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We know that modern technology can sometimes be quite intimidating, with all the high-tech lingo, it can get extremely confusing.

So, we’ve decided to make a handy guide explaining the 11 most common key terms used for Infrared Heating.

1. Convection Heating

The standard convection heaters used in most UK homes use an extremely old-fashioned way of heating rooms. They simply warm the air above the radiator, which rises due to a loss of density, causing the cooler air to sink to the bottom of the room. Then, the cool air is heated and a continuous cycle is created – called the convection current.

2. Radiant Heating

Contrarily, IR Heating warms a room in a completely different way. The Infrared Panels actually emit heat directly to objects and living beings, without affecting the air. By not warming the air, you are the immediate recipient, so you will feel the difference much quicker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q15_MgLhHa0

3. Panel Dimensions

This refers to the size of your heating panel. For a guide, the larger the panel, the more powerful it is when it emits heat. Surya Heating has a wide range of sizes on offer, the main ones being:

• 595 x 595mm
• 595 x 995mm
• 595 x 1195mm
• 795 x 1195mm
• 995 x 1195mm.

So, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one to heat your home.

4. Infiltration Loss

With convection heating, you tend to get drafts, this is because the cold air mixes with the warm air. This is what can make your energy bills extremely high, as it needs to do more to keep your room hot. You don’t get this issue with IR Heaters, because they use their energy to just heat objects.

5. Thermal Mass

Thermal mass is something that’s important to think about when it comes to using less energy. This is because it describes the ability of a material to absorb, store and re-emit heat, which is key when it comes to using Infrared Heating. Our Panels directly send warmth to objects, so they can store it until needed, and then radiate it when appropriate.

6. Wall-Mounted

When it comes to placement of your IR Heating panels, we think they look best on the wall. For this reason, all of our panels come with brackets that are attached to the back of the heater, making them super easy to fit on your wall.

7. FAR INFRARED

Infrared is a type of radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum that is used in our IR Panels. Don’t be scared by the fact it’s radiation, because it is completely safe. We use far infrared which is not dangerous in the slightest, in fact, it has plenty of health benefits.

8. SURFACE TEMPERATURE

When it comes to our Infrared Heating panels, this refers to the temperature of the actual surface of the heater itself. Of course it is still going to get rather hot, but they won’t actually burn you.

9. TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP (TCO)

Essentially, this refers to the actual amount an IR Heating Panel will cost over its lifetime. This bears in mind the initial investment, as well as the cost to power it and even maintain it. Luckily, our panels are extremely cost-effective, especially when you compare them with traditional heaters.

10. CARBON FOOTPRINT

Your carbon footprint is the amount of CO₂ released into the atmosphere from your everyday life. Fortunately, our IR Panels reduce your energy-consumption, and are 100% recyclable, making them exceptionally eco-friendly.

11. LOT 20

From January 1^st 2018, all local space heating manufactured for sale in the EU must comply with a minimum efficiency standard. It is part of the EU’s commitment to achieving 20% energy saving by 2020. Our NXTGEN Panels are 39% out of 40% compliant with these standards as they have a built-in thermostat.

Hopefully now it’s easier to understand the complex terms used when you’re looking at Infrared Heating Panels.

Were there any terms we missed? If so, and you’d like us to add some more, let us know in the comments below.

We’re here to give you a helping hand, so if you require some assistance, all you need to do is give us a call on 0116 321 4124, or email us at sales@suryaheating.co.uk.

We do also have a Surya Heating Facebook page where you can ask questions and get regular updates from us. Instead, why not tweet us? We’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.