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November 11, 2023Near, Far, wherever you are…
Talking about infrared can often cause a lot of confusion!
What Is Infrared Radiation and What Are The Main 3 Types?
Is it like those heat sensors they use in crime dramas? Is it used in those bright patio heaters in the beer garden? Is it harmful? We hope to answer a lot of these questions in the following article!
Infrared is a type of radiant energy that’s invisible to us but can be perceived as heat. All objects emit some level of infrared radiation—even cold ones, like ice cubes. This is why you feel warmth radiating from a pavement on a hot day or experience a wave of warmth when the sun emerges from behind a cloud.
Interestingly, infrared heating is actually split into three different types, depending on where they lie within the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The longer the wavelength, the deeper the light can penetrate the tissues of the body. These different types are often confused with each other, as many people are unaware of a distinction between them. Don’t worry though, we’ll try not to get too bogged down with the science stuff!
Here are the 3 main types of infrared wavelengths:
Near infrared Heating:
Often used in fibre optic telecommunication, night vision and hospitals, near IR is closest in wavelength to visible light (meaning the wavelengths are shorter than the other kinds of IR). Near-IR can reach very high temperatures and produces a red glowing light. Near IR waves are how your remote control changes the channel on the telly. Near-infrared sauna units are effective in raising core body temperature and aiding in calorie burning, offering unique health benefits.
Which Environments Are Best Suited for Near Infrared Heaters?
Near infrared heaters are an excellent choice for creating comfortable and warm environments in various indoor and outdoor spaces. Here's where these heaters truly shine:
- Outdoor Living Spaces: Ideal for gardens and terraces, near infrared heaters provide warmth without the need for enclosing spaces, making them perfect for enjoying the outdoors even when the temperature drops.
- Patios: Perfect for extending the usability of patios throughout the cooler months, these heaters allow you to enjoy al fresco dining or gatherings with friends and family without feeling the chill.
- Indoor/Outdoor Transition Areas: Spaces like conservatories and sunrooms greatly benefit from near infrared heaters. They help maintain a pleasant temperature without overwhelming the space, offering seamless seasonal transitions.
- Utility Spaces: Garages and utility rooms can often be cold and uninviting. Near infrared heaters are a practical solution, making these areas more comfortable for work or storage, especially during winter.
Interestingly, infrared heating is actually split into three different types, depending on where they lie within the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The longer the wavelength, the deeper the light can penetrate the tissues of the body. These different types are often confused with each other, as many people are unaware of a distinction between them. Don’t worry though, we’ll try not to get too bogged down with the science stuff!
Mid-Infrared Heating:
Now this is the type of infrared that is used for those clunky space heaters in your Grandma’s living room. As the name suggests, Mid Infrared heat fits nicely in-between Near and Far. It penetrates the soft tissues of the body, further than NIR, but less than FIR. It produces an orange light and operates at around 300°C. Using an infrared heat source, mid-infrared provides safe and therapeutic benefits without the risk of burns.
Which Environments Are Best Suited for Mid Infrared Heaters?
Mid infrared heaters strike a balance between fast-acting near IR and the deep, ambient warmth of far IR. They’re ideal for semi-insulated or open indoor spaces where rapid, radiant warmth is needed without harsh lighting or excessive heat.
Here’s where mid infrared performs best:
- Workshops and Garages:: Perfect for spaces that aren’t always in use but need to warm up quickly when occupied. Mid IR heaters provide focused warmth to keep hands and feet warm during tasks.
- Garden Rooms and Conservatories: In spaces where glass and airflow can cause temperature drops, mid IR offers reliable comfort without overheating.
- Commercial Waiting Areas: A great solution for keeping guests or clients warm in short-stay environments like lobbies, salons, or showrooms—especially where wall-mounted units are preferred.
- Restaurants and Covered Terraces: Mid infrared’s gentle orange glow and effective output make it ideal for covered outdoor dining areas, creating ambience without overwhelming heat.
- Retail Units and Pop-Ups: When quick, efficient heating is needed during business hours in partially open or irregularly insulated spaces, mid IR heaters provide practical coverage.
Far-infrared Heating:
The longest wavelength within the IR spectrum, as it is closest to the microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. This kind of IR is used for domestic commercial use (including yours truly!). The heat from far IR produces no visible light and heats your body from the inside. It is often referred to as comfort heat, as the wavelengths can be more easily absorbed by objects and living beings. We experience this kind of heat daily from the sun, from fire, even the heat from your radiator. This is the kind of heat that is used in our infrared heating panels; they use reflective panels to direct the natural IR heat into your room, which can increase your temperature from your core. Far infrared saunas raise core body temperature and are effective at increasing the body’s core temperature and safely elevating heart rate. Far infrared sauna units tend to be more effective at these tasks compared to other types.
Ideal Environments for Far Infrared Heaters
Far infrared heaters are a versatile heating solution suitable for various spaces. Here's where they excel:
- Open Concept Areas: Perfect for large, open-plan environments where traditional heating might struggle to maintain consistent warmth.
- Residential Spaces: An excellent choice for kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, offering consistent and efficient heating without taking up much space.
- Garages and Workshops: Ideal for spaces that require targeted heating, providing warmth directly to areas where needed without wasting energy.
- Industrial and Commercial Areas: Warehouses, offices, and similar large areas benefit from far infrared’s ability to focus heat efficiently across wide spaces.
- Educational and Religious Buildings: Schools and churches often have large rooms and high ceilings. Far infrared heaters ensure these areas remain comfortable without significant energy expenses.
Pros and Cons of Near, Mid and Far Infrared Heating Systems
Advantages and Disadvantages of Near-Infrared Heating
Pros:
Lots of health benefits. Mitochondria within our cells have receptors that respond to near infrared wavelengths. This triggers an increase in cell metabolism, protein synthesis, and antioxidant activity. A lot of fancy words here but in essence – near infrared wavelengths can be good for your cells. It is also able to activate anti-inflammatory processes, aiding in the recovery of injuries. In recent years, Near Infrared Light therapy (NILT) has been used to treat traumatic brain injuries, as it improved their cognitive function and resolved their symptoms of irritability, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. This kind of IR is also applicable in veterinary medicine, as it is often used to treat sprains and bone fractures within animals.
Beyond health, near infrared heaters offer practical heating solutions for both home and garden environments:
- Instantaneous Warmth: These heaters spring to life in seconds, providing immediate heat for spaces that need warmth quickly. This makes them an excellent choice for outdoor areas or indoor spaces that require sporadic heating.
- Efficient Heat Delivery: Unlike convection heaters, near infrared heaters warm people and objects directly. This means that ambient room temperatures are irrelevant to their effectiveness. Regardless of how cold the air feels, these heaters ensure thorough warmth.
- Versatile Use: Near infrared heaters can be used both indoors and outdoors. Their intense heat output is ideal for locations needing an occasional boost of warmth, offering flexibility in installation and application.
Cons:
One of the most significant downsides to this level of IR wavelength is that prolonged exposure can risk damage to the lens, cornea, and the retinas of our eyes by raising their temperature, causing cataracts, corneal ulcers, and retinal burns. This is because our eyes are unable to detect IR radiation, unlike our skin, which communicates this overexposure in the form of pain. For commercial heating purposes, near-infrared is not used, due to its extremely high temperature. It would be like cooking your chicken nuggets with lasers.
In addition to these health concerns, near infrared heating can become overwhelming over longer periods. The high frequency produces a heat that feels impacting and energizing, which might be ideal for short-term use. However, it can feel too intense after an extended period, making it unsuitable for all-day or long-term use in the home or garden.
Another point to consider is that near infrared emits a ruby glow due to its proximity to the visible light spectrum. While this glow isn’t bright enough to produce glare, it can be distracting if you prefer a more subtle ambiance. On the flip side, the reddish gleam can serve as mood lighting if you enjoy a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Finally, the absorption efficiency is not as high as other types of infrared. Near infrared has the shortest wavelength, meaning it doesn’t retain heat as effectively. Once the heater is turned off, the warmth dissipates quickly. This makes it more suitable as a supplementary heat source, designed to be turned off when not in use, rather than a primary heating solution.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Mid-infrared Heating:
Pros:
Mid-infrared heaters offer a sweet spot between the intense, surface-level heat of near-infrared and the deep, slow warmth of far-infrared. They’re excellent for delivering fast-acting, radiant heat that penetrates soft tissues, promoting circulation and mild pain relief. This makes them suitable for wellness applications, yoga studios, home gyms, or workshops where occasional but powerful heat is needed.
Another big plus: mid-infrared wavelengths emit a soft orange glow, less harsh than near-infrared’s ruby hue. It’s easier on the eyes and adds a warm ambiance to the room without overpowering the atmosphere. These heaters heat up quickly and are well-suited for semi-open indoor environments where fast, direct heat is appreciated but high-intensity exposure isn’t required.
Mid-IR panels also make an efficient choice for spaces like conservatories, garages, or commercial zones that don’t require constant heating throughout the day. They offer a nice balance—enough heat to make the room comfortable, without the “too cold” or “too hot” extremes.
Cons:
Although mid-infrared heaters offer a solid middle ground, they’re not without limitations. The heat they generate doesn’t penetrate as deeply as far-infrared, which means it cools off quicker once the unit is turned off. For those looking for long-term, all-day warmth, this can be a drawback compared to FIR.
Extended exposure at close range can also cause discomfort—leading to dry skin, headaches, or mild surface burns if the heater is too close or left on for too long. This makes proper placement essential, especially in smaller or less-ventilated rooms.
While the orange glow is more subtle than near-IR’s red light, it may still be an issue in bedrooms or other low-light environments where any visible light could be distracting. For primary heating in large or poorly insulated homes, mid-IR also falls short—it’s more efficient as a targeted heat source rather than a whole-room solution.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Far-infrared Heating:
Pros: Now there are many reasons why FIR is used commercially to heat homes and workplaces. Far-infrared penetrates deep to the core and heats from within, meaning the heat you gain from FIR is gentle and long-lasting. As it does not reach temperatures as high as MIR, Far-infrared does not burn after close exposure, meaning it is much safer. In terms of your bank, FIR requires much less wattage than MIR heaters, and are 98.5% efficient. There are several health benefits to FIR, as it can reach three inches into the body. These benefits include the increase in blood circulation, a boost to your immune system, relief for muscles and internal organs, and reduction of chronic pain. Far infrared saunas are particularly beneficial for detoxification, relaxation, and skin rejuvenation. The infrared sauna system is effective in aiding weight loss and has physiological effects on body temperature, metabolism, and hormone levels. Infrared sauna therapy offers holistic wellness benefits, such as relaxation, alleviating chronic pain, and fostering a sense of rejuvenation.
- Ideal for Indoor Heating: Far-infrared heaters spread warmth evenly across larger areas, making them perfect for indoor settings or semi-exposed spaces like garages. Their design allows them to be installed high on walls, which is ideal for open-plan rooms where wall space is limited. This strategic placement enables heat to project efficiently over furnishings, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Zero Light Output: Operating closer to the microwave sector of the electromagnetic spectrum, FIR heaters do not emit light. This makes them an excellent choice for environments where focus is crucial, such as offices, classrooms, and meeting rooms.
- Gentle Warmth for Extended Use: Designed for all-day comfort, FIR heaters provide a soothing heat that thoroughly warms people and objects without becoming overwhelming. This gentle warmth mimics the natural heat of the sun, ensuring a comfortable and safe heating solution for extended use.
Cons:
Unfortunately, despite the endless benefits to your health and your wallet, Far-Infrared heating is still unknown to many people and is often confused with mid-infrared heating. Some are completely unaware of this cheaper, faster, more efficient form of heating. The good news is that we here at Scottish Energy Saving we are on a mission to change that! More and more people are discovering infrared heating panels and are ditching their convection heaters for our modern, eco-friendly and attractive source of heat!
However, like any technology, far infrared heating does come with its own set of challenges:
- It takes longer to reach optimal heat output: Due to its lower frequency, far infrared heating takes a bit more time to heat up compared to its near infrared counterparts. While this might seem like a drawback, it's actually designed for all-day use rather than quick bursts of heat—making it perfect for those who prefer a constant, steady warmth.
- Inadequate for exposed outdoor locations: If you're planning to use far infrared heaters in open outdoor spaces, you might want to reconsider. Environmental factors such as wind and rain can easily diminish the subtle warmth it provides. For these scenarios, higher frequency heaters like near and medium wave infrared options are much more effective, as they can expertly handle outdoor elements.
For more information and examples of our installations, head over to our Infrared Heating page
