For buy-to-let landlords, choosing the right heating system can make a significant difference for both return on investment and tenant satisfaction. Traditional gas boilers and radiators have long been one choice, with landlords alternatively opting for storage heaters. However the demise of the ‘Economy 7’ tariff makes storage heaters redundant and, along with the elimination of gas and the move towards net zero is reshaping how properties are heated.
We thought it was worth looking at lessons homeowners can learn from the strategies that smart and savvy professional property investors are adopting. There are a range of reasons why Infra-Red is increasingly the landlord’s ‘heating option of choice’
1. Lower Running Costs
Landlords want to keep tenants’ costs down – it makes their property more desirable for renters. Because Infrared heaters focus warmth on people and objects directly, rather than warming the air like traditional convection systems, they are much more efficient. This means less energy is wasted, and rooms warm up more quickly and effectively. This naturally translates into lower energy bills for tenants—which is a strong selling point in today’s world of high inflation and energy bills.
2. Reduced Maintenance
A major advantage of Infra-Red heating is low maintenance. Unlike gas boilers, which require annual servicing, regular safety checks, and eventual replacement, infra-red heater panels have no moving parts and minimal maintenance requirements. This results in fewer service calls, less ongoing expense, and one less thing for landlords to worry about, especially those managing multiple properties. Guarantee periods are quite generous in comparison to other electrical appliances.
3. Safety and Compliance
Infra-Red heating eliminates several safety risks associated with gas systems – there’s no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, or boiler breakdowns. This removes the need for annual gas safety certificates, which saves money and hassle over the long term.
4. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Benefits
As the UK moves toward net-zero carbon emissions, energy efficiency is more than just a buzzword – it’s becoming a legal requirement. As such energy performance is increasingly under the spotlight in the rental market and new legislation may soon make it mandatory for rental properties to meet higher EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings. Infra-Red heating systems are typically more efficient and work well with renewable energy sources like solar panels which help landlords meet targets.
5. Sleek Design and Space-Saving
Generally Infra-Red panels are slim, wall-mounted units or ceiling panels that blend seamlessly into any décor. Panels can also be mirrors, blackboards or printed with artwork, offering a chic and cheerful heating solution. Especially with smaller properties or HMOs (houses in multiple occupations), saving space can be crucial. Replacing bulky radiators with sleek IR panels can free up wall space, making rooms feel more open and appealing.
6. Zone Heating and Smart Control
IR panels can be controlled individually or zoned by room. Many systems are compatible with smart thermostats and mobile apps, allowing for remote control and precise temperature management. The result is energy-conscious behaviour that can reduce overall consumption and be a win-win for environmental goals and tenant preferences alike.
7. Quick Installation and Minimal Disruption
Most IR panels are ‘plug-and-play’ so quick and easy to install, especially when compared to central heating systems that require pipework and boiler installation. Faced with the need for change in energy strategies and evolving compliance landlords can upgrade a property's heating system in a matter of hours, not days. In particular, as IR systems operate on electricity, they’re particularly suited to retrofitting older properties or converting non-residential buildings into lettable units.
8. Future-Proofing Capital Value
As regulations tighten around carbon emissions and gas usage, investing in IR can future-proof property against costly retrofits. The push to phase out gas boilers by the mid-2030s means landlords who make the switch early will be ahead of the curve – and more likely to benefit from any incentives, grants, or increased property value associated with energy-efficient upgrades.
What can homeowners learn from landlords
Professional landlords are in it for the money. Subject to efficiency they look for the lowest possible upfront costs, the lowest possible running costs and the biggest possible returns. Infra-Red heating offers a compelling mix of benefits for buy-to-let landlords: reducing costs whilst delivering a strong alignment with environmental goals and future regulations.
It’s always worth looking at the ‘tricks of the trade’ and seeing what the ‘smart money’ is doing before you spend your own!