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Types of Infrared Heaters
Understanding short, medium, and long wave infrared technology.
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Understanding short, medium, and long wave infrared technology.
Infrared electric patio heaters use radiant heat technology to warm people and objects directly, not the air. Infrared heaters operate like the sun warming your skin on a sunny day which make them the perfect solution to keep you warm year-round. Although infrared heat is a great solution to warm your space not all infrared heat is the same. There are three different types of technology to be aware of Short Wave, Medium Wave, and Long Wave infrared heat. Because these three types are heat producing and have different characteristics, it is important to know what sort of infrared we can use for heating situations and how to apply it. In the outline below we will breakdown the pros and cons of each technology to help you determine which type would suit your application best.
Infrared heat technology has been warming indoor and outdoor applications for decades. Experiments were conducted using a glass prism, the sun, and a thermometer to see if different colors of the rainbow on the visible light spectrum generated higher temperatures. What was discovered was light rays below the color red, that are not visible to human eye, had the highest temperature of all the colors. Today this light is known as “ Infra” (below) Red. Technology has allowed us to harness this concept to create invisible rays of light to heat solid objects such as people and create what infrared patio heating is today.
There are three types of infrared technology Short Wave, Medium Wave and Long Wave. The rule of thumb is the shorter the wavelength the “hotter” the infrared heat and the further it travels. The chart below gives a great visual of each.
Heat Source
Least Radiant Efficiency
Heat Distribution
Warm Up Time
Best Application: These heaters perform well in colder, windier climates.
Top Brands: Solaira, Dimplex and Aura
Best Application: These heaters perform well mild climates where ambient temperature is 60°
Top Brands: Bromic, Infratech, and Eurofase
Best Application: These heaters perform well in indoor or enclosed covered patios
The least efficient type of Infrared heat out of the three options. 40% of the heat that is felt is coming directly from these infrared rays, the other 60% comes from the heat radiated from the objects the rays are warming. Long wave heaters perform in indoor applications or covered semi
Top Brands: Heatstrip, Radtec, Victory
Heat Source
Medium Radiant Efficiency
Heat Distribution
Warm Up Time
Heat Source
Most Radiant Efficiency
Heat Distribution
Warm Up Time
The most efficient type of Infrared heat out of the three options. 90% of the heat that is felt is coming directly from these infrared rays, the other 10% comes from the heat radiated from the objects the rays are warming. The heat projection on short wave heaters is greater than the other technologies meaning you can cover larger spaces with less units.
Medium wave heaters typically have quartz element tubes that produce radiant heat. 60% of the heat that is generated comes directly from the infrared rays while the other 40% comes from the heat radiated from the objects the rays are warming. Medium wave heaters are popular for the different styles available and the warm ambient glow that is reflected.
With our list of industry-leading brands to choose from, we are confident we can help you find the perfect solution to accommodate your application. Our trained staff has years of experience and are happy to help you choose the best solution for your outdoor space. Our Patio Specialists are ready to answer all of your questions, give us a call today and take advantage of our FREE heating design consultation at 855-298-4922.