How to install an infrared heater
Is it possible to install infrared heaters with your own hands? If so, how to do it? Consider options for placement and installation of these popular heating devices.
Content
Principle of operation
As the name of the device shows, they heat the rooms with infrared radiation. This happens by analogy with the action of sunlight: the device heats not air, but objects in the surrounding space (for more details see the article principle of operation of the heater with infrared radiation).IR heaters can not only warm the room, but serve as a source of lighting in it.
To choose the right IR heater for your home you need to know that they are of two types: gas and electric.
Gas
If there is no electricity, then it is better to use gas-powered devices. Usually used liquefied gas in cans, which are mounted behind the device itself. The installation of gas infrared heaters is not complicated, their maintenance is inexpensive. The only drawback is the need to purchase (or fill) spare cartridges in time.
Electric
Electric models of infrared heating devices are considered more convenient and in demand (carbon fiber, halogen, quartz). To understand how to install an infrared heater, powered by electricity, much effort will not be required. It is quite possible to do it yourself by attaching to the instrument. instructions. The kit of heaters necessarily includes all the necessary brackets and fixings for installation. Manufacturers of heating devices usually make it so that consumers can easily install purchased heaters with their own hands.
When buying a heater, it is important to pay attention to its power, since it may depend on its size what distance the device should have from a person.
If too close, the infrared radiation is harmful to the human body. The higher the device is located, the less damage it can bring. Many users who are interested in such devices do not always have an idea how to properly install an infrared heater. Namely, on its correct location, depends on the effectiveness of its work and safety for humans.
The operation of such heaters is based on the effect of heating elements radiating thermal energy. The latter heats all surfaces and objects (furniture, walls, floors) that are in the range of infrared rays. Heated objects, in turn, giving off heat to the surrounding space, warm up the air in the room.
How to install
At the stage of purchasing the heater it is necessary:
- Measure the area of the room where the installation of the heating system is supposed. Do not forget to make a calculation based on window and door openings.
- Take into account the insulating properties of materials used for home insulation.
- Pay attention to the power and voltage of the grid allocated to the house or apartment.
- To check the voltage in the network, you must turn on all electrical appliances installed in the house, measure the voltage at that moment. Indicators in this case should not go beyond the limits of 220-230 V. When obtaining a larger value, it is recommended to purchase a voltage stabilizer.
Before installing an infrared heater, you need to decide which rooms need heating. It can be:
- Kitchen.
- The entrance hall.
- Bathroom (toilet and bathroom).
- Living room.
- Bedroom.
When installing wall-mounted IR heaters, please note that they should preferably be placed at a height of approximately 2 m from the floor. Calculation of the optimal height of the installation: add 0.5 m to the height of a person, you get the desired value.
For the installation of the infrared heater main material is a box for laying wires into it. In the case of hidden installation in the wall will need a corrugation.It is not difficult to make independently installation, laying of wires, to connect the heater and temperature regulators, special skills are not required here. The main thing is to comply with security measures. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to invite specialists who will quickly and efficiently perform all installation work.
Advantages and disadvantages of IR heating
Advantages of heaters:
- Relatively economical (especially if used as an additional source of heat).
- Do not burn oxygen.
- Safe for health and can even have a positive effect on the human body.
- When mounted on the ceiling do not take up much space in the room and are safe for children.
- Work silently, can be a parallel source of light.
- Most models have built-in thermostats to maintain the required constant air temperature.
- After they are turned off, the room is still warm for some time, as objects heated by the device continue to give energy to the surrounding space.
- IR installations are not afraid of moisture, they can be installed in bathrooms, on terraces or in gazebos.
Among the shortcomings can only be noted enough high cost.
Installing such heaters is not difficult. The main thing is to correctly carry out the installation calculations so that the use of the devices is safe. You may also find the information useful. about connecting the thermostat to infrared heaters.