The one question we get asked the most when we’re talking about Infrared heating is:
“Doesn’t heat rise?”
Well, yes, heat does rise! So why does Jigsaw advise that we install our heaters on the ceilings?
Everyone remembers their science lessons from school where the teachers taught us about convection heating and how the heat rises from the radiators and circulates around the room. That is correct, heat does rise from normal wet radiator systems.
In essence, with Infrared heating we’re not dealing with as much convection heat. We’re dealing with direct light based heating and a little convection.
Infrared heating is light. Exactly the same from the sun without any of the nasties in it that can cause cancers, such as UV.
The reasons we advise mounting the panels on the ceiling are:
- The infrared light is directed down to the floor and everything around it. Including the people, furniture and flooring.
- It frees up the walls for more important things like decoration and furniture.
- It’s actually more efficient to put the heaters on the ceiling. Why? There’s nothing to block the infrared like furniture. A maximum ceiling height of 2.5m for the panel range is recommended. If you have ceiling heights over this we can advise on different ranges.
- Ceiling mounting allows for an even spread of the heaters which creates an even balance of temperature throughout the space. The heaters will warm the flooring and beds beneath them. That’s great for cold winter days.
The benefits
In addition, the benefit of using IR’s directional properties is that we can place heat where it is needed in any environment. Therefore, the reason why infrared is more cost effective to run is due to the fact that it is possible to heat a smaller area within the space and not the whole space, like convection based heating would. Our recent church installations are great examples of this. We have placed the high power range of heaters around 3.5m above the congregation. This means that we don’t have to heat the further 10m above them.
Additionally, The previous gas powered radiator system would take more than 24 hours to raise the temperature of the church and would still not be as comfortable. Jigsaw Infrared heaters start to warm the people in the space within 5-10 minutes. Therefore, the air temperature in the room is at 20º within 2 hours. Not bad with in a church with a 13m high ceiling and low levels of insulation.
There are three main wavelengths of infrared waves used in our installations:
Near – Glow Light Range – Outdoor spaces, patios, bars, restaurants etc.
Mid – High Power Range – Ideal for commercial properties such as churches, warehouses, conservatories, sheltered outdoor spaces, gyms, commercial properties, etc.
Far – Panel range – Ideal for domestic and office use.
The team at Jigsaw are able to help you with any support and information for your installation. We have a wide experience within the team. Please contact us here.