Ember Glass Infrared Heating Panels Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Showing 10 of 35 questions
Only the Ember Flex infrared heating panels can be mounted from the ceiling and they come with all of the necessary hardware to accomplish this.
None of the infrared heating panel heaters from the Ember Glass or Ember Mirror lines can be mounted from the ceiling.
Radiant heat travels through air, and typically heats up objects closer to the panel first and then the rest of the room later. Infrared heating from the panel can be easily detected from about 3-4 feet. Ideally, the infrared heating panel should be aimed onto the area with more use, since that will be the surface that will warm up first.
The startup heating time for this infrared heating system is approximately 5 to 10 minutes. However, your room will not feel warmer immediately because the cold objects in the room (furniture, walls, ceilings, floors, etc.) need to warm up first. Once these surfaces are heated via infrared heating, the warmth will spread throughout the room.
Verify 120V power at the connection of the panel to the circuit at the junction box in the wall (for hardwired connections), or at the outlet (for plug-in connections). Each Ember heater has a built-in safety switch that turns off the heating element automatically if it overheats. By unplugging or disconnecting the unit and waiting for about 10 to 15 minutes, the safety switch will reset automatically and the unit will be operational again.
If you experience additional issues, please give us a call at 1-800-875-5285.
Yes. A running panel’s surface averages about 194°F (90°C), and some Ember models reach 257°F (125°C). A quick touch is hot enough to make you pull away, but longer contact can burn, so keep it out of reach of children, pets and anyone who can’t move away quickly. In rooms children use, mount it at least 4 feet up.
We do not have a Infrared Heating Panels Running Cost Calculator. However, this can be determined easily by taking the panel’s wattage, dividing it by 1000, and then multiplying the result by the local kW/hr cost – then take this hourly cost and multiple by 730 hours to get a monthly estimate.
There is no on/off button. If you’re using your dual connection Ember infrared heating panel in the plug-in configuration, it can be unplugged when not in use or paired with compatible plug-in control devices like a timer. If you’ve elected to convert your dual connection infrared heating panel to a hardwired connection, the infrared heating panel should be wired to a hardwired control option like a switch, a hardwired timer, or a hardwired thermostat.
Yes, when installed as the manual directs. Ember panels carry a US and Canadian safety certification and shut off if they overheat. The front runs about 194°F (90°C): a quick touch makes you pull away, but longer contact can burn. Keep 10 inches clear, never cover it, and mount it at least 4 feet up in rooms children use.
Yes. Two WarmlyYours controls support smart home integration:
Hardwired WiFi Switch (GK16-30090-0003) — Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit/Siri, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT. No hub is required. You control the panel using the free My Leviton app and can set schedules, turn the panel on or off remotely, and use voice commands. This is the recommended choice if smart home integration is your priority.
nJoy WiFi Programmable Thermostat (UWG5-4999-WY) — Also supports Alexa and Google Assistant in addition to full floor temperature regulation. Best if you want both smart home control and precise temperature management.
The countdown timer (GK16-30090-0006) and programmable timer (GK16-30090-0002) do not have WiFi connectivity and cannot be controlled remotely.
You can connect your plug-in infrared heating panels to a line voltage automated or a manual switch, timer, plug-in thermostat, or wifi switch. You can also use one of the controls found on our web page; https://www.warmlyyours.com/en-US/radiant-panels/controls
Not every switch or thermostat is compatible with WarmlyYours infrared heating panels. Here is what you need to know:
- All WarmlyYours infrared heating panels operate at 120V. Your control must be rated for 120V.
- Most panels draw between 300W and 600W, so a standard 15A switch is more than sufficient for a single panel.
- Smart dimmers and dimmer switches are not compatible — infrared heating panels require full on/off switching, not dimming.
- Floor heating thermostats with a floor sensor can be used but are not required unless you want temperature-based control (rather than time-based).
WarmlyYours offers three controls designed and tested specifically for use with our infrared heating panels: the countdown timer (GK16-30090-0006), the programmable timer (GK16-30090-0002), and the WiFi switch (GK16-30090-0003). Using a WarmlyYours control ensures compatibility and preserves your warranty.
Infrared heating panels are designed for supplemental heating, not as a primary heat source. They work best to boost warmth in specific rooms or offset cold spots, but most homes require a central heating system for whole-home comfort.Why panels are supplemental:
- Coverage area: Each panel heats 50–150 sq.ft. (one room or zone)
- Wattage limits: 300–800W per panel (not enough for whole-home heating)
- Installation: Requires multiple panels for multiple rooms (costly for whole-home coverage)
Best use cases for supplemental heating:
- Cold rooms: Basements, sunrooms, garages, workshops
- Spot heating: Home offices, bathrooms, bedrooms
- Zone heating: Heat only occupied rooms (save energy)
- Seasonal use: Three-season rooms, vacation homes
- Supplement existing heat: Boost warmth without cranking up thermostat
When panels CAN be primary heat:
- Tiny homes: 200–400 sq.ft. spaces (1–2 panels sufficient)
- Well-insulated spaces: Modern, energy-efficient construction
- Mild climates: Regions with minimal heating needs
- Single-room dwellings: Studio apartments, ADUs
Sizing guidance:
Use our Heat Loss Calculator to determine if infrared heating panels can meet your heating needs or if they’re best used as supplemental heat.
No — painting the face of a panel changes its surface emissivity and can reduce heat output, and it may void the warranty. Choose a factory finish instead: WarmlyYours infrared heating panels come in glass, mirror and white finishes (including a mirror option that doubles as a full-length mirror) designed to radiate heat efficiently while complementing your décor.
It depends on how many panels you have and how you want to control them:
Single panel — One control is all you need. Any of the WarmlyYours controls can manage a single panel on a single circuit.
Multiple panels in the same room — If all panels in the room are on the same circuit and you want them to run together, a single control works. If they are on separate circuits, each circuit needs its own control.
Multiple rooms — Each room should have its own control so you can manage heating schedules independently per space. The nJoy WiFi Thermostat (UWG5-4999-WY) manages up to 10 independent schedules, but it still controls a single circuit.
If you have a large installation with many panels across multiple zones, our radiant experts can help you plan the optimal control configuration at no charge. Contact us for a free consultation.
Not always, but it depends on the wattage and what else is on the circuit.
WarmlyYours Ember panels draw between 2.5A (300W) and 6.7A (800W) on a standard 120V circuit. A typical 15A household circuit can safely supply 12A continuously (80% rule), so:
- One panel on a lightly loaded circuit — usually fine without a dedicated circuit. A 500W panel draws only 4.2A, leaving plenty of headroom.
- Multiple panels or a heavily loaded circuit — a dedicated circuit is recommended. Two 700W panels on the same circuit would draw 11.7A, close to the 12A limit.
- Bathrooms — most building codes require bathroom outlets on a dedicated 20A GFCI circuit, so adding a panel may require its own circuit depending on existing loads.
All WarmlyYours infrared heating panels must be hardwired by a licensed electrician (not plugged in). Your electrician can assess the circuit capacity during installation. For questions about electrical requirements, contact our radiant experts for free guidance.
Mount the panel with its bottom edge at least 2 feet above the floor, or at least 4 feet up in rooms children use, where nothing blocks its line of sight to where you sit. Keep at least 10 inches clear in front. Don’t mount it in front of or right below an outlet, or where someone in the tub or shower could touch it.
WarmlyYours infrared heating panels are compatible with the following hardwired 120V controls sold separately:
- Hardwired 4-Setting Countdown Timer (GK16-30090-0006) — Four preset run durations (30 min, 1 hr, 2 hr, 4 hr). Ideal for occasional use where you want the panel to run for a fixed period then shut off automatically.
- Hardwired Programmable Timer (GK16-30090-0002) — Programs up to 50 on/off events with a built-in astronomical clock that can track your local sunrise/sunset times. Best for daily scheduled heating.
- Hardwired WiFi Switch (GK16-30090-0003) — Controls your panel via the free My Leviton app. Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit/Siri, SmartThings, and IFTTT—no hub required.
- nJoy WiFi Programmable Thermostat (UWG5-4999-WY) — Full-featured floor heating thermostat with LED touch display, 10-schedule programming, WiFi, and Alexa/Google voice control. Measures actual floor temperature for precise control.
All controls are hardwired 120V devices. If you are unsure which control is right for your panel setup, our radiant experts can help you select the best option at no charge.
Both the countdown timer and programmable timer let you limit how long your infrared heating panel runs, but they work differently:
Countdown Timer (GK16-30090-0006) — A simple press-and-hold control with four preset run durations: 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours. When the timer expires, the panel shuts off automatically. No programming is required—just select how long you want the heat to run. Best for occasional use in bathrooms or bedrooms where you don’t have a predictable schedule.
Programmable Timer (GK16-30090-0002) — A full 7-day programmable timer with a backlit LCD screen. You can create up to 50 independent on/off events and use the built-in astronomical clock to align the schedule with sunrise/sunset times. Best for rooms where you want the panel to heat automatically at the same time every day.
If you want remote control from a smartphone or voice assistant, consider the WiFi Switch (GK16-30090-0003) instead—it lets you schedule the panel from anywhere via the My Leviton app.
Allow about 7 watts per square foot in a room with average insulation, so a 10 × 10 ft room (100 sq ft) needs about 700 W. Each Ember product page lists the area its panel covers, such as 86 sq ft for 600 W. High ceilings, large windows or poor insulation need more wattage, and a large room heats more evenly with two panels. For an exact size, ask us for a free heat loss calculation.
On a wall facing where you sit or stand, since furniture between you and the panel blocks its heat. Mount the bottom edge at least 2 feet above the floor, or 4 feet up in rooms children use, with 10 inches clear in front. Avoid spots in front of or right below an outlet, or within reach of anyone in the tub or shower. The Ember Flex 500 W and 700 W can also go on the ceiling.