Are Infrared Heaters Any Good? The Complete Guide to Efficient Heating in UK Homes

With rising energy costs, changing building standards, and the UK moving steadily toward electric heating, more homeowners are searching for a reliable, efficient alternative to traditional radiators, gas boilers, and storage heaters. Among the options available, one question keeps appearing:

Are infrared heaters any good?

The short answer is yes — extremely good, and far more efficient than most conventional heating systems. But the reasons why infrared heating performs so well go beyond simple running costs. To fully understand the benefits, we need to look at how infrared works, why it suits the UK climate, how it compares to convection heating, and why far infrared is widely used across Europe in countries that lead the way in heating innovation.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know.

What Makes Infrared Heating Different From Traditional Electric Heating?

Most people in the UK are used to convection-based heating: radiators, fan heaters, storage heaters, and electric panel heaters. These warm air, which then circulates around the room. Unfortunately, warm air rises, cools, and falls again — a constant cycle of heat loss that is both inefficient and expensive.

Infrared heating works in a completely different way.

Infrared Heats People and Surfaces First, Not the Air

Far infrared (the safe, gentle wavelength used for home heating) warms:

• The walls

• Floors

• Ceilings

• Furniture

• People

Once these surfaces warm up, they release heat back into the space gradually and evenly. This approach results in a more comfortable, stable indoor environment with far less wasted energy.

Are Infrared Heaters Good for UK Homes? Yes — and Here’s Why

The UK’s climate presents unique challenges for home heating: dampness, fluctuating temperatures, older housing stock, poor insulation in many regions, and high humidity in winter. Infrared heating happens to be extremely well suited to these conditions.

1. Infrared Reduces Damp, Mould and Condensation

Cold surfaces attract moisture. This is why UK properties — especially Victorian terraces, older semis, loft conversions, and rental homes — often struggle with damp and mould.

Infrared panels warm walls and surfaces directly, preventing moisture from settling. Over time, rooms become drier, healthier, and more resistant to mould growth. Many homeowners report noticeable improvement within weeks.

2. More Comfortable in a Cold, Damp Climate

Infrared delivers a heat sensation similar to standing in warm sunlight. Even on cold winter days, you feel warm quickly because the heat is absorbed by your skin and surroundings, not lost into the air.

In the UK, where winters are long, grey, and humid, infrared provides a type of warmth that feels more stable and less “stuffy” than gas radiators.

3. Ideal for Older and Modern Homes Alike

Whether you live in:

• A Victorian home

• A new-build house

• A modern flat

• A rental property

• A holiday let

• A converted loft

• A garden office

Infrared heating can be installed quickly, discreetly, and efficiently. Panels can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or even designed as mirrors or artwork — perfect for homes where space is limited.

Are Infrared Heaters Any Good for Energy Bills? They Can Be Significantly Cheaper to Run

One of the biggest questions is whether infrared heating can actually reduce energy bills. In many cases, yes — and often by quite a large amount.

Lower Wattage, Higher Efficiency

Infrared panels typically use 40–60% less electricity than traditional electric heaters to produce the same level of comfort.

For example:

A 12 m² room might require:

• 1.2–1.8 kW convection heater
  vs.

• 600–900 W infrared panel

This difference in wattage directly reduces running costs.

Faster Warm-Up, Longer Heat Retention

Because infrared heats the room’s surfaces, the heat is retained in the structure of the building. Once warmed, the room stays warmer for longer — even after the heater switches off.

This reduces:

• Heating time

• Frequency of heating cycles

• Total energy consumption

Zoned Heating for Maximum Efficiency

Infrared heating pairs perfectly with room-by-room thermostats and smart controls. This means you only heat the rooms you use, unlike central heating which warms the entire home even if you only need one room.

For households trying to lower energy bills, zoning can make a major difference.

Do Infrared Heaters Just Heat the Person? No — They Heat the Entire Room

A common misconception is that infrared only heats people when they’re standing in front of the heater. This confusion often comes from older, glowing orange near-infrared heaters.

Modern far infrared panels are completely different.

Whole-Room Coverage

Far infrared waves bounce around the room, warming surfaces evenly. The result is a fully heated room, much like central heating — but without cold spots or draughts.

Consistent Temperature From Floor to Ceiling

Convection systems suffer from stratification (hot air collects at ceiling height, cold air at floor level).

Infrared heats from the bottom up and maintains a more consistent ambient temperature.

So yes — when you walk into a room heated by infrared, it feels warm everywhere, not just in front of the panel.

Are Infrared Heaters Any Good Compared to Gas Central Heating?

Many UK homeowners wonder how infrared compares to traditional gas boilers and radiators.

Lower Maintenance

No servicing
No pipework
No boiler breakdowns
No bleeding radiators

Infrared heating has virtually zero ongoing maintenance costs.

Longer Lifespan

High-quality infrared panels last 30–50 years, far longer than boilers, radiators, or storage heaters.

Compatible with the UK’s Electric Future

With gas boilers being phased out and electric heating becoming the standard for future homes, infrared offers a solution that is:

• Energy-efficient

• Simple to install

• Ideal for renewables such as solar PV

• Perfect for retrofitting without disruption

• 
  

Why Infrared Heating Is So Popular in Europe

Across Europe — especially in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands — far infrared heating has become a mainstream choice. These countries have long been leaders in smart, sustainable, and energy-efficient home technology.

Innovative Countries Adopt Infrared First

European households value:

• Low running costs

• Cleaner, healthier indoor air

• Renewable energy compatibility

• Smart home integration

Infrared heating fits perfectly within these priorities.

High Adoption in Cold Climates

Scandinavian countries with extremely cold winters widely use infrared heating because it offers stable, comforting warmth without the inefficiencies of warm-air heating systems.

Europe has effectively proven the technology for decades — and the UK is now catching up.

Are Infrared Heaters Safe? Yes — Safer Than Most Heating Systems

Far infrared is a natural wavelength of heat, the same type of warmth produced by the human body and the sun (without UV). It is completely safe, fully tested, and widely used in medical, wellness, and residential settings.

Infrared panels:

• Do not burn oxygen

• Do not dry the air

• Do not circulate dust

• Do not overheat

• Have no exposed heating elements

They are arguably one of the safest forms of heating available.

Are Infrared Heaters Any Good for the Environment? Yes — Extremely

Infrared heating is eco-friendly because it:

• Uses less electricity

• Reduces heat loss

• Works perfectly with solar and renewable energy

• Has a long lifespan with minimal waste

• Contains no harmful fluids (unlike oil-filled radiators or boilers)

For households working toward net-zero goals, infrared heating is one of the most sustainable options.

Conclusion: So, Are Infrared Heaters Any Good? Absolutely — One of the Best Heating Solutions for UK Homes

Infrared heating delivers:

• Lower energy bills

• Faster comfort

• Even heat distribution

• A healthier indoor environment

• Reduced damp and mould

• Long lifespan and low maintenance

• Compatibility with renewable energy

• Flexible installation

• Proven effectiveness across Europe

Whether used in modern homes, older properties, rental accommodation, garden rooms, offices, or commercial buildings, infrared heating has proven itself to be one of the most efficient and reliable heating systems available in the UK today.

If you're looking for a future-proof, low-energy, highly comfortable heating system, infrared heaters are not just good — they’re excellent.