For such seemingly simple devices, heat lamps have a wide variety of different types suited to different applications. Below we’ll go into a few of the more common types of heat lamps to give you an idea on what’s available on the market and which could be most suited to your specific use case.
Short Wave Heat Lamps
Short wave heat lamps are used in a wide variety of applications from industrial settings to outdoor patio heating. The key technology behind these bulbs is the use of short wave infrared. Short wave infrared is more intense and transmissive as compared to long or medium wave infrared. Short wave heat lamps provide a range of benefits outside their heating capacity and transmission. This includes the rapid speed with which they warm up and their energy efficiency. They are most suited to be used for more intensive and focused heating tasks like curing and drying paint. They are also surprisingly effective in windy conditions making them a popular choice for outdoor heat lamps. They are not well-suited to being used indoors or at close range due to their heat intensity and the amount of light produced.
Medium Wave Heat Lamps
Medium wave heat lamps provide a balance between intensity and coverage, making them ideal for use indoors. As compared to short wave heat lamps, their heat is more easily absorbed by people and objects, but less effective at heating from a distance. Unlike short wave heat lamps, medium & long range heat lamps take longer to reach their maximum temperature. Medium wave heat lamps generally need anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute to heat up, while long wave heat lamps can take even longer. They are also not effective in windy conditions making them more suited to indoor use than outdoor.
Long Wave Heat Lamps
Long wave heat lamps are typically used for more gradual heating of enclosed spaces. Unlike short and medium wave heat lamps, long wave heat lamps can take a very long time to heat up, with most taking anywhere between 5-20 minutes to reach their peak temperature. They emit very little light which can be convenient when compared to medium and short wave heat lamps, but of course there is a tradeoff to the amount of heat they can provide. They are typically only used indoors as they are heavily affected by wind and other elements.
Red Heat Lamps
Red heat lamps are standard heat lamps equipped with red filters. The red filters are used to filter out visible light, creating a warm reddish glow. These lamps prioritise visual comfort by eliminating the visible light, making them suitable for reptiles and pets, whose sleep cycles may be affected by the presence of too much visible light. They typically have a longer warm-up time and lower intensity as compared to other types, but their ability to filter out natural light makes them a popular choice among heat lamps.
Gold Heat Lamps
Gold heat lamps offer similar benefits to red heat lamps. Gold heat lamps incorporate a gold-coated reflector to reduce glare while maintaining efficient heat emission. They are often used in environments with sensitive lighting requirements, such as art galleries. The gold coating minimises visual discomfort, making these lamps suitable for areas where both effective heating and lighting are essential. While they may have a longer warm-up time, their ability to deliver warmth without compromising visual comfort is a key advantage.
Clear Heat Lamps
Clear heat lamps are capable of emitting both heat and visible light. This dual functionality makes them adaptable for various applications. In outdoor events, clear heat lamps can provide both warmth and illumination, creating a comfortable ambiance. Their balanced heat projection makes them suitable for settings where a combination of effective heating and visible light is desired. These are typically the cheapest types of heat lamps as they don’t have the red coating or gold reflectors needed to affect the visible light given off by the lamp.
Solar Heat Lamps
Solar heat lamps harness energy from the sun, providing an eco-friendly and sustainable heating solution. Their heat projection is influenced by the intensity of sunlight, making them suitable for outdoor spaces and remote locations. Solar heat lamps offer a dispersed heat emission, creating a comfortable environment without relying on traditional power sources. While their heat projection may vary based on sunlight availability, the environmental benefits and independence from electrical grids make solar heat lamps an innovative and green solution for outdoor heating.
Ceramic Heat Lamps
Ceramic heat lamps utilise a ceramic heating element to emit infrared radiation. These lamps are renowned for their durability and efficient heat projection. The ceramic construction allows them to reach high temperatures, making them suitable for applications that require consistent and targeted heating. Commonly used in reptile habitats, ceramic heat lamps provide a focused heat source without emitting visible light, creating an ideal environment for reptiles that require warmth without disturbance to their natural light cycles. The focused and intense heat projection of ceramic heat lamps makes them valuable for precision heating in various settings.