Far Infrared Heaters: Do you know what you are buying?

By: Dimitri Svolos

Sauna heaters are a hot subject. Your far infrared sauna heater is one of the most important considerations you should assess before buying a far infrared sauna .

There are many different types of far infrared heater technology which include carbon heaters, glass tubes filled with sand, steel rods and ceramic heaters. All these types of heaters will emit infrared energy however sauna industry experts agree that ceramic heaters deliver the safest, most consistent and therapeutic far infrared energy. This article will try to explain what sets ceramic heaters apart from other far infrared heater technology.

There are many far infrared sauna heaters on the market that are steel coated. This is an old technology that directs the heat source but requires a lot of time to heat up and needs more energy to reach deep tissue penetration. As a consequence units with steel coated heaters operate at higher temperatures. Steel tube heaters will only emit about 50% of its heat as far infrared and only emit heat in the far infrared range of 1 to 8 microns.

Far infrared heat is a narrow band of energy within the 5.6 to 15 micron (µ) range which is the most therapeutic to the human body. This type of energy will penetrate 2-3″ deep into the body to increase circulation and nourish damaged tissue. This means you perspire far more than in a traditional sauna. Toxins are eliminated through your skin using lower, comfortable temperatures, resulting in rapid detoxification.

Far infrared energy needs to be in a particular electromagnetic spectrum. If the tem of the source becomes too high or low you will not receive the far infrared benefits but only near or mid-infrared. Further, if the heater becomes too hot the wavelength becomes only light, providing little or no far infrared health benefits.

100% ceramic heaters will emit more total infrared heat energy as 96% -100% of the energy output is emitted as infrared waves. Ceramic heaters emit 70% of its heat as far infrared in the range of 6-12 microns, which is the range considered to be most therapeutic of far infrared heaters.

Another advantage of ceramic heaters over rod shaped infrared heaters is physical dimension of the ceramic element which make them better for heat storage. As a result you have a system that gives off a consistent, steady radiating heat. The lower surface temperature of far infrared saunas equipped with ceramic heaters produce radiation at a higher wavelength. This results in better skin penetration and increased sweat production thus enhancing the detoxification process. Pure Ceramic far infrared heaters are more effective at lowering temperatures and lower wattages because ceramic requires much less energy to heat than steel. Ceramic is known to keep heat at a lower and more stable temperature than carbon metal, glass or aluminum.

Far infrared heaters have even been used by hospitals to warm newborn babies and treat hypothermia patients. They have also been shown to benefit people who have vitamin deficiencies or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Deep penetration of far infrared energy is thought to be effective for sore muscles, weight loss, arthritis treatment, increased energy, cardiovascular health, skin care, and detoxification.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. The author of this article is not a medically trained physician; therefore, any theories or suggestions put forward are intended to supplement and not replace the advice of medically or legally trained professionals. All matters concerning your health require medical supervision. Please ensure that you consult your doctor prior to adopting any suggestions put forward by e-Smart Living, as well as about any condition that may require medical diagnosis or medical attention. E-Smart Living is not responsible in any manner whatsoever for any injury sustained either directly or indirectly from information put forward in this article.

Dimitri Svolos is Chemical Engineer that has spent years working as a process and controls optimizer for various manufacturing sectors. His website http://www.e-smartliving.com advocates energy efficient and healthy lifestyles. He has personally tested far infrared saunas and has seen tremendous benefits.