INSIGHTS & GUIDES
Infrared Heating Myths: What's True and What's Not?
Infrared heating works differently from conventional radiators and warm-air heating, so it is understandable that people have questions about how infrared feels, whether it is safe, what it costs to run and whether it can genuinely heat a room.
Some concerns also come from confusing modern indoor far infrared panels with the intense glowing infrared heaters commonly seen outdoors or in industrial environments.
Below, we look at eight common infrared heating myths and explain what the information in each claim actually means for someone considering far infrared heating.
Quick Answer
Are the Common Infrared Heating Myths True?
Many come from misunderstanding how far infrared heating differs from other forms of infrared or from assuming that all electric heaters operate in exactly the same way.
Far infrared panels provide radiant heat to people and surrounding surfaces. Their effectiveness and running costs still depend on factors including correct sizing, positioning, building characteristics, temperature settings and heating controls.
If you are completely new to the technology, start with our infrared heating guide for a broader explanation of how the system works.
Myth 01
Infrared feels too intense
Myth 02
Infrared radiation is unsafe
Myth 03
Infrared is expensive to run
Myth 04
Infrared panels are unattractive
Myth 05
Infrared is less effective
Myth 06
You must sit directly in front
Myth 07
All infrared heaters are the same
Myth 08
Infrared doesn't need controls
01
Infrared Heating Myth
“Infrared Heaters Feel Uncomfortable or Too Intense”
This misconception can come from experiences with high-intensity outdoor heaters or other forms of infrared heating.
The far infrared panels discussed here are designed for indoor residential and commercial heating. They provide radiant heat to people and surrounding surfaces rather than relying on the intense visible glow commonly associated with some outdoor heaters.
The Reality
Indoor far infrared panels and high-intensity glowing outdoor infrared heaters should not be treated as the same type of heating experience. The output, application and way the heaters are used differ.
For a more detailed explanation of the distinction, see our guide to near vs far infrared heating.
02
Infrared Heating Myth
“Infrared Radiation Is Unsafe”
The word radiation can understandably concern people, but it describes energy travelling through space and covers many different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Far infrared heating should not be confused with ultraviolet radiation.
Infrared heating is also electric heating rather than a combustion process at the point of use, so the heater itself does not burn gas or another fuel to create heat.
The Reality
The important distinction is the type of infrared technology being discussed and using the heater in accordance with its intended application and installation instructions.
We cover this subject in greater detail in our dedicated article: Is Infrared Heating Safe?
03
Infrared Heating Myth
“Infrared Heating Is Always Expensive to Run”
Infrared heaters use electricity, so their running cost needs to be considered properly rather than assuming that infrared is automatically cheap or automatically expensive.
While a heater is actively operating, its maximum electrical consumption is determined by its wattage.
For example, a 1kW heater operating continuously for one hour uses 1kWh of electricity. What happens across an entire day or month then depends on factors including how long the heater operates.
Important factors include:
- The heater's wattage
- Your electricity tariff
- Required room temperature
- Building heat loss
- Heating schedules
- Thermostatic control
- How the room is actually used
The Reality
There is no single running-cost figure that applies to every infrared installation. Correct sizing and appropriate control are important because they determine the amount of heating installed and how it is operated.
See worked examples and a fuller explanation in our guide to infrared heating running costs in the UK.
04
Infrared Heating Myth
“Infrared Panels Are Unattractive”
Infrared heating does not have to mean installing a bulky heater that dominates the room.
Modern panels are available in several formats, allowing the heating to either blend into the interior or become part of its design.
Minimal
Frameless Panels
Clean, understated panels for contemporary interiors.
Functional
Mirror Panels
Infrared heating combined with a reflective mirror surface.
Statement
Glass Panels
A different finish for interiors where appearance matters.
Discreet
Ceiling Panels
Moves the heating away from valuable wall and floor space.
Explore frameless infrared panels, mirror panels and glass infrared panels.
If you prefer the heating overhead, you can also explore our ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels.
05
Infrared Heating Myth
“Infrared Heating Is Less Effective Than Traditional Heating”
Infrared heating works differently from conventional convection-based heating, which can make direct comparisons confusing.
Far infrared heating delivers radiant energy to people and surrounding surfaces rather than relying primarily on warming and circulating air.
Infrared
Radiant Heat
Delivers radiant energy towards people and surfaces within the heating area.
Conventional Approach
Air-Based Heating
Many conventional systems rely more heavily on warming the air within the room and distributing that warmth through the space.
This does not mean one heating method is automatically suitable for every building. The important question is whether the infrared system has been correctly sized and positioned for the space.
The Reality
Infrared should be assessed as a different method of delivering heat rather than judged solely by how closely it behaves like a radiator or warm-air system.
You can explore the principle further on our page covering the benefits of far infrared heating.
06
Infrared Heating Myth
“You Have to Sit Directly in Front of an Infrared Panel”
Infrared is radiant heating, so panel position matters. That does not mean the system should simply be treated as a heater for one person sitting directly in front of it.
A properly designed room-heating installation considers the total wattage requirement, number of heaters and where those heaters should be positioned within the space.
This is one reason ceiling-mounted systems can be useful: panels can be positioned overhead as part of the room's overall heating layout.
The Reality
Positioning is important with radiant heating, but a room-heating system should be designed around the whole space rather than assuming a person needs to remain immediately beside one panel.
07
Infrared Heating Myth
“All Infrared Heaters Are Basically the Same”
The term infrared heater covers different heater formats and applications.
Even within a far infrared heating system, different products can be selected according to where and how the heat is required.
The options can include:
- Wall-mounted infrared panels
- Ceiling-mounted infrared panels
- Mirror and glass panels
- Higher-output infrared bar heaters
- Models with different thermostat and control arrangements
The appropriate heater therefore depends on the room, required output, mounting position and control strategy.
Start With the Heating Requirement
Avoid choosing an infrared heater from a generic fixed square-metre coverage figure. Use our infrared heating wattage calculator to estimate the output required for the room before selecting the appropriate heater or combination of heaters.
08
Infrared Heating Myth
“Infrared Heating Doesn't Need a Thermostat”
A heater can produce heat whenever electrical power is supplied to it, but that is different from having proper temperature control.
Thermostatic control allows the heating system to respond to the required temperature rather than depending entirely on manual switching.
Depending on the heater selected, this can be provided through a built-in thermostat or a compatible external controller.
A smart control arrangement can also provide functions such as schedules and remote control where supported.
The Reality
Correct control is an important part of designing an infrared heating system. The right arrangement depends on whether heaters need individual control or need to operate together as a heating zone.
For compatible externally controlled systems, see the Netmostat Smart Thermostat or explore our smart heating controls.
Infrared Heating Myths: Frequently Asked Questions
Does far infrared heating glow red?
The indoor far infrared panels discussed in this guide should not be confused with the visibly glowing high-intensity infrared heaters commonly associated with some outdoor or industrial applications.
Is infrared heating expensive to run?
Running cost depends on the heater wattage, electricity tariff and how long the heating operates. Building heat loss, required temperature, sizing and thermostatic control therefore all matter when estimating real usage.
Does infrared heating warm the whole room?
Infrared room heating should be designed around the heating requirement and layout of the space. Total wattage, panel quantity and positioning all matter, which is why we recommend calculating the room requirement rather than relying on a fixed square-metre figure.
Does infrared heating require a thermostat?
Thermostatic control is recommended so the heating can respond to the required room or zone temperature. Depending on the selected heater, control may be built into the heater or provided by a suitable external thermostat.
Are all infrared heaters the same?
No. Different infrared technologies and heater formats are used for different applications. Even within far infrared heating, products vary by output, mounting arrangement, design and control method.
How do I know what size infrared heater I need?
Start with the room's heating requirement. Our infrared heating wattage calculator considers more than floor area alone and can help you estimate the required output before selecting heaters.
Considering Infrared Heating?
Start With Your Space, Not the Myths
The best way to decide whether infrared heating suits your property is to look at the building, required heating output, heater positioning and controls rather than relying on broad claims in either direction.
- New to infrared? Read our complete infrared heating guide.
- Need to size your system? Use our infrared heating wattage calculator.
- Concerned about safety? Read Is Infrared Heating Safe?
- Comparing costs? Read our infrared heating running-cost guide.
- Ready to explore heaters? Browse our infrared heating collection.
- Need help with your project? Speak to our infrared heating team.
Infrared Heating Myths: The Bottom Line
Many misconceptions about infrared heating come from comparing different infrared technologies or expecting radiant heating to behave exactly like a conventional radiator or warm-air system.
Far infrared heating is simply a different method of delivering heat. Whether it is appropriate for a particular property depends on factors including the building, heating requirement, panel output, positioning and control strategy.
Claims that infrared heating is automatically cheap, expensive, perfect for every building or unsuitable for room heating are all too simplistic.
If you are considering a system, start by calculating the heating requirement with our wattage calculator, explore the appropriate options across our infrared heating collection, or contact our team for help with your project.
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