Smarter Heating for UK Holiday Lets & Group Accommodation | Energy Efficient & Cheap to Run

Owners and managers of rental holiday accommodation, group accommodation and Airbnb properties face a unique set of challenges — particularly when it comes to heating.

Large short-stay and multi-generational celebration homes are among the most energy-intensive properties in the rental sector. Designed to host families and groups around the clock, they demand substantial energy for heating, hot water, lighting, cooking and guest facilities — far exceeding that of a typical single household.

These properties often include:

• Multiple bedrooms

• Large open-plan living areas

• Games rooms or entertainment spaces

• Communal kitchens and dining areas

• En-suite bathrooms

• Annexes or additional buildings

All of these areas must remain warm, comfortable and welcoming to meet guest expectations.

As a result, heating alone can represent up to 70% of total energy consumption, particularly during colder months when guests expect hotel-level comfort throughout the property.

For landlords and operators, heating is not just a comfort issue — it is a significant operational cost.

Common Heating Systems in Holiday Lets – And Their Limitations

Most group accommodation and holiday lets currently rely on:

Gas Boilers with Radiators

Traditional gas central heating systems are common. However, they present challenges in short-stay properties:

• Limited zoning capability

• Slow warm-up times

• High servicing and maintenance costs

• Lack of remote control

• Boiler breakdown risks between bookings

In large properties, heating the entire air volume is expensive and inefficient.

Storage Heaters or Basic Electric Panels

Older electric heating systems often lack responsiveness and fine control. They are difficult to manage remotely and can result in excessive energy use.

Underfloor Heating

While comfortable, underfloor heating can be slow to respond and expensive to run in large spaces — particularly if left on continuously.

The Real Issue: Guest Behaviour and Heating Misuse

One of the biggest challenges facing owners of group accommodation and Airbnb properties is guest behaviour.

It is extremely common for guests to turn the thermostat up to maximum as soon as they arrive. This is not malicious — many people assume that turning the thermostat up higher will make the property warm up faster.

Professionally, we know this is not how heating works.

Turning the thermostat to maximum does not heat the room faster — it simply causes the system to run for longer, often continuously. This significantly increases energy costs.

Guests are not responsible for the energy bills, so there is little incentive to use heating efficiently. In many cases, heating is left on high even after guests leave, with it falling to cleaners or property managers to switch it off.

For owners managing multiple holiday lets, this lack of control can become extremely expensive.

Landlords and operators therefore require a heating system that is:

• Powerful enough for large properties

• Energy efficient

• Remotely controllable

• Zoned per room

• Protected against overheating

This is where infrared heating technology stands out.

Why Infrared Heating Is Ideal for Holiday Lets and Group Accommodation

Infrared heating works differently from traditional convection systems.

Instead of heating the air, infrared panels emit radiant heat that warms people, furniture, floors and surfaces directly. Those objects then retain warmth and gently re-radiate it back into the room.

This provides instant, even warmth without needing to heat the entire air volume of the property.

For holiday lets and Airbnb properties, this delivers significant advantages:

• Up to 40–70% cheaper to run than traditional heating systems

• Approximately 42% lower wattage requirement for equal heating coverage

• Rapid warm-up time (15–20 minutes before guest arrival)

• Zero maintenance or servicing costs

• No boiler breakdown risk between bookings

Because infrared heating warms objects and surfaces directly, rooms feel comfortable more quickly and stay warm for longer.

For short-stay accommodation, this makes it one of the most energy efficient electric heating solutions available.

About Us and the Sectors We Support

At Infrared Group, we design and install large-scale infrared heating systems across multi-occupancy and high-demand environments.

Care Homes

Heating accounts for around 70% of energy costs on average. Our zoned, smart-controlled systems allow care providers to manage multiple buildings efficiently while avoiding waste in unused rooms.

Education

We supply safe, efficient ceiling-mounted infrared systems to universities, schools and SEN settings. Ideal for classrooms and halls, ceiling mounting removes burn risks and delivers consistent warmth.

Hospitality, Hotels and HMOs

We provide large-scale infrared heating systems for multi-occupancy properties, combining energy efficiency with intelligent control to enhance guest comfort.

Across all sectors, infrared heating paired with our advanced smart control system helps organisations monitor usage in real time and ensure not a single kilowatt-hour is wasted.

The fast warm-up time means rooms can be heated just 15–20 minutes before use — enabling precise scheduling that traditional systems cannot achieve.

Our Vision for Group Accommodation and Holiday Lets

Our vision is to deliver efficient infrared heating systems across multiple holiday properties, with the aim of:

• Significantly reducing running costs

• Improving control between stays

• Lowering maintenance requirements

• Enhancing sustainability

• Maintaining guest comfort

For landlords and portfolio owners, the ability to manage heating across multiple properties from one platform is transformative.

Smart Heating Control for Holiday Lets – Powered by SALUS Controls

We partner with SALUS Controls to deliver advanced Smart Wi-Fi heating management systems.

The integration of the UG800 Gateway, SQ610RF thermostats, SRS relays and Salus Smart Home App creates a fully connected heating network.

Centralised Control from a Smart Device

Monitor and adjust heating in every let, room and area from a phone, tablet or computer.

Individual Room Scheduling

Set heating times separately for each room, aligning with check-in and check-out times.

Temperature Threshold Protection

Guests can adjust temperatures within limits set by the owner — preventing overheating and excessive energy use.

Remote Multi-Property Management

Owners can manage multiple properties from a single login, assigning access to cleaners or managers as needed.

Energy Analytics and Reporting

Track usage, measure costs and identify inefficiencies across your portfolio.

This level of control significantly reduces waste and increases profitability.

Why Infrared Heating Installation Is Ideal for Holiday Lets

Infrared heating systems require:

• No additional pipework

• No boiler rooms

• No ductwork

• Minimal invasive works

Installation is fast and straightforward, reducing downtime between bookings.

For landlords refurbishing properties or converting buildings into holiday accommodation, infrared heating provides a clean, modern and low-maintenance solution.

Solar PV and Lower Energy Bills for Holiday Accommodation

Infrared heating works exceptionally well when paired with solar PV systems.

Off-Grid Potential

Generate renewable electricity and use it to power ultra-efficient electric heating.

Dramatically Lower Running Costs

Self-generation combined with low-consumption infrared heating delivers major cost savings.

For owners focused on sustainability and long-term profitability, this combination provides a future-proof solution.

Ceiling-Mounted Infrared Panels in Holiday Lets

Ceiling-mounted infrared panels offer additional benefits in rental properties:

Out of Reach

Installed safely overhead, panels prevent tampering or accidental contact.

No Trip Hazards

With no freestanding heaters, guest safety is improved.

More Usable Space

Wall space remains free for interior design and flexible layouts.

Cleaner Environment

Infrared panels do not circulate dust and allergens like convection systems.

Even Heat Distribution

Radiant heat is delivered evenly downward, eliminating cold spots.

A Smarter, Cheaper Way to Heat Your Holiday Let

For owners and managers of group accommodation, Airbnb properties and holiday lets, heating is one of the largest controllable expenses.

Infrared heating offers:

• Energy efficient electric heating

• Cheap running costs

• Smart remote control

• Zoned room-by-room management

• Zero servicing requirements

• Faster warm-up times

• Improved guest comfort

In a sector where margins matter and guest experience drives reviews, choosing the right heating system can significantly improve profitability.

Ready to Take Control of Your Heating Costs?

If you are reviewing the heating system in your holiday let or group accommodation and want a more energy efficient, low-maintenance and controllable solution, our team would be pleased to provide an initial consultation and outline how infrared heating could work across your property portfolio.

Contact Infrared Group for expert advice and a tailored quote.

📞 0333 090 7160
📧 info@infraredgroup.co.uk
🌐 www.infraredgroup.co.uk