The History of Infrared Heating | Evolution of Efficient Electric Heating Explained

The History of Infrared Heating: From Early Discovery to a Modern Efficient Heating Solution

Infrared heating has quickly become one of the leading forms of efficient electric heating in the UK. As households and businesses search for cheaper, smarter, low-maintenance ways to heat their properties, many are turning to far infrared heating panels as a reliable alternative to traditional radiators, gas boilers, and outdated storage heaters. But how did infrared heating evolve into the advanced technology we know today? And is infrared heating any good compared to conventional systems?

To understand why infrared heating is now considered one of the cheapest central heating alternatives, it’s essential to explore the fascinating history behind it—from its scientific discovery, to its adoption in industry, to its transformation into one of the most efficient heating systems on the market.

The Early Scientific Discovery of Infrared Radiation

The history of infrared heating begins in 1800, when astronomer Sir William Herschel conducted experiments with sunlight and prisms to measure temperature across different colours of refracted light. He discovered that the invisible area just beyond the red end of the spectrum produced the most heat. This invisible light became known as infrared, meaning “below red.”

How Infrared Was Classified

As scientific understanding developed, infrared radiation was categorised into three key wavelength groups:

• Near Infrared (NIR) – Short wavelength, intense heat, commonly used for industrial processes and medical treatments.

• Mid Infrared (MIR) – Medium wavelength, delivering a mix of surface and penetrative heat.

• Far Infrared (FIR) – Long wavelength, gentle radiant heat that warms surfaces, objects, and people directly.

Far infrared is the technology used in modern infrared heating panels, making it highly efficient for home and commercial heating.

Early Industrial Uses of Infrared Heating

Although infrared heating is now popular in homes, its earliest applications were industrial. During the early 20th century, manufacturers used near-infrared heat lamps to dry paints, cure coatings, and accelerate production processes. Industries such as automotive manufacturing, ceramics, textiles, and food processing relied on infrared because it offered targeted, rapid, and controllable heat.

These early applications proved a key concept: radiant heat can outperform convection by delivering warmth exactly where it is needed, without wasting energy on heating large volumes of air.

Mid-Century Adoption: Bringing Infrared Heating Into Everyday Spaces

By the 1950s and 60s, infrared heating began appearing in domestic environments. Quartz infrared heaters became popular household appliances, offering quick, direct personal warmth. Although they were not designed to heat entire rooms or buildings, they demonstrated how effective infrared could be as a form of personal heating.

In the decades that followed, infrared heaters became widely used in:

• Public buildings

• Churches and sports halls

• Warehouses

• Outdoor hospitality areas

• Factories and workshops

The ability to provide heat in large, drafty, or poorly insulated spaces highlighted the strengths of infrared technology long before it became a mainstream domestic heating solution.

The Birth of Modern Far Infrared Heating Panels

The early 2000s marked a turning point in the development of infrared heating. Advances in materials such as carbon crystal elements, ceramic coatings, and multilayer insulation made it possible to design safe, efficient, low-wattage far infrared heating panels specifically for indoor heating.

These far infrared panels could be:

• Wall-mounted

• Ceiling-mounted

• Installed discreetly as mirrors or printed artwork

• Integrated into modern interior design

• Used as part of whole-house electric heating systems

Their biggest advantage was the principle of radiant heating. Instead of warming the air, far infrared heats the surfaces and objects in a room, creating a stable, long-lasting warmth. As these surfaces gently release heat back into the space, rooms stay warm for longer while using less energy—leading many homeowners to report 40–60% lower running costs compared to traditional electric convection heaters.

This technology also reduces condensation, damp, and mould by warming cold surfaces, making it extremely effective in UK homes with varying insulation levels.

Infrared Heating in the 2010s: Smart Technology and Rising Energy Efficiency Demand

As energy prices increased and the UK moved toward net-zero targets, demand for efficient electric heating systems grew exponentially. Infrared heating evolved once again, integrating modern smart technology to offer a level of precision and convenience unmatched by older electric systems.

Smart infrared heating introduced features such as:

• App-controlled room-by-room zoning

• Remote access from anywhere in the world

• Temperature thresholds—ideal for rental properties and HMOs

• Automated scheduling

• Energy consumption tracking and optimisation

• Integration with renewable energy, such as solar PV

This shift made infrared heating one of the most energy-efficient electric heating systems available, particularly when paired with solar panels or off-peak tariffs.

Infrared systems also require no plumbing, no boiler, no annual servicing, and virtually no maintenance. Their lifespan typically ranges between 30 and 50 years, making them one of the most durable and economical heating solutions.

Infrared Heating Today: Advanced Design and Expanding Applications

Infrared heating has now become one of the fastest-growing alternatives to traditional heating in the UK. Homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners are choosing infrared for its efficiency, aesthetics, and long-term cost savings.

Modern infrared panels are available in various forms, including:

• Slimline white panels

• Printed infrared heaters

• Bathroom-safe mirror infrared panels

• Ceiling-mounted panels for full-room coverage

• Portable plug-and-play infrared heaters

These systems are now common in homes, offices, rental properties, hospitality venues, care homes, retail spaces, community buildings, and energy-efficient new builds.

The technology also pairs exceptionally well with renewable energy systems, enabling homeowners with solar PV to heat their home with minimal running cost—making infrared one of the cheapest central heating options long-term.

Why Infrared Heating Is One of the Most Efficient Electric Heating Solutions

Infrared heating is widely regarded as one of the most efficient forms of heating due to its method of heat transfer. Traditional convection systems heat the air, which then rises, cools, and circulates—wasting energy and creating uneven temperatures. Infrared heating, by contrast, warms the surfaces and objects within a room, creating a comfortable, even warmth that lasts.

This approach offers a number of key benefits:

• Lower energy consumption

• Long-lasting heat retention

• Reduced damp and mould

• No air movement or dust circulation

• Better comfort for allergy sufferers

• Very low maintenance

• Highly controllable with smart technology

For homeowners considering electric heating alternatives or looking for the most economical heating system for their property, infrared heating consistently ranks as one of the top choices.

The Future of Infrared Heating

The future of infrared heating is bright, with innovation continuing at pace. New developments include ultra-thin panel designs, improved energy monitoring, AI-driven smart controls, and hybrid systems capable of both heating and cooling. As the UK moves further away from fossil fuels and embraces electrification, infrared heating is set to play a major role in the transition toward sustainable, low-carbon homes and commercial buildings.

The growth of solar PV, heat storage solutions, and whole-property automation will only accelerate the adoption of far infrared heating systems.

Conclusion: Is Infrared Heating Any Good? The History Provides the Answer

From its discovery in 1800 to today’s ultra-efficient, smart-controlled heating panels, infrared technology has undergone more than two centuries of scientific progression. Today, it is one of the most cost-effective, energy-efficient, and future-proof heating solutions available in the UK.

Infrared heating is not only good—it is one of the best electric heating systems for reducing running costs, improving comfort, and supporting the transition to a greener future. Whether used in domestic homes, rental properties, commercial buildings, or hospitality venues, far infrared heating provides exceptional long-term performance with minimal maintenance and some of the lowest operating costs of any modern heating solution.