What’s far infrared?

The core feature of every Sundirect heater is the far infrared heating element. It works the same way as a classic stove being a body with higher temperature which transfers energy to a body with lower temperature through electromagnetic radiation. We mainly consider three different types of infrared: Near infrared, Medium-wave infrared and Far infrared. Normally Near infrared heaters operate at high filament temperatures above 1,800 °C, Medium-wave infrared heaters operate at filament temperatures of around 1,000 °C and Far infrared heaters operate at a much lower temperature of approx 80°C to 120°C. Due to this core advantage, the Far infrared technology is widely used in the Far infrared sauna, Infrared lamps and other appliances for health treatment systems as well as in the panel heaters like those supplied by SUNDIRECT. Because the heating elements are at a relatively low temperature, SUNDIRECT heaters do not yield emissions, dust, dirt, formaldehyde, toxic fumes from paint-coating, etc. This has made SUNDIRECT heaters very popular among people with severe allergies and multiple chemical sensitivity. Several studies have examined the use of far infrared heater in the treatment of chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis, and found some evidence of benefit.

The future lies in far infrared heating. Due to the fact that far infrared is operating at around 80-120°C surface temperature it creates the most comfortable heating condition without the potential of getting burned. The heating elements operate at relatively low temperature meaning that SUNDIRECT far infrared heaters do not give of emissions, smell of dust, dirt, formaldehyde, toxic fumes from paint-coating, etc. This has made our heaters very popular among people with severe allergies and multiple chemical sensitivities in Europe. Several studies have proven that the use of far infrared heaters are beneficial in treatment of chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis.

Infrared heater: health benefit or risk?

Are infrared heaters bad for you? Are they dangerous? Or do they actually have health benefits? Those who have experienced infrared heaters know first-hand the comfortable heat they create. Nonetheless, many still have doubts and fear that infrared radiation is hazardous to their health. After all, most associate the word radiation with negative things such as nuclear radiation or X-radiation. In this article, we demystify the effects of infrared radiation and tell you how it affects your body.

3 characteristics of infrared heaters

1. Infrared rays heat up bodies, objects and walls directly
2. Infrared heating panels don’t create air and dust circulation
3. The air won’t be heated which means the humidity level stays the same.

Are infrared heaters dangerous for your body?

No. Infrared radiation is not dangerous for your health. Infrared radiation is the same radiation emitted by the sun making us feel cozy on a sunny autumn day. They differ completely from X-radiation or microwaves. Many think since the sun is emitting UV-rays, which can be damaging to our skin, infrared heaters must have the same effect since we claim that the heat is similar to the one from the sun. They are wrong. Firstly UV-rays have also health benefits besides its harms such as skin cancer or retina damage. It is our number one source of Vitamin D, can treat some skin conditions and has positive effects on people suffering from hypertension.

But that aside, the sun is emitting three different types of electromagnetic radiation: sunlight, UV-rays, and infrared rays. You wouldn’t assume that sunlight is causing cancer, would you? Amongst those three, infrared rays are responsible for the heat we feel which is the same feeling we get from infrared heating panels. Infrared heatings panels work with far infrared rays (infrared-C radiation). While long and intense exposure to infrared radiation can cause harm to the eye this is only the case for extremely hot occupational applications such as in the metal welding or glass blowing industry.

What are the health benefits of infrared heaters?

There are many positive effects of infrared heating panels. On the one hand, the infrared heater prevents mold from forming on the walls, as it heats walls directly and keeps them dry. Moist cold walls are often the reason for spreading mold. Resulting health issues caused by mold can vary. They include headaches, respiratory disease, irritation of the mucous membranes and throat, joint problems, gastrointestinal problems, eczema, and laxity. With prolonged exposure to mold, these symptoms can become chronic.

Since infrared heating panels don’t heat the air, the humidity remains in the room. Dry air in the winter can dry out the mucous membranes, making us more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Did you know that actually fewer viruses survive in rooms with at least 30-40% humidity? Dry hot air can also make you feel sluggish and tired and is often the cause of headaches. Also, contact lens wearers feel more comfortable using infrared heating panels as the retina of the eye is not being dried out.

In winter, we tend to air our homes less, since it gets cold quickly takes long and lots of energy to heat up again. With infrared heating panels, you can ventilate rooms without having to worry that afterward, it’s as cold as a refrigerator. Since the air is not heated but objects, most of the heat will stay in the room. Those suffering from allergies feel particularly comfortable in rooms that are heated with infrared, as there is no dust circulation. Convection heaters constantly stir up air and dust, which can easily lead to irritation. If you are allergic to dust and dust mites as well as if you have eczema or atopic dermatitis this may cause discomfort.

Infrared heating panels really do have the same effect as the sun in terms of heat. Infrared-C radiation penetrates the deep layers of the dermis and through that heating up our bodies. By heating up our skin our blood vessels expand and the blood circulation and metabolism is being stimulated. The absence of air currents can also have a positive effect on rheumatics and arthritics.

Are infrared heating panels a therapeutic appliance?

No, infrared heating panels are designed to heat in the most efficient way possible. However, they are not a therapy method but simply may have positive side effects on your health by eliminating the negative effects of convection heaters. Sure, its comfortable warmth can ease symptoms but it cannot cure and you should consult a doctor for an actual treatment. The above effects are through personal experience and our customer’s feedback.

Reasons why you choose Sundirect Infrared heater

Comfortable heating

Infrared panel heaters emit a very high ratio of heat as radiant heat. This is on the same wavelength as the healthiest rays from the sun. Infrared panels heat objects directly, rather than warming the air (which is what convection heat does), and thus creates the best and cosiest feeling warmth for you. Compared with the convection heaters, there is no air circulation caused, and therefore no dust or raising of the humidity in the room when using infrared panel heaters, which creates a clean and healthy room air climate.

Energy saving

Infrared heaters directly heat any objects or bodies in range, meaning the heat is stored much longer resulting into energy savings.
Using the heater with thermostat, once the desired room temperature is reached, the heater will turn off automatically!

Eco-friendly

SUNDIRECT fully respects the international environment policy, using all the material that is lead free (ROHS, REACH certificate). We highly recommend our customer to use the Infrared heater combine with the wind generation systems or photovoltaic systems and thus make an active contribution to a more eco-friendly society.