Compare Infrared Heating with Other Heating Systems
This page provides a clear, impartial comparison of infrared heating against other common heating technologies used in UK homes and commercial buildings. It is designed to explain how different systems operate in practice, where they perform best, and how they compare in terms of efficiency, control and real-world suitability.
Rather than focusing on technical specifications alone, each comparison looks at how heating systems behave once installed. Factors such as usage patterns, zoning capability, building type and energy strategy are considered to help identify which approach is most appropriate for different environments.
Use the comparisons below to explore the key differences between infrared heating and alternative systems, including traditional heating, electric heaters and heat pumps.
Infrared Heating vs Gas Heating
A clear comparison between infrared heating and gas boilers, radiators and convection systems used in UK homes.
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Infrared Heating vs Air Source Heat Pumps
How infrared heating compares with whole home air source heat pump systems in real-world use.
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Infrared Heating vs Electric Radiators
The difference between radiant infrared panels and traditional electric oil-filled or convection heaters.
Read comparisonHow to choose the right heating system
No single heating system is suitable for every building or usage pattern. The right choice depends on how a space is used, how often it is occupied, insulation quality, ceiling height and the level of control required.
Infrared heating is often well suited to zoned or intermittent heating, retrofit projects and spaces where reducing wasted warm air is important. Other systems may be more appropriate for continuous, whole-building heating.
How infrared heating works
Understand the fundamentals of radiant heating, how infrared differs from traditional systems and why it behaves differently.
Read the infrared heating guideBenefits of infrared heating
Explore the practical benefits of infrared heating, including comfort, efficiency, air quality and reduced condensation.
View infrared heating benefitsEnvironmental performance
Learn how infrared heating supports lower-carbon strategies and integrates with renewable electricity and Net Zero objectives.
Explore environmental benefitsFurther reading
- Is infrared heating cheaper than gas heating in the UK?
- Infrared heating vs heat pumps: running costs compared
- Infrared Heating vs Ground-Source Heat Pumps: which saves more energy in the UK?
- Infrared vs Convection Heaters: Comprehensive Comparison
- Infrared Heaters vs Electric Fan heaters
- Infrared Heating vs Propane Heating (Off-Grid Properties)
Frequently asked questions
Is infrared heating better than traditional heating
Infrared heating is not universally better in all situations. It performs particularly well in zoned or intermittently used spaces, retrofits, and areas where reducing wasted warm air is important. Traditional systems may be more suitable for continuous whole-building heating.
How does infrared heating compare to heat pumps
Heat pumps are designed for steady, low-temperature heating across an entire building. Infrared heating is better suited to room-by-room control, faster response times and spaces where heating demand varies throughout the day.
Is infrared heating cheaper to run
Running costs depend on insulation, usage patterns and control strategy. Infrared systems often reduce total heating hours through zoning, which can lower overall costs in real-world use.
Which heating system is best for older or poorly insulated buildings
In buildings where upgrading insulation is difficult, infrared heating can perform well by delivering heat directly to occupants rather than relying on warming large volumes of air.
