Is Infrared Heating Cheaper to Run Than Gas?

Infrared heating can be cheaper to run than gas in the right property, but it depends on how the system is designed, how well the building is insulated, and how the heating is controlled.

Gas is usually cheaper per kWh than electricity, but infrared heating works differently from gas central heating. Instead of heating water, pipework and radiators before warming the room air, infrared heating delivers radiant warmth directly to people, floors, walls and furniture.

This means the real comparison is not only the unit price of gas versus electricity. The important question is how much useful heat is needed to keep each room comfortable.

Current UK Energy Prices

From 1 July to 30 September 2026, Ofgem’s average Direct Debit price cap rates are around 26.11p per kWh for electricity and 7.33p per kWh for gas. The typical annual price cap is £1,862. These rates vary by region and payment method.

At first glance, gas looks much cheaper. But gas central heating does not convert every kWh of gas into useful room comfort. A gas boiler heats water first, then sends it through pipework to radiators, often warming rooms that may not need heating.

Why Gas Looks Cheaper on Paper

Gas is cheaper per kWh than electricity. That is why many homeowners assume gas central heating will always be cheaper to run.

However, the running cost of a heating system depends on more than the unit price. You also need to consider:

• Boiler efficiency
• Heat loss through pipework
• How many rooms are heated at the same time
• How quickly the system responds
• Thermostat accuracy
• Insulation levels
• Whether solar panels or battery storage are used

How Infrared Heating Can Reduce Running Costs

Infrared heating can reduce wasted energy because it heats differently. Instead of relying on hot air circulation, infrared heating warms surfaces directly. These warmed surfaces then gently release heat back into the room.

This can make rooms feel comfortable at slightly lower air temperatures, especially when the system is correctly sized and controlled.

1. Room-by-Room Control

With infrared heating, each room can have its own thermostat and heating schedule. This means you can heat only the rooms you are using instead of running a full central heating system throughout the home.

2. No Boiler Losses

Infrared heating does not need a boiler, pumps, valves or water-filled pipework. This removes many of the losses and maintenance issues linked with wet central heating systems.

3. Faster Comfort

Infrared heat is felt directly. This can provide faster comfort compared with waiting for water to heat, radiators to warm and air to circulate.

4. Better Compatibility with Solar

Because infrared heating is electric, it works well with solar PV and battery storage. During daylight hours, solar energy can help power the heating system, reducing reliance on imported grid electricity.

Simple Example Comparison

Let’s compare a room that needs around 1 kWh of useful heat.

This simple calculation shows why gas can still appear cheaper per unit of heat. But it does not include zoning, smart controls, solar energy, or the fact that infrared heating may avoid heating unused rooms.

Where Infrared Heating Can Be Cheaper

Infrared heating has the strongest running cost advantage when it is used intelligently.

• Flats and apartments where heat demand is lower
• New builds with strong insulation
• Extensions where extending gas pipework is expensive
• Garden rooms used only at certain times
• Holiday lets needing room-by-room control
• Homes with solar panels and battery storage
• Commercial spaces where only occupied areas need heat

Where Gas May Still Be Cheaper

Gas may still be cheaper in large, poorly insulated homes with high heat demand, especially where the existing gas boiler is modern and the whole house is occupied most of the day.

Infrared heating is not a magic fix for poor insulation. If a building loses heat quickly, any heating system will cost more to run.

The Importance of Insulation

Insulation is one of the biggest factors in running cost. A well-insulated home needs less heat, regardless of whether the system uses gas, infrared, heat pumps or another technology.

Before replacing gas central heating, it is worth checking:

• Loft insulation
• Draughts around doors and windows
• Floor insulation
• Wall insulation where practical
• Glazing performance

Infrared Heating and Smart Thermostats

Smart control is where infrared heating becomes especially powerful. Instead of one central thermostat controlling the whole property, each room can be controlled separately.

This allows you to create schedules for bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, offices and rental spaces independently.

For example, a bedroom may only need heat in the morning and evening, while a home office may only need heat during working hours. This can reduce wasted energy compared with heating the entire property at once.

Does Solar Make Infrared Heating Cheaper?

Yes, solar can make a major difference. Infrared heating is powered by electricity, so it can use electricity generated by solar panels.

When combined with battery storage, solar energy generated during the day can also be used later when heating demand increases.

This is one of the reasons infrared heating is attractive for future-ready homes. Gas boilers cannot directly use electricity generated from solar panels, but infrared heating can.

Installation and Maintenance Costs

Running costs are only part of the picture. You should also consider installation and maintenance.

Gas central heating may require:

• Boiler servicing
• Pipework maintenance
• Radiator repairs or replacement
• Pump and valve repairs
• Gas safety checks in rental properties

Infrared heating has no boiler, no water pipework and fewer moving parts. This can reduce long-term maintenance costs.

So, Is Infrared Heating Cheaper Than Gas?

Sometimes, yes — but not always.

Gas is cheaper per kWh, but infrared heating can reduce wasted energy through direct radiant warmth, smart zoning, faster response and solar compatibility.

In a well-insulated property with good controls, infrared heating can be very cost-effective. In a poorly insulated building with high heat loss, running costs may be higher unless insulation is improved first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is infrared heating always cheaper than gas?

No. Gas is usually cheaper per kWh. Infrared heating can become cheaper in practice when zoning, smart controls, insulation and solar energy reduce wasted usage.

Why is electricity more expensive than gas?

Electricity includes generation, network and policy costs. Gas has historically had a lower unit price, although both prices change over time.

Can infrared heating reduce my bills?

It can, especially if you currently heat unused rooms or have poor control over your gas central heating system.

Does infrared heating work better with solar panels?

Yes. Infrared heating is electric, so it can use solar-generated electricity directly or through battery storage.

Do I need a heat loss calculation?

Yes. A room-by-room heat loss calculation is the most accurate way to estimate system size and likely running costs.

Final Thoughts

Infrared heating is not simply about comparing electricity and gas unit prices. It is about how efficiently heat is delivered, controlled and used inside the property.

For many UK homes, especially well-insulated properties, extensions, apartments and solar-ready buildings, infrared heating can offer a clean, low-maintenance and highly controllable alternative to gas central heating.

The best approach is to assess the property properly, calculate the heat loss and design the system around real room-by-room heating needs.

Continue Reading

• Can Infrared Heating Replace Gas Central Heating?
• Infrared Heating vs Heat Pumps
• Does Infrared Heating Work with Solar Panels?