Infrared Heating Questions and Answers..

Welcome to the most comprehensive FAQ on infrared heating, brought to you by iHelios, the expert manufacturer redefining modern living. Our mission is to deliver innovative heating solutions that combine efficiency, sustainability, and unparalleled comfort. This extensive FAQ section is designed to answer all your questions about infrared heating technology, its benefits, applications, and why iHelios stands out as the industry leader..

iHelios Living Reinvented, the expert manufacturer redefining modern living. Our mission is to deliver innovative heating solutions that combine efficiency, sustainability, and unparalleled comfort. This extensive FAQ section is designed to answer all your questions about infrared heating technology, its benefits, applications, and why iHelios stands out as the industry leader.

Why Choose Infrared Heating?

Infrared heating is a revolutionary technology that provides numerous advantages over traditional heating systems. Our FAQ explains how infrared heating works, its health benefits, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Discover why more homeowners and businesses are switching to this advanced heating method to enhance their living and working environments.

Expert Insights and Solutions

At iHelios, we pride ourselves on our deep industry knowledge and expertise. Our FAQ section is crafted by leading professionals who understand the intricacies of infrared heating. Whether you're curious about installation, maintenance, or the science behind infrared technology, you'll find detailed, clear, and accurate answers here.

Comprehensive and User-Friendly

Our FAQ is organized into easy-to-navigate categories, ensuring you can quickly find the information you need. From basic concepts to advanced technical details, we cover it all. Each entry is designed to provide you with practical information and actionable insights, making your experience with infrared heating seamless and informed.

Sustainable Living with iHelios

Learn how iHelios is pioneering sustainable living through our eco-friendly infrared heating solutions. Our FAQ highlights the environmental benefits of our products, helping you make informed decisions that contribute to a greener planet.

Customer-Centric Approach

At iHelios, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Our FAQ section addresses common concerns and questions, providing you with the support you need. We're committed to ensuring your satisfaction and helping you enjoy the full benefits of our cutting-edge heating technology.

Explore the Infrared Heating FAQ by iHelios today and step into a world of innovative heating solutions. Your journey to a warmer, more sustainable, and comfortable living space starts here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

WHAT IS INFRARED AND WHERE DOES IT OCCUR?

Infrared, infrared radiation, IR - electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between visible light and microwaves. This means a range from 780 nanometers to 1 millimeter. The energy of infrared photons ranges from 0.001 eV to 1.6 eV, and the vibration frequency ranges from 300 GHz to 400 THz. Each body with a temperature greater than absolute zero emits thermal radiation. Already at a temperature of a few kelvins, bodies emit electromagnetic radiation in the FAR infrared range, bodies at room temperature emit the most radiation with a wavelength of 10 μm. Objects with a higher temperature emit more radiation and have a shorter wavelength, which allows them to be easily detected.

HOW IS INFRARED RADIATION EMITTED?

Infrared radiation transmits heat in the form of an invisible heat wave.

IF 'HEAT RISES', HOW DOES CEILING-MOUNTED INFRARED HEATING WORK?

In buildings with traditional heating, warm air, being lighter than cold, rises upwards, while cold air falls downwards. This phenomenon is called convection current and can create cold spots in the room and condensation on the windows. However, in the case of iHelios infrared heating, the infrared rays pass through the air and gently warm the contents of the room to provide an almost perfectly even heat throughout the room.

WHAT IS INFRARED HEATING?

Have you ever touched a surface warmed by the sun on an early spring day and felt a pleasant warmth, even when a thermometer indicates cold?

The principal behind Infrared heating lies in understanding how the sun rays work. They are a mixture of electromagnetic waves ranging from infrared (IR) to ultraviolet rays (UV) which travel through the atmosphere without the need of air or any other medium to carry them. When sunrays reach the object, heat it from the inside leaving it warm without heating the air around it. Infrared rays are just under the visible light range in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Infrared heating works by directly heating walls, floors, things located in a room and a human body, instead of heating the air. Then heated objects release their heat into the environment. Infrared heating creates the surroundings where the floor is warmer than the ceiling. Such a method of heating is more pleasant to a human body than the convectional heating that heats the air and relies on air currents to spread the heat in the room.

In comparison to conventional heating, Infrared heating minimises the difference between floor and ceiling temperatures. It may significantly reduce heating costs, as it heats the surface instead of heating volume. The Infrared heating acts directly and that means it does not require any contact such as air currents to carry the heat. Therefore, the temperature in the room may be easily maintained and restored if needed. The heat is accumulated by the structure of a building and things in the room and then slowly released into the air.

Infrared heating is a great way of heating domestic, industrial, commercial or any other environments, as it does not create air currents that raise dust particles in the heating area.

HOW DOES INFRARED HEATING WORK?

Infrared heating products operate in the far infrared spectrum producing sun-like heat tuned between 9-14 micronmeters. This specific narrow range ensures safe and healthy heating. The electromagnetic waves cause molecules to oscillate and release energy within the heated environment. This phenomenon causes us to feel warm. They lock the heat in the objects, slowly releasing pleasant warmth into the air. Infrared heaters work in a similar way to which the sun heats the earth. Invisible heat rays travel through the air bouncing off the surfaces of objects and that is how everything around us absorbs the heat.

Traditional heating systems use vast amounts of money to heat the air in a room, just to allow this warm air to rise and gather at the ceiling. We offer you Infrared heating solutions that are up to 50% more energy efficient than most commonly used heating systems.

IS INFRARED SAFE?

Infrared is very healthy for our body. The best generator of infrared waves is the Sun. Infrared waves give people not only warmth, but also physical and mental well-being. It helps cure ailments such as: acne, arthritis, lumbago, rheumatism, spine pain, muscle pain, muscle acidification. Infrared heat activates circulation and metabolism, excretes poisons and waste substances, mobilizes the body's defense forces, and strengthens the body's immune system. Heat treatment is used in many diseases to reduce pain, improving local blood circulation, faster wound healing, and even therapy for some inflammations, occurring both locally and generally.

IS INFRARED HEATING SAFE FOR PEOPLE WITH PACEMAKERS AND ICD’S?

Infrared heating does not emit waves that are dangerous to people with pacemakers or ICD’s.

ARE IR SYSTEMS CONDUCIVE TO MOLD GROWTH?

This is the complete opposite.  FAR Infrared rays gently warm the surface of objects and the infrastructure of each room.  This gentle warming of the wall or floor surface keeps the top 1cm or so dry and hence makes it much harder for mold to develop.  iHelios is a perfect solution to rooms like basements or poorly insulated rooms when the root cause of damp has not been solved.

IS THE IHELIOS HEAT UNCOMFORTABLE?  (DOES IT HEAT UP YOUR SKULL?)

No, iHelios film never gets hotter than 55 degrees and is behind plaster or drywall.  The FAR Infrared rays warm the plaster/drywall slightly but most of the rays pass through and directly warm the objects in the room.  If the film was to be exposed it can only be directly felt from about 8 inches away and thus is not noticeable for people in a room with 7ft plus ceilings.  The rays themselves feel somewhat like a weak sun on your face in winter where you feel slightly warmed versus being in the shade.

IS THE IHELIOS HEAT UNCOMFORTABLE?  (DOES IT HEAT UP YOUR FEET)

One of the benefits of iHelios flooring heating is that it does feel warm on your feet.  When installed in the floor the film will not get warmer than 35C° which feels comfortably warm to your feet even when the room itself is still cold.  As a comparison your body temperature is 36.6C° and a hot tub is usually 39-40C°.The 35C° will only be felt when the film is switched on by the thermostat.  iHelios heating in the floor is ideal for basements, tiled floors or bathrooms where traditionally heating systems leave the floor feeling cold.

HOW QUICKLY DO THE FILM AND THE ROOM HEAT UP?

The heating film heats up as much as four times faster than traditional radiator based hot water heating systems. The unique infrared rays can be felt right away as if you are in weak sunlight on a winter’s day helping you feel warm even before the room has fully heated up.  The time taken to bring everything to the required temperature depends in part on the size of the room, the quality of the insulation and the outside temperature. On average, while you will feel the heat right away, raising the temperature in a room from 16-21 degrees takes about an hour while the heat is already felts within the first few minutes if the insulation level rating is good or above.

DOES IHELIOS HEATING FILM WORK WITH OTHER SMART HOME SYSTEMS?

Yes, the iHelios thermostats can be configured to work with any smart home system.



IS IHELIOS FILM SUITABLE FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATION, E.G. FOR DE-ICING DRIVEWAYS?

Heating film is not intended for outdoor use.

HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY FOR THE IHELIOS HEATING FILM AND WHAT DOES IT DEPEND ON?

The warranty for the heating film is 20-years for manufacturing defects, excluding installation damage, provided the installation has been certified by an authorized installer and registered with iHelios.

WHAT IS THE WIDTH OF THE IHELIOS HEATING FILM?

The heating film is 1 m, 50 cm and 30 cm wide.

WHAT CABLE IS NEEDED TO POWER THE IHELIOS FILM?

To connect the heating film, use a cable with increased fire resistance that is double insulated and with a cross-section of at least 1.5 mm.

HOW IS THE IHELIOS HEATING FILM CONSTRUCTED?

The core is carbon paste protected on both sides with 10 layers of PET film, copper electrode with silver paste and PTC layer.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF THE FILM?

We set the temperature using the
thermostat and we can get a maximum of 55⁰C for ceiling and wall
mounted films, while floor heating film is set at 35⁰C

WHAT DOES ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION DEPEND ON, WHEN USING IHELIOS HEATING FILMS?

Electricity consumption depends on four factors: building volume (m³), desired temperature, external temperature and building insulation.

HOW TO HEAT WATER WITH IHELIOS HEATING FILMS AS THE MAIN HEATING SOURCE?

We do not have an iHelios water heater solution at the moment.



WHAT VOLTAGE IS NEEDED TO POWER THE IHELIOS HEATING FILM?

iHelios heating films are powered by 230 V.

WHAT IS THE THICKNESS OF THE FILM?

The thickness of iHelios heating film is 0.4 mm.



WHAT IS THE WEIGHT OF 1 M² OF IHELIOS FILM?

The weight of 1 m² of film is between 0.46-0.52 kg depending on the type of film.



IS IT POSSIBLE TO OPERATE THE INFRARED HEATING FILM WITHOUT A THERMOSTAT?

The heating film may only be operated in conjunction with a suitable thermostat, which ensures thermal monitoring by means of an external sensor and also enables the temperature to be limited to the maximum temperature specified.

HOW SHOULD THE HEATING FILM BE CUT AND WHAT IS THE MINIMUM CUTTING LENGTH?

The film can be shortened to the
required length by cutting in a straight line across the film.
Please remember that only installations certified by our authorized installers may be registered for the 20-year warranty.



DO FILMS HAVE DIFFERENT HEATING POWER AND DOES IT MATTER?

Each film has differing power usage and the configurator will track all of this for the installer. In houses the existing 13 amp circuit will be sufficient to handle most rooms. Your
authorized dealer can provide any additional assistance necessary.



WHAT TYPE OF FLOORING CAN BE INSTALLED OVER INFRARED HEATING FILM?

Almost any type of flooring can be installed over infrared heating film including tile, laminate,
engineered hardwood. The only non-suitable floor is backed
rubber carpet, vinyl and nailed-down hardwood.

CAN DIFFERENT WIDTHS BE COMBINED?

Yes. You can freely combine different film widths.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE INFRARED FLOOR HEATING AS THE MAIN HEATING SYSTEM FOR THE WHOLE HOUSE?

Of course. Infrared floor heating is a completely standard way of economically and ecologically heating buildings. We will be happy to provide a price quotation for your project.

WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF EACH ROLL?

iHelios heating film comes in 60m length rolls in three different widths: 30cm, 50cm and 1.0m. The 30cm and 50cm widths are designed to fit in between ceiling joists and floors and the 1m width is for use on floors. iHelios film is designed to have insulation behind it and this comes in 50m rolls that are 1m wide but which can be cut lengthways to match the 30cm and 50cm widths.



DOES USING IHELIOS BEHIND GYPSUM/DRYWALL SHEETS OR UNDER FLOOR COVERINGS REDUCE THE HEAT IN THE ROOM?

No iHelios film is designed to operate through regular gypsum/drywall sheets, wood floors, engineered floors, tile floors, plywood and carpet.  iHelios film is installed with an insulated backing to direct all the heat into the room whether floor or ceiling mounted.  The FAR Infrared rays mostly pass through the covering(plaster/gypsum/tile/wood etc.) and warm all the objects in the room.  This includes the floor or ceiling which will be brought up to the temperature set on the
thermostat.  When the thermostat switches on the film and it is providing heat, the floor or ceiling in which it is installed will feel slightly warm.  In floor-based systems this will feel very comfortable
as the max heat is 35C°making it perfect for bathrooms or entrance tiles where it can feel cold. The advantage with iHelios ceiling installations is that even though the film is in the ceiling it will bring the surface of the floor to the temperature set on the thermostat so a tiled floor over a concrete base will not feel cold on your feet.




WHY WOULDN’T I USE IR PANELS FOR MY HOUSE SINCE THEY ARE CHEAP AND EASY TO USE?

FAR Infrared panels use the same heating mechanism as iHelios film but they are generally quite small,
(~2*4ft or 3*6ft), and hence have to run very hot (around 90C deg) to heat a room.  This means they can’t be used safely where people or children can make contact with them.  As a result, they generally need to be high on a wall or on the ceiling. 
Also, they are quite directional so if you are not in their line of
sight you don't get the benefit.  For example, if you have one
in the centre of your office but your desk is against a wall it will take a long time before the warmth reaches you.



HOW DURABLE ARE IHELIOS HEATING SYSTEMS?

Our 3,000+ iHelios installations are still operating and certified installations come with a 20-year guarantee for the heating film and components because there are no moving parts to wear out.  Once installed we expect the system to operate for the time you are in the property.  The thermostat
and sensors have a standard 2-year warranty and are easy to replace in the event they do fail. 

CAN THE IHELIOS HEATING FILM BE COMBINED WITH A MVHR SYSTEM?

Yes, the iHelios heating film can be combined with a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery system.

WHAT IS THE WEIGHT OF ONE 60-METER ROLL OF IHELIOS FILM?

The weight of a 50 m² roll of iHelios film is 38-42 kg due to its high content of carbon material making it one of the most efficient films on the market.



DOES THE SYSTEM CONSUME ELECTRICITY IN THE STANDBY POSITION OUTSIDE THE HEATING PERIOD?

No, the system does not consume any electricity in the Standby mode or when unused.



CAN THE FILM BE PLACED UNDER VINYL PANELS?

No, iHelios heating films cannot be placed under vinyl floor panels.

WILL IHELIOS HEATING FILM WORK WITH PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR PANELS AND IF SO HOW CAN THE NEEDED OUTPUT OF THE PANELS BE DETERMINED?

iHelios heating films are a perfect complement to the photovoltaic solar panels. Our authorized Installers and Distributors throughout the country can provide you
the exact requirements after taking into account all the factors involved in your installation. Many customers match their iHelios systems with either solar panels or battery storage to minimize or
eliminate their electricity bill and associated carbon emissions. You can also send us an inquiry at info@ihelios.co.uk



IS IHELIOS HEATING FILM SUITABLE FOR HEATING IN OLD BUILDINGS?

Yes, iHelios heating film is ideal for heating old buildings. Please note that old buildings may be drafty with poor insulation and this needs to be factored in by , but the efficiency of the system depends on thermal insulation of the building



SHOULD THE FILM BE LAID OVER THE ENTIRE FLOOR SURFACE?


Depending on the height of the ceiling and insulation quality of the building, iHelios film is usually configured to cover 70-80% of the floor area. We recommend avoiding areas underneath where fixed
furniture is going to be placed and to cover all areas that are going to be walked on especially in rooms like bathrooms or hallways where
people are often in bare feet.



CAN THE FILM BE INSTALLED UNDER VARIOUS SHEET MATERIALS?

Heating films can be installed under solid wood floor, laminate
floor, engineered floor, plasterboards, cement and
concrete boards.



IS THE FILM SUITABLE FOR INSTALLATION ON FLOORS AND CEILINGS?

Yes, we can use the film on floors and ceilings according to the installation instructions and
manufacturer's recommendations available at
iHelios Installation



HOW TO CALCULATE THE AMOUNT OF IHELIOS FILM NEEDED FOR A SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE?

We have an online quote tool that will provide you with an estimate from the overall building size and insulation quality or you can build it up room by room to tell you
exactly how much film is needed. Please follow this link
Get a Quote.
The amount of film needed is based on the expected energy demand of the building. In practice this usually means the coverage is 50-60% of ceilings and 70-80% of floors. The amount of film used does not affect electricity consumption, so the quote is designed to provide
enough peak power to bring the room up to the desired temperature reasonably quickly.



CAN I INSTALL IHELIOS FILM MYSELF?

It is possible to install the film
yourself but it is not recommended. iHelios offer a 20-year warranty when the installation work is undertaken by an authorized installer whereas we can only offer a 2-year warranty if you do it yourself. All the installation info you can find at https://iheliosliving.co.uk/pages/installation

WHAT TOOLS ARE NEEDED TO INSTALL IHELIOS HEATING FILM?

To install iHelios heating film, you
need the components that come with your order together with
connecting wire, a crimping tool, scissors and an insulation
stripper.



DO WE CONNECT FILM STRIPS IN SERIES OR PARALLEL?

The film strips must be connected in parallel, see assembly instructions at
iHelios installation.
Please remember that only installations certified by our
authorized installers may be registered of the 20-year warranty.

SHOULD THE ENDS OF THE FILM BE SECURED AFTER CUTTING TO THE DESIRED LENGTH?

Secure the film ends with 5 cm wide insulating tape, see installation instructions at
iHelios Installation.
Please remember that only installations certified by our authorized installers may be registered of the 20-year warranty.

HOW DO WE CONNECT THE POWER CABLE TO THE FILM?

Connect the power cable using the specified wire and iHelios provided connectors insulated with iHelios self-amalgamating tape, see installation instructions
iHelios Installation.
Please remember that only installations certified by our authorized installers may be registered of the 20-year warranty.

CAN ANYONE INSTALL INFRARED HEATING SYSTEM?

The installation of our heated film
must be done by a qualified and trained professional installer in
order to retain 20-year warranty of the product.

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CAN THE HEATING FILM BE INSTALLED OVER AN EXISTING FLOOR?

Due to the very thin nature of film, it can easily be installed over an existing floor with the use of the underlayment over the existing floor and further installation as normal. The existing floor will be treated as a standard sub floor.

WHERE IS IT RECOMMENDED TO INSTALL HEATING FILMS IN THE BUILDING?

The iHelios heating film can be placed anywhere on the floor or ceiling depending on available space and the user’s preferences and comfort.



CAN WE USE DRY SCREED BOARDS INSTEAD OF SCREED TO REDUCE THE HEIGHT OF THE SUBFLOOR IN AN EXISTING ROOM?

Yes, Fermacell boards or cement-concrete boards can be used instead of screed.

CHOOSE FLOOR OR CEILING?

This is purely a matter of personal preference. In a bathroom it is always nice to have a warm floor since the occupant is often in bare feet. In a crowded room like a
kitchen with an island or two having the film in the ceiling provides even warmth throughout the room.



IS IT ADVISABLE TO INSTALL IHELIOS HEATING FILM UNDER PARQUET OR SOLID WOOD?

Yes, iHelios heating film works well under parquet or wood floors. Please ensure you follow the recommendations of iHelios and the manufacturer of floor coverings.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM THICKNESS OF THE SCREED UNDER WHICH THE IHELIOS HEATING FILM CAN BE PLACED?

The recommended screed thickness is up to 10 cm, the standard thickness is 5~6 cm.



CAN THE IHELIOS HEATING FILM BE USED AS A SUPPLEMENTAL HEAT SOURCE?

Yes, the iHelios heating film is
perfect for use as a supplemental heat source in rooms which the existing system doesn’t warm properly, rooms where you would like
the comfort a warm floor provides, rooms which you don’t use regularly but where you need heat on occasion like a garage based workshop. Don’t forget that maximum savings usually come from a
complete installation if that is an option. Hence iHelios is perfect to replace a gas boiler system when such systems are no longer permitted.



WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FLOOR BASED WATER HEATING SYSTEM AND IHELIOS FILM.

The iHelios electric heating system is a 100% maintenance-free system that does not require servicing or
annual maintenance for the 20-year warranty period or afterwards. While the floor will be slightly warmed (maximum 35 degrees) when the system is on the majority of the rays go into the room and bring the
entire room up to the temperature set by the thermostat. Underfloor water based heating systems require regular servicing of the boiler,
special piping to the room, have short warranties, are at risk of leaking which can cause extensive damage and, if there is a power failure, they can freeze up or burst requiring the entire floor to be dug up.



WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SO-CALLED LADDER FILM, STRIP FILM AND IHELIOS FILM?

Ladder or strip film is a very basic infrared source which usually has lower efficiency, a shorter warranty period, requires a heat monitor to ensure it doesn’t overheat and minor mechanical damage can cause a total loss of functionality. IHelios has a special carbon layer to provide even heat across the entire film surface and to eliminate any overheating. The iHelios product tends to be heavier, more robust and is a premium
product with up to 10 layers of protective coating.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ELECTROFUSION WIRE AND IHELIOS FILM?

Electrofusion wire has much lower efficiency and it is installed in the concrete floor surface itself. Any damage to the system requires the removal of the floor and
replacement of the entire system since it is not possible to determine the location of the damage. When using iHelios heating film, there is minimal risk of mechanical damage, and minor holes will not impact the overall operation as the infrared rays are given off from the entire film surface. In the event that there is some
serious damage an infrared camera can determine the exact magnitude and location of the problem so only the damaged area has to be replaced if absolutely needed. Where the film operates under floor panels, they can be opened up at any time for access to the film without damaging the floor.

ARE HEATING FILMS MORE ECONOMICAL THAN HEATING WITH GAS OR HEAT PUMPS?

iHelios film total cost of ownership remains more economical than its comparable alternatives on the
market. Savings are made every year over the span of its 30-year life cycle. Being maintenance free, having instantly adjustable heat, and
above all capable of being coupled to a photovoltaic solar panel and energy storage solution will further offset its energy cost. Speak to your authorized dealer to get specifics for you installation.



DO WE NEED A BOILER ROOM, CHIMNEY, FIRE PROTECTION, SMOKE AND GAS DETECTORS, ETC... FOR A SYSTEM BASED ON HEATING FILMS?

No, iHelios films are a true space
saver for any kind of home, office or commercial space. No more bulky appliances or heaters on the wall or ceilings.

HOW QUICKLY DOES MY FLOOR HEAT UP WITH INFRARED SYSTEM?

Our infrared heated film heats up to its maximum operating temperature within seconds, unlike any other radiant floor heating systems. The nature of our systems allows for fastest heating time by comparison.

WHAT ABOUT HOT/COLD SPOTS I HEARD ABOUT WITH OTHER RADIANT HEATED FLOORS?

Unlike wire-based or hydronic systems, infrared heating film’s heating elements are close together, and so called hot/cold spots are virtually inexistent in the heated area.



HOW DO THE COSTS OF ELECTRIC HEATING WITH IHELIOS HEATING FILMS COMPARES TO A TRADITIONAL GAS HEATING SYSTEM?


Comparisons between systems depend on a number of factors including the cost of the differing types of fuel source. In most cases iHelios is
comparable, but as we have no influence on changes in the prices of individual fuels and energy, we cannot guarantee how it will develop in the future.



DOES THE THERMOSTAT HAVE REMOTE WI-FI FUNCTIONALITY?

All iHelios thermostats have remote connectivity and Wi-Fi connectivity.

IS THE THERMOSTAT PROGRAMMABLE WITH THE CHOICE OF DAY AND OPERATING HOURS?

Yes, the thermostat has a programming function with the selection of operating hours and days of the week. In addition to iHelios thermostats can be controlled from an app on your phone or tablet allowing you to monitor your building and adjust
the programming or override the temperatures while you are out of the building.

WHAT IS THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE THAT CAN BE SET ON THE THERMOSTAT?

With the iHelios Thermostat the
temperature can be adjusted between 15 to 35⁰C as its maximum room temperature.

CAN THE THERMOSTATS BE CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER OR WILL EACH WORK INDIVIDUALLY?

Each thermostat works individually though all your thermostats can be controlled from an app on your phone or tablet.



IF THE ELECTRICITY IS TURNED OFF, WILL THE THERMOSTAT MAINTAIN THE DATA OR DO WE HAVE TO PROGRAM IT AGAIN?

Yes, the thermostat will retain its
information indefinitely

CAN WE LOCK THE THERMOSTAT FROM THE PHONE SO THAT NO ONE CAN MANUALLY REPROGRAM IT?

Yes, the thermostat can be locked and controlled from the phone which makes it a perfect partner for rental properties as well as making it childproof.


HOW DOES A THERMOSTAT WORK?

The thermostat function is to turn the heating film on until the target temperature is reached at which
point it will turn it off.



IS ONE THERMOSTAT ENOUGH FOR ALL ROOMS?

A single thermostat is sufficient for most rooms in a home. In a large space, such as an open office concept, the space can be divided into sections controlled by individual thermostats. By dividing the iHelios ceiling film into sections with a separate thermostat for each, the staff in each section can be kept at the same temperature with more heat automatically being delivered to the colder section and much less where the sun has an impact.



DOES THE THERMOSTAT HAVE A FLOOR AND AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR?

Yes, each thermostat has a floor and air temperature sensor

WHERE SHOULD THE FLOOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR BE PLACED?

The floor temperature sensor should be placed on the film see installation instruction at
iHelios Installation. Please remember that only installations certified by our authorized installers may be registered for the 20-year warranty. Your authorized dealer will help you maximize the comfort and minimize the
cost of your iHelios solution.

WHERE SHOULD THE WALL THERMOSTAT BE PLACED?

Place the thermostat on the wall at a height of 120~150 cm (approximately halfway between the ceiling and
floor). Please remember that only installations certified by our authorized installers may be registered for the 20-year warranty. Your authorized dealer will help you maximize the comfort and minimize the cost of your iHelios solution.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO OPERATE THE INFRARED HEATING FILM WITHOUT A THERMOSTAT?

The heating film may only be operated in conjunction with a suitable thermostat, which ensures thermal monitoring by means of an external sensor and also enables the temperature to be limited to the maximum temperature specified.



HOW MANY IHELIOS FILM CAN BE CONNECTED TO ONE THERMOSTAT?

The iHelios thermostats are rated at 16Amp and each one can control 38m of iH403 30cm wide film or 22m of iH305 50cm wide film or 11m of iH410 1m wide film.



DOES THE IHELIOS HEATING SYSTEM REQUIRE ANNUAL SERVICING?

No, the iHelios film heating system does not require annual servicing of any kind.



WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF WE DAMAGE THE IHELIOS FILM AND WILL IT STILL WORK?

In the event of minor mechanical damage to the film between the electrode strips, the film will still be 100% operational. The electrode strips run close to the edge of the film and if these are damaged any repair work should be done by a trained electrician.



HOW DO WE PROTECT IHELIOS FILM AGAINST DAMAGE UNDER THE FLOOR?


The film is installed under the floor surface (tile, wood) which protects it from damage and it is protected from moisture using 0.3 mmthick PE film.



WHAT IS THE DECLINE IN THE EFFICIENCY OF IHELIOS HEATING FILM OVER A LONGER PERIOD OF USE?

The film will have a slight efficiency drop off over time but this amounts to only 4% after 10 years of use and so is not noticeable to the user.



IS IHELIOS HEATING FILM ECOLOGICAL?

The use of iHelios heating films is pro-ecological as it does not pollute the atmosphere, and if coupled with renewable energy from photovoltaic solar panels and energy storage solutions, we can minimize, offset or eliminate the energy needs.



HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL IHELIOS HEATING FILMS?

Installation of iHelios heating film
for a house with an area of approximately 150 m² takes a maximum of 1-2 days excluding decoration and cosmetic finishes.



IS IHELIOS HEATING FILM AS A HEATING SYSTEM ELIGIBLE FOR DEDUCTION WHEN THERMALLY MODERNIZING A BUILDING?

Yes, we can deduct the heating film when thermally modernizing the building.



IS IT POSSIBLE TO OFFSET THE COST OF HEATING WITH IHELIOS HEATING FILM TO ZERO?

Yes, by combining the iHelios system with a matching renewable energy source such as photovoltaic solar panels, the net cost of heating can be reduced to zero.

IN WHAT FACILITIES IS IT RECOMMENDED TO USE IHELIOS HEATING FILM?

iHelios heating film is ideal as the primary heating source for residential buildings, office buildings, most commercial premises, hospitals, senior living spaces, mobile homes, summer houses, boats, hospitals, dormitories, hotels, flats, student accommodation, housing association rental units and AIRBnB units. In addition, it can be used to extend an existing heating
system to cover new areas like a cold basement or garage being used as a workshop. Not only that is can be used in spaces that need a heating boost under certain circumstances like a sun room in winter or a bathroom where the under-floor film can be so cosy on your feet.

WHERE IS IHELIOS HEATING FILM NOT RECOMMENDED TO BE USED?

iHelios film is not intended to be used outdoors where there are changing weather conditions or in facilities with very high ceilings such as a full height warehouse.



IS THE IHELIOS HEATING FILM SAP CERTIFIED?

Not at the moment but progress is being made.



CAN THE IHELIOS HEATING FILM BE INSTALLED IN LISTED FACADE BUILDINGS?

Yes, iHelios heating film is an ideal solution to retrofit a listed building since there is no outside equipment involved and its presence can be hidden entirely above the ceiling or in the floor. This makes it perfect for museums, stately homes and other scenarios where there is no room for unsightly
radiators.



WHERE CAN I BUY IHELIOS HEATING FILM IN MY REGION?

The list of our distributors can be found on our website at iHelios
If you have not found an iHelios partner in your area, please contact the closest regional manager from the website map or contact us
directly at info@ihelios.co.uk



WHERE CAN I FIND AN AUTHORIZED INSTALLER IN MY REGION?

To find an authorized installer in the region, contact the nearest distributor on our website
iHelios or call us or send us an inquiry at info@ihelios.co.uk so that we can help you as soon as
possible.

ARE THERE SHADOWS IN FLOOR INSTALLATIONS WHERE HEAT DOES NOT REACH IE ABOVE A MARBLE COFFEE TABLE? 

Each room needs to be assessed but in general when heated from the ceiling there are no cold spots and this
can be shown with a heat camera. For floor installations giving consideration to where furniture will be can ensure maximum effectiveness and putting large furniture like a couch over the film will have slight impact. Your authorized dealer can assist you and generally the layout of film on
the floor is done to maximize coverage on open spaces such as walkways.

DO THE RULES TO SET UP THE SYSTEM MAKE IT TOO COMPLICATED FOR THE "AVERAGE" PERSON TO USE?  

Since they can be controlled by the app and each room can be handled separately, they can, if the user wishes, be used in more sophisticated ways, particularly since the
room feels warmer more quickly than with a boiler-based system. Hence rarely used rooms can be equipped with an occupancy sensor or
switched on manually when needed but equally they can be on the same schedule as the rest of the house.  iHelios thermostats operate just as any other and can be "set and forget" in a minute or two in the same way that the homeowner is used to.  

DOES THE SYSTEM LOSE EFFICIENCY IN POORLY INSULATED HOUSES? 


The efficiency of the heating in terms of converting electricity to heat is constant at 97% regardless of ambient temperature or the quality of the insulation.  However just like any house the amount of heat required will be greater if the insulation is poor.  In a boiler or furnace based system the unit will have to run for
longer each hour in the same sized house that has poorer insulation. Similarly iHelios will be on for longer each hour if there is more heat loss in one house versus another.  In bad cases the furnace capacity may need to be bigger for a more poorly insulated house to
bring the temperature up in a reasonable time.  iHelios can
handle this by increasing the amount of film in the floor or
ceiling.  This doesn't change the efficiency of the system in
any way but it will warm up the room more quickly.  



FOR HOW LONG IS THE FILM GENERATING HEAT EACH HOUR THAT THE SYSTEM IS TURNED ON?

As in any heating system the thermostat will switch on when the temperature drops below a pre-set point and turn off when it hits the target temperature.  How long the system is on each hour is dependent upon the maximum heat generated
by the system, the outside temperature, the quality of the
insulation, whether the doors/windows are open, the size of the room, whether any sunlight is coming through the windows, the target temperature and many other factors.  In the case of an iHelios
system the room tends to feel warm more quickly than other systems because FAR Infrared rays heat you directly as well as the surfaces that you touch.  iHelios heats the entire room evenly so the room feels comfortable wherever you are in it.  The system is silent so you never know when it is on or off but on a cold day it is
likely operating for 10-15 minutes each hour at its 97% efficiency so all your power is being converted to heat. 



HOW DO I DETERMINE WHAT MY HOME’S INSULATION LEVEL IS ON YOUR A-E SCALE?

Because EPC rating doesn't
reflecting exact insulation level of the property, we need from our customers as much info about insulation of the quoted building as we can. Normally we use EPC rating taking into account insulation description given by the customer.




CAN IHELIOS BE USED IN A GREENHOUSE?

iHelios heating film has been designed and tested for home and commercial use.  It can be used in sunrooms, in floor or ceiling applications, to make them comfortable during the winter months but it has not been tested in greenhouses.



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WHAT IS DEPENDENCY ON INTERNET IF THE HOUSE HAS SAY 20 NETWORKED DEVICES.  DOES IT USE A LOT OF BANDWIDTH?

When the app is accessed from outside the house it communicates with the devices through the internet. 
The bandwidth used is very little.  Updating the thermostat to switch heating on at 7am rather than 8am uses minimal bandwidth.  Same for all other devices except the video cameras.  Viewing camera streams from inside the house uses Wi-Fi.  When you are
away from the house the internet must be working to see the camera’s live feed from the app.  Similarly, if the internet is down the app won’t receive alerts. However, all devices will continue to work as normal.  The video doorbell will ring and if someone is
in the house they can see who it is and answer the door or speak via speaker if they wish but the app wont get notified until the internet is working again.  Some devices like certain cameras have their
own SD card backup.  These store events and can play back video when the app is reconnected or the SD card can be taken out of the camera and watched on another device.  The only thing that won't happen while the internet is down is auto storage of video events in the cloud.  



WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE INTERNET IS DOWN?  

The devices on the network are connected with Wi-Fi.  So for example while the heating
thermostat is adjusted by the app it operates independently.  It will switch heating on and off based on the current settings. 
If the internet goes down there is no impact on the heating system itself.  If Wi-Fi goes down your phone can't adjust the system but the thermostat will operate as normal and can be manually adjusted if required.  If the internet is down the only thing that can't be done is to adjust the system from outside the house.  This is the same for door locks, motion sensors, cameras etc.   
They will all operate on their last settings if the app is not
connected.   In summary all iHelios devices will work on their last setting if the user of the app is not able to connect to them.  iHelios is a monitoring system and while it sends alerts it's not a
full security system.  If this is required there is usually a
requirement for a back up means to connect via a wireless SIM card.
This can be done through a local security monitoring provider if the client wishes.  The bottom line is that except for security alerts the app is like a remote control.  It can update settings on the devices remotely when connected via Wi-Fi or internet. All systems will function normally when the app is disconnected except
cloud storage and security alerts which would need wireless back up connectivity to continue operating and most security monitoring companies offer this.

HAS IHELIOS BEEN INSTALLED IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS SUCH AS SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS?

iHelios heating film is installed in over 3’000 properties but has not yet been installed in a public buildings though it is being considered for such applications.  Because it is installed out of sight (floor or ceiling) and provides such an
even and controllable heat it is ideal for both individual rooms and large wings.  



CAN I PURCHASE CONNECTORS, TAPE AND INSULATION LOCALLY?

iHelios film is carefully matched to all the other components in the system to provide you with a 20-year
warranty on a certified installation. Each component has been tested for its longevity and since the film is installed in ceilings and
floors rework is expensive.  Hence iHelios only ever recommended using its tape, connectors and insulation so the customer benefits from the lengthy warranty.  iHelios feels that saving a few dollars on what is a very small part of the total price is not justified if it could cause a problem with the system. You can buy it at our shop at https://iheliosliving.co.uk/pages/shop

WHAT TRAINING IS AVAILABLE TO A NEW DEALER?

In the UK, iHelios provides training in 2 ways.

1) the dealer arranges for an iHelios expert to attend one of their sites to take the local team through the entire installation process including the completion of one of
the rooms at the customer site so that everyone in the team
(including at least one electrician) sees exactly how to install the system.  You can film this visit a for training new employees that were not able to attend. 

2) iHelios has an online program that shows how an install is planned and completed including the
electrician’s certification so the customer gets the benefit of the 20-year warranty.

For non-English speaking customers we can assist in translating the video material.



HOW DO I DO QUOTES FOR CUSTOMERS?

iHelios will work with each master
distributor to provide an online quote tool for each country in their selected currency.  iHelios will work with the distributor to
have the quote translated.



WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU FOR A DESIGN FOR THE HEATING SYSTEM OF A FAMILY HOME. WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I SEND YOU?

For the creation of a price quotation, you will need:

to decide on the heating system which
you wish to use (Floor or ceiling)

a properly dimensioned floor plan and cross-section of the building

the composition of floors, walls and ceilings (including existing and future coverings)

the EPC rating of your dwelling

This information is essential for the design of a heating system.



I HAVE A FLAT IN AN APARTMENT BUILDING CONSTRUCTED FROM CONCRETE PANELS AND I WOULD LIKE TO INSTALL FLOOR HEATING IN THE BATHROOM. WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

As the floors in apartment buildings of this type often have bad thermal insulation, iHelios is a perfect solution with a layer of insulation laid down below the film and tile
or vinyl flooring above it. This 1) reduces the energy needed to heat the bathroom and 2) the film in the floor nicely warms it for your feet to feel cosy.



HEATING FILM – HOW TO CHOOSE?

The most important parameter to pay attention to when choosing infrared heating film is their location and width. The film should be adapted to the size of the room for which the required unit thermal power is calculated in the design. iHelios offers films with several types of width. Just choose the appropriate variant and match it to the design assumptions.



IS PROJECT PLANNING FREE OF CHARGE?

We attach great importance to
individual advice and customer-oriented service. We therefore offer you project planning completely free of charge and without obligation.