Infra-Red (IR) home heating is still a relatively untrumpeted way to heat your home, or possibly just a part of your home which you either only use occasionally, or which you use frequently and need to dial-up the warmth a bit on chilly days. IR heat comes from either Infrared heating panels or (more powerful) IR heating bars which are effective at heating your home and are especially useful in winter if you want top-up heating during the coldest months or are simply looking for energy efficient heating solutions.
What Is Infra-Red Heating and How Does Infra-Red Heating Work?
Infra-Red heating systems are an electrical heating technology that pretty much mirrors the sun in delivering infrared radiation that directly warms people and objects, rather than indirectly, by heating the air in a room through standard radiators where the air rises. For this reason they are considered more efficient and cheaper to run than more traditional heating systems like gas boilers or normal electrical heaters. Panels or bars are generally mounted on walls or ceilings to give the best possible cover. Alternatively freestanding Infra-Red heaters on feet can be moved around.
IR is also low emission and sustainable. ideal for both new build projects, refurbishments and retrofits where gas or storage heaters are being replaced even in listed buildings.
Why Install Infra-Red Heating 101 – What’s Not to Love?
- Simple to install: at the simplest level IR panels and bars are ‘plug-and-play’ straight into any 13-amp socket. If you want to install them in a more permanent way, an electrician can install wall-mounted Infra-Red heaters easily and quickly. Ceiling mounting may take more time, depending on the ceiling.
- Space-saving and aesthetically pleasing: IR panels are compact, versatile and ergonomically efficient, freeing-up floor space and wall space. With their sleek slim-line design, IR panels avoid the bulky look of traditional radiators and storage heaters. They can also be customized as mirrors, artwork, or photo displays, blending seamlessly with home décor.
- Low maintenance: having no moving parts, not even a fan, or water running through them, IR panels and bars require minimal upkeep and no regular servicing. Occasional cleaning keeps them in excellent condition.
- Environmentally friendly: as current legacy heating accounts for almost 40% of UK CO₂ emissions (and around 50% of global emissions), Infra-Red heating solutions using panels and bars could significantly reduce energy usage and emissions. IR also heats objects directly, minimising energy loss.
- High efficiency heating: IR panels outperform most traditional systems and other smart electric wall heaters. They warm up people sitting in their line of sight in minutes, and allow tactical ‘as needed, where needed, when needed’ heating to avoid wasting energy in unused rooms.
- Energy-saving zoning: panels and bars can be placed strategically to heat frequently-used, occasionally used, or poorly insulated rooms, reducing energy consumption and lowering bills. That means Infra-Red heating running costs or our smart electric heaters are lower.
- Health benefits: IR panels and bars avoid the circulation of dust you get with traditional radiators, making it ideal for people with allergies or asthma. It can also help reduce dampness and improve respiratory health.
- Silent running: being noise free, IR panels and bars are perfect for quiet environments such as flats or suburban neighbourhoods.
- Solar panels compatible: IR heating pairs perfectly with solar (PV) panels to provide clean, zero-cost energy. It’s a more costly installation project at the outset, but long-term savings on energy bills can make our eco-friendly electric heaters worthwhile both cost-wise and for the environment
- Ideal for listed buildings: IR panels and bars are discreet, making them suitable for listed properties with restrictions on structural changes. They can be configured to blend into most interior designs.
Smart and Wi-Fi Controllable
Individually controllable through a mobile App, IR panels and bars can be integrated into your home’s ‘smart system’ which means they can be turned on or off in individual rooms, from wherever you are, whenever you like. For the best UK Infra-Red heaters check out our collections.
