What is an Infrared Heat Lamp?
Heat lamps are a special type of incandescent light bulb. They are designed to generate as much heat as possible through infrared radiation, so they are often called infrared lamps, infrared heaters, or infrared bulbs. They heat quickly, cheaply, and efficiently, making them useful in many temperature-critical applications.
Almost all such bulbs are incandescent. Since their primary purpose is to generate heat, not just light, LED heat lamps don't really exist:
LED bulbs are much more efficient at converting electrical current into light than incandescent bulbs, losing almost no energy as heat in the process
In practice, this means that LED lamps don't get hot enough to work for this purpose
Infrared LEDs do exist, but they're mainly used in remote controls and other communication devices
On the other hand, incandescent lamps are relatively inefficient when used primarily for lighting:
- They lose a lot of infrared radiation as heat energy when converting electrical current into light energy
- In most cases, this is an undesirable side effect of non-LED bulbs. But in some specific applications, it's a benefit
- Infrared heaters are designed with this effect in mind, and light quality may not be that important
How Does an Infrared Heat Lamp Work?
Understanding how a heat lamp works is essentially the same as understanding how a traditional light bulb works. A thin tungsten wire (filament) is enclosed in an inert gas capsule, acting as a resistor. It heats up and glows under the flow of an electric current, emitting both light and heat.
Bulbs specifically designed for heating differ from standard incandescent bulbs in a few key ways:
They are usually designed to run on stronger currents than regular bulbs, and therefore produce higher temperatures
Most bulbs have a maximum wattage of about 100W. This tends to be the lowest wattage for infrared heaters, which often run 2kW or more
Lighting ability is usually not the main selling point. Their light output may even be intentionally limited to prioritize warming ability. This is often achieved with filters or reflectors to help concentrate the heat radiation
uch bulbs use sturdier materials than lower wattage bulbs. Common examples include heavy-duty filaments and ceramic bases. These materials help prevent the outer shell from burning out or melting under high currents
Infrared Heat Lamp Uses
Infrared lamps can be used in a wide variety of applications due to their unique properties. These applications include:
Their ability to reach extremely high temperatures very quickly
The potential to regulate heat output to a specific level or temperature gradient
The fact that their heat zone can be concentrated to a small, concentrated area, unlike some alternatives such as open flames or convection heaters
Overall efficiency and cost effectiveness as an electrical heat source
They can heat without directly contacting or disturbing an object. In contrast, conduction, combustion, or convection heaters can all affect an object in a variety of ways
The above properties often make infrared heaters the preferred solution for a wide range of tasks compared to many other types of heaters and heat sources.
Everyday examples include:
Animal Heat Lamps
Use in terrariums and hatcheries is one of the most common reasons people buy these lamps online. In particular, many people choose to use heat lamps for chicks and reptiles that they are raising. So-called brooding lamps are often installed near newly hatched chicks to help simulate the warmth from nesting parents. In terrariums, the lamps simulate the warmth of the sun to help regulate body heat or metabolism.
Catering Heat Lamps
Commercial food heating lamps are found in all kinds of cafes, restaurants, cafeterias, and takeaways. You'll often see them installed in areas where hot food needs to be served for long periods of time. They're also commonly installed next to other retail food cabinets.
Plant Heat Lamps
For terrariums and grow rooms is another reason people buy infrared bulbs. They're used to precisely control temperature. Infrared can simulate warmer climates and biomes, or mimic the day-night cycle that many non-native plants need.
Other common uses for these bulbs include:
Bathroom Heat Lamps
These help warm the area before use and remove condensation from mirrors, walls, and other surfaces. This can provide a better overall experience and reduce the chances of mold growing in a damp room. They're fairly common in hotels and guesthouses, and are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners as well.
Infrared Paint Curing Lamps
These help paint dry (and, for some applications, help harden) after it's been applied. They're often associated with body shops and automotive painting, where properly curing the paint is critical.
Many decorators also use drying and curing lamps to get the job done faster, especially in large or busy areas. They provide a more even, durable, and professional finish than simply air drying. These specialty lights should not be confused with regular work lights or painters’ lights.
Medical Uses
People with chronic illnesses or short-term injuries can use infrared heating technology to treat physical ailments and symptoms. They can help relieve a variety of painful or swollen joints and muscles. Infrared heat lamps are a popular, convenient, and quick alternative to hot water bottles or heat packs for back pain.
Infrared Heat Lamp Types
There are three main types of infrared lamps sold online. Each type is defined by its wavelength - shortwave, medium wave, or long wave. Each type has advantages and disadvantages for different uses.
Shortwave infrared is more intense (hotter and brighter), more transmissive (better for covering longer distances), and stronger than medium and long wave infrared. Due to the way shortwave infrared directly excites molecules, it is more efficient at heating surfaces and objects than it is at heating air. Shortwave infrared uses a lot of energy to achieve its projection distance in a narrow but intense heating area.
Medium and long wave infrared are cooler and produce dimmer light (usually red). They are less transmissive (have a shorter range) but more penetrating (are more easily absorbed by objects). They are more effective at gradually raising the temperature to a comfortable level over a longer period of time. Longer wavelengths use more energy to gently heat a smaller area continuously.
It is always useful to choose the best type of infrared heater for your specific use.
Shortwave Heat Lamps
Which bulb emits the most heat? Shortwave infrared is basically the hottest and brightest type of bulb. It is best used for more intensive and direct heating tasks, and for covering greater distances outdoors.
They heat up almost instantly, and can emit an intense, comfortable warmth directly to an object. They lose almost no energy by heating the air around the bulb, so nearly all of the energy reaches the object as direct heat.
Ideal uses include outdoor patio heating, where the radiated heat needs to travel long distances quickly to reach an object or person. Shortwave infrared performs well in wind, and quickly completes highly concentrated heating tasks, such as curing and drying paint.
Because it has little effect on areas of low molecular density, it is not well suited to raising the temperature of the surrounding air. It is also not suitable for long-term close-range or indoor use, due to the intense heat and light it produces.
Medium-wave Heat Lamps
Medium-wave infrared heaters heat a room better than shortwave heaters. Their heat is more easily absorbed by people and objects, but is less transmittable over long distances.
They heat up a little slower, usually taking around 30 seconds to a minute. They are about the same as being able to directly heat a solid surface as they are able to do to dissipate heat into the air.
About 60% of the output is direct heat, and 40% is used to heat the space around the lamp. They are not very effective in windy conditions, making them less suitable for most outdoor uses.
Long Wave Heat Lamps
Only about 40% of the energy output by far infrared lamps is delivered as direct heat, while 60% is lost to the surrounding air. Therefore, long wave infrared heaters are a better choice for gradual heating of enclosed spaces.
They take 5-20 minutes to reach a relatively low peak temperature of about 300 degrees Celsius. They emit very little light, making them less noticeable, compared to short wave infrared lamps. They are often preferred for indoor panel heating arrays. Since they are very susceptible to wind, they are not as effective when used outdoors.
R125 Red Infrared Lamp
The Red R125 Infrared Heating Lamp is an efficient heat source ideal for use in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Its red coating enhances infrared heat output, making it perfect for warming spaces or for therapeutic purposes. Designed for durability and consistent performance, the Red R125 Infrared Heating Lamp is a reliable choice for delivering targeted heat where it's needed most.
BR40/BR125 Hard Glass IR Lamp Red Paint
Elevate your lighting game with our BR40/BR125 Hard Glass IR Lamp Red Paint, Designed specifically for high-performance infrared heating, this lamp combines durability with exceptional functionality, The hard glass construction ensures longevity, making it perfect for both home and commercial use.