Far infrared heating is rapidly gaining popularity as a highly efficient and eco-friendly way to heat homes and commercial spaces. With benefits such as lower energy consumption, enhanced comfort, and health advantages, it's no wonder many are making the switch. However, with the growing interest in this technology, it's crucial to ensure that you're purchasing genuine far infrared heating products at the right price.
As the UK's leading infrared heating manufacturer for over 40 years, Tansun has spent decades engineering
far infrared heating solutions and is uniquely qualified to distinguish between high-quality far infrared heaters and inferior goods, particularly amid the surge of imported heaters under various brand names.
This guide will help you navigate the key factors to consider when buying far infrared heaters and panels.
The Benefits of Real Far Infrared Heating: What You Need to Know
Far infrared heating utilises infrared rays to directly warm up objects and people in a room, rather than heating the air. This method mimics the natural warmth of the sun, providing a more comfortable and consistent heat. Unlike convection heating systems, which can create drafts and uneven temperatures, far infrared heating panels deliver uniform warmth without drying out the air.
- Energy Efficiency: Far infrared heaters convert nearly 100% of the electrical energy into heat, making them much more efficient than conventional heating systems. This efficiency translates to lower energy bills.
- Eco-Friendly: With reduced energy consumption, far infrared heating contributes to lower carbon emissions. Additionally, many far infrared heater panels are made from sustainable materials.
- Health Benefits: Far infrared heating can improve circulation, alleviate joint pain, and boost overall well-being. Unlike other heating methods, it doesn't circulate dust and allergens, making it ideal for people with respiratory conditions.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Far infrared heating panels come in sleek designs that can blend seamlessly into any interior. They can be mounted on walls or suspended in ceilings, freeing up floor space.
Understanding Far Infrared Heating Options: A Beginner’s Guide
To ensure you're getting a genuine far infrared heater, consider the following:
- Materials and Construction
The quality of the materials used in far infrared heater panels is crucial for performance and durability. Look for panels made with high-grade materials for efficient heat transfer and longevity. Additionally, all infrared panels should ideally be made from
aluminium, as it offers excellent heat conduction and durability. Lower-quality panels often feature a PET front, a type of plastic prone to discolouration and thus a reduced lifespan. Avoid cheaper alternatives that may use inferior materials, as they often fail to deliver the same benefits and long-term reliability.
Achieving even heating across a far infrared panel is crucial for preventing cold spots and ensuring consistent warmth throughout the space. The careful balance of materials and construction ensures stable, accurate temperatures and efficient power settings. Precision engineering using the best components leads to even heat distribution. This means that with the same size unit but lower wattage, a
UK-made infrared heater can achieve higher radiant temperatures while using less energy than an inferior alternative. The superior efficiency of these heaters justifies their slightly higher production cost, as they are crafted with precision using high-quality components and advanced manufacturing processes.
- Front and Rear Temperatures
A quality infrared panel should have a low back temperature, ideally between 5°C and 30°C, feeling lukewarm or cool to the touch at the rear allowing for wall and ceiling mounting. This ensures that most of the heat output is directed forward for maximum heat output. Our
UK-made Efficiency Panel Heater Series uses triple-layer insulation, resulting in low rear temperatures and 100% efficiency at source = equalling heat dispersion from the front of the heater.
The front temperature should not exceed 100°C. Panels that do are often poorly made, prone to burning out, and may develop burn marks, indicating inferior quality and reduced lifespan.
Far infrared heaters come in various wattages, suitable for different room sizes. Ensure you select a panel with the appropriate wattage for the space you intend to heat. As a general rule, infrared heater panels require approx. 50-60 watts per square metre in a well-insulated room. For poorly insulated spaces, this may increase. It's essential to match the panel's wattage to the room size to achieve optimal energy efficiency. View our
detailed guide here.
- Certifications and Standards
Authentic far infrared heating products should comply with industry standards and certifications. Look for CE and UKCA markings, RoHS and Lot 20 compliance, and other relevant certifications that ensure the product meets safety and performance criteria. These certifications are a strong indicator of a high-quality, genuine product. Tansun panel heaters are independently certified to International standards and undergo a rigorous testing process to ISO:9001:2015 quality systems to continually ensure the best quality and performance, leading to thousands of hours of use with proper care.
When buying infrared panels, price alone shouldn’t be your deciding factor. It’s not as simple as assuming the most expensive panel is the best or that a cheap option will save you money in the long run—it likely won’t. The key is finding a balance; panels that are too cheap often compromise on quality, while overly expensive ones might not offer better performance relative to their cost.
Prices for infrared panels can vary significantly, ranging from £80 to over £1000 depending on the type and the brand. It’s essential to do thorough research and consider all factors, including materials, construction, efficiency, and the manufacturer’s reputation. A well-made panel manufactured in Britain might cost more upfront, but its
superior efficiency and durability will save you money over time. If you’re unsure what you should be paying for your infrared panels, feel free to reach out for advice—we’re here to help.
Common Mistakes When Buying Far Infrared Heaters and How to Avoid Them
As with any technology, there are several misconceptions buyers make surrounding far infrared heating. Here are a few debunked:
- Assuming far infrared heating is harmful. In reality, far infrared rays are completely safe and beneficial to human health, similar to the warmth from the sun.
- Believing far infrared heating is too expensive to install. While the initial capital cost may be higher than some cheaper gas or electric heaters, the energy savings over time make far infrared heating a cost-effective solution. There is also no need for ductwork, pipework saving on repair costs and no obligation for annual servicing or certification - saving on additional expenditures over time.
- Presuming far infrared only spot heats for short periods. Far infrared heating warms objects and people directly, but this heat is retained longer, keeping spaces warm for longer even after the heater is turned off or dimmed down.
Investing in genuine far infrared heaters and panels is a smart choice for those looking to enhance comfort, reduce energy costs, and contribute to a greener environment. By paying attention to the material quality, wattage, certifications, and brand reputation, you can ensure that you’re purchasing a high-quality product that will provide reliable and efficient heating for years to come.
If you're considering far infrared heating for your home or office, make sure to do thorough research and choose a reputable manufactured product. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the many benefits of genuine far infrared heating.