Infrared Heating Panels: A Guide for First-Time Buyers
New to infrared heating?
Infrared heating works differently from conventional radiators. Instead of relying primarily on warming and circulating air, infrared heaters deliver radiant energy to people and solid surfaces within the room.
For a first-time buyer, the most important decisions are not simply which panel looks best. The system needs the correct heating output, appropriate positioning and suitable temperature control for the space.
Four decisions to make first
Choosing infrared heating becomes much easier when you work through the system in the right order.
Calculate the wattage
Each room needs sufficient heating output based on its size, building type and heat requirement. Calculate yours.
Choose the heater type
Ceiling panels, wall panels, mirrors, glass heaters and higher-output bar heaters suit different rooms and applications.
Plan the position
Consider wall or ceiling space, furniture, mounting height and the areas where radiant coverage is required.
Choose the controls
Thermostatic room-by-room control allows each zone to maintain its own temperature and operating schedule.
How much infrared heating do you need?
Undersizing a system can leave a room unable to reach the required temperature. Before choosing individual heaters, calculate the estimated heating requirement for each room.
Our heating calculator can estimate required wattage and heater quantity. You can then use the room designer to explore heater positions and indicative radiant coverage.
Open the heating calculatorWhich type of infrared heater should you choose?
Once you know the heating output required, the next decision is the type of heater that best suits the room, mounting position and appearance you want.
Ceiling panels
A practical option where wall space is limited or a discreet overhead installation is preferred.
Explore ceiling heatersWall panels
Slim electric panels that can form part of a whole-room heating system without requiring pipework.
Explore wall panelsMirror panels
Infrared heating combined with a functional mirrored surface for suitable bathrooms, bedrooms and interior spaces.
Explore mirror heatersGlass panels
A polished alternative to conventional panel finishes for design-led interiors.
Explore glass panelsInfrared bar heaters
Higher-output linear heaters suited to larger spaces and applications requiring more concentrated heating output.
Explore bar heatersBuilt-in thermostat heaters
Heater options with integrated temperature control can reduce the need for a separate wall thermostat in suitable installations.
Explore thermostat heatersIs infrared heating right for your space?
Infrared can be designed for very different environments. Building size, insulation, ceiling height, occupancy and the way the space is used all influence the system design.
Wall mounted or ceiling mounted?
Both can work effectively. The best position depends on the heater, room layout, mounting height and where radiant coverage is required.
Furniture and other obstructions should also be considered when deciding where a panel will be positioned.
For more guidance, read our infrared heater installation guide .
What will infrared heating cost to run?
There isn't one universal running-cost figure. Electricity consumption depends on the installed wattage and how long the heaters are actively operating.
Building heat loss, insulation, desired temperature, outdoor conditions, thermostat settings and occupancy all affect how frequently the system needs to heat.
Read our complete infrared heating guide for a deeper explanation of how radiant heating works.
How does infrared compare with other heating systems?
If you're replacing an existing heating system, these guides explain the practical differences between infrared and common alternatives.
Common questions before buying
Infrared heaters use non-ionising infrared radiation to provide radiant heat and do not produce ultraviolet radiation. Products should be installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable electrical requirements.
Infrared panels generally require little routine maintenance. Many panel designs contain no fans, pumps, filters or fluids. Keep the heater clean, follow the manufacturer's care instructions and periodically check that controls are operating correctly.
Infrared can be designed as a primary heating system when each room has sufficient heating output and appropriate heater positioning and controls. The suitability of any system depends on the building's heat loss, layout and heating requirements.
Heating requirements depend on factors including room size, insulation and building type. Use our wattage calculator as a starting point, and seek project-specific advice for unusual rooms, high ceilings or larger installations.
Accurate temperature control is an important part of a properly designed heating system. Depending on the heater, control may be provided by an integrated thermostat or a compatible external thermostat controlling the room or zone.
Both can be suitable. The better option depends on available mounting space, room dimensions, furniture and the radiant coverage required. Ceiling mounting can be particularly useful where usable wall space is limited.
Start by calculating what your rooms actually need.
Enter your room dimensions into our heating calculator to estimate the required wattage, choose suitable heaters and explore their positioning with the room designer and radiant coverage tool.