Infrared Heating Comparison: How It Performs vs Gas, Heat Pumps & More

Infrared Heating Compared to Air Source Heat Pumps, Gas Central Heating, Storage Heaters, Underfloor Heating & More

Welcome to our detailed guide on modern heating options. In this article, we’ll take a close look at infrared heating and how it performs against several popular alternatives—including gas central heating, air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, storage heaters, and electric convection radiators.

By exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each system, you’ll gain the clarity needed to make an informed decision about your next heating upgrade. Let’s break down how each solution works and which one offers the best value for your home.

Infrared Heating Vs Air Source Heat Pumps

Many UK households compare infrared heating with air source heat pumps (ASHPs) when searching for efficient heating solutions. While both can deliver good performance, infrared heating often proves more cost-effective in terms of installation, servicing, and day-to-day running—especially in the UK’s colder climate.

Installation Costs

Infrared Heating

Infrared panels are simple to install. They mount directly onto walls or ceilings without needing external units, pipework, or extensive alterations. This keeps labour costs down and makes installation quick and straightforward.

Air Source Heat Pumps

ASHPs require an external fan unit and integration with your internal heating system. This often means pipework, upgrades to radiators, or structural changes—making installation far more expensive and time-consuming.

Servicing & Maintenance

Infrared Heating

Infrared systems have almost no moving parts, meaning fewer breakdowns and minimal servicing. Apart from occasional cleaning, maintenance needs are extremely low, and panels often last decades.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Heat pumps contain compressors, fans, and refrigerants, all of which need periodic checks and servicing. The complexity of the system increases both the maintenance burden and ongoing costs, with a higher likelihood of repair needs.

Energy Efficiency & Running Costs

Infrared Heating

Infrared panels convert nearly 100% of electricity into usable heat. By warming surfaces and people directly, they avoid heat loss through draughts or high ceilings, reducing electricity waste and cutting monthly costs.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Although ASHPs can be efficient, their performance drops in cold weather. During winter, they often require additional electric heating support, driving up running costs. Efficiency varies depending on outdoor temperatures (CoP), installation quality, and property insulation.

Heat-Up Times

Infrared Heating

Infrared panels provide warmth almost instantly. You can heat specific rooms on demand, avoiding the need to keep the entire house warm all day.

Air Source Heat Pumps

ASHPs take longer to warm an area because they heat the air. Poor insulation or larger spaces make them less effective, often leading to higher overall electricity usage.

Versatility & Adaptability

Infrared Heating

Infrared panels work brilliantly in homes, commercial buildings, and even outdoor areas. They can be added to existing spaces with minimal disruption and allow for zoning—heating only the rooms you’re using.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are primarily designed for whole-home heating and are not ideal for targeted or supplementary use. They also require adequate outdoor space and proper airflow, limiting installation options.

Impact of Outdoor Temperatures

Infrared Heating

External temperatures do not affect performance. Infrared heat works consistently all year round because it warms objects—not air.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Cold UK winters reduce ASHP efficiency considerably. The colder the air, the harder the system works, leading to higher bills and reduced output.

Conclusion

Although both systems can offer efficiency benefits, infrared heating often delivers superior value in the UK due to its low installation costs, minimal servicing, high efficiency, and reliable performance regardless of outdoor conditions. For many homeowners, infrared heating is a simpler, more affordable, and more dependable solution.

Infrared Heating Panels Vs Storage Heaters

Infrared panels are around 60% more efficient than traditional storage heaters. Where storage heaters lose heat gradually throughout the day, infrared panels provide warm, instant, targeted heat.

Why Infrared Panels Win

• They warm objects directly, so energy is not wasted heating unused air.

• Users typically experience lower bills compared to storage heater systems.

• Storage heaters rely on overnight tariffs and can run out of heat too early, especially in winter.

Infrared heating offers better control, better efficiency, and a more comfortable living environment.

Infrared Heating Panels Vs Gas Central Heating

Comparing infrared heating with gas central heating reveals several key differences:

Infrared Advantages

• Converts almost all energy into heat—no wasted energy through pipework or combustion

• Lower installation costs with no boilers, pipes, or flues

• Minimal maintenance compared to annual gas servicing

• Slim, modern panels save space and blend into any room

By contrast, gas systems rely on bulky radiators, require annual servicing, and lose heat through circulation. Infrared heating offers a cleaner, more modern alternative with long-term savings.

Infrared Heating Panels Vs Underfloor Heating

Both systems can heat a home effectively, but infrared panels excel in ease and affordability.

Infrared Benefits Over Underfloor Heating

• No need to lift flooring or undertake major renovation

• Panels are accessible, simple to replace, and easy to maintain

• Installation is quick and inexpensive

• Lower upfront and lifetime costs

Underfloor heating is efficient but expensive to install and difficult to repair if anything goes wrong beneath the floor.

Infrared Panels Vs Electric Convection Radiators

Compared to convection radiators, infrared panels offer several clear advantages:

Energy Efficiency

Infrared requires up to 42% less wattage to heat the same space.

Better Heat Distribution

Infrared warms people and surfaces directly. Convection radiators heat the air—which rises, escapes, and creates uneven temperatures.

Longer Lifespan & Low Maintenance

Infrared panels have no moving parts and typically last 20–40+ years.

Slim, Space-Saving Design

They can be ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted, allowing for more flexible room layouts than bulky radiators.

Overall, infrared panels provide a more modern, efficient, and stylish heating solution.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for reading our comparison guide. We hope this detailed breakdown has helped you understand how infrared heating stacks up against a wide range of alternatives. By exploring the pros and cons of each system, you can choose the most efficient, cost-effective, and future-proof heating solution for your home.

Here’s to a warmer, more sustainable future!