Types of Infrared Heat Explained

Infrared electric patio heaters use radiant heat technology to warm people and objects directly, not the air. Infrared heaters operate like the sun warming your skin on a sunny day which make them the perfect solution to keep you warm year-round. Although infrared heat is a great solution to warm your space not all infrared heat is the same. There are three different types of technology to be aware of Short Wave, Medium Wave, and Long Wave infrared heat. Because these three types are heat producing and have different characteristics, it is important to know what sort of infrared we can use for heating situations and how to apply it. In the outline below we will breakdown the pros and cons of each technology to help you determine which type would suit your application best.

Quick History of Infrared

Infrared heat technology has been warming indoor and outdoor applications for decades. Experiments were conducted using a glass prism, the sun, and a thermometer to see if different colors of the rainbow on the visible light spectrum generated higher temperatures. What was discovered was light rays below the color red, that are not visible to human eye, had the highest temperature of all the colors. Today this light is known as “ Infra” (below) Red. Technology has allowed us to harness this concept to create invisible rays of light to heat solid objects such as people and create what infrared patio heating is today.

Types of Infrared Heat

There are three types of infrared technology Short Wave, Medium Wave and Long Wave. The rule of thumb is the shorter the wavelength the “hotter” the infrared heat and the further it travels. The chart below gives a great visual of each.

Short Wave

Pros

• Most efficient infrared technology
• Instant warm up time to feel full heat effect
• Not susceptible to wind
• Heat throw travels further

Cons

• Harsh orange glow radiates off the heaters
• Not many design options to choose from

Best Application: These heaters perform well in colder, windier climates.

The most efficient type of Infrared heat out of the three options. 90% of the heat that is felt is coming directly from these infrared rays, the other 10% comes from the heat radiated from the objects the rays are warming. The heat projection on short wave heaters is greater than the other technologies meaning you can cover larger spaces with less units.

Top Brands: Solaira, Dimplex and Aura

Medium Wave

Best Application: These heaters perform well mild climates where ambient temperature is 60°

Medium wave heaters typically have quartz element tubes that produce radiant heat. 60% of the heat that is generated comes directly from the infrared rays while the other 40% comes from the heat radiated from the objects the rays are warming. Medium wave heaters are popular for the different styles available and the warm ambient glow that is reflected.

Top Brands: Bromic, Infratech, and Innova

Long Wave

Best Application: These heaters perform well in indoor or enclosed covered patios

The least efficient type of Infrared heat out of the three options. 40% of the heat that is felt is coming directly from these infrared rays, the other 60% comes from the heat radiated from the objects the rays are warming. Long wave heaters perform in indoor applications or covered semi

Top Brands: Heatstrip, Radtec, Victory

With our list of industry-leading brands to choose from, we are confident we can help you find the perfect solution to accommodate your application. Our trained staff has years of experience and are happy to help you choose the best solution for your outdoor space. Our Patio Specialists are ready to answer all of your questions, give us a call today and take advantage of our FREE heating design consultation at 855-234-7565.