Infrared vs. Heat Pump: Efficiency Showdown for UK Homes
Share
Infrared vs. Heat Pump: Efficiency Showdown for UK Homes
Introduction
As UK households look for ways to reduce heating costs and cut carbon emissions, two solutions are often compared: infrared heating and heat pumps.
Most domestic homes use infrared panels that are installed on the walls or ceiling. Underfloor heating and ceiling heating are also available. Portable heaters are often used in home offices or conservatories. Different heaters are used for commercial settings.
But which is better for your home? In this guide, we will explore how infrared panels stack up against air source heat pumps in terms of efficiency, cost, installation, and performance.
- How Infrared Heating Works Infrared heaters use radiant heat to directly warm people and objects in a room, much like the sun. Unlike convection systems, they don’t heat the air, which reduces heat loss and keeps warmth consistent. The air around the people and objects will warm up- thermostat are effective but due to the way infrared heat works, one of the main benefits is the people in a room feel the heat immediately.
2. How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps extract heat from outside air or ground and transfer it indoors. While highly efficient under the right conditions, they rely on moving air and require external units and complex installation. This also means, unlike with infrared heating there is ongoing maintenance.
3. Efficiency Comparison
| Feature | Infrared Heating | Heat Pumps |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Cost | £1,000–£5,000 (average) | £8,000–£14,000 (average) |
| Running Costs | Lower for targeted heating | Lower for whole-home use |
| Maintenance | Minimal (no moving parts) | Regular servicing needed |
| Space Requirements | Wall/ceiling panels | Outdoor unit + pipework |
| Carbon Savings | Up to 50% (targeted zones) | Up to 60% (if optimized) |
4. Pros and Cons
✅ Infrared Pros: Low install costs, fast warm-up, ideal for retrofits
✅ Infrared Pros: Stylish, space saving designs available for all rooms
✅ Heat Pump Pros: Efficient for whole-home heating.
⚠️ Infrared Cons: Best for room-by-room heating
⚠️ Heat Pump Cons: High install cost, less effective in cold snaps.
Conclusion
Infrared panels offer an affordable, flexible solution ideal for UK homes wanting quick installation and room-specific heating. Heat pumps excel for new builds or whole-home systems but come at a higher upfront cost.
I am interrested. Now what?
Find out how much you could save with infrared heating—Contact Us for a free product and installation quote”
Quick Quote
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.