Quartz or infrared heater – which is better to choose?

During the cold season, the temperature inside a living space is not always comfortable. When choosing a modern heating device, the question arises which heater is better, quartz or infrared. The consumer wants the equipment to use electricity economically, to work properly, and for its price not to be exorbitant. Before making a choice, you will need to study the characteristics, pros and cons of both devices.

What is a quartz heater

Quartz heaters have appeared on sale relatively recently, but have already attracted keen interest. They are purchased for additional heating of private houses, apartments, and cottages. The heating element in these devices is made of chromium-nickel alloy; it is enclosed in a special flask filled with quartz sand. There is a dissipating plate next to the heater.

Heaters equipped with a thermostat maintain a certain temperature in the room. The design provides built-in sensors that protect the device from overheating, but this is only in expensive models.Such a battery can heat a room of 20 square meters to a comfortable temperature. m.

In addition to residential premises, a quartz heater can be installed:

• in warehouses;
• in garages;
• in cabins.

It is beneficial to use these devices, since after heating the quartz takes a long time to cool down. Even if you turn off the heater, it will continue to heat the air in the room for another 2-4 hours. In this case, the heat is distributed evenly. In addition to the monolithic slab, there are also models that combine heating with infrared radiation. This combination ensures even more efficient operation of the device.

Features of using the device

A monolithic quartz heater lasts a very long time, because the heating element does not come into contact with air, and therefore is not subject to oxidation processes. The surface of the quartz slab is covered with a dust-proof compound. This type of heater does not burn dust during operation, which means the air in the room will remain fresh.

The device can be painted to match the color of the walls, then it will be as invisible as possible. If necessary, the quartz slab can be used outdoors.

Features of operation:

1. For safety reasons, do not leave the device turned on overnight.
2. When leaving home, the power cord must also be unplugged.
3. All flammable objects must be kept at least half a meter away from the device.
4. The wire should be left outside and should not be laid under the carpet or hidden behind other coverings.
5. The quartz monolith is quite fragile and can become cracked or chipped from an accidental impact, so it is additionally protected with a special screen. In addition, the protection will protect the residents of the house from burns.

It is easy to install a monolithic slab yourself using a drill, hammer and screwdriver. Fastening elements are included in the delivery set. The stove can also be placed on the wall; to do this, it is hung on special brackets, leaving a small gap between the heater and the surface.

What is an infrared heater?

Infrared heaters have been used for many years. Their obvious advantages are low energy consumption and the ability to heat individual zones. As soon as the device is plugged in, it immediately starts to heat up. Some people have no reason to fear the harmful effects of infrared rays. Such devices are safe because they have low power.

The operation of an infrared heater is based on the principle of direct heating. The device emits long waves that are not absorbed by the air, but reach nearby objects. This type of heater is widely used in industry, but also has domestic purposes.

With their help you can heat:

• apartments;
• Houses;
• greenhouses;
• garages;
• terraces;
• gazebos;
• terrariums.

The device does not burn oxygen, does not dry out the air, and does not create dust circulation. The design of an infrared heater is not complicated. It consists of a heating element, reflector, housing, thermostat, and thermal sensors. The kit includes a bracket for mounting the device. The body is most often made of metal, but it can also be made of plastic or glass.

Heating elements, halogen or ceramic lamps, and carbon spirals can be used as a heater. Relatively recently, film micathermic panels appeared.The reflector is made of reflective materials; it is installed behind the heating element and separated from the body by a layer of thermal insulation. Models may be either wall-mounted or floor-mounted.

Features of using the device

Infrared heaters can be stationary, completely replacing central heating, or mobile. Portable devices are suitable for heating a cottage, garage, terrace or gazebo.

The devices also differ in type of execution:

1. Ceiling models are the most popular because they do not take up space and can be hidden behind a suspended ceiling.
2. Wall heaters are good because they do not require special skills for installation and can be an additional decoration of the room, having an original design. Such devices are placed mainly near the recreation area in the living room or next to the workplace.
3. The advantage of floor heaters is their mobility. You can take such a device with you to the dacha or move it to another room. A film floor heater is used as an option for heated floors.
4. Skirting models play the role of thermal curtains. They are installed to protect walls from freezing or near panoramic windows.

In a separate row there is a fan heater with infrared radiation. This device combines the use of rays with convection. During operation of the device, it is better to stay at a distance from it, since the radiating panel gets very hot. Experts advise selecting a separate outlet for the heater.

Before wiping the body during cleaning, the device must be disconnected from electricity. Do not cover a working heater with a cloth, otherwise it may break down.The infrared model is ideal for installation in a bedroom or children's room. The device operates silently, so it will not interfere with the process of falling asleep.

What is the difference?

Quartz and infrared heaters differ in the design principle and operating features. In the first case, the developers used the properties of quartz to retain heat for a long time. The device requires quite a long warm-up (about 20 minutes), after which it does not cool down for a long time and continues to heat the air in the room even when turned off.

In the second case, the operation of the device is ensured by the radiation of infrared waves. The device does not heat the air around it, but the surfaces located nearby. In the case of an infrared heater, it is important to choose the right location for effective operation. While in a room, the device does not heat the entire room, but a specific zone.

comparison table

The table lists the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the devices. A brief review of them will help you choose the most convenient heater for use for those who have not yet decided.

Models can be additionally equipped with a rotating bracket, a protective grille, a telescopic tripod, a thermostat, and a remote control. Expanded equipment increases the final cost of the product.

Pros and cons of a quartz heater

Quartz heaters are affordable and use electricity economically. In addition, the devices have a number of advantages:

• reliability – models of this type rarely break down and do not require repairs for almost the entire service life;
• compact dimensions – the heater is suitable even for tight spaces;
• mobility – the device can be taken with you to the dacha and moved from room to room;
• long cooling time – after switching off, it warms the room for several more hours.

With all the advantages, this technique is not without some disadvantages. Quartz panels cannot withstand pinpoint impacts. If the device is accidentally hit with something, it may crack or chip.

Most models do not have a built-in thermostat; you need to turn off the heater yourself and turn it on again after a while.If desired, you can install the thermostat yourself, but this will require additional costs. The surface of the heater gets very hot, which can cause burns; it must be used with a protective shield.

Customer reviews:

Sergey, Moscow.

I decided to purchase a Tepleko quartz heater for my house after reading reviews. I got the product on sale for 2500 rubles. The panel is made of quartz sand and coated with clay on the outside. The purchase is controversial. The heater is very heavy, it was difficult to carry it home. There are also difficulties with installation. The only good thing was that after turning off the stove remained warm for another hour and a half.

Rimma, Serpukhov:

We bought “Monolithic quartz heater 380” on OZON. Unlike its analogues, it has an aesthetic appearance. At least the device does not spoil the interior design. I ordered additional wheels so that I could easily move the stove to any convenient place. The device is economical and consumes little electricity. The kit includes a mount so you can hang the heater on the wall.

Pros and cons of an infrared heater

Infrared models are convenient to use for heating individual areas - sleeping, working. Another advantage of the device is its high efficiency, which reduces electricity costs.

Additional advantages:

• fast heating;
• soft, pleasant warmth;
• ability to heat rooms with high ceilings;
• does not create air currents that move dust;
• does not burn oxygen;
• easy to install.

They have infrared heaters and some disadvantages. Devices of this type are quite expensive. The price depends on the power of the selected model, configuration and other parameters.The heater may make cracking sounds as it heats up and cools down.

Being near the device for a long time, a person will begin to experience drowsiness and headache. Because infrared radiation heats surfaces, wooden furniture can deteriorate over time. The wood will dry out and may crack. It is better to place the device away from such pieces of furniture.

Customer reviews:

Arina, Armavir:

— I bought an infrared heater “Ballu BIH-LW2-1.5” specifically for the dacha. It connects easily and weighs a little. I used the device in the spring, including before bed. In a couple of hours, the mattress and bedding warm up, and you can sleep at a comfortable temperature.

Svetlana, Tikhoretsk:

— I bought an infrared heater “Home Birch Grove” on OZON, made in the form of a painting with a landscape corresponding to the name. We use it to heat the bathroom. The device itself heats up instantly; the room temperature is set to the desired temperature in about an hour. The painting can be rolled up for easy storage.

Which is better to choose?

Choose a heater based on its purpose. If you are going to use the device as the main heat source, then preference should be given to a model that uses infrared waves. It is also chosen when it is necessary to create certain, additionally heated zones in the room.

In this case, the heater is placed on the wall of the office near the desk, or in the living room above the sofa. An infrared device is also suitable for the bedroom, where it will create conditions for comfortable sleep in the cold season.

The quartz model is chosen for small rooms where the air warms up quickly.Even after switching off, the device will continue to emit heat for several hours, maintaining the desired temperature in the room. Monolithic quartz panels are ideal for cottages where there are power outages. Alas, the monolith cannot be hung on a thin wall; in this situation, an infrared model will help out.

If there are animals and small children in the house, using a quartz device may become unsafe due to the strong heating of the surface. In such cases, it is better to purchase a wall-mounted infrared heater. It is also better for aesthetes to choose an infrared model that has an attractive design, for example, made in the form of a painting.

Today, the industry produces quartz and infrared heaters in various designs and at any price. When choosing a device, you should take into account which room will have to be heated, whether this type of heating will be the main or additional one. Both options are economical, durable and safe, provided that the operating rules are followed.