Infrared Heating vs Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHP): which is best for your UK property?
Infrared (IR) can still win on total bills in real life when you heat only occupied rooms, for shorter periods, or spaces with high ceilings/air leakage where radiant heat avoids losses.
How to compare fairly (simple method)
- Work out each room’s heat loss (kWh). Use our Wattage Calculator.
- Apply device efficiency:
- Infrared / electric resistance: COP = 1.0 → cost ≈ electricity rate × kWh heat.
- ASHP: use SCOP (seasonal COP; often ~2.5–3.5 in UK) → cost ≈ electricity rate × kWh heat ÷ SCOP.
Quick comparison
| Criteria | Infrared heating | Air-source heat pump |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Radiant warmth you feel fast; great for cold spots, damp control | Even whole-home comfort when designed and commissioned well |
| Running efficiency | COP ≈ 1.0 (predictable; ideal for intermittent/zoned use) | SCOP ~2.5–3.5 typical UK installs |
| Best use | Bathrooms, extensions, garden rooms, workshops, churches & heritage | All-day, whole-home low-temp heating in well-insulated homes |
| Install | Low disruption; room-by-room rollout; wall/ceiling panels | Outdoor unit + indoor plant; emitter sizing; professional design |
| Maintenance | Minimal; no moving parts | Periodic servicing recommended |
| Typical costs | Lower upfront; scale as you go | Higher upfront; potential grants may apply |
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 (ASHP usually lower electricity/kWh)
Well-insulated homes running steady heat typically favour ASHPs thanks to seasonal efficiency. Performance depends on design quality, flow temperatures and emitter sizing.
Costs: install, running & maintenance
- Install: IR = low disruption (mount & spur), scalable room-by-room. ASHP = outdoor unit + emitters + controls; pro design required.
- Running: IR predictable (COP 1.0). ASHP seasonal efficiency (SCOP) can cut electricity per kWh of heat when designed/run correctly.
- Maintenance: IR minimal. ASHP periodic servicing/commissioning checks.
Installation & controls
Infrared panels mount to walls or ceilings; bar heaters suit higher ceilings or larger volumes. Use thermostats/timers per zone for precision and savings. We’ll help you size each room correctly.
Which should you choose?
| If this sounds like you… | Infrared suits you | ASHP 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 | More complex install |
| High ceilings / draughty areas | ✅ Radiant heat reduces stratification | Needs careful emitter design |
FAQs
Is an ASHP always cheaper to run?
Not always. For intermittent or zoned use, IR can reduce total run-hours and win on bills even though its COP is 1. For steady, whole-home heating in a well-insulated house, ASHPs usually win.
What SCOP should I assume?
Use the installer’s seasonal design figure. Many UK installs land ~2.5–3.5 when designed/commissioned well and run at low flow temps.
Do IR panels work with solar PV?
Yes. IR is simple, electric and responds instantly—great for self-consumption of PV in specific rooms/zones. ASHPs also benefit from low-carbon electricity.
About us: Approved supplier to the Church of England. We design and supply infrared systems for homes, businesses and heritage buildings across the UK. Contact us for sizing and quotes.