Infrared Heating FAQ – Costs, Safety, Running Costs & Installation

Infrared heating is a heating system that warms people and surfaces directly using radiant heat instead of heating the air. It works similarly to natural sunlight, creating warmth that is absorbed by floors, walls and objects, which then gently release heat back into the room.

Radiators heat the air which then circulates around the room, while infrared heating warms the room’s surfaces directly. This reduces drafts, improves comfort and allows lower thermostat settings for the same perceived warmth.

Infrared heating primarily heats objects and surfaces rather than the air. The air warms naturally afterwards as the heated surfaces gently release stored heat back into the room.

Because infrared warms the body directly instead of just the air, people feel comfortable at lower room temperatures. This reduces the need for higher thermostat settings and can lower energy consumption.

Yes. When properly designed with correct wattage per square metre, infrared heating can fully replace traditional central heating and maintain consistent temperatures throughout an entire property.

Infrared heating can be cheaper than gas in well-insulated homes because it reduces heat loss and allows lower thermostat settings. Total running cost depends on insulation, energy tariffs and heating control strategy.

Running costs vary by insulation and electricity tariff, but infrared heating often uses less total energy because it heats surfaces directly and avoids continuous reheating of air.

Most homes require approximately 30–100 watts per square metre depending on insulation levels, ceiling height and property age. Better insulation reduces required wattage.

Yes. Insulation significantly impacts performance because infrared stores heat in surfaces. Better insulated homes retain that stored heat longer and require less energy input.

Energy bills can be reduced when infrared replaces convection heating, as lower air temperatures are required for comfort and heat loss through ventilation is reduced.

Yes. It performs well because comfort relies on radiant warmth rather than outdoor air temperature.

Yes. Infrared warms walls and floors evenly, eliminating temperature layering and cold areas commonly experienced with radiator heating systems.

By warming surfaces instead of air, infrared raises wall temperatures above dew point, helping prevent condensation and mould growth.

Yes. Infrared provides gentle, silent and draft-free warmth which many people find more comfortable for sleeping environments.

Yes. It feels more like natural sunlight warmth and avoids dry air and drafts.

Yes. Heated surfaces store and release heat gradually.

Infrared heating is safe because it does not burn oxygen, circulate dust or create exposed hot surfaces when installed correctly with thermostatic controls.

Yes. With proper thermostats and sensors, infrared systems are designed for continuous operation and automatically regulate temperature safely.

Infrared heating improves indoor air quality because it does not circulate dust, allergens or dry the air like convection heating systems.

No. Thermostats regulate temperature automatically.

Often yes because dust circulation is reduced.

Yes. When installed correctly, infrared heating meets UK Building Regulations including electrical safety and energy efficiency requirements.

iHelios systems are tested to CE or UKCA conformity standards demonstrating electrical safety and product compliance.

Yes. Systems using thermostats, timers and adaptive control features can comply with EcoDesign (ErP Lot 20) efficiency regulations.

Electric heating compatible with renewable energy sources can support compliance with modern low-carbon building targets.

Yes. A correctly designed infrared system can fully replace wet central heating without pipes, boilers or annual servicing requirements.

Yes. It is often ideal for older properties because installation is simple and performance is less affected by drafts than air-based heating systems.

Installation is typically faster and simpler than traditional heating because no plumbing is required and systems can be fitted under floors, ceilings or walls.

Typically decades due to no moving parts.

No regular servicing required.

Yes. Individual sections can be repaired.

Yes. Infrared heating pairs well with solar generation because it runs directly on electricity and can use self-generated energy efficiently.

Yes. Modern systems support smart thermostats, scheduling, occupancy sensors and remote app control for efficient room-by-room heating.

Infrared heat is felt within minutes because radiant waves warm the body immediately rather than waiting for air temperature to rise.

Yes. Each room can operate independently.

Yes. Stored energy can power heating during peak periods.

Yes. Pre-heating during cheaper periods is possible.

It can improve EPC performance when combined with smart controls and efficient operation, depending on calculation method and property insulation.

Because it runs on electricity and integrates with renewable energy systems, infrared heating aligns with future low-carbon building standards.

Yes. It radiates heat downward into the room.

A thin electric radiant heating layer installed under floors, ceilings or walls.

Carbon elements emit radiant heat that warms the floor surface.

Yes, within manufacturer temperature limits.

Yes, if approved for flooring and heating manufacturer.

Yes. They improve efficiency significantly.

Laminate, vinyl and tiles transfer heat effectively.

Yes. Minimal floor height increase is required.

Not if insulation is above the film.

Reflective and mineral insulation improves performance.

Yes when correctly sized.

Yes but coverage may increase.