They emit far-infrared radiation that heats surfaces and people directly, so you feel warmth instantly without heating the whole room’s air.

Yes — modern quartz/ceramic infrared units stay cooler to the touch than open coils and include tip-over/overheat cutoffs; never cover or drape on them.

Infrared heats you instantly and directionally (efficient for spot use); ceramic heats the air and circulates it (better for warming a whole small room).

Yes — weatherproof radiant patio heaters warm people directly even in cold, breezy air where convective heaters fail.

No — unlike convection heat they do not reduce humidity; they warm objects, not the air, so the room feels less stuffy.