Infrared Heaters Explained: Heat, Efficiency & the Best Options for UK Homes
- What are infrared heaters, and how do they work?
- Types of infrared heaters available in the UK
- Portable and freestanding infrared heaters
- Heating your house with infrared heaters
- Infrared heaters vs other heating systems
- Best infrared heater options for UK homes and outdoor spaces
- Powering infrared heaters smarter — Reducing running costs
- Best solar battery solutions for UK homes using an infrared heater
- Installation and safety tips for infrared heaters
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Due to energy bills, many people in the UK are now considering how they heat their homes. Central heating is expensive, storage heaters may be inflexible and uncomfortable, and heat pumps are efficient but costly to buy. This is where infrared heaters have filled the gap as the practical, efficient, and ever-growing alternative.
But there's a lot of confusion about what infrared heaters actually do, whether they can genuinely heat a room, and how they compare to other systems. This guide cuts through that. And if you're looking to reduce the running costs of any electric heating system, home solar battery storage is one of the most effective tools available, naturally, with infrared heating to reduce how much grid electricity you use during the day.
What are infrared heaters, and how do they work?
Traditional heating systems, such as radiators, fan heaters, or storage heaters, heat the air in a room. Warm air will rise, cool air will replace it, and a convection cycle will occur, which will slowly bring the room temperature up. This takes time, and since you are heating air, there are always draughts and ventilation taking the heat with them.
Infrared heaters are different. They radiate electromagnetic energy in the infrared spectrum - the same part of the spectrum that gives off warmth from the sun on a cold day or the warmth of a fire in front of it. This radiation does not heat the air, but it is absorbed directly by solid objects such as walls, floors, furniture, and human beings.
This means that upon entering, you will feel warm immediately, before the air temperature increases. The objects that are in the room absorb and hold the heat, and this means that the heat lasts longer when the heater is switched off. You're tackling the fabric of the room, not the air!
That's why infrared heaters are also referred to as more efficient than convection heaters — you feel the difference more quickly and don't lose energy by heating the air that you let out through ventilation.
Types of infrared heaters available in the UK
Infrared panel heaters
Infrared panel heaters are flat, wall or ceiling-mounted panels that resemble a picture frame or radiator panel. They are the most familiar type for indoor residential applications and can vary widely in size from 300W (for small rooms) to 2,000W+ (for larger rooms).
Panel heaters are chosen in preference to others because they are inconspicuous, easily programmable by thermostats and timers, and can be installed in virtually any room that is dry indoors. Many can also be incorporated into smart home systems for scheduled or remote control.
They don't make noise when they're on, no fan, no moving parts, and that makes them very suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices.
Infrared patio and outdoor heaters
The outdoor infrared heater has become commonplace in UK gardens, pub terraces, and outdoor dining spaces. They directly heat the object and not the air, so they work much better outdoors than convection heaters —The wind doesn't blow the heat away.
There are some good models to be familiar with:
Blumfeldt Heat Guru 360 infrared patio heater
The Blumfeldt Heat Guru 360 infrared patio heater sends infrared heat in every direction from the freestanding column — ideal for round seating areas where a unit aimed in one direction will leave some people cold.
Bromic Smart Heat tungsten radiant infrared electric patio heater
Bromic Smart Heat tungsten radiant infrared electric patio heater is a high-quality wall or ceiling-mounted patio heater used by commercial establishments. The Tungsten elements are powerful, directional elements, and the Smart Heat range features built-in smart controls for zone-based management.
Heat Outdoors Empire 3kW eco carbon infrared patio heater
The Heat Outdoors Empire 3kW eco carbon infrared patio heater is a carbon heating heater, which is faster to warm up, with reduced surface heat, and, in general, is more energy efficient than a halogen type heater. The output of 3kW is suitable for larger outdoor areas.
Portable and freestanding infrared heaters
Unlike a fixed panel heater or an outdoor heater, you can move portable infrared heaters from room to room, transport them to where they are needed, and store them out of the way when they're not in use.
For those who can't mount a heater on the wall or want to heat specifically without the hassle of hanging one on the wall, the Elite Heat infrared heater range provides freestanding units with a combination of infrared heating and a radiator-style design.
Infrared heat heater — Fixed vs portable options
The decision of a fixed or portable infrared heater depends solely on the user's intentions:
Fixed infrared heaters (panel heaters and outdoor wall-mounted heaters) are more efficient over time, can be thermostat-controlled, and appear cleaner than other infrared heaters. They are suitable for frequently-used rooms.
Portable infrared heaters are flexible and don't need to be installed. They are more suitable for occasional use, to supplement heating in certain areas, or where it is impossible to install them permanently.
Heating your house with infrared heaters
Can you heat a whole house with infrared heaters?
Absolutely — infrared heaters can be used to heat a home, and more and more homeowners in the UK are using infrared heating. It's important to understand infrared as a whole home system and not just one unit that will heat the entire home.
The best solution is a zone heating system, which consists of the installation of separate infrared panel heaters for each room with separate control of each heater. You heat rooms when they're in use and turn them off when they're not — which is more efficient than maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the house as central heating does.
If you are looking at it in terms of cost or whether it is cheaper than gas central heating, then it will depend on the specific tariff you are paying, the insulation within your home and the usage patterns. Real savings can be made on well-insulated homes with zone-controlled infrared heating. If you have a home that has poor insulation and is very cold, it will be very difficult to heat the house to any set temperature.
Can an infrared heater heat a room?
This is a very common question, and the answer is: yes, but there is an important point. Yes, an infrared heater can warm a room; it will warm it differently than a convection heater.
Infrared radiation will heat you directly, so you will be warm in a short time. The air in the room heats-up slower compared to a convection heater. When the room is well insulated, the overall warmth is similar. In a poorly insulated, draughty room, infrared may seem warmer than the air temperature because of the heat you get even in a cold environment.
Ideally, the heater's wattage would match the size of the room, and the room should be appropriately insulated (more on this below).
How many infrared heaters do you need per room?
A general rule of thumb for UK homes: allow approximately 25W of infrared heating per square metre for a well-insulated room, or 40W per square metre for a poorly insulated room.
Room size | Well insulated | Poorly insulated |
10 m² (small bedroom) | 250W | 400W |
15 m² (average bedroom) | 375W | 600W |
20 m² (living room) | 500W | 800W |
30 m² (large living room) | 750W | 1,200W |
These are only beginnings. All of the above factors influence the calculation: ceiling height, window area, and exposure to the external wall. Numerous infrared panel heater manufacturers include the dimensions of a room chart for their particular heater.
Best placement tips for maximum heat coverage
Mount at ceiling level, if applicable. Infrared radiation moves in straight lines — the higher the placement, the more it can cover the entire room.
Don't set heaters against furniture. Sofas and shelving are effective at stopping the radiation. Place panels in clear sight of people's seating areas.
Utilise several small panels instead of one large panel. More even coverage than a single 1,000W unit is provided by installing two 500W panels on opposite walls.
When outside, hold at head height and slightly slanted down to throw heat at people, not the ground.
Infrared heaters vs other heating systems
Infrared heater vs storage heaters
Infrared heating and storage heaters are both electric, but they work very differently and suit different circumstances.
Factor | Infrared heaters | Storage heaters |
How they work | Radiant heat — warms objects directly | Store heat overnight, release during the day |
Heat-up time | Instant — warm in seconds | Slow — heat builds up overnight |
Control | Precise — on/off, thermostat, timer | Limited — charge level set in advance |
Running costs | Depends on tariff and usage | Cheaper on Economy 7/10 overnight rate |
Comfort | Warm feeling immediately | Room temperature rises gradually |
Flexibility | High — heat is only what you need | Low heat is released whether needed or not |
Installation | Simple — plug in or hardwire | More complex — requires dedicated wiring |
Infrared heaters are winners in terms of flexibility, responsiveness and comfort. If you have the Economy 7 tariff and use the heater in the same pattern as the heat release schedule, then the cost of running the storage heater should be lower. The convenience and ease of use of infrared heating is appreciated by most households nowadays, where schedules are often uncertain.
Heat pump vs infrared heater
The heat pump vs infrared heater debate is currently one of the biggest in the UK home heating area and ought to be answered well-balanced, not as a straightforward win-win.
Heat pumps
Heat pumps remove heat from the outside air (or ground) and bring it into the house. They can provide 2.5–4 units of heat for each unit of electricity consumed, which is the basis of their high efficiency, or coefficient of performance (COP). The downside of all this is the initial cost: The installation of a typical air source heat pump will cost £8,000–£15,000, before any grant funding is added to the price.
Infrared heaters
The efficiency of an infrared heater is close to 100% - that is, one watt of electricity is turned into one watt of heat. They are not quite as efficient as a heat pump, but can be purchased and installed for a much lower cost. The cost of a whole-house infrared system for a medium-sized house is £1,500-£3,000 complete.
For houses with the following conditions, the use of an infrared panel heater is a sensible alternative to a heat pump:
The cost of installation at the beginning is a challenge.
Not suitable for a heat pump (insulation and/or listed building restrictions)
Extremely expensive to heat an entire house, zone heating is preferred.
It's rented, and major installations are not allowed.
When the household has good insulation and an appropriate property and heat pump grants, the running costs of a heat pump system are likely to be lower over its lifespan. For anyone else, infrared is a viable and less-intensive alternative.
Note: The UK Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants for heat pump installations. Grant amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to change — always refer to the latest guidance at gov.uk before making decisions based on grant availability.
Which heating system is right for your UK home?
Low running cost over time: a heat pump is likely to have the lowest running cost over time, due to the low cost of long-term ownership, low cost of installation, and low running cost, if the home is well insulated.
Comfortable and practical infrared panel heaters: Average, flexible schedule, want zone control.
Older property: Storage heaters can still be an economical choice on Economy 7, with a regular daily routine.
Outdoor areas, patios, gardens: If you're on the outdoor patio, you can't beat an infrared patio heater.
Best infrared heater options for UK homes and outdoor spaces
Best indoor infrared panel heaters
When you are selecting an infrared panel heater for indoors, pay attention to the clarity of its wattage ratings, built-in thermostat, and correct IP ratings. These are UK brands that are well-recommended and have good warranty coverage: Herschel, Redwell, and Infralia.
Best infrared patio heaters for outdoor spaces
In the freestanding to premium fixed installations range, the Blumfeldt Heat Guru 360, Bromic Smart Heat tungsten, or Heat Outdoors Empire 3kW carbon are other options that can be mentioned for outdoor applications. Your options are to choose portability, directional heat or all-around coverage.
When using an outdoor heater, make sure to check the IP rating; a minimum IP44 for covered outdoor areas and IP55 or above for exposed areas.
What to look for when buying an infrared heater
Wattage: Make sure the wattage is appropriate for the size of the room (see chart above).
IP rating: The rating for the IP refers to the machine's ability to protect against water and dust. IP20 rating for dry indoor rooms, IP44 rating for covered outdoor rooms, and IP55+ rating for exposed rooms.
Controls: Minimum thermostat and timer (whole home smart home connectivity).
Warranty: At least 3 years. A good infrared heater will provide you with 10+ years of service.
Heating element: Carbon elements heat up quicker and operate cooler than quartz or halogen — ideal for outdoor use.
Powering infrared heaters smarter — Reducing running costs
Infrared heaters are more efficient than many alternatives, but they still run on electricity — and electricity costs money. If you're wondering how expensive electric heaters are to run, the answer depends heavily on your tariff and usage patterns. The most effective way to reduce costs is to reduce how much grid electricity you use.
How home solar battery storage cuts infrared heating costs
A solar battery storage system will store solar energy from the day for nighttime use. You can use stored solar electricity instead of electricity from the grid when your IR heaters are used during daylight hours, e.g., morning warm-up, home office heating during the day, heating at night during winter.
The system operates automatically: Solar panels charge up the battery during the day, the battery supplies the power to your power circuit, and the infrared heaters use up the stored solar power first. You use less energy, and that's what you see on your heating bill.
This pairing can provide significant monthly savings for the home with a dominant infrared heating component, especially during the shoulder seasons – fall and spring – when solar is viable, and heating loads are relatively low.
Best solar battery solutions for UK homes using an infrared heater
EcoFlow STREAM Ultra X Home Solar Battery
STREAM Ultra X is an indoor solar battery with an integrated inverter that can be directly connected to the home electrical system. It stores energy during the day from solar panels and releases it through the circuit, illuminating your infrared heaters and other appliances with free solar power, not electricity from the grid.
One unit can provide a maximum continuous power of 1200W and a storage capacity of 3.84 kWh. Two units make for 2,300W output to operate multiple infrared panel heaters and other home loads at the same time. The battery storage can be expanded up to 23 kWh with additional battery units.
EcoFLow STREAM X All-in-One Home Storage Kit
This kit comes with solar panels, a battery unit, and all necessary hardware for households that wish to have a full solar and storage system without having to purchase the individual components. The EcoFlow app will allow you to monitor the generation, storage, and consumption of power in real time, which can be helpful if you want to see how much of your infrared heating is being provided by solar power, and how much is being supplied by the grid.
Installation and safety tips for infrared heaters
For hardwired panel heaters: Hardwired panels require the work of a qualified electrician. Hardwired heaters are Part P work in England and Wales, as they must be installed to BS 7671 and either an RCP or notification to building control.
For plug-in heaters: If you are using a plug-in heater, there is no special wiring that needs to be done, but check that the rated current of the heater is not overloaded into the socket/circuit. Do not connect extension leads to heaters of more than 1,000 watts.
Check the IP rating before installing it in bathrooms. Do not use zone 0, 1 and 2 infrared heaters rated IP20 for the bathroom. Press IP44 on the units for zone 2 and higher on zones near water.
Keep clearances around the heater. Most manufacturers have minimum distance requirements from combustible materials. Follow these: infra-red heaters can only achieve high surface temperatures, and if installed too near curtains, furniture, or stored items, they can cause fires.
For outdoor heaters: Use an outdoor heater that is suitable for outdoor use and weatherproof. Securely mount wall-mounted outdoor heaters – they should be able to handle wind loading and the weight of the unit.
Disclaimer: Electrical installation regulations in the UK are governed by BS 7671 and Part P of the Building Regulations. These are subject to update — always refer to the latest guidance or consult a qualified electrician. Information in this article is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute professional electrical advice.
Conclusion
Many UK homes find infrared heaters to be a practical, responsive solution which can be an effective alternative to a heat pump — especially for zone heating and fast hot water provision. Heating one room or an entire house with a system matching wattage to area is the key first step. If your main heat source is infrared, then home solar battery storage is one of the best methods to reduce your long-term running costs.
For more ideas, our energy-saving tips guide covers practical ways to reduce your household electricity consumption.
FAQs
Do infrared heaters heat a room effectively?
Yes — they heat objects and people directly with radiant heat, and you feel warm right away. They are able to keep a comfortable temperature in well-insulated areas. Pair wattages with room size - approximately 25W/m² for well-insulated rooms.
Do infrared heaters heat the air or objects?
Infrared heaters heat people, furniture, walls, floors, etc., instead of the air. The radiation goes through the air but doesn't heat the air, and only gets absorbed by solid surfaces. Hence, they are absorbed by the body in a matter of seconds, and they are quite efficient when working in open air, where convection losses will be dissipated and lost.
Is infrared heating better than storage heaters?
Yes, for most contemporary homes. Unlike storage heaters, infrared heating is quick and accurate, providing instant warmth. If you use a storage heater, it may be economical with an Economy 7 tariff, but if you want to save energy and respond to the heating needs, it is more practical to use an infrared panel heater.
Can I use an infrared heater instead of a heat pump?
Yes. A heat pump is not cost-effective if there is a financial obstacle, if the property is not suitable for a heat pump, or if zone heating is desired, so it is better to use an infrared panel heater instead. In suitable properties, the running cost of heat pumps is lower, while there is only a little to no building work involved for the installation of infrared heaters, and they are significantly cheaper to purchase.
How much does it cost to run an infrared heater in the UK?
Running costs are based on a heater's wattage and the electricity unit rate. Current rates mean that a 1kW infrared heater will cost about 24p an hour — equivalent to a 500W panel costing about 12p an hour. The combination of your infrared heaters with a home solar battery system, such as the EcoFlow STREAM Ultra X, further cuts down these expenses because they're powering your heating from solar energy stored in the battery, which is a much cheaper long-term option than electricity.