Having opted for a ceiling heater, the question arises: what criteria to focus on. Each customer, first of all, is interested in the efficiency of the device and its safety.
In this article, the reader will get acquainted with a brief description of infrared (IR) heaters, learn how to choose the right one for a particular room. A few tips and a rating of the best IR ceiling heaters will help you make the right choice.
Content
Distinctive features of an IR heater
Infrared heaters are a new generation of heaters.
Thanks to the ceiling mount design, the heater will harmoniously fit into any interior.
What is the advantage of a ceiling heater:
- It is not the air that warms up, like a converter, but the objects around it. The heat is distributed from above, so the room heats up quickly.
- Operational safety, oxygen is not burned and air is not dried. The device is equipped with a sensor that can turn it off when there is a risk of fire.
- Quiet work.
- Profitability. Heating energy costs are reduced by 40%.
- The device can be installed outdoors, for example, in a gazebo.
- Easy to install, can be connected by yourself.
How the device works
An infrared heat source, unlike a converter, heats objects, human bodies, which then, giving off energy, heats everything around. As a result of this process, the air is heated, the humidity does not change, the amount of oxygen remains stable. By the same principle, the sun heats up.
When placing the unit on a ceiling, all heat will be directed downward. The effect of the convention is minimal, there is nowhere for air flows to circulate.
Types of heaters by radiation source
| A type | Internal organization | Features: | Where to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| gas | perforated plates | for work, a gas-air mixture is used. Has the highest heat dissipation. | burns oxygen, therefore it is not suitable for home use, cannot be left unattended |
| electric | open spiral | heat is transferred from the reflector | for residential premises |
| film | film with heating element (carbon) | suitable for low ceilings | ideal for giving |
When choosing an IR device, you need to know the type of heating element.
- Halogen. The lamp contains an inert gas, the emitted light has a golden color, which negatively affects the eyes. Radiation passes in waves of short length, which is also bad for the human body.
- Carbon fiber. Has a high efficiency, heats up quickly. The disadvantage is a short service life (2 years) and a reddish light that causes allergies.
- Ceramic. The heat is evenly distributed over the plates, the heater itself does not heat up. Possesses a high level of security. The warranty period is at least 3 years.
- Quartz. The efficiency can reach 95%. The element is a tungsten filament, sealed in a tube, or a quartz sand slab.
Main characteristics when choosing an IR heater
The device is selected for a specific room, and its area comes first. What else you need to pay attention to:
- Power. For a standard volume, choose a device at the rate of 1 kW per 10 square meters. For ceilings over 3 m, the power should be chosen from 1.3 kW. If the room has panoramic glazing, then the power of the heater must be at least 1.5 kW per 10 sq m.
The instructions usually indicate the minimum height for installing a heating device - this is an important point! For example, the ceiling height is 2.3 m, the area is 12 sq m. In this case, 2 devices with a capacity of 600 W are needed so that the heat is evenly distributed and does not “bake”.
- Heat wave length. For residential areas, long-wave devices are used. Shortwave models are equipped with a spiral mounted in a glass tube, during operation the glass can heat up to 600̊. Calculation - 100 watts per meter.
- Body material. Heating is not affected by the material from which the body is made, it is important that the ceiling can withstand the weight. It should be borne in mind: aluminum is lighter, less durable and the price is higher, steel is cheaper, heavier, stronger.
- Resistant to moisture. Condensation can build up on the unit, this usually happens when the heater is the only source of heat. And this is dangerous for the device. It is necessary to pay attention to the marking "IP24", which indicates that the heater is protected from moisture penetration.
Thermostat selection
Built-in thermostats are used to constantly maintain the temperature in the devices.
Ceiling heaters are not equipped with a thermostat for two reasons:
- inaccessibility of the installation;
- the thermostat will heat up from the device, so the measurement may be incorrect.
The thermostat must be purchased additionally, there are device types on sale:
- mechanical, equipped with a timer. This is a budget option, the principle of operation is to automatically turn on after a certain period of time;
- electronic. The heater starts working when the ambient temperature reaches a predetermined temperature. There is protection against a fire hazard. Equipped with a screen;
- Programmable or "smart". They maintain the set temperature depending on the time of day. Management can be carried out using a gadget: smartphone or tablet. This is the most expensive option.
Experts recommend purchasing a thermostat from the same company with a heater. You can connect the device without a thermostat, then the heat will be supplied constantly until it is turned off from the network.
About manufacturers
All firms can be conventionally subdivided into European, Russian, and Chinese. The very first pendant heaters were produced by Scandinavian firms. At that time, only factory models were produced in Russia.
Later, based on the design of European manufacturers, Ecoline began to produce Russian models. Currently, the most popular firms for the manufacture of infrared heaters are:
- Noirot Royat France;
- Zenet Germany;
- Timberk, Electrolux Sweden;
- Sinbo, UFO, Maximus Turkey;
- Neoclima Russia, Ukraine.
Devices of domestic manufacturers Peony, Ecoline, Plan, Teplo V or BiLux with similar quality are much cheaper than devices of well-known brands. It is better not to trust Chinese heaters with a low price, but factory-made Polaris devices are quite reliable and can be considered as an option.
Advantages and disadvantages of IR ceiling heaters
What characteristics do you need to make your choice for infrared heaters:
- Heating takes place 20 minutes before 23̊ - 24 ̊, due to the fact that the device itself does not require heating, it immediately begins to give off heat to the surrounding environment.
- Oxygen is not burned and air is not dried.
- Compactness, fits harmoniously into any interior.
- Electricity is spent 30% less than when heating with other types of devices.
- Additional energy savings occur with the thermostat.
- There is no air circulation during operation, therefore it does not have a negative effect on people prone to allergies.
- Ease of installation.
- Quiet operation.
- High level of fire hazard. The heat-emitting element heats up to 60̊, if overheated, the device turns off.
- Radiated heat is completely safe for humans.
There are also negative sides of IR heaters:
- High cost compared to other types.
- Installation of the device with a ceiling height of at least 2.3 m.
- Additional power line required.
- The radiation density decreases with increasing distance.
Timberk TCH AR7 1000
High quality heater, made in accordance with European requirements. The device heats the area up to 15 sq. M. A radiant panel is used as a heating element. Due to the wavy shape of the panels, the largest exposure area is achieved. Device power: 1500 W, 2 heating modes, moisture protection class IP20. An optional control unit for remote switching can be purchased. Instrument weight: 8.7 kg.
Advantages:
- good value for money;
- reliable, well protected from moisture;
- automatic shutdown in case of overheating;
- the possibility of remote control, if you additionally purchase a PU;
Disadvantages:
- crackling is audible when disconnected.
- high price
Average price: 4500 rubles.
Timberk TCH A5 1500
The heater is equipped with a reflector with a 90% reflective surface. It is capable of covering an area of up to 16 square meters with heat waves. The power of the device is 1.5 kW, there are models for 1 and 0.8 kW, the permissible installation height is 2.7 m.
It is possible to group up to 3000 W with the installation of a thermostat and a joint PU. Device weight: 5.3 kg.
Advantages:
- compact;
- overheat protection.
Disadvantages:
- cracks violently when cooled;
- the warranty period is only 12 months.
Price: 3800 rub.
Ballu BIH-APL-1.0
The main purpose of the device is to heat the room. The ability to be installed above a local area (for example, above a table) saves energy. Heating can be in a room with a ceiling up to 3.5 m. Panel-type heater, power - 1000 W, for an area of 10 sq. M.
Convenient brackets are included with the device to help you easily install the heater. Device weight: 3.4 kg. It is possible to connect a thermostat from the same company Ballu BMT-2 - universal with mechanical adjustment or digital Ballu BDT-1.
Advantages:
- compact, stylish;
- easy installation;
- warranty period is 24 months.
Disadvantages:
- not suitable for low ceilings;
- in the early days, the smell of plastic can be felt.
Country: Russia, average price: 2500 rubles.
Ballu BIH-S2-0.3
The model can be used for a small room, the heating area is up to 6 sq. M. A quartz heating element with a power of 300 watts. Protection degree IP54. The heater is equipped with 2.4 m high false ceiling mountings.
The device is equipped with double thermal insulation with shielding to help dissipate maximum heat. Weight 3.4 kg.
Advantages:
- economical;
- installation to a false ceiling.
Disadvantages:
- not
Average price: 2700 rubles.
Almac IK11
The device is Russian-made, available in several colors: white, beige, wenge, silver. When creating the heater, modern construction materials were used, which helped to reduce the thickness to 3 cm.
The heater meets all fire safety requirements and has a certificate of compliance with sanitary and epidemiological standards. Heated room volume: up to 20 sq m, with a ceiling height of up to 3.5 m. Weight of the device: 3.3 kg, power 1000 W.
The heater is equipped with a WAGO quick connect terminal block. According to customer reviews, it is not recommended to install the heater at a height below 1.9 m, the heat is more pleasant than from the converter. If you lay foil under the floor, then the heat will not go away.
Advantages:
- 60 months warranty, 20 years service life;
- stylish design, different colors.
Disadvantages:
- clicks when cooling
Price: about 3700 rubles.
Almac IK7A
The model has a small size: 39x14.7x8.5 cm and weight - only 0.8 kg, heating area - up to 12 sq m, equipped with a halogen heating element. In case of overheating, the device turns off automatically. Mechanical control panel. The device is designed for spot heating in open gazebos, verandas.
Can be installed under awnings, tents.The device is equipped with special terminals that will allow you to quickly connect several heaters to a network. The device is available in two colors: white and black. The design includes a grill to protect against touching if the device is installed at a height below 2 m.
Advantages:
- heating in 2 sec.
- effective for outdoor heating;
- compact;
- low cost.
Disadvantages:
- no power regulator;
- splash is unacceptable.
Price: from 4800 rubles.
Peony 10 Lux
As a heat source, a silent, heating element-free design is used to eliminate the crackle when the device is turned off. Heating area in winter - 10 sq m, in summer - up to 20 sq m. Ceiling height: from 2.5 to 3.5 m, device weight: 4.2 kg. The heater is available in white and beige. Warranty: 3 years, service life: 25 years.
On the case there is a light indicator through which control is carried out.
Advantages:
- compact;
- oval shape increases the heating area;
- long warranty period;
- the ability to install on the wall.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
Manufacturer: Russia, price: from 4150 rubles.
Hyundai H-HC2-30-UI692
Powerful heater 3000 kW, suitable for rooms up to 30 sq m, minimum ceiling height - 2.5 m, degree of protection - IP20. Suspended device with wall mountings.
Advantages:
- large heating area;
- compact size of the device;
- fast heating of the room;
- high power.
Disadvantages:
- great value.
Country of origin: Russia, price: from 4900 rubles.
Ceiling infrared heaters are widely used in the country, in an apartment, office, large premises. The principle of operation is spied on by nature, because IR heaters give the same heat as the sun.
