Flexel Infrared Heaters

What is Far Infrared Heating?

Infrared Heaters utilising far infrared heating is the most natural form of heating as it is a wavelength of our own Sun’s rays. It is also a highly efficient method of heating. Infrared heats the occupants and objects in the building rather than waste energy heating the air. As an example, consider being in the Sun on a cold winter’s day. You can feel the warmth of the Sun before the air is warm.

The feeling of warmth is almost instantaneous - you can feel it as soon as the Sun emerges from behind a cloud. This natural form of heat transfer provides the healthiest and most efficient way to heat people. Any home or business can benefit from infrared heaters as a cost-effective, efficient heating source. The range of options available means they will also enhance the appearance of any premises.

For more information about what Infrared Heating is, and how it can benefit you, take a look at our handy guide 'What is Far Infrared Heating and How Does It Work?' and our Far Infrared Heating Presentation.

Why choose Flexel Infrared Heaters?

Flexel International have been designing and manufacturing innovative electric infrared heating systems since 1978. Our range of infrared heaters are suitable for both domestic and commercial applications. Our unique carbon impregnated glass cloth element provides excellent thermal efficiency and long life.

The core of our heating technology is in the carbon loaded resin used in the manufacture of our heating element. Continuous research and development have resulted in a thin-film heating element with a proven history of performance and longevity. Carbon heating element provides even heat distribution, damage toleration and a thermal efficiency significantly higher than cable or wire based products.

As part of the Fenix Group of companies, with production facilities in the UK and throughout Europe, we are one of the world’s largest specialist manufacturers of infrared heating products.

Infrared vs Convection Heating:

Traditional central heating systems work by air passing over warm water radiators. This creates warm air currents, as warm air rises and cold air falls due to differences in their density. This creates a temperature differential in the room, with the ceiling space being heated first. By contrast, infrared heat is the most efficient form of heat distribution available.

The people and fabric in the room are heated first and then gently warm the surrounding air. This means the air temperature can be lowered while maintaining comfort levels, resulting in a reduction in energy bills. Infrared heating does not cause air circulation, meaning there are no drafts created. Dust is not circulated in the room, which makes the environment easier to clean and more comfortable for allergy sufferers.

Designed for Living:

Infrared heating systems, in the form of wall or ceiling mounting panels, will become an elegant and decorative part of any home’s furniture.

Minimal air movement minimises dust circulation
Hygenic and discrete
Energy efficient and cost effective
No moving parts means no maintenance
Simple installation process
Available in a wide range of sizes and colours

Carbon Heating:

Carbon heating elements from Flexel are durable and efficient - the heart of many of our infrared heating systems.

Durable: Unlike wire based heating elements carbon elements
do not fail due to small local failures.
Uniform heat distribution
Highly efficient: over 99% of electrical energy is converted to heat
Keeps the same efficiency at any temperature

Electricity - The Fuel Of The Future:

Electric power is the future for heating. Dwindling supplies of North Sea gas, the uncertainty of imported gas supplies, the volatility of oil prices and the commitment to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint all point towards electricity as the fuel of the future. The country is moving towards a low carbon future, with electricity to be generated by nuclear power and sustainable sources.

Electric heating is 100% efficient and carbon neutral at the point of use. Electric heating systems are compatible with microgeneration technologies. As more low carbon and renewable sources become available, we will increasingly see electric heating favoured over gas.

Infrared Heaters - FAQs

What is radiant heat?

Radiant heat is a unique transfer of energy that naturally searches out colder objects to warm. Radiant heating systems can be installed in the floor (underfloor heating) or ceiling and use this system to heat the room.

Instead of heating the air, radiant floor heating systems heat the surface of objects or people in the room. These surfaces then gently warm the surrounding air creating a natural warmth with minimal temperature variation in different points in the room.

Categories: FAQs, Infrared Heating Panels

What are typical running costs of radiant heating panels?

Compared to traditional radiators, radiant heating panels are highly efficient – which leads to lower running costs.

Traditional convection radiators work by heating the air around them. The air circulates around the room, eventually heating the people and objects in the room. However, heating the air in this way can take a long time. And if you are trying to heat a large room, this can take a lot of energy. This results in high costs.

Radiant heating panels do not waste energy attempting to heat the air. Instead, infrared energy is emitted which directly heats the people and objects in the room. As a result, the temperature can be reduced without affected comfort levels. A radiant heating panel will provide the same level of comfort as a convection radiator using typically 40% of the power. For example, a 500W GR panel from Flexel International would provide the same comfort level as a 1200W convection heater.

Based a tariff where electricity is 12.5p/kWh, and the panel being on for five hours a day, the GR panel would cost about 25p a day to run.

The convection heater would cost around 75p a day. This results in savings of around £60 per year. However, the savings from radiant heating panels could be even greater.

The example does not take heat up times into account. Radiant panels provide almost instantaneous heat, so they will probably be kept on for less time than convection heaters. Convection heaters have to warm up slowly, and then they have to warm the surrounding air. It is only then that people will begin to feel the warmth.

Running costs are bound to be one of the biggest considerations when looking at an electric heater. That is why we are so proud of our energy efficient range of radiant heating panels.

Categories: FAQs, Infrared Heating Panels

How do I choose the right radiant heating panels?

At Flexel International we manufacture and supply a wide range of radiant heating panels. The panel that is right for you depends on your own personal preferences and requirements.

For example, if you want a discrete source of heating, you may want to consider a ceiling panel. This will provide energy efficient radiant heating without taking up any wall space. However, if you want a radiant heating panel to be a focal point in your room, you should choose one of our custom printed heating panels.

These include a high quality digital print. This can be one of a selection of beautiful standard prints, or you can send your own image to be added. There are also textured radiant heating panels available.

The textured surface, which increases the surface area by 2.5 times, results in more efficient heat generation. There are many options including radiant panel size, colour, surface texture and wall or ceiling mounting. The design of your room, the décor and budget should all be considered when choosing a radiant heating panel.

Categories: FAQs, Infrared Heating Panels

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Domestic Infrared Heating

Our domestic range of heaters are ideal for replacing or adding to your existing heating for your property with options for wall or ceiling mounting to free up your valuable wall space.

Domestic Heating

Commercial Infrared Heating

Looking to heat up larger open spaces? Our range of commercial heaters are ideal for open areas that are usually difficult to heat using traditional methods that heat the air volume first.

Commercial Heating

Church Infrared Heating

Churches and similar open spaces in older buildings are notoriously difficult to heat up quickly for the users of the building. Our Infrared heaters are highly efficient at heating large open spaces.

Church Heating