Main Differences: Convection vs. Radiation Heating

Convection Heating	Infrared Radiation Heating
Damp air creates mould and mildew and causes damage to masonry.	Objects and masonry stay dry, unaffected and undamaged.
Insulation is required behind the heat source and to prevent cold walls cooling the room.	Insulation is not necessary, as the walls and other objects themselves heat the room.
Temperature differences are created within rooms, causing draughts.	Because heat is not pumped, blown or pushed around, there is no heat layering or draughts.
Expensive to buy and operate, plus fuel needs to be stored and flues/chimneys/pipes supplied and fitted.	Energy-saving method, so economical to purchase and operate plus no potentially troublesome flues, chimneys or fuel tanks, so it’s easy to install.
Moving parts require the product to be serviced and make its life and reliability uncertain.	The product’s life is extremely long. There are no moving parts, no ongoing maintenance schedule and no interim expenses.
Costly to upgrade (e.g. new boiler/central heating system).	It’s cheap to upgrade.
A qualified specialist is required to install and maintain it, further increasing costs.	If you can hang a picture on a wall, you can install an Infrared heater.

Up until the introduction of air-heating systems, maintenance intervals for the interiors of historical buildings were long because these buildings were typically heated by radiant sources of heat such as stoves or burners (as opposed to convection).

After the introduction of air-heating systems, to fight against mould, mildew, fungus, salt damp, surface contamination, sub-surface rot etc, comprehensive and costly measures had to be put in place. This is due to convection heating creating warm air currents (which carry dirt and moisture) but cold walls (where warm air condenses).

Radiant heaters heat objects within a room - not the air, meaning typically cooler air temperatures yet warmer objects. So, warm and dry walls, furniture and exhibits etc which are free from damp and mould.

Plus, an end to damp masonry and all the problems that will bring! This has therefore meant that such installations have incredible value in historical buildings for example or hospitals, where the presence of heat and damp together needs to be discouraged. Infrared dries walls and plaster and preserves paintings and fabrics.

Discreet

Redwell infrared heaters are designed with discretion in mind - to blend into an environment without being noticed, rather than appearing as an ‘appliance’. They have therefore been styled as pictures, mirrors, decorative items and even blackboards!

Our infrared heaters are easy to install. If you can hang a picture or put up a light, then you can install one.

Reliable and safe

Only highest quality materials are used (aerospace-standard) and meet the ecological standards for construction and disposal. The heating components are sealed-for-life and the life expectancy is thought to be as much as 130 years. In fact, no Redwell unit has failed.

The core and accumulator elements are non-flammable, with a high melting temperature (1,315°C/2,399°F), which is more than ten times the operating temperatures. The core and accumulator are non-conductive and there is no risk of cool-patches or thermal layering when units are exposed to sub-zero temperatures.

The heating element - sourced from the space and aeronautical industry - is considered to be reliable beyond 100 years and is a ‘low electrosmog’ device (it doesn’t emit harmful electromagnetic radiation).

A CSA and UL approved safety thermostat ensures that all units are protected from over-heating and its possible consequences.

The Hard Glass Enamelled Surface is made from enamelled steel and is the product of melting high quality stainless steel hard glass. The end surface is scratch and acid resistant, colourfast and, virtually indestructible – further adding to the product's lifespan. This surface can be coated in a range of colours and even with decorative images. Also, these enamelled surfaces have very good heat reflection properties, minimising convection and maximising radiation.

With a special powder-coating, the heater surfaces possess ‘low transfer conductivity’, which means there is no danger for adults or small children, as you can touch the surface without scalding yourself.

The Rear Panel

The rear of our panel is typically a galvanised metal sheet, which provides the necessary structural rigidity.

Putting it all-together

A special adhesive is used, which can withstand high temperatures without emission of toxic gasses. This helps ensure a long product life. All sheeting parts are laminated with this glue and bonded under pressure in a press.

Frames

The heater’s frame is made of anodized aluminium - available in white, chrome or wood finish.

Corners and Brackets

We can supply hidden brackets or synthetic corner brackets, for wall and ceiling installations and the synthetic corner brackets are available in white and grey.

CE Certification

The CE mark is an abbreviation for 'Conformité Européenne’ - French for 'European Conformity' and means that a product showing it ‘conforms’ to all relevant essential requirements and, that the product compliance has been established using the appropriate conformity assessment procedure(s). The 'essential requirements' refer, among other things, to safety, public health and consumer protection.

CE marking is required for any product covered by one or more of the so-called European 'New Approach Directives'. Without it, such products are not allowed to enter or be put into service in the European Economic Area, which is why it is often referred to as a ‘trade passport’, because the CE Marking is required for market access.

Redwell products are TÜV, GS, CE, CSA (Canada & USA) and IGEF certified and are subject to the ecological materials test of the GSF.