How to compare properly (the 2-step method)
- Work out room heat loss (kWh) with a quick calc or our Wattage Calculator.
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Apply device efficiency:
- Infrared / electric resistance: COP = 1.0 → cost ≈ electricity rate × kWh heat.
- Ground-source heat pump: use SCOP (seasonal COP, often ~3–4) → cost ≈ electricity rate × kWh heat ÷ SCOP.
Why this matters: resistance heating converts electricity to heat at the point of use (~100%), while heat pumps move heat and can deliver 3–4 kWh of heat per 1 kWh electricity across a season. Always compare using SCOP, not a single best-case COP.
Quick comparison
| Criteria | Infrared heating | Ground-source heat pump |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Radiant warmth to people & surfaces; fast “felt heat”; helps reduce cold spots & damp | Very even whole-home comfort when designed well |
| Upfront install | Low; slim wall/ceiling panels or bar heaters; room-by-room rollout | High; ground works + indoor plant; whole-home planning |
| Best for | Bathrooms, extensions, garden rooms, workshops, churches & heritage | Well-insulated homes needing continuous low-temperature heating |
| Running efficiency | COP ≈ 1.0 (predictable; great for intermittent/zoned use) | Typical SCOP ≈ 3–4 in well-designed UK installs |
| Maintenance | Minimal; no moving parts | Servicing/commissioning checks recommended |
When infrared wins
- Intermittent or zoned heating (heat only occupied rooms)
- High ceilings / draughty areas where air heating wastes energy
- Fast, comfortable warmth; simple install
- Great for bathrooms (choose IP44/IP65 where required)
When GSHP wins
- Continuous, whole home heating in well-insulated properties
- Space available for ground loops/bores and indoor plant
- Low flow temperatures with correctly sized emitters
Two real-world scenarios
Scenario A — Intermittent, zoned use (IR often lower total kWh)
Occasional-use rooms (bathrooms, spare rooms, studios), commercial zones, or churches with high ceilings benefit from radiant heat you feel fast. You only heat occupied areas/hours, so total kWh can be lower than an all-day system.
Scenario B — All-day, whole-home (GSHP usually lower electricity/kWh)
Well-insulated homes running steady heat typically favour GSHPs thanks to seasonal efficiency. Performance depends on design, emitter sizing and commissioning.
Costs: install, running & maintenance
- Install: IR is low-disruption (mount & spur), scalable room-by-room. GSHP requires ground works and professional design.
- Running: IR = COP 1.0 (predictable). GSHP = SCOP ~3–4 when done right; lower if poorly designed or run hot.
- Maintenance: IR minimal. GSHP periodic servicing.
Environmental impact
Both can be very low-carbon on renewable electricity. GSHPs typically deliver more heat per kWh of electricity, while IR can reduce actual emissions by avoiding heating empty rooms and cutting run-hours. Pair either with smart thermostats and, if possible, solar PV.
Installation & controls
Infrared panels mount to walls or ceilings; bar heaters suit higher ceilings/larger volumes. Use thermostats/timers per zone for precision and savings. We’ll help you size each room correctly.
Need help choosing? Use the wattage calculator or speak to a specialist.
Which should you choose?
| If this is true… | Infrared suits you | GSHP suits you |
|---|---|---|
| You heat intermittently or only a few rooms | ✅ Fast felt heat, zoned control | — |
| You want all-day, whole-home heating | — | ✅ High seasonal efficiency (SCOP) |
| Limited budget / minimal disruption | ✅ Low install complexity | Ground works + plant space needed |
| High ceilings / draughty areas | ✅ Radiant heat reduces stratification | Needs careful emitter design |
Calculate the right wattage Shop infrared panels → All heaters →
FAQs
Is infrared really 100% efficient?
At the point of use, yes: the electricity drawn is converted to heat in the room. Overall running cost and carbon depend on tariff and grid mix.
What SCOP should I assume for GSHPs?
Use a seasonal figure from the installer’s design — many UK systems land roughly in the 3–4 range when designed and commissioned well.
Which is cheaper to run?
Continuous whole-home heating usually favours GSHPs; intermittent or zoned heating often favours infrared because you heat fewer hours/areas.
