Infrared panel: economical heating alternative increasingly popular
Infrared panels are becoming increasingly popular. That is not without reason, because you can use it to heat a specific place in a very targeted manner. For example, the place where you are at that moment. This way, heat ends up exactly where you need it, namely at your home. But what exactly is an infrared panel?
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Infrared panel: targeted heating
With central heating you can heat your entire house. That is the strength but also the weakness of central heating. When gas was cheaper than it is now, that wasn’t much of a problem. But with the recent price increases for gas, we have to use energy more intelligently. Preferably without having to shiver from the cold. An infrared panel is then quite a smart solution. But what exactly does an infrared panel do?
Infrared radiation, another word for heat radiation
An IR panel emits infrared radiation, which occurs when the electricity flowing through it encounters resistance. In that respect, an infrared panel works just like a light bulb, but for heat. We perceive infrared radiation as heat. Everything with a certain temperature emits infrared radiation. So a fireplace, a stove and also our body. You can see infrared radiation as a kind of light, but with a longer wavelength.
The advantage of the infrared panel is that you can radiate heat very accurately to a place where you need it. It makes little sense to heat the ceiling, walls and floor, for example, when you’re sitting on the couch watching Netflix or reading a book.
Another advantage is that it is better for the indoor climate and it also reduces drafts.
Infrared panel: higher electricity bill, much lower gas bill
Infrared panels work on electricity, which of course means a higher electricity bill. A typical infrared panel consumes between 250 and 1500 watts of power. This makes infrared panels especially attractive if you can get cheap electricity compared to natural gas, have a fixed annual contract or if you can rebalance solar energy.
The gas price is expected to be proportionally higher than the electricity price. It then becomes attractive to opt for an infrared panel because you can save up to 30% in energy.
Installing an infrared panel many times cheaper than a central heating system
Another important advantage of an infrared panel is that it is much cheaper to install than central heating.
Prices for the infrared panels are between 100 and 200 euros or more. Infrared panels are available in various designs, for example in the form of a mirror (useful for the bathroom) or a lamp or painting for a living room. The image shows an unobtrusive mounting on the ceiling.
