IR & Patio Heaters
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Infrared emitter for use as patio heater
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What was an infrared emitter? What was patio
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Which models of infrared illuminators are available?
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What do you have to pay attention to when buying infrared radiators as patio heaters?
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Mounting of infrared radiators
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Safe use of infrared radiators as patio heating
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FAQs: The most common questions about infrared radiators and patio heaters
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Conclusion: You will find the right infrared emitter for the terrace
What was an infrared emitter? What was patio
Infrared emitters, also IR emitters, generate short-wave infrared radiation and thus heat. Electrical current or combustible gas are used as an energy source.
In addition to medical and wellness applications, infrared radiators are also popular as patio heaters. In contrast to conventional radiators, which initially heat the surrounding air, the direct effect of the infrared heaters is immediately applied and is therefore particularly suitable for outdoor use. This is not only true on private terraces or balconies.
The power-operated heaters are also suitable for outdoor use in restaurants. Caution should be exercised when using gas-powered heat radiation. They are not allowed anywhere for heating. Here you should first take a look at the regulations of the respective city or municipality.
Which models of infrared illuminators are available?
Electric infrared emitter
Most of the patio heaters (IR quartz radiators, IR halogen spotlights) are operated with electrical power and thus may also provide heat in covered areas or closed rooms.
Gas patio heater
Direct gas-fired radiators are usually significantly larger. However, as so-called heating mushrooms, these radiators are popular heat dispensers in the catering industry, for example in outdoor cafés or restaurants - provided that their use is permitted in the public sector. The problem with these radiators: The gas and the inefficient, non-specific heat release with hohem of energy do not make them environmentally friendly. Therefore, astronomers and other commercial institutions should inquire about the regulations in their city. In the private area, however, the installation of these radiant heaters is permitted.
Our practical tip: Dark spotlight
Where the visible light of the infrared tubes is disturbing, dark spotlights are available. While the usual radiators with infrared provide a clear view of the heating elements, they are covered by a ceramic plate or a metal element in dark heaters. They can not only be used in private areas, but also heat halls or other larger rooms in trade or industry.
What do you have to pay attention to when buying infrared radiators as patio heaters?
Engineering
- Power or gas operation
- Power supply for electrical devices (ready to plug in, direct connection to power line)
- IP protection class for outdoor use (touch protection, foreign body protection, water protection)
Power
- Maximum heating power (manufacturer's specification in watts)
- Heated area (manufacturer's specification in square meters)
- Lifetime of the device
Other features:
- energy consumption;
- Mounting options (wall mounting, ceiling mounting, freestanding models)
- Adjustable heating power (several switching stages in some cases)
Our practical tip: Gradually adjust heat
Some radiators with infrared provide the possibility to gradually regulate the heating power. Depending on the requirements, the patio heater can thus be adjusted to the outside temperature. A sensible regulation of the heating power enables savings in energy consumption and also has a positive effect on the life of the device.
Mounting of infrared radiators
Many heaters with infrared are equally suitable for wall and ceiling mounting and thus also suitable for covered terraces and balconies. Swivel models can be adjusted according to the installation as required. The maximum swivel range for these devices is specified in the product description.
Infrared radiant heaters for ceiling mounting are often supplied with a remote control. This means that the patio heater can be switched on and off safely and comfortably at any time.
In addition to patio heaters for wall and ceiling mounting, freestanding models are also offered. These are particularly interesting for users who want to increase their emphasis on flexible applications and who want to donate heat to different locations.
Safe use of infrared radiators as patio heating
When positioning a patio heater, as with any heat source, a specified minimum distance to objects and persons should be maintained. The corresponding information can be found in the manufacturer's information.
The IP degree of protection is also relevant for safe outdoor use: This is usually specified as a two-digit code, with the first digit being for protection against foreign bodies. The second digit refers to water protection.
FAQs: The most common questions about infrared radiators and patio heaters
What are the benefits of infrared illuminators?
Infrared emitters have a very important advantage: They do not heat the ambient air, but rather emit heat directly. This means that they provide pleasant warmth even outside of closed rooms, even on particularly cold days, and are therefore ideal as patio heating.
Are gas-powered and power-operated infrared radiators equally suitable as patio heaters?
Direct gas-fired infrared emitters are suitable for various reasons (environmentally harmful exhaust gases, size) only to a limited extent for use on the domestic terrace.
Electrically operated patio heaters (IR quartz radiators, IR halogen spotlights) are usually a sensible alternative here and are usually cheaper to buy and use.
What was the cost of a patio heater?
Depending on the manufacturer, the respective model and the corresponding heating power, the prices for infrared radiators are sometimes considerably different. The cost of high-quality weatherproof equipment is usually a few hundred euros.
Conclusion: You will find the right infrared emitter for the terrace
A key factor in the purchase of an infrared heater is the size of the area to be heated. The use of direct gas-fired heating mushrooms can make sense on extensive, gastronomic areas. For the domestic terrace on the other hand, powered infrared emitters (IR quartz emitters, IR halogen emitters) are generally better suited. Again, the heating power should naturally be adjusted to the area that is heated. The relevant manufacturer's information must therefore be included in the purchase decision.
Due to the comparatively high costs involved in the purchase of a high-quality infrared heater, a thorough comparison of different manufacturers and models is worthwhile. All relevant information can be found in the respective product descriptions.