Space heater

Wouldn't you like to have an additional heat source in certain situations? For example in the morning in a cold bathroom or on the terrace on a cool autumn evening? With modern radiant heaters, you generate direct heat exactly where you need it. At eibabo® we have a large selection of radiant heaters from all well-known manufacturers such as EHT AEG, Beurer, Vitramo, Rommelsbacher, Etherma, Glen Dimplex or Steba.

What types of radiant heaters are there?

Radiant heaters are available in different versions and are therefore suitable for a wide variety of purposes. The most frequently requested versions from eibabo® include large-area heaters, linear heaters, quartz heaters (infrared block heaters, halogen infrared heaters), infrared heaters, infrared lamps, changing table heaters, carbon heaters and IR dark heaters. Our range also includes ceiling heating elements in various dimensions, power levels and designs.

Many of these radiant heaters also have additional functions, such as:

switchable oscillation (automatic swiveling of the radiator)
integrated room thermostat
double insulation
safety shutdown
overheat protection

What is the difference between radiant heat and heat by convection?

A comparison with convection heaters helps to understand how a radiant heater works. Cold air flows through a convection heater and is heated by fins or similar. Warm air rises and cold air follows. A cycle (convection) is created. This cycle is often supported with fans or blowers until the target air temperature is reached in the entire room. A radiant heater does not directly heat the surrounding air. The device generates thermal radiation. This is transmitted by electromagnetic waves. There is therefore no heat transfer medium and the radiant heat travels through the air with almost no loss. It is only when the waves come into contact with an object or person that they are transformed into heat. The objects absorb the radiant energy and warm up as well as the room. So if a person stands in the radiation area of the heat source, they perceive direct heating. Despite lower air temperatures, this warmth is perceived as pleasant.

What is an IR emitter?

Many devices are offered as infrared heaters. These emit infrared light, which is not visible to the human eye but can be felt as heat. To create the infrared light, IR emitters use a series of coils and a reflector, which emits the light into space.

Already knew?

The German-British astronomer Sir William Herschel discovered or proved infrared light in 1800.

This way of working has some advantages. Modern infrared heaters start heating bodies and objects as soon as they are switched on. In contrast to heaters with fans, an infrared heater works very quietly. The level of efficiency is very high, since only specific objects and people are heated. Infrared heaters are environmentally friendly and do not emit any pollutants. No fossil fuels or wood are burned.

The disadvantages: Infrared heaters emit an orange light. Some people find this annoying. If you are sensitive to light or a light sleeper, an IR emitter in the bedroom is not the right choice for you. Due to the limited heat distribution, IR heaters are not ideal for heating large rooms. Because infrared heaters do not heat the air, the heat dissipates quickly after the heater is turned off.

What are ceiling heaters?

Ceiling heaters are a special type of heater. The heating panels are installed in the ceiling. These radiant panels then radiate heat to objects and people underneath. As a result, a relatively large area of the room is perceived as pleasantly warm. Seating furniture, tables, floors and other furnishings are heated evenly. The heat is independent of air movement. Ceiling heaters are available for both indoor and outdoor use. They are therefore ideal for covered terraces.

When should I choose a quartz heater?

Quartz heaters generate intense heat and emit medium to short infrared waves. These heat up the surrounding bodies particularly quickly. Because very high temperatures occur when the radiation is generated, quartz is used as a protective material for the heating element. In the private sphere, quartz heaters are preferably used as wall heaters for terraces and outdoor seating. The devices are also used in various industrial processes, for example drying and curing of materials and thawing of frozen products.

Source: eibabo®, Etherma SM-1400-T IR radiant heater Solamagic Image: Etherma SM-1400-T IR radiant heater Solamagic

Is heating with radiant heaters economical?

Heating is always associated with costs. Whether a certain type of heating is economical depends on whether it is used correctly or incorrectly. Convection heaters heat the air relatively inefficiently, but are well suited for long-term operation. In general, radiant heaters may have a higher power consumption. However, the devices bring the heat quickly and directly to where you need it. Thanks to this plus in efficiency, you can heat for a shorter time and in a more targeted manner. Conclusion: Used correctly, you heat economically with radiant heaters. It depends on your personal needs. For certain situations or uses, other heat sources would be a poor choice.

Can radiant heaters be dimmed?

It is not always necessary to use the device at full power. You can regulate the intensity of your infrared radiant heater with a dimmer, for example if only a little additional heat is required on cool evenings or if you are sitting very close to the device. The extensive accessories for radiant heaters include:

Dimming modules for the device
Dimmer for the socket
Radio dimmer in the form of remote controls or as an app for the smartphone
Quartz heating elements in many different power levels

Please note

There are infinitely dimmable infrared heaters, devices with several heating levels and non-dimmable models.

Gradual regulation of the heating output is usually sufficient, especially with radiant heaters for outdoor use. If this function is important to you, take a look at the product description or the data sheet of the device before you buy it.

When is a radiant heater right for me?

A radiant heater works particularly efficiently when there are objects or people nearby. It doesn't matter whether the room is open or closed. Such a device can be used indoors and (with the appropriate IP protection class) also outside. It is not the air itself that is heated, but rather individual objects or people. The devices therefore represent an interesting alternative for cold rooms such as garages, workshops or cellars. Radiant heaters also ensure pleasant comfort on terraces. Radiant heaters do not cause the air in the room to convect and there are therefore no draughts. This is particularly appreciated by people with asthma, allergies or other breathing problems. Radiant heaters are usually the ideal choice for rooms that are not used for a long period of time during the day or at night. It is not necessary to continuously keep the temperature at a high level. If necessary, a feel-good atmosphere can be created for a limited time and place. A vivid example of this type of interior spaces are bathrooms.

What should I look out for when buying a radiant heater?

Radiant heaters have different specifications depending on their purpose. Choosing the right device depends, among other things, on the following properties:

Where is the device installed?

This results in the design as a free-standing device, wall spotlight or ceiling spotlight. Pay attention to the IP protection class for devices for outdoor use.

Do I want to be able to control the heating output?

Sometimes a simple device with one heat setting is enough. Devices with step switching offer more convenience. The most convenient way is stepless regulation via remote control or app.

warmth for the baby

Some radiant heaters are specially designed for use above the changing table. Keep in mind that to protect the baby, these only generate comfortable heat for a relatively small area. These devices are not suitable for heating the entire children's room.

What performance should the device have?

Choose a heater according to the size of the area to be heated. For a medium distance, the rough rule of thumb is: 100 watts of heating power for one square meter of area. With an area of 10 m² to be heated, you should therefore choose a room heater with a heating capacity of 1,000 watts. Of course, this information varies with decreasing and increasing distance of the device.

How should the device be switched on and off?

Standing devices usually have toggle switches or rotary switches on the device. Fixed mount models are either supplied without a switch or can be operated using the internal pull switch on the unit.

How much light and noise does a device produce?

Light pollution and noise pollution are among the disturbing environmental influences. Basically, infrared heaters produce very little light and noise, which are hardly noticed in everyday life. However, if you plan to use it in quiet rooms such as the bedroom, you should pay special attention to this. If in doubt, opt for a dark radiator. Classic IR emitters offer a clear view of the heating element and emit orange light. This is not the case with the dark radiator. In these models, the heating element is covered with a ceramic plate or a metal plate.