Radiant heaters are electric heaters that generate heat using infrared waves. They are a good solution for people looking for an immediate heat source, as opposed to warm air heaters, which have a relatively long lag time between activation and the area reaching the desired temperature.

1. What are Radiant
Heaters?

2. Radiant heaters are electric heaters that generate heat using
infrared waves. They are a good solution for people looking
for an immediate heat source, as opposed to warm air
heaters, which have a relatively long lag time between
activation and the area reaching the desired temperature.

3. Some heating systems work by
first heating up a large space of
air, which in turn heats up the
structure itself, as well as objects
and people within the space. The
air takes a while to become warm
enough to convey the heat directly
to people in the room, depending
on the size of the space to be
filled, the insulation of the
structure, and the temperature
setting of the heater. These types
of heater can work well over a
longer period of time or if the air
in an entire building must be
heated.

4. When the goal is more immediate heat, however, and an
individual person is using the heater, radiant heaters are
often the preferable solution. They send out infrared
radiation — similar to how our sun transfers its energy to the
earth — which is not absorbed by the air as it passes through
it. When these infrared waves strike an object, some of the
heat is reflected, but the bulk is immediately absorbed. This
means that a person sitting in front of an infrared heater will
feel the heat virtually from the moment the device is turned
on.

5. Because of the nature of their heat, radiant heaters have a
number of other benefits. Since they don’t move air like a
typical heater, they don’t disturb dust or send out strong
odors, making them preferable for those with dust allergies
or who dislike the smell of some more traditional heating
sources. These heaters usually achieve their full heat within
about five minutes, and they are quite energy efficient when
compared to many other heating options. Because the heat is
reflected and absorbed as it contacts objects, the warmth
produced tends to be very uniform, without pockets of very
hot or very cold air.

6. Radiant heaters are available in
both mounted and portable
varieties. Many companies
specialize in installing a full
radiant heating system
throughout a house, with
controls that allow for multi-
zone heating and very precise
climate control. Portable
varieties range widely in how
much heat they produce, from
small units intended simply to
warm a single person, to larger
units meant for use in a large
room.

7. Article Source: WiseGeek.Com
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