Do Infrared Fireplaces Give Off Heat?


This article discusses if infrared fireplaces give off heat. Infrared fireplaces are becoming more in demand throughout the years because of the many benefits that they provide. They are one of the best alternatives, especially for those who have no chimney and cannot install a traditional fireplace. Infrared fireplaces come in a wide array of styles so they are usually used as an added decoration to the house. However, many people are wondering if they can provide heat. Let us find out the answer to this question below.

Do infrared fireplaces give off heat? Infrared fireplaces can give off heat. They are primarily used as an infrared heater to provide warmth to the room. The infrared fireplace can be able to heat the air at once. There is no danger of overheating because as soon as the fireplace thermostat is turned off, the heat immediately drops.

How does an infrared heater work? Do electric fireplaces use infrared? What is the difference between an electric and infrared fireplace? Is an infrared fireplace better than the electric one? These are some of the questions that we will discuss. Check out the rest of the article below for more tips and ideas.

Do infrared fireplaces give off heat
Photo by Cole Ankney on Unsplash

What are Infrared Electric Fireplaces?

Infrared electric fireplaces are a type of electric fireplace that makes use of infrared heating technology to create heat. The good thing about infrared heaters is that they can produce more heat for larger spaces as compared to the conventional fan-forced heaters. There are a lot of electric fireplaces available on the market that makes use of conventional fan-forced heating to create heat. They are easy to install and convenient to use.

How Do Infrared Electric Fireplaces Operate?

Infrared electric fireplaces operate with the use of infrared light. Infrared light helps transfer heat to objects that are located in front of the fireplace. Moreover, our body absorbs infrared light and we feel the heat. Infrared heaters come in various features.

Does Electric Fireplaces Use Infrared?

Infrared is not used by all-electric fireplaces. Usually, you can find a lot of fan-forced heaters in electric fireplaces, especially the more affordable types. Furthermore, there are also electric fireplaces that do not feature any heater.

Infrared Fireplace Vs. Electric Fireplace

An electric fireplace uses fan-forced heating elements to create heat while an infrared electric fireplace uses infrared technology to create heat. Take note that an infrared fireplace is a type of electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces can use both fan-forced and infrared heaters.

Is Infrared or Electric Fireplace Better?

Choosing between an infrared and electric fireplace will have to depend on your preference and budget.  Infrared fireplaces provide a better way of heating compared to electric fireplaces that use fan-forced heating. This is because they can generate heat quickly and for a large space. On the other hand, when it comes to cost, infrared fireplaces are more expensive. Infrared fireplaces can generate enough heat for a larger space but cannot retain as much residual heat when it is turned off.

How Can You Help Save on Your Infrared Fireplace Energy Costs?

To save on your infrared fireplace energy cost, there are some things that you can do which include heating only the space that needs to be heated, keeping central heating low, keeping the windows closed to prevent heat from leaking outside, and choosing the right fireplace. Let us learn more about these things below.

Heat Specific Areas in Your Home

To save on your energy cost, make sure that you install the infrared fireplace in the room or area in your house where heat is needed. You should also keep the doors and windows closed so that heat will not escape.

Maintain a Low Setting for Your Central Heating System

It is recommended that you maintain your central heating on low. This will effectively provide a base heat for the fireplace in the room and will also provide heat for the rooms that the infrared fireplace cannot reach. Make sure to turn off the fireplace if it is not needed and do not leave it unattended or running especially during the night.

Close Windows and Doors

Make sure that your windows and doors are closed when the infrared fireplace is turned on. As compared to a wood-burning fireplace, the infrared fireplace does not need outdoor air to effectively run.

Choose the Right Size

Before you purchase an infrared fireplace, check the dimensions of the room. The size of the room will determine the size of the infrared fireplace that you need to have. If the fireplace is too small for the room, it will not be able to provide enough heat to keep a warm and comfortable temperature.

✅ Video – Basics of Infrared Heating

Roberts Gordon shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses the basics of infrared heating. Nowadays, infrared heating is used in various applications such as fireplaces. Find out how it works by watching the video below.

How Do You Purchase the Right Infrared Fireplace for Your Space?

The heat output, safety feature, design, installation, and material are some of the things that you need to consider when it comes to purchasing an infrared fireplace. Make sure that you check these things when shopping for an infrared fireplace.

How Much Heat Does it Generate?

One of the most important things that you need to consider when purchasing an infrared fireplace is the amount of heat that it can generate. Hence, you need to calculate the heat output that you need. Can the heat from the fireplace be able to provide enough warmth for the space that you plan to install it in? You can find infrared fireplaces with an adjustable thermostat that allows you to change the temperature.

What are its Safety Features?

Another thing that you need to consider when purchasing an infrared fireplace is its safety features.  While they are safer as compared to traditional fireplaces, you should choose one with additional safety features. Check the labels to make sure that it abides by government safety regulations. Moreover, you need to look for features such as protection from overheating. This is an important feature because it immediately turns off the fireplace as soon as it gets too hot.

What are the Materials Used?

You also need to consider the materials that are used in making the infrared fireplace because it will affect its efficiency and durability. You can choose from materials that include stamped metal and wood veneer. You should choose an infrared fireplace with a glass door and tempered windows. Make sure to choose tempered glass because they are more durable compared to ordinary glass.

Is it Easy to Install?

The ease of installation is also something that you need to consider especially if you are doing a DIY project. Some infrared fireplaces have complicated designs which also make installation a bit difficult. Infrared fireplaces are easier to install as compared to the traditional ones because there is no chimney required. There are also free-standing infrared chimneys that you can place anywhere as long as there is a power outlet. Make sure that you read and follow the instructions that come with the user manual when installing the fireplace.

Do Infrared Fireplaces Have Fans?

Infrared fireplaces do not have fans. Without this feature, they produce less sound as compared to electric fireplaces. To create heat, infrared fireplaces make use of infrared light heating technology so they do not have to use a fan. You can also read this article that discusses if electric fireplaces are tacky. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.

Are Infrared Electric Fireplaces Safe to Use?

Infrared electric fireplaces are safer to use as compared to traditional fireplaces because they do not produce a real flame. You do not have to worry about potential fire risks. Moreover, they do not produce smoke and other byproducts that can be harmful to your health.  While they are safer, it is still recommended that you use and maintain them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. We have also shared this article titled, why are ventless gas fireplaces banned in some states? You can check out the article for more tips and information.

How Long Does it Take for an Infrared Fireplace to Heat a Room?

Infrared fireplaces can instantly heat a room as soon as it is turned on. There is no need for you to wait a few minutes to feel the heat. Moreover, the heat will also stay in the room as long as the fireplace is turned on. The downside is that as soon as the fireplace is turned off, the heat also vanishes. As compared to an electric fireplace where heat lingers after it is turned off, the heat from the infrared fireplace vanishes as soon as it is turned off. You can also check out this article that discusses if ventless gas fireplaces give off heat. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed if infrared fireplaces give off heat. We have found out that infrared fireplaces give off heat. They provide an efficient way to heat a room. Infrared fireplaces are a great alternative to the traditional fireplace. They do not require a chimney and are perfect for any size of the room. Choose from a wide array of models available on the market. Thank you for reading!

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