Infrared heaters with a thermostat for a summer residence: what they are and what to consider when choosing

Not every dacha has a stove or, especially, full heating. But this is not advisable, given that life outside the city is in full swing in the summer, and in winter people rarely visit the site. However, even in the middle of summer there are cold days, and here a variety of infrared heaters with a thermostat for the dacha can provide invaluable help. Let's understand how the device works, what capabilities it has, and what parameters are used to select it.

A portable heater can be useful even in summer Source grillclub.com.ua

About the operating principle and design

Hydronic heating systems, convectors and oil heaters work in the same way as a fire in a furnace: they heat the air, which in turn gives off heat to surrounding objects. This method of heat transfer (heat exchange) is called convection, and acts omnidirectionally, along with air flows. Traditional convection heating results in the warmest place in the room being under the ceiling, where warm air flows

An infrared (IR) heater works on a different principle. It emits infrared radiation, which is a type of electromagnetic wave (some of which, the visible spectrum, is perceived by the human eye). Most of the radiant energy from such a device is first absorbed by the surface of objects, while the air is heated slightly. Objects heat themselves and then heat the air.

The electromagnetic method of energy transfer can be made directional. This allows you to organize heating of a specific object without pre-heating the entire room (and reduce energy costs).

Difference between convection and infrared heating Source ipic.su

That is why you can feel the thermal effect from the IR device immediately after turning it on. The design of the unit can be represented in the following (schematic) form:

Emitter. The main element of an IR heater, producing infrared radiation due to heating. Electricity or gas is most often used to heat it. In conventional electrical appliances, a heating element or spiral is used as a heater.
Reflector. This is a reflector, a radius-shaped surface directed towards the emitter and covered with a layer of heat-resistant metal. Sometimes, to soften the radiation, the surface of the reflector is made matte or uneven.
Protection. It has the appearance of a metal mesh or a transparent partition, which helps to safely operate the device in rooms with children and pets.
Thermostat. Allows you to maintain the temperature at a given level. Thanks to the thermostat, the device does not work continuously, but only until the air is heated to the set temperature, after which it turns off.

Directional energy distribution Source elektrika.expert

conclusions

Safe heating in a dacha is not difficult to organize, but you must choose the right device. Today, the best solution is an IR heater. The initial investment in its purchase is of course higher than that of a conventional convector or oil heater, but its efficiency and the presence of a thermostat will help you save money right away. And besides, not every heating device can be used outdoors, but this does not apply to IR, they can work equally effectively both indoors and outdoors.

Pros and cons of IR technology

An infrared emitter is an acceptable option for heating country houses (small in size). It is chosen for a summer residence for the following reasons:

Installation of the unit does not require complex or time-consuming procedures.
Infrared rays create local (directional) heating. The result of the device’s operation is felt immediately after switching on.
Objects heat up first, not the air. That is, to warm up, you don’t have to wait for the room to warm up, as is the case with a fire in a stove or water in pipes.
The devices are compact, and many are mobile. The latter can be easily moved from one room to another or used on the veranda or gazebo.
IR heaters are efficient and reliable. They maintain the desired temperature without excessive costs. The warranty period is 8-10 years.
The devices are environmentally friendly (the IR spectrum is also present in sunlight). They operate silently, do not emit substances hazardous to health, and do not affect the humidity and oxygen of the air. For normal operation, supply and exhaust ventilation is not required.

Street model for comfortable evening gatherings Source zaggo.ru

The thermostat allows you to save energy.

The disadvantages include the following facts:

After turning off the unit, the room quickly cools down.
Heating is carried out zonally, which limits the area of comfortable stay.
If you do not adhere to the rules of safe operation, you can suffer thermal burns (including the retina). Safety is determined by a combination of two factors: the distance to the device and its power.

Types of thermostats

One of the main elements of any electric convector is a built-in thermostat, which allows you to set the required temperature in the room. The thermostat control can be:

electronic;
mechanical.

If the thermal regulator is mechanical, then adjustment is carried out by turning the step switch. Its main advantage is its low cost. Among the disadvantages are:

inability to set the exact temperature;
increased consumption of electrical energy.

An electronic thermostat is much more practical in this matter. With its help, you can easily set the required temperature, this device is almost silent, and it uses electricity efficiently. Convectors with this type of thermostat are more expensive, but hardly anyone will dispute their advantages.

Variety of characteristics

Before choosing an infrared heater, you need to get acquainted with the types of models offered by manufacturers. Having an idea of the key features of certain devices, you can choose the best option for heating your dacha, garage or greenhouse.

Radiation intensity

IR heaters are capable of emitting thermal energy in the form of waves of different lengths, but within a certain range. The shorter the wavelength, the more energy it carries, and the more powerful the radiation, which affects the characteristics of the unit.

IR heater in the form of a lamp in a gazebo Source terman-s.ru

Based on the radiation range, devices are divided into the following three groups:

Shortwave. The wavelength falls in the range of 0.7-2.5 microns. Powerful units are not used in homes with standard ceilings due to safety reasons. The scope of application is large-scale premises with a ceiling height of 6-8 m, where hard radiation has time to dissipate, for example, a warehouse, a train station, an industrial workshop.
Medium wave. Devices whose heating elements generate radiation with a wavelength of 2.5-5.6 microns are suitable for rooms with a ceiling height of 3-6 m. There are no other restrictions, and therefore the device can be installed both in an administrative building or a shopping center, and in private house.
Long wave. Radiation with a wavelength of 5.6-100 microns is considered a safe option for any residential and industrial premises with ceilings no higher than 3 m. A long-wave heater is a suitable solution for an apartment, cottage, as well as a kindergarten or hospital, as evidenced by sanitary and hygienic standards for heating.

Local principle of heating a wall-mounted IR device Source prom.st
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in electrical work of any complexity

Energy source

Conveniently, you can choose an infrared heater for your home or cottage based on the type of energy carrier used. Based on the type of energy source, there are three types of devices:

Operating on liquid fuel (diesel). If we talk about the dacha, this is perhaps the worst option. In order for the operation of such a model to be safe, a separate room is required, which is problematic in dacha conditions. In addition, an IR heater on a diesel engine produces a characteristic odor from spent fuel, and this is difficult to compatible with ideas about healthy country life.
Gas models. To operate, you need a liquefied gas cylinder, which is quite suitable for heating a summer house. Safe operation implies two conditions. Firstly, you need to take care of quality ventilation. Secondly, a working unit cannot be left unattended.
Electrical varieties. The most popular models for use at home or countryside, varied in installation method and type of heating element.

Electric models meet all safety requirements Source bestazy.com

Heating element type (for electric models)

Electric IR heaters are divided into two large groups:

Solid state. The devices only emit heat.
Quartz. The source of radiation is lamps, so you receive not only heat, but also light.

In turn, quartz electric heaters are offered in two varieties:

With standard quartz lamps. The heating element is made of nichrome wire spiral.
With carbon quartz lamp. The carbon coil is heated.

The classification shows that heating elements differ in the material from which they are made. The material and internal structure determine the following properties of the heating elements:

Quartz. The tube is made of quartz, inside there is a tungsten spiral. The successor to traditional light bulbs is becoming increasingly rare on the market. Its main advantage is that it is budget-friendly; the disadvantage is that the light is too bright and uncomfortable for the eyes.

Device with a solid-state heating element Source tepleedoma.ru

Halogen. An inert gas (halogen) is pumped into the tube, the characteristic golden glow of which irritates the eyes. The radiation has a short wavelength; It is safer for the human eye to choose a heating element with long-wave radiation.
Carbon (film). Instead of a spiral, carbon fiber is used here. The high-tech product is interesting for its high (up to 95%) efficiency with simultaneously low electricity consumption, as well as rapid heating to operating temperature. The disadvantages include fragility and high cost.
Ceramic. The ceramic panel is heated thanks to a metal spiral. The panel is covered with a layer that protects the spiral metal from moisture and corrosion. A plus is fire resistance, a minus is the rapid cooling of the device after switching off.

Execution and installation methods

It is worth paying close attention to the method of designing an infrared heater for a summer residence. The market offers ceiling, wall and floor models (sometimes outdoor models are also included), and knowledge of their features will help you make an informed decision when choosing.

Carbon (film) IR heaters on the floor and on the wall Source domsireni.ru

Ceiling models are the most popular. They have the following features:

The device, mounted on the ceiling, does not take up space, and this is important in a country house. The ceiling accessory fits quite easily into the interior and does not attract undue attention.
Due to the peculiarities of operation, heat does not accumulate under the ceiling, but is evenly absorbed by objects. The warming sensation from the action of infrared rays is the same as from the sun.
The use of a ceiling model is justified in a room where children are constantly present: their contact will be completely excluded.
Brackets are used for mounting; The device can also be built into a suspended ceiling. The option is suitable for creating both a main and an additional heating system.
Radiation from the source to the floor spreads in the form of a cone; By correctly selecting the power of the device, you can heat the entire country house.

Energy distribution in the form of a cone Source stblizko.ru

TOP 15: The best heaters for the home in 2022

A heater is an excellent solution both for unheated country houses and simply for the cold season. There are many different models on the market today, differing not only in cost, but also in the type of heat exchange and even installation. The following TOP 15 best heaters of 2022 will help you understand this variety of devices.

TOP best heaters for home

Criterias of choice

When choosing the type and model of an infrared heater, focus on the following factors:

Room type. For a dacha this is: a room, a veranda, a greenhouse.
Power supply. Electricity, gas, diesel.
Heating method. Do you want to have a full or additional (zonal) heat source?
Installation method: ceiling, wall, built-in.
Additional characteristics. For example, for a ceiling-mounted unit, the installation height (ceiling height) is important.
Distance to heated objects.

Top 3. Nobo Oslo NTL4S 20

Rating (2021): 4.73

The most reliable The Norwegian Oslo series of smart heaters demonstrates high reliability, functionality and energy efficiency.

Characteristics
Average price, rub.: 17450
Country: Norway
Heating area, m²: 28
Power, W: 2000
Installation: floor, wall
Ecosystem: Nobo Energy Control
Dimensions: 40*112.5*5.5

The Norwegian company Nobo demonstrates a thorough approach to space heating. This model has a power of 2 kW and an upper outlet of heated air, which provides quick heating of a room up to 28 m². The convector has a thin x-shaped thermostat that does not click or crackle like most other appliances. Buyers like the functionality and convenient control through the Nobo Energy Control system. Although some are put off by the fact that the devices do not work with the Yandex or Google Home smart home. The cost of the system is not cheap. The convector can be hung on the wall or placed on the floor. But only brackets are included in the kit - legs are purchased optionally. The maximum temperature of the case does not exceed 60 degrees - it is impossible to get burned.

Advantages and disadvantages

High quality build
Fast heating
overheat protection
It's impossible to get burned

High price
Doesn't work with Yandex Smart Home

Video description

About installing an IR heater in a seasonal greenhouse in the following video:

Heating area

It is useful to know it for ceiling and wall models, the radiation flux of which is directed to a specific area of the room. For a large room, one device may not be enough; several heaters will provide uniform heating.

The heating area from one device depends on the method of its installation and the height of its placement. For example, with an installation height of 2.5 m, 3 m and 3.5 m, the heated area will be respectively:

For wall mounting: 8, 20, 28 m².
For ceiling installation: 17, 24, 32 m².

Types of electric wall-mounted convectors

All wall models can be divided into several main types:

tall;
low;
with advanced functionality;
with a classic design;
decorative.

Tall convectors can be considered standard. As for the low type, they are designed for mounting under windows with low sills or under panoramic windows.

As for varieties with classic and decorative designs, everything is clear. For creative people or just for those who want to be unique, you can find and purchase a convector in a store that will be different from the usual one with its simple and boring metal body.

As for extended functionality, this type is suitable for those who need freedom of choice. It is for them that convectors with a programming function are created.

Video description

About heating a chicken coop in winter using an IR heater in the following video:

How to Determine the Correct Installation Height

Any infrared heater has two important parameters:

Minimum installation height. The characteristic is related to operational safety. As this distance to the heating object (for example, a sofa or desk) decreases, the likelihood of overheating and getting a thermal burn increases.
Recommended installation height. The characteristic is related to comfort and practicality of use. Exceeding this distance reduces the efficiency of heating the room.

There are tables that allow you to determine these parameters for IR heaters of various powers.

Comfort of use depends on correct installation Source ichip.ru

Top 4. REDMOND SkyHeat 4560S

Rating (2021): 4.70

Best for a summer residence When the Antifrost mode is activated, the convector turns on the heating as soon as the temperature in the room drops to 7°C. This model is the best solution for a summer residence.

Characteristics
Average price, rub.: 8257
Country: China
Heating area, m²: 15
Power, W: 1500
Installation: floor
Ecosystem: Yandex Smart Home
Dimensions: 55.5*43.5*23.5

A floor convector with a power of 1.5 kW quickly heats a 15-meter room within 10-35 degrees Celsius. The temperature can be adjusted remotely in 1°C steps. From your smartphone you can also turn the device on and off and check the air temperature in the room. Settings options are available in the Ready for Sky app, but to use the full functionality of the device you will need to install R4S Gateway on your home Android smartphone or tablet. Both of these applications cannot be installed on the same device. In addition, the heater can be controlled using voice assistants, Alice or Marusya, as well as a panel on the convector body. The device is perfect for giving in the cold season. When the air in the house reaches 7 degrees, the device turns on and starts heating - you just need to activate the Antifrost mode. Among the shortcomings, users note the lack of ability to work via Wi-Fi.

Advantages and disadvantages

Fast heating
Antifrost mode
Works with Marusya and Alisa
Convenient application

No Wi-Fi

Briefly about the main thing

The decision to purchase an IR heater for a summer residence is quite understandable. It is an excellent alternative to other types of heating devices, since it warms objects, not air. The principle of operation, similar to the sun, complemented by automatic adjustment, makes the device economical and practical.

Infrared heaters vary in placement method, type of heating element, and energy source. The device can be installed in a room (above a sofa, dining table), on a veranda or in a greenhouse. When choosing a model, they start from the power of the unit, paying attention to the location and height of installation.

Which home heater is better to choose?

The question of choosing a heater is open to many, because the centralized heating system does not always provide its services properly. The range of home heaters is large; there are many varieties and models with different configurations and pricing policies.

What parameters should you pay attention to when choosing the best heater for your home?

Heater type . At the moment, the following types of heaters are very popular: fan heaters, convection models, oil and infrared heaters. Each variety has its own design features.
Heater power and performance . This parameter will determine how much area the device can heat properly. On average, about 100 W of power is needed to heat every 1 square meter if the house has good thermal insulation. Also, to calculate the optimal power of the device, you need to pay attention to the height of the ceilings of the house, the number of windows, and the presence of external walls.
Heater dimensions . The higher the power of the heater, the larger its dimensions. It is worth noting that, as a rule, only the width changes, while the thickness and height remain unchanged. This design feature allows you to place the heater on the wall, for example.
Control type . Home heaters can be equipped with mechanical or electronic control. Models with mechanical controls are equipped with buttons, have a simple design and are among the budget models. Electronic models are more functional and safer, but their cost is much higher. Some models allow you to manually program operating modes.
Heating temperature . To heat an apartment, especially where small children and pets live, it is strongly recommended not to purchase appliances whose parts reach high temperatures during operation. For example, oil heaters can heat up to 150 degrees if the thermostat fails. For safe use of the device, its temperature should not exceed 70 degrees.

These are the main criteria that it is recommended to pay attention to when choosing a heater for your home. You should not give preference to very cheap models from manufacturers with a dubious reputation, because if the equipment does not work correctly, the likelihood of a fire increases.

To make your search for a suitable model easier, we have presented a rating of the best home heaters in 2022.