Infrared space heating

Viable alternative to conventional gas heaters

A study by Frost & Sullivan shows that the European market for infrared (IR) heating can potentially grow by 20% per year. IR space heaters have some advantages over conventional gas heaters that also have great appeal to elderly people.

Growth market

Infrared space heaters can be used in both residential and non-residential environments, and either indoors or outdoors. But they are most commonly found in pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés, where they are used to make outdoor terraces and winter gardens pleasantly warm.

Pleasant and efficient heating

The private market is gaining interest in IR space heaters as well. Compared with conventional gas heating (which still commands about 60% of the market), IR heating has some major advantages.
Here are some of the advantages that are particularly interesting to elderly people:

• Elderly people and their families are often concerned about the safety of gas heating. By contrast, electrical heating has a proven track record regarding safety.
• Elderly people tend to prefer higher indoor temperatures. IR heating is considered very efficient, because it only heats a particular spot instead of the whole room. It does not heat the air (convection heating), but its warmth is agreeably transmitted like sunshine to the people who are in its path (directional heating).
• Retired people like to spend their time travelling, participating in their region?s cultural life, and shopping. IR heating is the best way to heat large buildings, such as churches, large shops and train stations.
• As we all do, elderly people want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. They want to take their grand-children to the amusement park, go to the market, etc. But they often feel cold winter temperatures more intensely than younger people do. When used outdoors, IR heaters are more efficient than gas heaters, as they are not affected by windy conditions. They are less affected by drafts indoors as well.
• IR heating has healthful properties too. IR heating lamps do not burn oxygen in the room. Moreover, IR energy radiates heat at a beneficial wavelength and frequency, allowing the body to absorb the heat deeply. IR heating lamps are used by doctors, acupuncturists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other health professionals for their healthful benefits.

The electric IR market is still just emerging, because users are more familiar with gas heaters and this technology has been predominant for a very long time. However, as users become more aware of the alternatives, IR heating should become more popular.

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