Infrared Heating is a concept that is very new for many people, so there’s a lot of unfamiliarity surrounding the technology.
Throughout this blog we will take a look at how Infrared works and understand its basic physical properties.
Infrared is a type of electromagnetic radiation that can be found in the sun’s rays. It is energy that travels at the speed of light (186,000 miles per second) and is invisible to the human eye, but people feel it in the form of heat.
Below is a chart that details the spectrum and the length of each electromagnetic wave.
| Name | Wavelength |
| Gamma Rays | <0.01nm |
| X-Rays | 0.01nm – 10nm |
| UV Rays | 10nm – 400nm |
| Visible Light | 400nm – 700nm |
| Infrared Waves | 700nm – 1mm |
| Microwaves | 1mm – 1m |
| Radio Waves | 1m – 100,000km |
Infrared is very close to visible light in the spectrum; however, the difference is that the infrared waves are much longer.
It was Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738-1822) who discovered Infrared in the 1800’s. He discovered it through an experiment using light, a prism and thermometer – something we can do at home ourselves!
He did this by shining the light into the prism, which spilt the colours of the spectrum. He measured the temperature of each colour and came to an understanding that the temperature continued to rise, even past the red end of the visible spectrum.
He concluded that there are invisible waves, which is what we know today as Infrared!
How Does IR Work?
Infrared waves carry heat energy and objects absorb it. The more heat absorbed, the hotter the object will get.
The waves absorbed by the objects are then re-emitted back out. The process is repeated and until all the energy in the waves have been exhausted.
This exactly how our IR panels work. The things in your room absorb the waves being emitted. You end up getting a sensation similar to when you step outside and the sun is shining down on you.
Compared to convection heaters, this type of heat is healthier for you as it does not circulate dust and moisture within the air in your home. IR heating is also highly energy efficient and could save you up to 60% on your heating bills!
Is Infrared Radiation Safe?
Some people may be wary about the word ‘radiation’ and assume that all of it is bad for us!
Don’t be alarmed, Infrared Radiation is 100% safe!
The diagram above shows that approximately 50% of the energy released from the sun is IR energy. If it was bad for us, life on earth would not be easy.
In fact, life on earth would be non-existent without Infrared Radiation!
Our panels do not contain any visible light or UV light, ensuring that they are not only safe, but natural too!
To find out more about infrared, please feel free to get in touch with us on 0116 436 2250, or send us an email to sales@mirrorstone.co.uk.
You can also order a free Mirrorstone Heating catalogue too, which tells you everything you need to know about infrared and our whole product range. Simply hit the button below, fill out the form and we’ll have one sent out direct to your door.