Infrared heating vs heat pumps: running costs compared

Infrared heating and air source heat pumps can both offer low running costs in the UK, but they achieve this in very different ways. Heat pumps can deliver more heat per unit of electricity when run continuously, while infrared heating can reduce overall energy use by heating only occupied spaces.

Which system is cheaper to run depends on how your property is used, how well it is insulated, and whether heating is required all day or only at certain times.

How heat pumps and infrared heating use electricity

Air source heat pumps extract heat from outside air and upgrade it using electricity. In suitable conditions, a heat pump can deliver around 2.5 to 3.5 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.

Infrared heating works differently. Infrared heaters convert electricity directly into radiant heat that warms people and surfaces rather than heating air. This process is highly efficient at the point of use, but it does not multiply energy in the same way a heat pump does.

Because of this, heat pumps often appear cheaper to run on paper. In real-world use, the picture is more nuanced.

When heat pumps are usually cheaper to run

Air source heat pumps tend to deliver the lowest running costs when they are used as intended.

• Well insulated homes with low heat loss
• Continuous, all day heating
• Underfloor heating or oversized radiators
• Carefully designed and commissioned systems

In these conditions, the higher efficiency of a heat pump can significantly reduce electricity use per unit of heat delivered.

When infrared heating can cost less overall

Infrared heating can be more economical in situations where heating demand is variable or limited to specific rooms.

• Homes heated room by room rather than continuously
• Bathrooms, bedrooms, and home offices used at different times
• Properties with high ceilings or air movement
• Extensions, retrofits, and heritage buildings
• Commercial spaces used intermittently

Because infrared heaters warm occupants and surfaces directly, comfort can be achieved quickly without running heating systems for long periods.

For a detailed breakdown of electricity use, see our guide on how much infrared heating costs to run in the UK.

Real-world running cost differences

Heat pumps reduce electricity consumption per unit of heat, but they typically need to run for longer periods to maintain stable indoor temperatures.

Infrared heating systems often run for shorter durations and can be switched on only when rooms are occupied. In many real homes, this reduction in run time can offset the higher electricity cost per unit of heat.

The result is that total annual heating costs can be similar or, in some cases, lower with infrared heating where full-time heating is not required.

Installation and system costs

Installation costs play a major role in overall value.

• Heat pumps require outdoor units, internal pipework, upgraded emitters, and professional system design
• Infrared heating systems require no pipework, no outdoor units, and minimal building disruption

Infrared heating can be installed gradually, room by room, while heat pump installations are usually completed as a single project.

Infrared heating vs heat pumps in practice

Some properties benefit from a hybrid approach.

Heat pumps may be used for background heating, while infrared panels provide fast, targeted warmth in specific rooms. Other properties choose infrared as a full system where zoning, simplicity, and low disruption are priorities.

You can explore the practical differences between systems in more detail in our infrared heating vs air source heat pumps comparison guide.

Which option is right for your property?

Heat pumps may be better suited to properties with high insulation levels and a requirement for steady, whole-home heating.

Infrared heating may be a better choice where heating is intermittent, rooms are used at different times, or installation disruption needs to be kept to a minimum.

The most accurate way to compare running costs is to size heating correctly for each room.

To estimate how much heating your own rooms require, you can use our wattage calculator.

If you are comparing different fuel types, you may also find is infrared heating cheaper than gas heating in the UK useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are heat pumps cheaper to run than infrared heating?
Heat pumps can use less electricity per unit of heat, but infrared heating can result in lower total energy use when heating is zoned or used intermittently.

Which is better for existing UK homes?
Infrared heating is often better suited to retrofits and older homes, while heat pumps perform best in well-insulated properties designed for low-temperature heating.

Do heat pumps always save money?
No. Real-world savings depend on insulation levels, installation quality, system design, and how the heating system is used.

Can infrared heating work alongside a heat pump?
Yes. Some properties use infrared heating to supplement a heat pump in harder-to-heat rooms or areas used intermittently.

Real-world experience: At Infrared Heating Supplies, we design and supply infrared heating systems for homes, commercial buildings, and heritage properties across the UK. Our recommendations are based on real installation data and practical performance, not theoretical figures.

Real-world experience: At Infrared Heating Supplies, we design and supply infrared heating systems for homes, commercial buildings, and heritage properties across the UK. Our recommendations are based on real installation data and practical performance, not theoretical figures.

Conclusion

Infrared heating and air source heat pumps both offer efficient electric heating solutions, but they suit different usage patterns.

Heat pumps can deliver lower running costs when used continuously in well insulated buildings, while infrared heating can reduce total energy use by heating only occupied spaces. In larger or intermittently used spaces, infrared bar heaters are often selected for their ability to deliver targeted warmth

Understanding how your property is used is key to choosing the most cost effective option.