Picture yourself coming inside your warm and inviting house on a wintry winter’s night, only to be greeted by a soft warmth that seems to be coming from above. The concept of a warm ceiling, an inventive way to heat your house effectively and affordably, is not just a pipe dream.
Infrared heating film, a thin, flexible material that can be covertly installed inside your ceiling, is the central component of this system. Infrared heating operates by radiating radiant heat straight onto surfaces and objects in the room, including you, as opposed to conventional heating techniques that rely on convection to move warm air around. Using a targeted approach, your space will warm up quickly and remain consistently warm throughout, eliminating any cold spots.
The efficiency of a warm ceiling is one of its biggest benefits. Installing heating elements in the ceiling enables the best possible heat distribution throughout the space since heat rises naturally. This implies that, in comparison to traditional heating systems, you can experience comfortable temperatures while using less energy, which will ultimately result in lower energy costs.
However, warm ceilings provide advantages that go beyond effective heating. Installing the heating film overhead frees up valuable wall and floor space that would have been taken up by large radiators or vents. This gives you more options for more adaptable furniture placement and interior design, enabling you to design the living space of your dreams.
Warm ceilings offer a flexible solution that can be customized to meet your unique needs, whether you’re looking to upgrade your current heating system or starting a new construction project. This contemporary method of heating promises not only warmth and comfort but also affordability and visual appeal for both residential buildings and vacation cottages.
- Characteristics of film infrared heating on the ceiling
- Advantages and disadvantages of infrared warm ceiling
- Types of ceiling-mounted infrared film heaters
- Operating principle of infrared ceiling heating
- Calculating the power of infrared heating
- How to make a warm ceiling in the house with your own hands?
- Thermal insulation of the ceiling
- How to calculate the area of the infrared film?
- Installation of the heating equipment
- Connection to the electrical network
- Ceiling heating PLEN
- Where the heaters can be located?
- Installation of the infrared ceiling foil
- Peculiarities of installation and operation
- Water IR ceiling panels
- Recommendations when selecting a system
- Device and principle of operation of the infrared heater
- Famous brands and manufacturers
- Characteristics of the electric heater of film construction.
- Why a film heater?
- How infrared film heating works
- Advantages
- Electric devices for IR heating
- Advantages of infrared principle
- Design of the film heating system
- Scope of application of infrared PLAN
- Coating of IR foil for the ceiling from the outside
- Design of an electric film heater (EHF)
- Rules for fixing the infrared film on the ceiling
- Video by topic
- Warm ceiling or warm floor on the contrary
- Ceiling infrared heater or floor heating. Which is better?
- Does the ceiling IR film heat the ceiling?? – Personal experience
- Infrared foil on the ceiling. Is the game worth the candle?
- Step-by-step installation of heating ZEBRA EVO-300 PRO warm ceiling. Video instruction for installation in a private house.
- Installing infrared film on the ceiling
- WARM FLOOR ON THE CEILING! how it can be? WARM FLOOR ON THE CEILING!
Characteristics of film infrared heating on the ceiling
The heating components of infrared ceiling heating are housed inside a film canvas. When electricity is currently available, this film will heat up to +45 °C in a few minutes. The transmission of infrared waves is similar to that of solar radiation. Following the heating of the ornamental ceiling covering, the heat will be directed toward the floor and further reflected there.
The air in the room will be heated, and the current furniture will also be heated, thanks to ceiling infrared film devices. As a result, heat will continuously build up in the living room and eventually be released from the surfaces of objects.
Installing a thermoregulator in the room at a height of approximately 1-1.5 meters is essential for regulating the operation of the infrared film heater system, which is mounted on the ceiling surface.
The owner of the living area typically independently determines the ideal temperature range. The infrared ceiling heater shuts off when the predetermined temperature is reached. It should be remembered that maintaining the specified temperature regime will become necessary after the equipment is terminated. The infrared film ceiling heater will therefore use the electric network for approximately ten minutes each time it is turned on.
It is important to draw attention to the following technical features:
- The width of the film can vary from 0.5 m to 1 m;
- maximum thickness is 1.2 mm;
- maximum temperature heating of the installed elements – +50 ° C;
- the required voltage is 220 V;
- mass of 1 sq. m infrared film heater is 50 g.
Many people think that the floor will always be cold if this kind of heating is installed. It’s crucial to understand that the heat generated by objects will make up for the floor’s lack of heat.
Advantages and disadvantages of infrared warm ceiling
A warm ceiling offers numerous benefits over other kinds of heating systems, including:
- Most economical compared to conventional radiators and reflectors;
- the natural humidity level is maintained in the room;
- uncomplicated installation and the absence of labor-intensive operations;
- simple automatic control will allow you to forget about temperature fluctuations;
- possibility of installation in buildings of any type, including wooden;
- wide choice of ceiling finishes.
The only notable drawback that stands out is the ceiling height restriction, but even in this instance, a solution is still available. When installing thermal film, for instance, avoid areas like above the desk or the bedhead where people are frequently present.
Types of ceiling-mounted infrared film heaters
Depending on how they are attached, the three types of film infrared heaters that are currently available are as follows:
- ceiling models;
- wall-mounted models;
- floor models.
Infrared films can vary in type and temperature depending on the radiation’s wavelength.
- low-temperature – household models of heaters that heat up to +10 ° C-+60 ° C, the emission length of infrared waves varies from 5.6 microns to 100 microns;
- medium-temperature – in this case the temperature range is +60 °С-+100 °С, and the wavelength ranges from 2.5-5.6 microns;
- high-temperature – the temperature range exceeds +100 ° C, the radiation of infrared waves is 0.74-2.5 microns.
The most common ones right now are ceiling heating components. These models can serve as a primary source of heat or as a backup. Avoiding burns is a challenge when reaching such elements, particularly when small children are present in the home.
The heating of the ceiling surface will be uniform if the installation process is done correctly. The attractive appearance of contemporary models ensures that infrared ceiling heaters will only enhance the interior decor.
Advice: If required, a PLAN that is mounted on the ceiling in the living area may be installed.
Operating principle of infrared ceiling heating
Film electric heaters with the following linear dimensions form the foundation of the "heating ceiling" heating system:
- Web thickness – up to 1 mm;
- 0.5 or 1 meter wide;
- web length – from 0.25 to 7 m.
These electric heaters are installed freely in nearly any ceiling configuration. The maximum load operating temperature is limited to 50 °C, and the heaters’ average specific power ranges from 150 to 220 W per square meter.
The working principle of infrared heating is very straightforward. The electric film heaters start to radiate heat when an electric current is run through them. The items and surrounding structures in the room are rapidly heated by infrared radiation from the electric heater’s surface.
Thermoregulators, which are installed in every room heated by the system, regulate the heating ceiling. The temperature controllers from Cewal RQ10, Orbis Clima ML, and programmable E 51 have proven to be exceptional. 716. They can disconnect or turn on the electric heaters in response to temperature variations of less than one degree.
The heating ceiling is completely safe and operates without the owners’ control, but its main benefit is distinct. Conventional heating operates in phases, sending energy to the heat transfer fluid, heat exchangers (batteries), room air, and finally, the target that has to be heated directly. Energy is lost with every step, so the cost increases. Using every watt efficiently, infrared heating has a direct impact.
Our organization uses a variety of film heaters that all operate according to the same theory. We evaluate each material’s effectiveness and performance in real-world settings, choosing the most dependable and advantageous from an operational standpoint. The following kinds of electric film heaters are what we advise using.
- Ceiling heater ZEBRA EVO-300 (development , g. Chelyabinsk).
- Heating foil TM (production of Yu.Korea).
Calculating the power of infrared heating
The equipment can be calculated with ease. Ceiling infrared heaters with a capacity of 1 kW are recommended for 10 square meter spaces with good thermal insulation and ceiling heights of 2.5–3 meters. The performance of a specific device and the advice in the instruction manual can be used to determine more precise numbers.
It should be noted that we are not discussing continuous electricity use, as the system only needs to operate for 20 minutes out of every hour to maintain a specific temperature regime. For a house measuring 55 square feet, the effective electricity consumption can therefore reach up to 2 kW. You will also agree that this is not a major issue.
How to make a warm ceiling in the house with your own hands?
There are various stages involved in installing the infrared film on the ceiling:
- Thermal insulation of the ceiling;
- calculating the area of the foil;
- installation of the film, thermostat and sensor;
- connection to the network and testing of performance.
All construction and finishing work on the ceiling must be completed, with the exception of finishing, before the thermal film is installed. Complete all tasks related to the installation of lighting and communication wires.
Let’s now take a closer look at the phases involved in installing a warm ceiling.
Thermal insulation of the ceiling
It’s essential to avoid overheating the attic or the neighbors on the floor above. All of the heat will be returned to the space by a well-insulated ceiling, improving the device’s efficiency and lowering energy expenses. The entire surface of the ceiling is covered in thermal insulation with a reflective layer, which extends a few centimeters down the walls. By doing this, heat loss through the spaces between the wall and the ceiling will be avoided. Scotch tape is used to seal joints in the thermal insulation material. The material needs to have a minimum thickness of 5 mm.
How to calculate the area of the infrared film?
The following factors need to be considered in order to determine the necessary area accurately:
- how well the building itself is insulated. For a brick house or a light frame building, these data will be different;
- whether you plan to live in the house during the winter period, permanently or occasionally;
- area to be heated. This can be the whole room or part of it;
- whether the infrared heating will be primary or supplementary.
At least 70% of the total ceiling area should be occupied by the warm ceiling if it is intended to be the primary source of heating. Additionally, this number can be lowered in accordance with the primary heating system’s power. The foil has an average power density of about 0.2 kW per square meter. You can determine the area of the foil that can be connected to the thermoregulator by dividing its power by this figure.
Installation of the heating equipment
Only the designated cutting lines on the thermal film may be cut. The maximum length of the section varies depending on the type of foil. You can ask the salesperson or consult the documentation that is enclosed for this information. The foil and the insulation in the ceiling shouldn’t have any openings or spaces.
Next, using contact clips, the copper contacts of the conductive busbar must be connected to the electrical wires. The clip should be placed with one half inside the heater and the other half on the copper rail. Next, insulate the foil’s ends on both sides using bitumen tape.
The sensor is mounted within the thermal insulation cutout and linked to the heating elements and regulator.
Connection to the electrical network
A regulator should be used to link the thermal foil in parallel with the mains. It is best to connect the warm ceiling through a separate circuit breaker if it will have a large capacity.
When turned on, a properly installed warm ceiling should produce a pleasant, uniform heat that never overheats and should promptly shut off when the desired temperature is reached.
Ceiling heating PLEN
PLAN ceiling heating has a number of significant advantages:
- Since the device is powered by heating electricity, energy costs are minimal;
- A distinctive feature is the high level of reliability and long service life – the conductors are sealed in a film, there are no wearing elements in the design;
- PLAN can be installed under the covering of any material, it does not require a lot of space;
- thanks to the automated system, it is possible to set any temperature mode.
The fact that there are no heat losses and the operation is silent is something to be concerned about. The operational life is 50 years, and the manufacturer offers a warranty of up to 25 years. When it’s working, ceiling heating doesn’t need maintenance.
Where the heaters can be located?
Individual heaters or film surfaces installed in the floor, walls, or under the ceiling are how infrared heating is set up in a space. Because ceiling heating is similar to natural solar heating, it is a popular option. All of the objects in the room lose heat as a result of the uniform distribution of radiation from the ceiling. Walls, baseboards, dishes, and furniture all turn into heating radiators.
The warmest zone is close to the feet even though the heating source is located in the ceiling. The ceiling can be fully utilized for the installation of the infrared film because it is clear of any objects.
Foil is only used for floor and wall heating in areas devoid of furniture and home appliances. While this lowers the cost of heating, it also lessens the amount of energy that is radiated.
Installation of the infrared ceiling foil
It is advised to install mats on the surface beforehand, taking up about 80% of the surface area, if this system will serve as the primary source of heat. It is sufficient to install mats on 30% of the total area of the ceiling surface if the infrared ceiling heater is used as an additional source of heat.
It is essential to accurately determine the power level of heating elements prior to beginning installation work. The power calculation will allow for the selection of a thermoregulator. For instance, a thermostat uses 4 kW, and 0.2 kW is used for every square meter of foil. foil uses 0.2 kW per m. The surface area in this instance ought to be as much as twenty square meters. м.
The next step is to install the thermal insulation materials. Thermal insulation can stop heat loss if you intend to install an infrared heater in a multi-story home with a concrete floor. Thermal insulation keeps heat from escaping from wooden homes and preventing the wood from drying out.
Polystyrene foam, which has a layer of foil covering one or both sides, can be used as insulation. Dowels should be used to secure the material to the floor slabs. It is advised to use foil tape to seal the joints. You can then move forward with installing the film ceiling heater.
Prior to affixing the infrared film web, the entire perimeter must be tentatively indented approximately 35 cm from the walls. The strips should be spaced apart by up to 5 cm. On the ceiling’s surface, infrared film should be positioned parallel to one another. It is advised that a specific plan be followed when performing the work, which states that sleeping quarters and electrical appliances shouldn’t be situated above heating elements.
Once every component has been fixed, it is worthwhile to assess the system’s performance. This can be accomplished by attaching to the copper bus bar terminals and firmly clamping them with pliers; the connection points need to be insulated consistently.
Electric copper wires, which have a minimum cross-section of 2.5 square meters (mm), are used to connect the infrared film cloths. If required, the cables can be covered up by creating a perforator hole in the walls and sealing it with plaster.
Peculiarities of installation and operation
Any kind of film heater can be installed on your own, without the assistance of a professional. But there are a few nuances to be mindful of:
- the foil should be installed on a dry, clean and leveled surface;
- the heating elements may only be cut along the lines specifically marked by the manufacturer;
- It is better not to carry out the installation at negative temperatures in the room, as well as at high humidity levels;
- the maximum permissible length of one film heater blade is 8 meters, and the distance between the webs is no more than 5 millimeters;
- The foil must not be bent more than 90 degrees;
- Fastening to the surface is carried out with special fasteners or with the help of a construction stapler and staples. It is strictly forbidden to use nails, screws or self-tapping screws during installation;
- the power supply is only connected to the installed heater. It is forbidden to plug in the device rolled up into the network.
This is how the FLET installation process is being carried out.
- A reflective foil screen is laid on the prepared dust-free surface. It is installed overlapping and fixed with special tape.
- Then the heating elements, i.e. the film itself, are placed.
- The power supply is connected and the wires are hidden. At this stage, the thermoregulator is also mounted.
The installation of a PLAN heater shouldn’t present any challenges. If the work is going to be done on your own, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully and make sure you understand all the little details before starting.
Water IR ceiling panels
These ceiling heaters’ primary design element is a system of reflectors and insulators that concentrates heat in a particular area. The use of radiating tubes, through which the liquid coolant flows, gave rise to the term "water panels." Coolant is pumped through the tubes in the summer.
This kind of design is very safe and simple to install, even in big areas like end centers, workshops, etc.
Installing warm ceilings is a simple way to turn your house into a comfortable retreat during the winter. Installing infrared heating film in your ceiling offers a practical and economical way to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home or vacation rental. Warm ceilings, as opposed to conventional heating systems, disperse heat uniformly throughout the area, removing cold spots and guaranteeing a constant temperature. Over time, the cost of heating will be lowered because this creative solution uses less energy while still providing warmth. Warm ceilings provide an elegant and useful way to increase comfort without breaking the bank, whether you’re building a new room or remodeling an existing one.
Recommendations when selecting a system
The films come in a variety of widths and lengths for convenient installation. There is a range of 1 to 5 meters for the length and 35 to 65 cm for the width.
Roughly 80% of the ceiling’s surface is covered in foil installation. The amount of furniture determines how much floor space is occupied. Installing a heating system beneath cabinet and upholstered furniture is inefficient because there won’t be any natural heat exchange with the surrounding air.
Climate also has an impact on the effectiveness of film heaters. You should select a more potent heating system if the home is situated in a windy area because heat losses will be substantial in this scenario.
Crucial! Prior to installing the FLET system, attend to the room’s thermal insulation. Insulate every surface, including the walls, ceiling, doors, windows, and, in the case of a private residence, the roof and basement. If not, a FLET system’s operation will be linked to high energy consumption.
Device and principle of operation of the infrared heater
The device’s steel body houses a radiator or heating element as well as a reflector. Humans sense infrared waves, which the emitter emits when it is plugged in, as heat waves. The heating element in a film heater can be a carbon coating, an open or closed spiral, or a TEN tubular heater.
In addition to providing targeted heating, the reflector keeps the gadget from overheating. Animals and humans can safely be exposed to infrared radiation, with the possible exception of overheating. Heaters are designed with sensors and thermoregulators to stop it. They can assist you in adjusting the heating temperature and shutting off the device when it reaches that setting.
Famous brands and manufacturers
It makes sense that there are so many different companies making infrared film on the market today. Let’s examine a few popular variations:
Among the best illustrations of a homegrown producer. The heater of the film type is produced in Chelyabinsk. Installing this material is convenient. Fifteen square meters of tape material, easily divided into the required sections, come in a single heater package. Step of cutting: from 0.6 to 6 m. It is very convenient to perform independent installation because the material can be marked and cut at the work site to the required length. All the components needed to independently arrange the warm floor using infrared film are included in the kit.
In Russia, the South Korean company is regarded as the second most well-known. This manufacturer’s infrared floor heating film combines affordability with high quality. There is one major drawback: a greater propensity for deformation and fragility. The material needs to be installed carefully because of this. The company manufactures 180–220 W infrared heating film with a 0.4 cm thickness.
This South Korean company makes heating infrared film in roll widths of 50, 80, and 100 meters, with a maximum power of 350 watts. The material, which is resistant to breaking and characterized by dependability, is anti-spark mesh, which the manufacturer uses in the design.
The manufacturer offers a maximum 15-year warranty on their dependable floor heating film. Rolls are 0.5–0.8 m wide, the material is 0.4 cm thick, and the power is 150–220 W. The company’s selection also includes more "powerful" films with 400 W of power consumption for outdoor terraces and loggias.
Infrared light emanating from an ultrathin surface. Black graphite strips enclosed in polyethylene material serve as heating elements by absorbing the voltage from the copper conductor. The system uses very little energy and operates very efficiently.
Characteristics of the electric heater of film construction.
It’s important to consider more factors than just size when selecting an IR film heater because PLENs have additional features, some of which are condition-specific:
- voltage of current consumption – mainly 220 V, but also produced for 110 V;
- power – up to 500 W, energy consumption per square meter of the film heater (specific power) can be from 70 to 170 W;
- The maximum heating temperature is 35-50 degrees Celsius;
- current consumption – 0.7-1.2 A;
- specific weight – up to 350 g/m sq. ft.
To make the description more understandable, let’s compile the information about the features of film heaters according to their sizes:
Why a film heater?
A non-exaggerated infrared heater of the film type is a great choice for heating a balcony or loggia. There are major drawbacks to other devices:
- installation on the balcony radiator water heating and connecting it to the centralized system will require approvals and significant labor costs, in addition, the heater will take up space, which on the balcony and so not much;
- electric heaters of convection type that heat the air may be ineffective, especially if the balcony is not insulated or has a single-layer glazing (without double-glazed windows);
- wall-mounted and floor-mounted IR heaters are also not always convenient, as they take up part of the useful space.
A comparison of the various heating options
How infrared film heating works
Heat-radiating electromagnetic background
Low-temperature film heaters, whose maximum heating temperature is limited to 50˚C, operate similarly. Any IR (infrared film), regardless of manufacturer, is made up of three parts:
- a heating element that converts electricity into heat;
- foil, thanks to which the heat is distributed with equal force over the entire surface;
- double-sided lamination with PET film, which performs the functions of insulation and protection from mechanical influences.
Once the heater receives current, heating begins. The current is transformed into heat energy as it passes through the heating components. This heat energy is then transferred by contact from the radiator to the double-sided PET foil, causing heat waves to emanate from both sides of the foil. Therefore, the IP itself—rather than the foil or heating elements—is the source of radiation.
What happens, for example, if plasterboard is placed over the film and it is used as ceiling heating? The plasterboard will be heated by the film’s primary radiation, which will also cause it to begin emitting infrared waves into the surrounding area, which will heat the nearby objects and eventually the air. The radiation flow in a floor heating system will be the same, but it will go from bottom to top. Once more, the floor covering is the secondary radiation and the FE is the primary radiation.
Advantages
There are several benefits to such a heater:
- It allows you to create a scheme of heating rooms by zones or with coverage of the entire space.
- It has a low price.
- Gives the opportunity to save up to 40% of energy compared to other heating systems.
- The infrared film heater located on the ceiling does not take up any useful space.
- It practically does not reduce the height of ceilings.
- It is characterized by silent operation and high efficiency, as well as instantaneous heating.
According to experts, the IR film heater is currently the most efficient method for providing high-quality heating for any kind of space.
Electric devices for IR heating
"Film electric heater" or "film radiant electric heater" is what the acronym PLEN stands for. The IR heating film can be used as the primary heat source as well as a supplementary one.
It is actually a film that has heating elements inside of it that release infrared waves when an electric current passes through them.
Advantages of infrared principle
One way to heat air masses in a room from a source is to:
- heat conduction;
- convection;
- thermal radiation.
Fans with heating spirals and water and oil radiators both use the first two principles of heat transfer.
They involve the use of a heat transfer medium or heating element to first heat a specific work surface, after which the nearby room air is heated. The room is then recirculated with either forced or natural convection.
IR film heaters are heating systems that initially heat the surfaces of the walls, furniture, floor, and ceiling in the room rather than the air itself.
The transfer of heat from a source using infrared electromagnetic radiation is known as thermal radiation. Infrared radiation cannot directly heat the air.
They can only be used to heat solid-material surfaces. That is to say, PLEN heats the furnishings and finishes in the room first as a result of the heating system’s operation, and then they heat the air.
The term "thermal radiation" is frequently used to describe infrared radiation because it produces no discomfort and is instead felt as a feeling of warmth.
Electromagnetic waves in the 0.74–2000 micron range are known as infrared heat. Approximately 40% of the radiation that the Sun emits into Earth is visible light, while 10% and 50% of its radiation is infrared and ultraviolet, respectively.
Thermal energy with a wavelength of 9.2 microns is produced by IR film heaters. These rays are perfectly safe and natural for humans because they most closely resemble "sunlight." After all, heat with a wavelength of 9.6 microns in the infrared spectrum is emitted by the human body itself.
Design of the film heating system
Three fundamental components make up IR film electric heaters:
- heating element;
- transmitting;
- radiating.
Electrical energy is transformed into heat energy in the first one. The third emits the infrared rays, and the second distributes the heat produced throughout the entire FLET.
The film heating system comprises cables to connect the heater to the power grid and a thermostat with one or more temperature sensors in addition to the heating IR film.
The conductor used to make the heating element in PLEN has a high resistance. Usually, this is a thin strip of carbon or nichrome, which is used to make spirals in heaters. The majority of IR film heater producers have now shifted to the second choice at the same time. Carbon is more affordable, effective, and economical.
A layer of aluminum foil, with its high thermal conductivity, serves as the transmitting element. It can be found on the IR film’s left or right side. Furthermore, some manufacturers only use the radiating material and do not use any aluminum at all.
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is used on both sides of the top layer of the film heater under consideration. This thermoplastic’s film is a great dielectric material with a high coefficient of IR radiation and the ability to tolerate temperatures as high as +2000C without losing its cool.
The film eliminates moisture and condensation from interior heating components, combines various parts to create a single heating system, and almost completely eliminates the possibility of electric shock.
Because of its design, IR-film can only be heated to +55º Ρ when it comes to its heating elements. Temperatures above are essentially unfeasible; in an emergency, such heating is only feasible for a brief period of time in the event of an abrupt voltage spike in the network.
The IR film heater is installed and calculated with the understanding that the film will heat up in short bursts of a few seconds to a few minutes rather than continuously.
In other words, the thermostat promptly turns off this type of infrared heater after it has swiftly raised the room’s surface temperatures to the necessary levels. Only then, when the room air cools down, can it be powered again.
Scope of application of infrared PLAN
The most common application for film radiant electric heaters is as a supplement to water heating. They can function as the primary heating system in southern regions. All that needs to be done is accurately determine how big an infrared film area is needed for the given scenario.
The floor can be heated entirely or just in certain areas with the use of an IR film heater. It is mounted on walls in typical residential buildings, the attic’s slopes, the ceiling, and even the bathtubs. High humidity can be safely tolerated by IP 54 films.
It is possible to install infrared film heaters in:
- of residential country houses;
- city apartments;
- baths and saunas;
- Production and storage areas;
- animal yards;
- garages with and without heating;
- greenhouses, etc.д.
The use of the low-temperature electric heaters under consideration is not subject to any fundamental limitations. The room’s height restriction of up to three meters is the only restriction on infrared heating. Higher ceilings will require the installation of more costly, high-temperature infrared heater models.
Coating of IR foil for the ceiling from the outside
When selecting an infrared film to heat a space, it’s important to focus on the system’s quality, which needs to meet several fundamental requirements:
- the base must be made of high quality film, the polymer used must necessarily be fire-safe;
- the conductive strip must be free of damage and made of copper materials, the minimum permissible width must be 15 mm;
- The silver strip must have a clear contour, without gaps, and it must be 2 mm over the copper rail;
- the arrangement of carbon emitters must be striped or solid, geometric shapes have no effect on the operation of the ceiling heating system;
- the outer lamination of the infrared film must be made of the same polymer as the base, it is not recommended to use materials with less thickness;
- standard foils should withstand temperature conditions up to +80 °C, high-temperature materials – up to +110 °C;
- if high quality materials were used in the manufacturing process, there should be no deformation during operation;
- Quality IR film should be heated evenly in a short period of time – about 5-10 seconds.
Experience has shown that the likelihood of overheating during operation decreases with increasing film width.
Crucial! Transparent polymers will deform during operation much more quickly.
Design of an electric film heater (EHF)
There are two types of infrared heaters: low-temperature long-wave heaters and high-temperature short-wave heaters. Heaters of the film type fall into the second category.
The IR film electric heater appears visually as a flexible strip or sheet with a specific shape. The location of component elements can be seen through transparent outer layers if the model is not a heater-picture (a decorative design).
Crucial! The acronym FLEN stands for "radiant film heater," and it is not a trademark that has been filed with any authority.
Any type of household heater that is of the film type structurally consists of the following parts:
- resistive heating elements – made of carbon-containing materials or metals, ribbon or plate, capable of heating up to 35-55 degrees Celsius when the electric current passes through them;
- heat distributing base – one or two layers of thin aluminum foil, on which resistors are fixed, for even distribution of heat from their heating over the screen surface;
- thermostat with temperature sensors;
- two protective layers of laminating film with melting temperature up to 210 degrees, between which there is a foil with heating elements;
- cable for connecting the FLEN to the network.
The heating sheet’s overall thickness is limited to 1.5 mm.
PLAN (where the thermostat is installed individually) can be schematically represented as follows:
1-contacts to link the apparatus to a 220 V network;
2-a flexible polymer film double-layer sheath supported by a polyester or lavsan foundation;
3. industrial, well-insulated points where the supply wire connects to the heater contacts (an independent cable replacement is not offered);
4-resistive heating components, which are made of separate plates or ribbons joined by wires;
5- foil made of aluminum;
6-hologram to guard against fake heater production.
Rules for fixing the infrared film on the ceiling
A few intricacies of the infrared ceiling device are considered in the following guidelines:
- Infrared heating systems should not be installed on ceilings less than 2.3 m high. Before installing the heating foil, all procedures for finishing the roof, installing the furnace, plastering and wiring the lighting system should be completed.
- Working with film requires caution, as the material has a certain tensile strength when bent. During the installation of infrared film on the ceiling, it is necessary to provide protection of the material from accidental cuts and excessive pressure on it. Fastening is not recommended at temperatures below +3°C.
- Fixing of electrical equipment and air ducts should be located at a distance of more than 50 mm from the film, and wires and connecting leads – at least 2.5 cm.
- Installation of the film in the ceiling made of gypsum board sheets also has its own peculiarities. The ceiling material must not accumulate moisture. For this reason, water-resistant sheets are chosen for the suspended structure. The thickness of the coating must not exceed the maximum value of 16 mm. If the ceiling slab is adjacent to an unheated attic, the ceiling must be insulated before installing the reflective foil.
- The maximum allowable current of the heating system is 10A or less.
Topic: | Warm Ceiling – Installation of Infrared Heating Film |
Description: | An effective and economical way to heat a house or summer cottage |
Benefits: | Provides even heating, saves energy costs, suitable for various room sizes |
Warm ceilings, or infrared heating films installed in the ceiling, provide homeowners and summer cottage occupants with a cost-efficient and efficient way to heat their living areas. By using radiant heat instead of conventional heating systems, this creative technique creates a warm and inviting atmosphere by directly warming objects and surfaces.
The energy efficiency of warm ceilings is one of their main benefits. With infrared heating film, objects and surfaces such as floors, walls, and furniture absorb the heat that is emitted, as opposed to traditional heating systems that heat the air in a room. In the end, this radiant heat transfer lowers energy consumption and heating costs by minimizing heat loss through convection and ensuring more uniform heating throughout the space.
Moreover, the space-saving alternative of installing infrared heating film in the ceiling replaces the requirement for large radiators or underfloor heating systems. Homeowners can still enjoy effective and efficient heating in their living spaces while maintaining a tidy and uncluttered aesthetic by making use of the frequently underutilized space in the ceiling.
Furthermore, compared to conventional systems, warm ceilings provide more flexibility and control over heating. Users can tailor the heating settings for various rooms in the house or change the temperature based on their schedules and preferences by using programmable thermostats with zoning features. By maximizing heating consumption, this degree of control not only improves comfort but also makes additional energy savings possible.
In conclusion, for homeowners and summer cottage owners looking for effective, affordable, and adaptable heating options, installing infrared heating film in the ceiling offers a strong solution. Warm ceilings provide a comfortable living space and help save energy and money on utility bills by utilizing the power of radiant heat. Warm ceilings are a clever and useful solution for today’s heating needs, whether they are being used in new construction or retrofitting already-existing spaces.