Infrared Heating Thermostats Guide – Smart Controls for Infrared Panels
Infrared Heating Thermostats Guide – Smart Controls for Infrared Panels
Choosing the right thermostat for infrared heating can make a big difference to comfort, running costs and how easy the system feels to use every day. A well-matched control setup helps you schedule heating properly, avoid warming empty rooms, manage app control where needed, and choose between simple local control and more advanced smart automation.
At Eco Friendly Heating and Flooring, we supply infrared heating controls from Herschel, Flexel and Warmup. This guide is designed to help buyers compare app-based controls, wireless thermostats, plug-in controls, hard-wired thermostats, PIR automation options and multi-zone systems, as well as which infrared heaters they can be used with.
Infrared thermostats are not all interchangeable. Some are designed for specific heater ranges, some are app-only, some require a separate receiver, and some are best suited to larger wired installations. Matching the thermostat to the heater, load and control style matters much more than just choosing the nicest-looking screen.
Quick Links
- Best Infrared Thermostats at a Glance
- Which Infrared Thermostat Is Best?
- Can You Use Other Manufacturers’ Thermostats?
- Herschel Infrared Thermostats
- Flexel Infrared Controls
- Can Warmup Thermostats Control Infrared Panels?
- Why Use a PIR Sensor?
- Infrared Heaters These Controls Can Be Used With
- Infrared Thermostat FAQs
- Shop Controls & Accessories
- Infrared Heating Guide
- Infrared Heating Running Costs Guide
- Infrared Heating Heat Loss Calculator UK
Why Thermostat Choice Matters with Infrared Heating
Infrared heating works differently from traditional convection heating. Instead of mainly heating the air first, infrared panels and radiant heaters warm people, surfaces and objects in the room. That means the thermostat strategy matters. You may want local air sensing, smart scheduling, wireless control in awkward retrofit spaces, or occupancy-based automation where the room is not used on a fixed pattern.
How the Right Infrared Control Setup Improves Comfort and Efficiency
Good thermostats help avoid rooms feeling too cold, too hot or unnecessarily overheated.
Scheduling, app control and occupancy rules help stop empty rooms being heated for no reason.
Some projects suit a wireless thermostat, others a hard-wired wall control, and others a plug-in solution.
A thermostat should fit the homeowner, family or workplace using it, not just the heater itself.
If you want the simplest route, choose the thermostat system that matches how you actually want to control the room: app only, physical in-room control, wireless retrofit, plug-in smart setup, or whole-property multi-zone management.
Best Infrared Thermostats at a Glance
This page focuses on the thermostat ranges you asked to feature: Herschel, Flexel and Warmup. The guide includes both brand-matched infrared controls and flexible thermostat options that can be used with suitable infrared panel loads.
A combined thermostat and receiver in one hard-wired unit for users who want app-only infrared heating control.
A wireless in-room thermostat for buyers who want physical control without relying only on a phone.
A strong app-based control option for Flexel infrared panels and selected infrared heating projects.
A premium thermostat option that can control suitable infrared panel loads when set up correctly.
Which Infrared Thermostat Is Best?
The best thermostat depends on the heater type, whether you want smart app control or physical room control, and whether the installation is wired, wireless, plug-in or multi-zone. Some buyers want the cleanest invisible setup, while others specifically want guests, family members or staff to be able to control heating without needing the app.
| Thermostat / Control | Best For | Control Style | Typical Infrared Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herschel iQ R3 | Minimal visible controls | App-only / hard-wired | Wall panels and fixed infrared heating zones | Combined thermostat and receiver in one unit; ideal if phone/app control is all you want |
| Herschel iQ R2 + T2 | Wireless room control | Receiver plus physical wireless thermostat | Rooms where guests or family need local control | Useful where you want a real in-room thermostat and a good fallback if WiFi is down |
| Herschel T-BT | Simple wireless XLS control | Battery wireless thermostat | Herschel Select XLS panels with SMART-R receiver | Great retrofit-friendly non-WiFi option |
| Herschel T-PL | Fast smart plug-in setup | Plug-in WiFi control | Portable or plug-in infrared heaters | Good for quick upgrades where hard-wiring is not wanted |
| Herschel T-MT / MKS | Hard-wired smart control | Mains-powered WiFi thermostat | More permanent wall-mounted infrared installs | Suitable where a neat fixed thermostat location is preferred |
| Flexel Touchscreen | Simple dependable control | Touchscreen local control | ECOSUN panel heating and basic infrared room control | Good where you do not need app control |
| Flexel Touch WiFi | App control and scheduling | WiFi / app / voice compatibility | ECOSUN UB, U+, GS and other suitable infrared zones | Strong all-round smart option and can be paired with PIR automation through Smart Life |
| Flexel V24 / V24WiFi | Large homes or commercial multi-zone projects | Central touchscreen multi-zone control | Mixed infrared and underfloor heating layouts across multiple zones | Useful where centralised management matters more than simple single-room control |
| Warmup 6iE / 7iE / Element | Advanced smart control on suitable loads | Hard-wired WiFi thermostat | Selected infrared panels within thermostat rating | Must be installed correctly and used in air/ambient mode, not floor mode |
R3 vs R2 – What Is the Real Difference?
This is one of the most important buying decisions in the Herschel range. The R3 and R2 are not interchangeable in normal use, and they suit different control preferences.
Herschel iQ R3
Best for: homeowners who are happy controlling heat from the Smart Life app or by voice assistant.
How it works: a combined thermostat and receiver in one single hard-wired unit.
Why choose it: neat, cost-effective, minimal visible controls.
Herschel iQ R2
Best for: buyers who want a wireless receiver that works with a separate T2 thermostat in the room.
How it works: the R2 receiver pairs with a T2 wireless thermostat to give physical temperature control.
Why choose it: useful for guests, family members or commercial spaces where app-only control is not ideal.
Simple rule of thumb
Choose R3 if you want app-only control and the neatest install.
Choose R2 + T2 if you want a physical wireless room thermostat and more traditional room-by-room usability.
The R2 route is often better in family homes, guest rooms, rentals and workspaces where not everyone will have or want the app. The R3 route is often better for tech-confident buyers who want a cleaner wall finish and fewer visible controls.
Can You Use Thermostats from Other Manufacturers with Infrared Panels?
Yes, sometimes you can, but it depends on the heater range, wiring method and the control architecture.
Using Other Thermostats with Herschel Infrared Panels
Yes, you can use other thermostats with many Herschel infrared panels, provided they are compatible with 230V resistive loads and installed correctly. However, the answer becomes more specific with the Select XLS range, because those heaters are designed around Herschel’s own controller ecosystem.
- Herschel iQ controls are designed to work across the Herschel panel range, including XLS products
- Select XLS panels with built-in receiver are best matched to Herschel XLS controllers such as T-MT, T-BT and T-PL
- Third-party wired thermostats can be used in some cases if the panel is hard-wired directly and the control method is suitable
- Smart plugs or sockets may be an option for plug-in style heaters, provided the load is appropriate
- If the total load exceeds the controller rating, a contactor may be required
Herschel generally prefers external wall-mounted, wireless or plug-in controls rather than built-in thermostats on the heater itself, because controls too close to the panel can read heater-adjacent temperatures rather than true room comfort.
Using Other Thermostats with Flexel Infrared Panels
Yes, third-party thermostats can often be used with Flexel infrared panels as long as the thermostat is suitable for a 230V AC resistive load, supports the load correctly, and uses the right sensing logic for the application. Flexel ECOSUN panels are designed to work well with air-sensing controls, whether that is a Flexel thermostat or a compatible third-party option.
- Best matched options are Flexel Touchscreen, Flexel Touch WiFi and V22 / V24 wireless systems
- Third-party smart thermostats can work where they are properly rated and suited to infrared switching
- Plug-in thermostats can be useful for simpler infrared heater setups if the physical wiring and load allow it
- Problems usually happen when the thermostat is under-rated, uses the wrong sensing method, or is not appropriate for the panel voltage and load
Infrared heating is usually happiest with a sensible programmable air-sensing thermostat. That helps the system respond properly to room occupancy and real comfort needs rather than trying to behave like floor heating or an old-fashioned radiator circuit.
Herschel Infrared Thermostats and Smart Controls
Herschel offers one of the broadest infrared-specific control ecosystems. That makes it particularly useful for buyers choosing between plug-in convenience, wireless room control, smart app control and fixed wall thermostat options. It also means you can match the control style more precisely to the room, rather than forcing every room into the same setup.
A combined thermostat and receiver in one hard-wired unit for clean smart control of infrared heating.
A receiver designed to work with the T2 wireless thermostat where physical room control matters.
A battery-powered wireless thermostat pack ideal for in-room control without running thermostat cables.
A compact wireless thermostat for Herschel Select XLS infrared panels with built-in SMART-R receiver.
A quick plug-and-play smart thermostat route for buyers who want app control without a hard-wired thermostat install.
A mains-powered WiFi thermostat for buyers wanting a permanent wall-mounted control point.
A more design-led mains-powered thermostat option for premium infrared heating setups.
A straightforward wired thermostat option where a more traditional fixed control setup is preferred.
What Is the Herschel T-BT Best Used For?
The Herschel T-BT is a particularly useful option for buyers who want simple, reliable wireless control without WiFi complexity. It is designed for Herschel Select XLS heaters with built-in SMART-R receiver, making it especially good for retrofit rooms where running new thermostat cables would be awkward or undesirable.
- Bedrooms, home offices and spare rooms where simple wireless control is enough
- Retrofit projects where no new wall wiring is wanted
- Buyers who do not want app control
- Rooms where a shelf-mounted or wall-mounted battery thermostat is more practical than fixed mains control
- Infrared panel setups needing a straightforward 7-day programmable thermostat route
Flexel Infrared Controls and Multi-Zone Systems
Flexel is particularly strong where you want control options for ECOSUN infrared panels and larger zoned projects. The ECOSUN panel range includes the UB, U+ and GS domestic infrared panels, plus wider commercial options, and Flexel also offers wireless and central control solutions for larger layouts.
A strong app-controlled thermostat for buyers wanting remote access, scheduling and Smart Life compatibility.
A simple touchscreen thermostat for buyers who want dependable local control without app dependence.
A connected thermostat kit for buyers wanting a more integrated smart-control setup.
A centralised control option for larger heating projects where multiple zones need to be managed more efficiently.
A modular multi-zone control system for larger residential or commercial projects where you want to manage multiple heating zones from one central location.
Useful in Flexel wireless control setups where room thermostats and central controls need to switch heating loads cleanly and reliably.
The V24 / V24WiFi system is especially useful for larger homes, offices and mixed heating projects where one control point is preferable to lots of scattered thermostats. It communicates wirelessly with V22 thermostats and V23 wireless receivers, helping avoid complex wiring runs between rooms.
- Manage up to 24 zones from one central touchscreen location
- Useful for a mix of infrared panels and underfloor heating across the same property
- Better suited to larger projects than a simple single-zone thermostat
- Can support more advanced occupancy thinking and “empty zone” management than a standard local thermostat
If you want to automate infrared heating by occupancy, the Flexel Touch WiFi thermostat can work with Smart Life / Tuya-style PIR automation rules. If you want something more advanced than that for a whole property, the V24 central system is the better route.
Can Warmup Thermostats Control Infrared Heaters?
Yes, Warmup thermostats can often be used to control infrared heating panels, provided the electrical load stays within the thermostat rating and the system is installed correctly by a qualified electrician. While Warmup is best known for underfloor heating, thermostats such as the 6iE, 7iE and Element are high-voltage controllers that can switch suitable resistive heating loads.
A strong premium smart thermostat option for suitable infrared panel zones and modern smart-home focused projects.
A popular smart thermostat that can be a strong match for suitable infrared heating circuits.
A clean and simpler smart option for buyers wanting app control of selected infrared heating zones.
- Check the total electrical load stays within the thermostat’s switching capacity
- Use air / ambient sensing mode, not floor mode
- Have the system hard-wired correctly by a qualified electrician
- If the load is too high, a suitable contactor / relay may be needed
Why Would I Use a PIR Sensor with Infrared Heating?
A PIR sensor does not replace the thermostat. Instead, it acts as an occupancy trigger to automate the thermostat behaviour. This is especially useful with infrared heating because you usually want heat when the room is occupied, not when it is sitting empty for hours.
Useful for reducing temperature when no movement is detected and restoring comfort when someone enters the room.
Helpful where switching, smart scenes or more flexible control logic are part of the wider setup.
| Why Use PIR? | Best In | Practical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Occupancy-based heating | Living rooms, home offices, guest rooms, shared workspaces | Stops empty rooms being heated for long periods |
| Schedule override | Rooms with irregular use | Keeps heat on if someone stays later than planned |
| Fail-safe energy saving | Homes, offices, treatment rooms, meeting rooms | Helps if users forget to turn heating down before leaving |
Add a sensible delay before setback, often around 5 to 10 minutes for busy rooms or 20 to 30 minutes for calm occupied spaces. That helps avoid the heating dropping every time someone leaves the room briefly to make tea, answer the door or annoy the dog.
Can I Make My Flexel Thermostat a PIR Thermostat?
Effectively, yes. Because the Flexel Touch WiFi thermostat is compatible with the Smart Life ecosystem, you can create PIR-style automation with a compatible Smart Life / Tuya sensor. In practical terms, that means you can build your own occupancy-based infrared heating logic even though the thermostat itself is not a dedicated PIR thermostat.
- If motion is detected, set room temperature to comfort level
- If no motion is detected for a chosen period, reduce the set temperature
- Use different rules for daytime occupancy and nighttime setback
Smart Thermostat vs Wireless Thermostat vs Plug-In Control
| Type | Best For | Pros | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| App-Only Smart Control | Minimalist smart homes | Neat install, remote access, smart scheduling | Less ideal if other users need physical in-room control |
| Wireless Thermostat | Retrofits and flexible room layouts | No thermostat wiring, easy placement, familiar local control | Usually battery powered and may need receiver pairing |
| Plug-In Smart Control | Portable or easy-upgrade infrared heaters | Fast setup, convenient, no wall thermostat install | Best suited to compatible plug-in style loads and simpler room setups |
| Hard-Wired Smart Thermostat | New builds, refurbishments, permanent zones | Stable, neat and feature-rich | Needs proper electrician-led installation |
| Central / Multi-Zone Control | Larger homes and more complex projects | Better whole-property management, clearer zone control, useful for mixed heating layouts | Needs more planning and the right system architecture |
Infrared Heaters These Thermostats Can Be Used With
Below are strong examples of infrared heaters that pair naturally with the thermostat types in this guide. This helps buyers move from “which control do I like?” to “which heater-and-control combination makes sense for my room?”
Flexel ECOSUN Infrared Panels + Flexel Controls
A versatile infrared panel for wall or ceiling use. A natural match for Flexel Touch WiFi, Flexel Touchscreen and selected multi-zone Flexel control routes.
A textured high-emissivity infrared panel that works well with Flexel smart or local thermostat setups in domestic and commercial spaces.
A stylish glass or mirror-effect infrared panel suited to bathrooms, feature rooms and more design-led spaces with compatible wall controls.
Herschel Infrared Heaters + Herschel Controls
A strong fit for commercial ceilings and discreet overhead infrared heating when paired with suitable wired or smart Herschel controls.
A popular bathroom infrared option that can be paired with suitable Herschel smart controls for elegant heating and mirror function in one product.
A more design-led infrared heating option suited to buyers who want ceiling-hung or feature-style radiant heating.
Compare Herschel, Flexel and other compatible control options before deciding which infrared route suits your project best.
Best Thermostat Matches for Common Infrared Heater Types
| Infrared Heater Type | Strong Thermostat Matches | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flexel ECOSUN UB / U+ wall or ceiling panel | Flexel Touch WiFi, Flexel Touchscreen, V24 system, selected Warmup thermostats | Good for fixed panel zones where either simple local control, app scheduling or central multi-zone management is wanted |
| Flexel ECOSUN GS designer glass panel | Flexel Touch WiFi, Flexel Touchscreen, selected hard-wired smart thermostats | Works well in feature rooms and bathrooms where style matters as much as control |
| Herschel Select XLS panel with SMART-R | Herschel T-BT, T-PL, R3, selected iQ controls | Lets buyers choose between simple wireless control and stronger smart integration |
| Herschel ceiling tile heater | Herschel iQ controls, T-MT, R3, R2 + T2 where relevant | Suited to more permanent ceiling-based infrared zones and commercial spaces |
| Portable or plug-in infrared heaters | Herschel T-PL and other suitable plug-in smart routes | Great for buyers wanting faster smart setup without a full rewiring project |
Can One Thermostat Control More Than One Infrared Heater?
Yes, provided the heaters are part of the same zone and the total electrical load remains safely within the switching capacity of the thermostat or receiver. This is common in larger rooms, open-plan spaces or commercial areas where several panels work together as a single heating zone.
If the total infrared panel load is too high for the thermostat to switch directly, your electrician may need to use a suitable relay or contactor. That is normal on larger panel arrays and should be planned early rather than discovered during installation day drama.
Are Infrared Thermostats Universal?
Sometimes, but definitely not always. Some controls are tightly linked to specific heater ecosystems, while others are more flexible high-voltage thermostats capable of switching a range of suitable resistive heating loads. The safest buying approach is always to check:
- heater compatibility
- electrical load
- wired vs wireless architecture
- app ecosystem compatibility
- whether the thermostat is air-sensing, plug-in, receiver-based or integrated
Do not assume a thermostat is interchangeable just because it looks similar or carries the same amp rating. Infrared control compatibility is about the whole control method, not just the front plate.
Internal Guides That Answer the Next Buyer Questions
- If you want to know how infrared heating works in the first place, read our What Is Infrared Heating page.
- If you want to compare types of infrared panels and where they work best, see our Infrared Heating Guide and Infrared Heating Buyers Guide.
- If you want to understand running costs and room sizing, visit our Infrared Heating Running Costs Guide and Infrared Heating Heat Loss Calculator UK.
- If you are buying for bathrooms, compare our Infrared Heating for Bathrooms Buyer’s Guide and Bathroom Heaters User Guide.
- If you want to compare infrared vs underfloor heating, our Electric Underfloor Heating vs Infrared Running Costs Guide is useful.
Infrared Heating Thermostat FAQs
What is the best thermostat for infrared heating?
The best infrared thermostat depends on how you want to control the room. For app-only smart control, Herschel iQ R3 is a strong option. For wireless physical room control, Herschel R2 with T2 is very useful. For Flexel panel projects, Flexel Touch WiFi and Flexel Touchscreen are strong choices. For suitable hard-wired infrared loads, Warmup 6iE, 7iE and Element can also be effective.
What is the difference between Herschel R2 and R3?
The R3 is a combined thermostat and receiver in one hard-wired app-controlled unit. The R2 is primarily a wireless receiver designed to work with a separate T2 wireless thermostat. The R3 suits buyers happy with app-only control, while the R2 route suits buyers who want a physical wireless thermostat in the room.
Can Warmup thermostats control infrared panels?
Yes, often they can, provided the panel load stays within the thermostat rating and the thermostat is installed correctly in air or ambient sensing mode. This must be checked properly during specification and installation.
Can I use thermostats from other manufacturers with Herschel infrared panels?
Yes, in some cases you can, especially where the thermostat is suitable for a 230V resistive load and the heater is hard-wired appropriately. However, Herschel Select XLS panels are designed around Herschel’s own controller ecosystem, so using third-party thermostats may bypass some built-in smart functionality.
Can I use other thermostats with Flexel infrared panels?
Yes, often you can, as long as the thermostat is suitable for the voltage, sensing method and load. Flexel panels usually work best with programmable air-sensing thermostats rather than controls designed around floor probes or unusual specialist applications.
Can I use a PIR sensor with infrared heating?
Yes. PIR sensors are useful for occupancy-based automation. They help lower temperature when rooms are empty and restore comfort when someone enters, which can be particularly effective with infrared panel heating.
Can I make my Flexel thermostat work like a PIR thermostat?
Yes, effectively you can. With the Flexel Touch WiFi thermostat and a compatible Smart Life or Tuya PIR sensor, you can create occupancy automation rules that mimic PIR-based thermostat behaviour.
Is the Herschel T-BT a smart thermostat?
Not in the same WiFi-app sense as the iQ smart controls. It is a battery-powered wireless thermostat designed for simple dependable control of compatible Herschel Select XLS heaters with built-in SMART-R receiver.
What is the Herschel T-PL best for?
The T-PL is best for quick smart plug-in control where you want app-based convenience without a full hard-wired wall thermostat installation.
Can one infrared thermostat control multiple heaters?
Yes, if the heaters form a single zone and the total load remains within the control system’s safe switching capacity. Larger loads may require a suitable relay or contactor.
What is best for a large house with lots of infrared heating zones?
A central multi-zone system such as the Flexel V24 / V24WiFi route is usually a stronger fit than a collection of unrelated single-room controls. It makes whole-property management easier and gives a neater overall heating strategy.
What is best for a guest room or rental where people may not use an app?
A wireless or local physical thermostat is often better. The Herschel R2 plus T2 route, or simple local Flexel controls, can be easier for guests and family members than app-only control.
What is best for a quick retrofit without opening walls?
Wireless or plug-in controls are often the easiest answer. Herschel T-BT, T-PL and R2 plus T2 are particularly useful here, depending on the heater range and room layout.
Are cheap plug-in thermostat solutions always a good idea for infrared panels?
Not always. They can work well in the right situation, but only where the heater style, plug arrangement and electrical load are genuinely appropriate. For fixed panel arrays or more premium installs, a better matched wired or wireless control system is usually the smarter long-term choice.
Will a thermostat designed for underfloor heating always work well with infrared panels?
Not automatically. Some can work very well, but only when they are electrically suitable and set up in the correct sensing mode. Infrared panels usually need sensible air-based room control rather than floor-sensing logic.
What Is Infrared Heating
Infrared Heating Guide
Infrared Heating Buyers Guide
Infrared Panel Heater User Guide
Infrared Heating Running Costs Guide
Infrared Heating Heat Loss Calculator UK
Infrared Heating for Bathrooms Buyer’s Guide
Portable Heaters User Guide
Ready to Buy?
Ready to choose your infrared heating control? Start with how you want to control the room, then match the thermostat properly to the heater type, load and installation style. That gives you a setup that feels easier to use and performs better from day one.
Herschel Controls
Flexel Controls
Warmup Controls