Dangers of Infrared Heaters

Our team independently selects, reviews, and identifies the best products. We may earn affiliate commissions on purchases made from links on this page. Read about our links here. This post was updated on July 13, 2024

There are many different types of heaters on the market these days, but one of the most popular is the infrared heater. Infrared heaters have been growing in popularity in recent years because they are seen as a safer alternative to other heaters.

However, people should be aware of some dangers associated with using infrared heaters. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the dangers of using infrared heaters and how to avoid them.

The Most Common Dangers of Infrared Heaters

Infrared Lamp, Red Light, Filament, Lamp
Infrared light

1. Burns

There is one major problem associated with infrared saunas, and that’s burning. When you’re heated too much by the heat, your skin will begin turning red as a result of surface burns on top layers; however, these do not penetrate deep enough for serious injury unless someone stays immersed.

 It typically takes quite a while to get this type of recompense since most people wear clothing like socks or gloves during infrared sauna sessions – but if they don’t, then there could still be some discomfort felt when exposed later down conjunction while wearing heavy garments afterward.

2. Blood Pressure

Infrared heat is dangerous to your skin, which can lead not only to an increase in blood pressure but also to headaches and faintness. Those with preexisting conditions or the elderly might be at risk for these effects if they’re exposed for the long term.

Read: Ceiling mount electric heater

Game, Remote, Gamer, Video
Infrared use in gamepads

3. Water Loss

The human body is designed to cool down when it becomes too hot. When sweating, which helps us ventilate our skin and rid ourselves of excess heat by evaporation from sweat glands all over the surface area. This process also causes water loss, leading to dehydration if not replaced with enough fluids during activities involving infrared heaters like sauna sessions.

4. Eye Damage

The eyes are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of infrared heat, and prolonged exposure can decrease vision and cause damage. Far-infrared rays lead to corneal burns, which may even become permanent if you’re not careful about your protection methods when working with these types of products or devices.

Read: Who makes Bradford white water heaters?

Room, Office, Modern, Lectronic
Infrared use in remote control

5. Skin Problems

When people are exposed for too long in the heat, their skin can become blotchy.

The repeated use of an infrared system causes these minor problems by heating your pores which then cracks them open, releasing pigments that cause color changes on topical sites where they don’t want any dark spots or wrinkles.

6. Overheating

Many different types of heat-related disorders can affect your body. The most common is overheating, which occurs when someone’s core temperature rises above their surroundings due to strenuous activity or lack of fluid intake—this could lead to dehydration and severe complications such as heatstroke and collapsing lung function.

Read: Is gas heat toxic?

How To Avoid the Dangers of Infrared Heaters

1.    Take Care of Your Power Cord

You may not know this, but a damaged power cable is one of the leading causes of home fires. Ensure your cables are tucked away and out of sight to avoid any problems.

2.    Keep Away from Children and Pets

Infrared heater coils can get very hot, which is why it’s important to choose one with a cool-to-temperature exterior to ensure your pets and kids are safe. I recommend getting wall-mounted heaters or those that have human-rated safety features like handles, so you don’t need two hands at all times.

3.    Always Leave it Clear.

You should always avoid leaving drapes, flammable objects, or clothes near or on top of your infrared heater.

4.    Inspect Your Smoke Alarm

One of the most important things to remember about safety is that it’s not only a priority when signs are telling us so, but also making sure your smoke alarms are working properly. As much as you might want them on standby mode all day long, and let’s face it – who doesn’t? These devices need some actual attention too.

5.    Ground the Outlet

When it comes to heating, you might not think of heaters as power-hungry. But on high settings, some of the larger infrared heaters can use up a lot more energy than other types – so make sure your grid isn’t overwhelmed and that there’s surge protection for when things go wrong.

6.    Safety Features

There are a variety of safety features that make up any good modern model. These include overheating prevention and tip-over protection, not to mention all the other bells and whistles you might come across like fire alarms or intercoms.

7.    Check Certification

Peace of mind is always worth looking for, especially if you can get it from an approved association.

Frequently Asked Questions on Infrared Heaters

Can Infrared Heaters Cause Health Problems?

Infrared heaters are not dangerous for your body, but they can be uncomfortable. It’s like sitting by the fire on a crisp fall day – it makes you feel cozy and warm despite being hot outside.

Are Infrared Heaters Fire Hazards?

The most dangerous risk posed by infrared heaters are leaks and improper use when it comes to fire. To prevent these types of accidents from happening, make sure you install your new space heater properly so that there will not be any kind of leakage or damage done.

Can You Burn Yourself with an Infrared Heater?

IR heaters are great for heating a room but will not make the air inside of it warmer. The microwave radiation from these devices can cause fires and dangerous skin burns if you’re standing too close or have an insulation loss, so always be careful.

Infrared heaters are a great way to stay warm, but there are some dangers you should be aware of. We’ve outlined six of the most important ones for you here so that you can keep yourself safe while enjoying the benefits of infrared heating.

Remember always to use caution when using an infrared heater and if you have any questions, consult with your doctor or heating professional. Stay safe and warm this winter with infrared heat.

If you follow these simple safety tips, you can enjoy the benefits of an infrared heater without any risks. We hope this post has guided you to understand the dangers of infrared heaters.

Read: Which type of heater is cheapest to run?