Heating PLEN: the pros and cons of the film system, varieties and installation recommendations

It is necessary to arrange a heating system in a home very responsibly and carefully. Heat blocks must be efficient enough, safe for the body, environmentally friendly and economical. And among a wide range of heating equipment, heating PLEN (film electric heater) perfectly meets such requirements. The functioning of this system is based on the influence of infrared radiation.

What is PLAN

There are several options for transferring thermal energy: convection, direct transfer and infrared radiation. The most common heating system in the world is considered to be convective heating.

In this case, the equipment can be heated by electrical energy, heat transfer fluids, air, etc. The disadvantages of this technology include drying the ambient air, significant temperature drops indoors, the impossibility of full ventilation without heat loss and, of course, a low level efficiency.

It should be admitted that the convective method does a good job of heating buildings with poor thermal insulation, which is why it has become so popular. Radiant heating works on a completely different principle. According to physical laws, all objects with a temperature above -274 degrees Celsius, emit infrared rays. The higher the temperature of the body, the more intense the IR radiation.

Infrared waves pass freely through the air. They are absorbed only by opaque objects, which include:

• furniture;
• floor;
• ceiling;
• walls.

During the absorption of infrared radiation, objects begin to warm up and contribute to a more intense production of infrared waves. So, the air in the room is heated, for which the PLEN system is used.

Radiant thermal energy promptly heats up the room, which retains heat for a long time. In addition, it is well accepted by living beings. This is explained by the fact that the human body also generates infrared radiation. Therefore, being in a room with convective heating, a person does not feel very comfortable, since only heating radiators are heated.

Cold floors, walls and other large planes "draw" IR heat from the body, which causes discomfort. In a room with a radiant installation, everything is completely different. The heated objects themselves emit thermal energy and saturate the body with it, therefore it is very comfortable and cozy to be in such a room.

Features of the radiant heating device

The most optimal source for infrared heating is a traditional stove. But such a massive structure cannot be installed everywhere. The developers have come up with several varieties of IR heaters. The most effective and economical solution is considered to be heating PLEN, in which special films are used. It is noteworthy that this system was created in Chelyabinsk.

The abbreviation stands for "radiant film electric heater ". The system is very simple in design. PLEN - a radiating part, laid on a foil substrate. In this case, the IR emitter is wrapped in a special film. The thickness of such a heater is approximately 1.5 mm. The width and length of the element can be different, it all depends on the configuration and manufacturer.

Film heating includes a resistor circuit. When the device is started, electricity is supplied to the resistor contacts. Then the equipment heats up to 40-46 degrees. This temperature is sufficient for the resistors to start emitting infrared waves, which are evenly distributed throughout the room and absorbed by solid objects.

They, in turn, heat up and give off heat to the surrounding space. In order to increase the temperature in the room by ten degrees, it takes one to one and a half hours. In this case, the correct installation of the system and the presence of thermal insulation are important.

After the room has reached the optimum temperature, the heater is turned off automatically using a thermostat. After the room has cooled down, the relay will work again and activate the heater. So, the PLEN system operates at intervals, which determines its efficiency.

The equipment is produced in the form of strips. Their length varies from five to six meters. Inside, the products are divided into fragments that increase the ease of installation, because they can be cut off if necessary. The stripes can be of different widths. Manufacturers often produce models from forty centimeters to one meter.

Installation options for IR heaters

In fact, infrared heaters can be installed on any fairly flat surface. In most cases, they are put on the ceiling or floor. You can also install them on the walls, but this solution will not be very effective, since the heated air rises upward.

Installation of ceiling systems

IR film heaters work like this: When the equipment is started, they emit infrared waves directed downward. Most of the radiation is absorbed by the floor surface. The rest of the IR waves are trapped by massive objects such as beds, nightstands, wardrobes, etc. As a result, they collect and release heat into the surrounding space.

The heated air rises upward, and the colder masses sink a little lower and also heat up. As a result, an optimal temperature distribution is ensured in the room, which is very important for human well-being and health.

To hide PLEN heating, you can use any cover. The only exception is film and fabric stretch ceilings, as they can deform. Among the disadvantages of ceiling equipment, the laboriousness of installation should be noted. Also, the disadvantages include the impact of infrared radiation on household devices. Experts say that infrared waves can break them.

Installation of floor heaters

The PLEN system is placed under the surface of the floor covering. After starting, the material is quickly warmed up and begins to emit infrared wavesthat rise up and are absorbed by the floor. Then the heat is sent up, and the cold streams move down. This heat exchange cycle provides the room with an optimal and uniform temperature. The most important advantage of the floor-standing arrangement of IR heaters is the absence of a direct effect on furniture and household appliances.

Main advantages and disadvantages

Before installing the PLEN heating system, you need to familiarize yourself with all the pros and cons of this equipment. Professionals and users highlight the following benefits:

• High level of efficiency. Compared to other types of electric heating, electricity costs when using PLEN are much lower.
• Durability and reliability. The PLEN conductors are sealed in a strong film, therefore they are not subject to wear and tear.
• Compactness. Film type heaters can be installed under any type of coating. Moreover, they do not need a lot of space.
• Equipment automation. The built-in heating relay allows you to regulate temperature indicators and save electricity.
• Improving the microclimate. The operation of the film heating system does not affect the humidity of the ambient air and the amount of oxygen. The heat is distributed very evenly.

In addition, during operation, the PLEN does not emit any noise and does not emit dust. The system has no heat loss, and its durability can reach several decades.

But PLAN also has some drawbacks. For example, for the installation of such a system, good wiring and sufficient power are needed, which is not possible in all cases, especially in old houses. The system also it will not work to stick the wallpaper and some other coatings. Also, the system must not be putty or painted.

Harm and benefit to humans

Many are interested in the issue related to the safety of PLEN equipment. First, you need to figure out what infrared radiation is. These are special waves that have a specific length. It is impossible to see them. The skin perceives infrared radiation as heat. However, IR waves can be different. So experts distinguish three types of radiation:

• shortwave, which is emitted by objects with a temperature of more than 800 degrees;
• medium wave, emitted by objects heated to 600 degrees;
• long-wave, typical for bodies with a temperature of no more than 300 degrees.

Each of the types of radiation affects organisms in different ways. Shortwave infrared radiation penetrates deep into the human body and can heat internal organs. In this case, burns, blisters and red spots appear on the skin. Average waves are softerbut still they are undesirable for humans.

Long IR waves are perceived by the body as heat, which gently heats the moisture contained in the tissues. Therefore, many living creatures like to bask in the sun. In addition, long-wave infrared radiation improves the functioning of the immune system, activates regenerative mechanisms and improves the condition of many organs and systems.

The safety of PLEN heating is confirmed by a large number of certificates and test results. This allows the use of such equipment in children's and medical institutions.

Ensuring effective work

Manufacturers claim that the PLEN heating system will be very efficient and economical. But it should be understood that for this, certain conditions must be met. For example, if the building is not insulated, then it is completely pointless to expect a high level of efficiency from the PLEN.

One of the most important requirements is considered to be high-quality thermal insulation of windows, doors and walls in the room. Wall insulation should be made from the outside. To do this, you can use sandwich panels, plaster, etc. If the insulation is installed inside, then heat energy will not collect in the walls, since the insulator will prevent this.

Another important point is ensuring sufficient power of electric current. For this purpose, experts advise using special blocks that allow you to distribute the load.

The PLEN heater must be installed on a special substrate, which must have reflective properties. Without it, the infrared radiation will be absorbed by the base, which will cause completely inappropriate energy losses.

If the room has high ceilings, then it is better to prefer a floor-standing installation option or try to find models of heaters with higher power.