Is Infrared Heating Energy Efficient in the UK?

3 min read

Is Infrared Heating Energy Efficient in the UK?

Direct answer

Infrared heating is energy efficient at the point of use because almost 100% of the electrical energy consumed is converted into heat in the room. In UK homes, overall efficiency depends primarily on insulation quality, heating controls, occupancy patterns, and how effectively heat is retained within the building fabric rather than losses within the heating system itself.

How infrared heating works

Infrared heating systems emit radiant energy that warms solid objects such as walls, floors, furniture, and people directly. These surfaces absorb the heat and then slowly re-radiate it back into the space, helping to maintain thermal comfort.

UK government research describes this radiant, surface-based heat transfer as fundamentally different from convection heating, where air is heated first and heat is more easily lost through ventilation and draughts.

Point-of-use efficiency

From a technical perspective, electric infrared heaters operate at close to 100% point-of-use efficiency. Nearly all electrical input is converted into usable heat within the space, with no flue losses, pipework losses, or standby losses.

A UK government-commissioned review of infrared heating studies confirms that electric infrared systems convert electricity directly into heat at the point of use, while noting that whole-home energy savings depend heavily on building fabric and usage patterns.

What affects real-world efficiency in UK homes

Although point-of-use efficiency is high, real-world performance varies depending on the property and how heating is used. Key factors identified by UK energy and housing research include:

  • Insulation levels and airtightness
  • Thermal mass of walls, floors, and ceilings
  • Room size and ceiling height
  • Zonal and room-by-room control
  • Occupancy behaviour and heating schedules
  • Electricity tariff structure

Comparison with gas boilers and heat pumps

Gas boilers lose energy through combustion and flue gases before heat reaches the living space. Heat pumps can achieve high seasonal efficiency under suitable conditions, but performance depends on correct system design, low flow temperatures, and continuous operation.

Energy Saving Trust guidance highlights that electric heating technologies differ significantly in efficiency depending on how heat is produced and delivered.

Suitability for the UK climate

In the UK’s moderate climate, infrared heating can perform effectively in well-insulated properties, flats, and refurbished homes where localised, room-by-room heating is preferred.

Independent research in UK social housing has explored intelligent infrared heating systems and found that outcomes depend strongly on control strategies, user behaviour, and building condition.

Summary

Infrared electric heating is highly efficient at the point of use and can deliver effective thermal comfort in UK homes when correctly specified and controlled. Evidence from UK government research and independent energy organisations shows that overall efficiency depends less on system losses and more on how heat is delivered, retained, and managed within the building.

Evidence and sources

Does Infrared Heating Meet ErP / Lot 20 Regulations?

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