrared heating warms people and objects directly by mimicking the sun’s warming mechanism. Without the harmful UV rays.
• Infrared heating is perfectly safe to use.
• It also has health benefits, including; Improved heart health and blood circulation, muscle relaxation and reduced joint pain and stiffness.
• There is lots of myths about infrared heating being unsafe. Many are unfounded and have no scientific bases.

What is Infrared Heating?

Infrared heating is not just another trend; it’s a revolutionary approach to warmth.

Unlike traditional heating, which works by circulating hot air (often leading to uneven temperatures and energy loss), infrared heating provides direct, consistent warmth.

Infrared heaters mimic the suns warming mechanism, without the harmful UV rays.

It uses electromagnetic radiation to transfer heat directly to objects and people. This reduces energy consumption and minimizes the circulation of dust and allergens.

Is Infrared Heating Safe?

Infrared heating is perfectly safe for residential and commercial use. Here are some key points that usually come up in discussions about the safety of infrared heating:

• No UV Radiation: Infrared heaters emit infrared light, which is a type of electromagnetic radiation. The term ‘radiation’ can sound scary but it’s important to note that this is not the same as ultraviolet (UV) radiation which is harmful and can cause skin burns and other health issues.  Infrared radiation is on the opposite end of the electromagnetic spectrum which makes it 100% safe. In fact, our bodies not only absorb this type of heat on a daily basis, we also emit it.

• No combustion or open flames: Unlike many heating systems, infrared heaters don’t burn fuel in the open air. This means they don’t produce carbon monoxide or other harmful gases as a by-product. This significantly reduces the risk of fire and toxic gas poisoning.

• Direct heating: Infrared heaters emit rays that warm objects and people directly in their path. As a result, it prevents the circulation of dust and allergens. This can improve indoor air quality and can be helpful for people with respiratory issues.

• Surface Temperature: While the surface of infrared heaters can get hot during use, many have safety features like cool-to-touch exteriors to prevent potential burns. Many also have automatic shut-off systems to prevent overheating.

Health Benefits to Infrared Heating

Not only is infrared heating safe, there are also several health benefits, including;

• Improved heart health and blood circulation
• Muscle relaxation
• Reduced joint pain and stiffness

Is Infrared Heating Safe For the Environment?

Infrared heating is environmentally friendly compared to some traditional heating methods. Here are the main reasons why:

• Energy Efficiency: Their direct method of heating means less wasted energy. This leads to lower energy consumption, reduced bills and an improved EPC rating.

• No Emissions: Electric infrared heaters don’t produce emissions like carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gases. This makes them a cleaner option, especially when compared to combustion-based heating systems. If the electricity comes from renewable sources, the environmental benefits are greater.

• Durability and Less Waste: Infrared heaters often have fewer moving parts than conventional heaters. This means they might have a longer life and contribute less waste to landfills over time. Additionally, the need for less frequent replacements can be beneficial for the environment.

• Zonal Heating: Infrared heaters are often used for zonal heating. This means they heat specific areas that need warmth rather than an entire building. This can reduce energy consumption as you’re only heating the spaces in use.

• Potential for Renewable Energy Integration: You can easily integrate infrared heaters with renewable energy sources like solar power. Also, as the grid uses more renewable energy, the environmental impact of using electric infrared heaters could decrease further.

Debunking Common Myths

There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding the health implications of infrared heating. Here are some of the most common ones:

Myth 1: Infrared Heating Causes Skin Cancer

Reality:

Infrared heaters emit infrared radiation. This is a type of non-ionizing radiation and does not have enough energy to damage DNA.

Unlike ultraviolet (UV) rays, infrared radiation is not linked to skin cancer. Infrared is closer to the visible spectrum and is a natural form of heat that all warm-blooded animals, including humans, emit and receive.

Myth: Infrared Heaters Emit Harmful Radiation

Reality:

The term “radiation” might sound scary, but not all radiation is harmful. Infrared radiation is a safe and natural form of heat. It’s the same type of heat emitted by the sun and our bodies. In fact, many health therapies use infrared light to promote healing, improve circulation, and for relaxation.

Myth: Infrared Heating Can Cause Dehydration

Reality:

Some believe that because infrared heaters warm the body directly, they can cause dehydration. However, it doesn’t dehydrate the air or your body more than any other heating source.

Myth: Infrared Heating is Bad for the Eyes

Reality:

Intense exposure to any light source, including infrared, can be harmful to the eyes. However, the infrared radiation from household infrared heaters isn’t intense enough to cause harm.

Myth: Infrared Heaters Can Cause Burns or Overheating

Reality:

Direct contact with the heating element of an infrared heater can cause burns. It’s the same for any heating device.

However, many infrared heaters have safety features such as protective casings and automatic shut-off systems.

Myth: Infrared Heating Affects Blood Pressure

Reality:

Some think that the direct heat from infrared heaters can cause a rise in blood pressure. There’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. Infrared heat is a gentle and natural form of heat.

Myth: Infrared Heaters Emit Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) That Are Harmful

Reality:

All electrical devices, including infrared heaters, emit some level of EMFs. However, the levels emitted by infrared heaters are typically low and considered safe.

The concern over EMFs is generally associated with high-frequency EMFs. These are different from the low-frequency EMFs emitted by infrared heaters. Most well-designed infrared heaters keep EMF exposure well within the safe exposure limits.

Infrared Heater Safety Features

Our infrared heaters have various safety features; These include:

Automatic Shut-Off

This turns the heater off if it overheats or tips over. It’s particularly important to prevent fires and burns.

Cool-to-Touch Exterior

To prevent accidental burns, many models have exteriors that remain cool to the touch. Even when the heater is on.

Tip-Over Protection

This feature automatically turns the heater off if it gets knocked over. This reduces the risk of fire.

Overheat Protection

Infrared heaters often include sensors that detect if the unit is getting too hot. They then shut down to prevent any danger.

Timer Function

Timers allow users to set the heater to turn off after a certain period. This not only helps in energy conservation but also ensures that the heater isn’t left on accidentally for extended periods, reducing the risk of overheating.

Thermostat Control

Many infrared heaters have thermostats that let you to set your desired temperature. Once the room reaches this temperature, the heater will cycle on and off to maintain it. This prevents excessive heat and energy use.

Child Lock Features

Some infrared heaters include child lock features to prevent accidental changes to the settings by children.

Browse Our Range of Infrared Heaters

Infrared heating is a perfectly safe way to heat your home, office, and outdoor areas. We have a wide range of infrared heaters including wall mounted heaters, ceiling heaters as well as mirror and picture heaters as well as outdoor heaters.