Which heater is better, quartz or infrared??

Comfort and energy efficiency can differ significantly depending on the heater you choose for your house. Popular choices include infrared and quartz heaters, which are renowned for their efficient heating properties. But knowing how they differ can help you choose the one that best meets your needs.

Electric heating elements enclosed in quartz tubes are the basis of operation for quartz heaters. These heaters are excellent for providing direct, localized heat because they warm up quickly. They are frequently utilized in areas like garages, patios, and tiny rooms where you need the warmth to come through right away. Quartz heaters are generally less expensive and require less upkeep.

Conversely, infrared heaters work by directly heating objects and people using infrared radiation, much like the sun does. Greater areas can be heated effectively and consistently at a constant temperature with this kind of heater. Living rooms, bedrooms, and other frequently used spaces are popular places for infrared heaters because of their quiet operation and potential long-term energy savings.

Infrared and quartz heaters each have benefits and drawbacks of their own. The ideal option will rely on your unique requirements, including the size of the space you wish to heat, your financial situation, and whether you prefer continuous or instantaneous warmth. Knowing these distinctions will enable you to make an informed choice and guarantee that your house remains warm and inviting during the winter.

When selecting an infrared or quartz heater for your house, it’s important to take into account the variations in heat distribution, efficiency, and safety. While infrared heaters offer a more even, gentle heat that can cover larger spaces, quartz heaters offer instant, focused warmth and are best suited for smaller spaces. Both have benefits, but the best option for you will depend on your unique heating requirements and tastes.

Design and principle of operation

Prior to delving into the merits of quartz versus infrared heaters, let’s examine their construction and mechanism of operation.

Quartz heater

The term "quartz heater" refers to a wide range of heating appliances, such as heat guns that have integrated heat-retaining mineral blocks. However, all of these are ploys used by marketers to take advantage of the widespread use of traditional quartz heating devices, which consist of a single, monolithic slab with an integrated heating element.

Structure

A quartz slab or a combination of quartz and white clay is used as the hermetically sealed housing for the heating element in a ceramic-quartz device. The raw materials are pressed and then sintered at a high temperature in an oven to accomplish this. The end product is a multipurpose, delicate layer that is strong but also malleable.

• prevents oxygen from reaching the heating element – there is no oxidation process during heating;
• accumulates heat like stones in a village bathhouse;
• transmits infrared radiation.

An infrared reflective screen covers the back wall of the case; most manufacturers do not include this screen in the package; you will need to purchase it separately. There may be a profiled heat exchanger in certain models located between it and the panel. Many manufacturers encase the gadget in a metal casing. The design is straightforward but not detachable overall.

The absence of a thermostat is a drawback for this construction. Because there is nowhere to mount it, technologists purposefully do not install it. You will need a set of temperature sensor and thermostat, which need to be permanently mounted, in case it reacts to the heat of the shell when removed to a sufficient distance from the stove. And this is taking away the mobility of a quartz battery.

Principle of operation

Convection and wave are the two theories of heat transfer that are applied when using a quartz heater. In the first scenario, the apparatus functions similarly to a traditional central heating battery in that it heats the surrounding air, which rises upward and makes way for colder air masses. The second method states that after passing through the quartz shell, infrared rays heat the floor, walls, furniture, and any other material they come into contact with.

The device’s operating algorithm is as follows:

• after switching on, the heating element quickly becomes red-hot and begins to emit infrared rays;
• passing through the quartz shell, the waves give off some of the energy to it, causing the panel to heat up;
• all objects around begin to slowly heat up;
• in 20-30 minutes. the case temperature rises to +95oC (in some models a little higher than +85oC), after which heating starts using the convection method: cold air currents displace warm air. And so in a circle;
• the heated panel practically does not take energy from the wave radiation – IR heating begins to work at full power;
• the surface within the reach of infrared rays slowly warms up;
• heated objects themselves become sources of heat, in turn heating the air around them;
• after the panel is turned off, it cools down for a long time, maintaining a comfortable room temperature.

Specifications

The majority of quartz panels exhibit the following traits:

• rated power – 0.4-0.8 kW;
• maximum power – 3.0 kW;
• weight – 12-14 kg;
• linear dimensions – 60x35x2.5 cm;
• cooling rate – 2 o C per minute;
• the average efficiency of the device (not to be confused with the beautiful figure of the efficiency of electricity use, which is in the range of 98-99%) is 87-94% (this includes electricity losses from the resistance of the wiring inside the apartment and heating the ceiling);
• case temperature – about +95 o C;
• Warm-up time for the panel to reach the optimal level: 20-30 minutes.

Infrared heaters

A quartz device and an infrared heater, also referred to as a reflector, are fundamentally dissimilar.

Structure

Quartz flasks with a heating element (tungsten, nichrome wire, or carbon strips) housed in a plastic or metal housing are known as infrared heaters. The device’s front is exposed to infrared radiation. A reflector is positioned on the opposite side, behind the tubes, to reroute the radiation into the room.

When focusing is done well, the reflected waves’ scattering angle is small, increasing the device’s efficiency. You can hang the device on any wall or ceiling by screwing or soldering brackets to the back wall. The device’s schematic diagram is displayed below.

Principle of operation

Quartz, or silicon dioxide (SiO2), has the capacity to transmit electromagnetic waves in the infrared radiation range, which is how infrared heaters work. In order to achieve this, a heating element is inserted inside the quartz tube. This element, when heated red, emits infrared waves of varying lengths; the longer the wave, the higher the spiral temperature.

When infrared rays come into contact with an obstruction—a floor, furniture, wall, other object, or a person—they transfer their energy to it. The air around the surface gets heated as a result of the surface’s increased temperature. As you can see, the hard surface heats up first, not the room’s atmosphere, in contrast to central heating batteries and oil radiators.

The apparatus functions as follows:

• after switching on, the spiral becomes red-hot and begins to emit IR rays;
• the surface of objects within the reach of IR radiation heats up;
• the surrounding air is heated from heated walls, floors, furniture and various objects;
• When the set temperature is reached in the room, the device automatically turns off;
• As the temperature drops, the appliance turns on.

Specifications

The primary IR heater models’ fundamental performance attributes are as follows:

• operating power – 0.3-0.8 kW;
• maximum power – 3.0 kW;
• weight – 0.7-2.0 kg;
• average efficiency of the device is 87-95%;
• case temperature – no more than +70 o C;
• cooling period – no.

Let’s review the initial findings: the design of the device and the way it heats the space distinguish an infrared heater from a quartz heater.

Advantages and disadvantages

Common advantages and disadvantages of the compared devices are covered in detail here. Nevertheless, disparate configurations and modes of operation exposed the unique advantages and disadvantages of each gadget. This allows for the preliminary determination of which is preferable—a quartz or an infrared heater—by weighing their benefits and drawbacks.

Quartz heater

There are many advantages to the quartz panel:

• high efficiency – device efficiency is 75-95%;
• fast heating of the panel – about 20 minutes., after which there is an intensive heating process;
• simple design – there is simply nothing to break;
• simple and quick installation on the floor or wall;
• large thermal capacity, allowing you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room for a long time after switching off;
• high level of tightness, allowing the device to be used in rooms with high humidity;
• long service life – from 20 to 30 years;
• silent operation (when ceramics are added to the panel, crackling noise is sometimes heard when heating and cooling);
• Voltage fluctuations or short-term power outages do not affect the quality of heating – the panel that has accumulated heat saves the day;
• good design, allowing the device to fit into the interior without problems;
• it is possible to connect various types of automation in the form of climate control or thermostat, which will significantly increase the efficiency of the quartz stove;
• ability to work from a smart socket – turned on and off by smartphone.

Additional flaws available:

• quite high price;
• the weight of the panel makes it difficult to transport and hang on the wall – not every panel can withstand such a load;
• The package does not include a thermostat (only a dozen out of several hundred models have it);
• increased electricity consumption, which does not coincide with the passport data (there, as a rule, power and electricity consumption are equalized, which does not correspond to real consumption due to natural losses);
• like all heaters, it dries the air, although manufacturers claim the opposite;
• fragility of the panel;
• If the heating element fails, the device cannot be repaired;
• high temperature of the surface of the case – you can get burned;
• budget options have an unattractive appearance and a short service life.

Infrared heater

The following can be distinguished from quartz reflectors thanks to many years of operating experience: advantages:

• affordable prices;
• rapid heating of rooms;
• high efficiency – 87-95% (the ceiling space is not heated);
• there are no convection currents that raise dust into the air;
• almost uniform heating of the room along the height. At the same time, the temperature in the floor area is always higher, which ideally fits the proverb “keep your head cold and your feet warm”;

• easy installation;
• light weight, allowing you to easily move the device from room to room or transport it to the dacha and back;
• long service life;
• maintainability – a burnt or damaged tube can be replaced;
• no maintenance required;
• You cannot get burned on the reflector body;
• compact dimensions allowing you to place the device on a windowsill;
• has the effect of a heat gun – allows you to quickly and evenly dry walls, clothes, a painted car, etc.d.;
• interesting design – can always be matched to a decorated interior;
• safe operation, including automatic shutdown when tipped over, a grille on the front side (prevents burns), no harmful fumes if the flask is damaged.

Minuscules Yes, there is. How would things be in their absence:

• long wave radiation is harmful to humans. Therefore, the heating of the spiral should not exceed +300 o C (maximum possible temperatures – +1200 o C);
• prolonged exposure to direct rays on the human body causes discomfort. Therefore, the bed should not be in the direct radiation area;

• There is a thermostat built in, but this is pointless, because.To. greatly reduces the efficiency of the device – shutdowns do not exceed 10 minutes, and heating the coil requires additional electricity;
• rapid cooling of the room when the device is turned off;
• red light at night has a negative impact on a person’s mental state – lethargy and apathy appear in the morning. A night light will help you avoid problems, but this is an additional cost for electricity.

Performance Comparison

A summary of the heaters’ benefits and drawbacks provides a general idea of the models. However, be aware of how a quartz heater varies from an infrared heater in terms of cost, service life, safety, and other factors that are not met. Consequently, we will compare the primary operational indicators in this way:

• cost;
• energy efficiency;
• efficiency of the device;
• service life;
• general security;
• fire safety;
• environmental cleanliness;
• room heating speed;
• cooling time;
• mobility;
• location;
• Areas of use;
• maintainability;
• design;
• strength.

Which is cheaper?

High-quality infrared heaters can be purchased for as little as 700 rubles. The price of monolithic panels is approximately three times higher, ranging from 2,500 to 24,800 rubles, whereas the most potent infrared heaters, the "Ballu" BIH-L-3.0, costs approximately 4.0 thousand rubles.

In conclusion, purchasing a reflector is the best choice for those on a tight budget.

Energy efficiency

Electricity is transformed into electromagnetic radiation by heating the coil. The majority lies in the infrared range. In addition, a monolithic panel experiences the induction of a magnetic field (wasting about 1-2% of the energy). As a result, quartz heater efficiency is roughly 98%. In the reflector, the same processes take place, but more visible light waves are released. As a result, the energy efficiency is lower here, at 94–95%.

In conclusion, reflectors use more energy when everything else is equal.

Heater efficiency

There are various applications for the heat produced by appliances. The majority of an infrared heater’s energy is used to heat the room’s usable space. Part of the heat produced by the quartz panel is used to heat the ceiling area. The diagram below demonstrates the distinctions between the various types of heaters. The panels’ operation is displayed under the convection method, while the reflectors’ operation is displayed under the infrared method.

But one should consider subtleties like the temperature of walls, floors, and objects. A portion of the heat is removed during wave heating because it is higher.

In conclusion, there is a slight decrease in the panel’s efficiency.

Durability

In theory, gadgets ought to last the same amount of time. It defies logic that reflectors last less time in practice because burnt-out heating elements can be replaced, prolonging the device’s lifespan.

In conclusion, a variety of factors affect the heaters’ service life. When you treat devices with care, nobody benefits. However, considering operating conditions is pointless because there are a lot of them.

Safety

If the hot panel is inadvertently touched, it burns. You therefore need a protective screen if you have small children or animals in your home. This issue is not present with the reflector because a screen protects the bulbs and the body of the reflector warms up slightly.

With one minor exception—the panels may shock you when you turn them on for the first time; this is not harmful; it’s just unanticipated—the protection against electric shock is the same. The heater’s inadequate drying is the cause. Once heated, the issue goes away.

In conclusion, there is parity among devices in terms of overall safety.

Fire safety

There is no material that will ignite at +95 o C. As a result, there is no chance that quartz devices will catch fire. The IR device poses a small but possible fire risk. In this case, a spiral heated above +200 o C poses a threat. Because of this, the device’s makers included an automatic shutdown feature that activates when it tips over.

Practice also supports the conclusions: sporadic reflector fire incidents are documented, albeit in ridiculous situations.

In conclusion, quartz batteries have a small advantage in terms of fire safety.

Ecological cleanliness

There is nothing about quartz panels that could be harmful to people. For devices that use infrared, it’s a little different. Let me list a few of them.

• Long and medium waves of infrared radiation negatively affect humans. For domestic use, short-wave heaters are needed.
• Long-term, several hours in a row, exposure to radiation causes lethargy and apathy.
• On open areas of the body, it is possible for the skin to “cook” (details can be found here).

In conclusion, use caution when utilizing infrared heaters.

Room heating speed

A quartz device requires several hours to reach a comfortable room temperature. It takes his opponent a mere twelve minutes to sense the heat.

In conclusion, the room will warm up quickly thanks to the reflector.

Cooling speed

For up to 30 minutes, quartz panels can keep a temperature that is comfortable. After approximately five minutes, the owners exit the comfort zone when the reflector is turned off.

In conclusion, quartz batteries are clearly superior based on the features that are being examined.

Mobility

The device’s weight and dimensions affect the mobility criterion. Here, infrared heaters that are small and light are definitely advantageous because even teenagers can move them from room to room.

In conclusion, the quartz panel performs significantly worse than its rival in terms of mobility.

Location

The ability to mount infrared heaters on the ceiling is one of their main advantages over rival models. With the help of an electrical appliance, you can find solutions to a lot of issues in a small space.

In conclusion, the quartz panel plays in accordance with its location.

Application area

While panels can only heat enclosed spaces, infrared devices can operate in open or semi-enclosed areas (such as balconies, terraces, loggias, and gazebos).

In summary, quartz heaters are notably subpar based on the specified criterion.

Maintainability

A panel that has failed will not be able to be repaired because it cannot be removed. Any component of the reflector can be changed, and you can do it on your own. Having something to strive for is the most important thing. As a result, you must purchase the models for which quartz tubes are sold.

In conclusion, the reflector has a significant advantage and is in the lead.

Design

With a few notable exceptions, quartz panels don’t appear as presentable as those made by their rivals; however, based on forum reviews, some people do not think highly of the reflector in general.

In conclusion, there is a design advantage to the reflector.

Strength

The panel will break and the tube will collapse if it is dropped. In the first scenario, the heating element can be changed; in the second, the heater will still function, but because of the easier access to the oxygen coil, its lifespan will be shortened.

In conclusion, even though both heaters are brittle, the panel still has the advantage of continuing to function.

Feature	Quartz Heater	Infrared Heater
Efficiency	Highly efficient, heats up quickly	Very efficient, direct heat to objects
Energy Consumption	Moderate	Low
Warmth Feel	Radiates a consistent, comfortable warmth	Feels like natural sunlight
Noise	Silent	Silent
Installation	Easy to install	Easy to install
Safety	Safe, but surface can get hot	Safe, surface remains cool
Cost	Generally more affordable	Can be more expensive
Best Use	Good for small spaces	Ideal for larger areas

It’s important to take your unique heating requirements and preferences into account when choosing between quartz and infrared heaters. Quartz heaters are renowned for their rapid and effective heating capabilities. Their concentrated heat can quickly create a cozy atmosphere in a room, making them perfect for smaller spaces. But because they use more energy, they can be more expensive to operate for extended periods of time.

However, infrared heaters provide a distinct level of comfort. They provide direct heat to both people and objects, resulting in a more uniform and natural warmth. This may use less energy, particularly when used for extended periods of time or in larger spaces. Some people consider infrared heaters to be healthier due to their silent operation and non-drying out of the air quality.

The decision between an infrared heater and a quartz heater ultimately comes down to your particular circumstances. A quartz heater can be the best option if you require rapid, focused heat and don’t mind possibly paying more for energy. An infrared heater might work better for you if you’d rather have a softer, more energy-efficient heat that doesn’t dry out the air. You can select the heater that best suits your needs and keeps your home cozy by taking these factors into consideration.

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