Is infrared heating cheaper than gas heating in the UK?

Infrared heating can be cheaper than gas heating in the UK in many real-world situations, particularly where homes or buildings are heated room by room, used intermittently, or suffer from heat loss through high ceilings, draughts, or poor air circulation. While gas heating often appears cheaper per unit of energy, infrared heating can reduce overall energy use by targeting warmth directly where it is needed.

At Infrared Heating Supplies, we regularly see lower total heating costs when infrared systems are correctly sized and controlled, especially in properties where gas heating runs inefficiently.

Why gas heating looks cheaper on paper

Gas heating is often perceived as cheaper because gas prices per kilowatt hour are typically lower than electricity prices. A modern gas boiler may also operate at high efficiency when conditions are ideal.

However, gas heating works by warming air, which then circulates around a building. Warm air rises, escapes, and must be reheated continuously. This means:

• Heat loss through ceilings, windows, and ventilation
• Longer heating cycles
• Entire homes heated even when rooms are unused

As a result, real-world gas heating costs are often higher than expected, particularly in older or poorly zoned buildings.

How infrared heating changes the cost equation

Infrared heating works differently. Instead of heating air, infrared heaters emit radiant energy that warms people, walls, floors, and furnishings directly.

This leads to several cost advantages:

• Rooms warm up faster
• Comfort is achieved at lower air temperatures
• Heating can be limited to occupied spaces only
• Less heat is lost through air movement

Although electricity costs more per kilowatt hour than gas, infrared systems often require fewer total kilowatt hours to maintain comfort.

Infrared heating vs gas heating running costs

In practical terms, the running cost difference depends on how a property is used.

When infrared heating is often cheaper than gas

• Homes heated room by room rather than continuously
• Bathrooms, bedrooms, and home offices used at different times
• Properties with high ceilings or cold spots
• Extensions and retrofits where pipework is impractical
• Commercial spaces, churches, and heritage buildings

In these scenarios, gas systems often waste energy heating unused areas, while infrared heaters operate only where needed.

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

When gas heating may be cheaper

• Well insulated homes with constant all day heating
• Properties already optimised for gas efficiency
• Single thermostat systems with minimal zoning requirements

Even in these cases, infrared heating can still be used effectively as a zoned or supplementary system.

Comfort and efficiency differences

Comfort plays a major role in perceived heating costs. Infrared heating provides a more even and natural warmth because it heats surfaces and occupants directly.

This often allows users to reduce thermostat settings by 2 to 3 degrees compared to gas heating, lowering energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

Gas heating systems, by contrast, rely on air circulation, which can create hot and cold zones within the same room.

You may also want to consider seasonal performance, which we cover in are infrared heaters expensive to run in winter.

Installation and maintenance costs

Installation costs also affect long-term value.

• Gas heating requires boilers, pipework, radiators, and annual servicing
• Infrared heating requires no pipework, no combustion, and minimal maintenance

Infrared systems can be installed room by room, spreading costs over time and avoiding major disruption.

You can also explore the wider differences between systems in our infrared heating vs traditional heating comparison guide

Can infrared heating replace gas heating?

Yes. Many UK homes and businesses now use infrared heating as a full replacement for gas, particularly where zoning, smart controls, and insulation improvements are in place.

Others use infrared alongside gas to reduce boiler run time and improve comfort in hard to heat areas.

To understand which approach suits your property, it is essential to calculate the correct wattage for each room.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is infrared heating cheaper than gas heating in the UK?
Infrared heating can be cheaper than gas in many real-world situations, particularly where heating is zoned, used intermittently, or applied in buildings with high ceilings or heat loss.

Why does gas heating often cost more than expected?
Gas heating systems warm air, which can escape through draughts, ventilation, and ceilings. This often leads to longer run times and higher overall energy use.

Can I replace gas heating with infrared?
Yes. Many UK homes and businesses use infrared heating as a full replacement for gas, while others use infrared alongside gas to reduce boiler usage.

Is infrared heating suitable for older properties?
Yes. Infrared heating is particularly effective in older and heritage buildings where air-based heating systems struggle to maintain comfort.

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 gas heating differ fundamentally in how they deliver warmth. Gas systems heat air, while infrared systems heat people and surfaces directly.

Although gas may appear cheaper on paper, infrared heating can deliver lower total heating costs in many real-world UK scenarios by reducing wasted energy and focusing heat where it is actually needed.

Understanding how different heating systems deliver warmth can help you choose the most suitable approach for your property and usage patterns.