How to Choose the Right Infrared Heat Lamp

Infrared heat lamps heat objects and surfaces without having to heat the surrounding air.  Because of this feature they can be used for a number of different applications including physical therapy; food warming or animal care to list a few.  To choose the correct infrared heat lamp you will need to consider the length that you need, the wattage, the required wavelength and the material type used for the lamp.  We have written this FAQ to help you determine the best infrared heat lamp for your needs.

1. Determine the Application

What you need the lamp for will dictate the necessary wattage, heat intensity, and safety features needed.  Below are a few examples of what infrared heat lamps can be used for:

2. Understanding Infrared Wavelengths

Infrared radiation is often categorised by its wavelength.  This determines how deeply the heat penetrates into nearby surfaces/objects.

• Near-Infrared (NIR): This type will have shorter waves and a higher intensity of heat. It is able to penetrate deeper into human tissue and because of this it is often used for therapeutic purposes and to aid the healing process.
• Far-Infrared (FIR): This type will have longer waves and a lower intensity of heat. It provides a gentle, surface-level warmth.  It is commonly used for saunas and general warmth.  It is also the preferred choice for animal habitat heating.
• Mid-Infrared (MIR): Falls between NIR and FIR; offering moderate heat penetration.

3. Select the Correct Wattage (Power)

Wattage is the best way to determine the level of a lamp’s heat output. To decide which wattage you will need will depend on the size of the area you are trying to heat and the required intensity.

• Small, localized therapy: 150-250 watts should be enough.
• Large area or high-intensity industrial use: It is likely you would need 500 watts minimum and depending on the total size of the area this could go up to several kilowatts.
• Reptile/Animal heating: You will need to calculate the enclosure volume and the current ambient room temperature.  You should look to use the lowest wattage possible to avoid overheating the habitat.

Important Note: You should always check the wattage limit of your fixture or socket.   If you use a lamp that exceeds the fixture's rating this could be a severe fire hazard.

4. Choose the Bulb Type and Material

Bulb Types:

• Incandescent/Halogen Bulbs (Visible Red Light): These are the most common and cheapest currently available. They are classed as near-infrared and they emit visible amounts of light as well as heat. The red glow associated with heat lamps is typical for standard heat lamps but can disrupt sleep cycles for animals - particularly at night time.
• Ceramic Heat Emitters (No Visible Light): These emit only far-infrared wavelengths which are not visible to the naked eye. They are the best option for animal brooding and warmth as they provide a consistent warmth without disrupting the light-dark cycle. 
• Quartz/Halogen Tubes: This type is the one used in industrial or patio heaters as they have a very high, focused heat output.

Important Note:  You should always choose a lamp that has an internal reflector to direct the heat outward.  This reflector will often be made from aluminium or a similar material. Lamps without reflectors can waste energy by radiating heat into the fixture housing that the lamp is in.

5. Prioritize Safety Features

It is important to prioritise the safest option when choosing an Infrared heat lamp due to the significant amount of heat that they generate.  They can be a significant burn or fire risk if they are used incorrectly.

• Safety Cage/Guard: It is worthwhile to purchase a safety cage or guard for the heat lamp if you are using it with a pet enclosure to prevent any possible contact burns.
• Timer: We would strongly recommend including a built in timer if you are using an infrared heat lamp for therapeutic purposes to prevent it being overused. For therapeutic use, a built-in timer is vital to prevent overuse. 
• Thermostat: For animal habitats, using a quality thermostat is immensely important in order to regulate the temperature and prevent the animals from overheating.
• High-Quality Fixture: Make sure your fixtures are rated for the high heat output of the infrared lamp as well as being rated for the chosen wattage.  You should always use them in a space that is well ventilated.

Selection Checklist

Before purchasing, you should consider the following: