What’s the Difference Between Near and Far Infrared Heaters?

What is Infrared Heating? 

Infrared heating is the latest in energy-efficient, sustainable heating methods for home, commercial and industrial applications.

Infrared heaters work by emitting harmless infrared radiation, which is a type of electromagnetic wave, invisible to the human eye. 

While it is invisible to the human eye, it is felt as heat. This is because the infrared radiation is absorbed by objects and people, causing them to warm up. 

The difference between infrared systems and other traditional heating systems is that the infrared radiation heats people directly, rather than the air in a room. 

There are three different types of infrared heating, near, mid and far, depending on where they lie within the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, how deep they penetrate the body and how they transfer heat. 

Most heaters on the market use either near infrared or far infrared, and the difference is important to understand.

What is Far Infrared Heating?

Far infrared heaters provide a more subtle, penetrating heat. Rather than heating the skin’s surface, far infrared heating warms your body more evenly and deeply, offering a sensation similar to that of being gently warmed by the sun. 

Far infrared heaters are ideal for indoor home use as they provide a comfortable temperature over a long period, they are silent, and energy-efficient in enclosed areas. 

Far infrared heaters take longer to reach their peak efficiency and temperature, between 5 minutes and 15 minutes.

How Does it Work?

Far infrared heaters emit long wavelengths that are easily absorbed by the human body. The output is in the 300°C range, which is considered low intensity. Far infrared heaters don’t emit visible light.

Best for: Residential and commercial indoor areas. Suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and classrooms. 

Also popular for wellness and therapeutic venues, such as yoga studios, the heat promotes good circulation and aids in recovery.

What is Near Infrared Heating?

Near infrared heating generates immediate, intense heat with no pre-heating required, making it ideal for spot heating outdoor spaces. 

Near infrared heaters provide immediate, intense warmth to people and surfaces first. They also emit light and can be used to create a warm ambience in outdoor settings. 

The ability to turn infrared heating on and off instantaneously saves energy and therefore costs. 

How Does it Work?

Near infrared has a short wavelength and a high frequency. It operates at a high intensity, in the region of 2200°C. Because of this intensity, the near infrared heaters should be mounted at the correct height to ensure that the heat is dispersed effectively, so as to maximise the area heated and minimise hot spots. Prolonged exposure can cause eye discomfort over time.

Best for: Outdoor decks and patios, garages and commercial outdoor settings such as alfresco restaurants or bars. 

Far Infrared vs Near Infrared

The clearest distinction between the two is that far infrared is better for outdoor areas and near infrared for indoor areas.

Both types of infrared heaters are efficient and effective, but they serve different purposes.

• Choose far infrared for gentle, comfortable warmth that’s ideal for relaxing indoors. Far infrared heater operates at a lower temperature, making these heaters cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Their efficiency is comparable to LED lighting. Far infrared heaters emit temperatures between 300-600°C and take over five minutes to get to maximum radiance. A 2000W heater warms up to 4 m^2.
• Choose near infrared if you want immediate, direct warmth for outdoor spaces or targeted heating. There is no need for pre-heating, and the heaters can be shut off quickly to ensure no energy waste. Near infrared heaters emit temperatures up to 2200°C, reach maximum radiance within one second, and have visible light. A 2000W heater warms up to 20 m^2.