Myths About Infrared Heating That Are Found on the Internet

Introduction

The internet is full of various myths about infrared (IR) heating — from “harmful rays” to misunderstandings about energy consumption.

In reality, far-infrared heating is one of the most efficient, safest and most modern heating technologies in Europe.

It’s time to debunk the most common myths with scientific and practical facts.

Myth No. 1: “Infrared rays are harmful to humans.”

❌ Incorrect.

Far-infrared radiation (FIR) used in Sundirect infrared panels is the same natural heat spectrum emitted by the sun and the human body.

It is non-ionizing, completely safe, and widely used in medicine — physiotherapy, muscle pain treatments and saunas.

Myth No. 2: “This type of heating dries out the air.”

❌ Quite the opposite.

Radiators and convectors heat the air, increasing dust circulation.

Infrared heating warms surfaces and people — not the air — which means:

✔ stable humidity

✔ no dry skin

✔ no nasal dryness

✔ no throat irritation

Myth No. 3: “The heat is uneven — it warms only one side.”

❌ Incorrect when panels are installed properly.

Modern IR panels, such as Sundirect IC / PE / GD / TH / LUX series, emit heat at up to a 120° angle, ensuring an even distribution throughout the room.

Portable Tower Pro heaters even reach 270°.

Surfaces such as walls and floors store the accumulated heat, maintaining long-lasting comfort even after the panel switches off.

Myth No. 4: “Infrared heating is expensive to run.”

❌ In fact, it is one of the most economical heating technologies.

With digital or WiFi thermostats, IR panels operate only 4–6 hours per day (depending on insulation, ceiling height and outdoor temperature), while comfort remains much longer because warmed surfaces retain heat.

Infrared heating does not warm unnecessary air mass — it directly heats people and surfaces, reducing heat loss and improving efficiency.

No need for:

✔ pipes

✔ boilers

✔ pumps

✔ filters

✔ regular servicing

✔ maintenance visits

✔ High radiation efficiency (>70% in laboratory tests)

Myth No. 5: “It’s a new and untested solution.”

❌ Infrared heating has been used for more than 30 years.

It is widely applied in sports halls, medical facilities, industrial buildings, kindergartens and modern homes throughout Europe.

Sundirect panels are CE and TÜV certified, meeting all EU safety standards and recognised as a stable, reliable long-term heating solution.

Conclusion

Infrared heating is a safe, healthy and energy-efficient technology that provides natural warmth, reduces dust movement, does not dry out the air and is ideal for both homes and offices.

It mimics natural sunlight heat, offering a clean, quiet and health-focused heating method.

Another important aspect — the purchase cost of infrared panels is comparable to a standard air-to-air heat pump, and energy consumption is similar as well.

However, IR heating has zero operating or maintenance costs:

no filters, no compressors, no refrigerant leaks, no annual service and no noise.

This makes infrared heating one of the most cost-effective long-term heating solutions compared to other heating technologies.

✔ Healthier than traditional radiators

✔ Cheaper to run than many other heating systems

✔ Modern, certified and sustainable

✔ No maintenance or service costs (unlike heat pumps)