

Decision Guide
Use this guide to quickly decide whether this product is the right fit for your room, installation type, and heating goals.
Best for
- Whole-room primary heating
- Low ceiling height rooms (space saving)
- Garden rooms, lofts & extensions
- Off-gas properties / electric homes
- Under laminate, engineered wood or floating floors
- Ceiling heating in retrofits where floors cannot be lifted
- Allergy-friendly heating (no air movement)
- Smart controlled zoned heating
- Infrared heating film is a radiant electric heating system installed under floors or ceilings that heats objects directly instead of air.
Not ideal for
- Outdoor or wet-area exposed installation
- Areas needing rapid air temperature spikes
- Direct replacement for radiators without heat calculation
- Concrete embed without proper insulation layer
- Rooms with thick carpets or high tog underlay
- Not suitable for poorly insulated buildings without upgrades
How it works
Quick Decision Guide
Comparison
Description
Infrared Heating Film 500mm UK – Underfloor & Ceiling Heating
The iHelios iH405PTC Infrared Heating Film 500mm is a high-performance underfloor and ceiling infrared electric heating film designed for modern, energy-efficient homes and commercial spaces. This ultra-thin 0.5mm heating film uses advanced carbon nanotechnology to deliver gentle, sun-like radiant heat directly to people, floors, walls and objects — creating comfortable warmth without radiators, pipes or dry air.
Designed for both underfloor infrared heating and ceiling infrared heating, iHelios film is ideal for new builds, retrofits, log cabins, garden rooms, apartments, commercial units and caravans. Its hidden installation makes it perfect where space saving, fast warm-up and clean interior design are important.
With PTC self-regulation and smart thermostat control via the iHelios app, the system helps optimise energy use by adjusting output as the room reaches temperature. This supports lower running costs while maintaining consistent, comfortable radiant warmth.
Durable, maintenance-free and backed by a 20-year guarantee, iHelios infrared heating film provides a long-lasting electric alternative to conventional heating systems.
What is infrared heating film?
Infrared heating film is a thin electric radiant heating system installed under suitable floors or within ceilings. Instead of heating the air first, it warms surfaces, people and objects directly, helping create even, comfortable heat throughout the room.
Can this infrared heating film be used underfloor?
Yes. iHelios 500mm infrared heating film can be used as an electric underfloor heating film beneath suitable floating floor finishes, when installed with the correct insulation, layout and electrical protection. It should not be installed under fixed furniture.
Can this infrared heating film be used in ceilings?
Yes. The 500mm iHelios film can also be installed as a hidden ceiling infrared heating system, making it a strong option for retrofits, extensions and rooms where lifting the floor is not practical.
Key Features
Underfloor & Ceiling Use: Suitable for hidden radiant heating beneath floors or inside ceilings.
Ultra-Thin Design: Only 0.5mm thick, making it ideal for low-profile installations.
Energy Efficient: PTC self-regulation and smart thermostat control help reduce wasted energy.
Invisible Heating: No radiators, boilers or pipework required, giving more design freedom.
Fast Radiant Warmth: Infrared heat warms surfaces and people directly for quick comfort.
Maintenance-Free: No moving parts, pumps, water circuits or annual servicing.
Long-Term Reliability: Backed by a 20-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Technical Specifications
Product: iHelios iH405PTC Infrared Heating Film
Voltage: 230–250V
Max Current: 0.5A/m
Max Power: 110W/m
Max Temperature: 55°C
Thickness: 0.5mm
Width: 500mm
Infrared Heating Film Applications
Suitable for:
✔ Underfloor heating
✔ Ceiling heating
✔ Homes and apartments
✔ Garden rooms and log cabins
✔ Commercial spaces
✔ Caravans and holiday homes
✔ New builds and renovation projects
Infrared Heating vs Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler
| System | Infrared Heating | Heat Pump | Gas Boiler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Requirement | None | External unit + cylinder | Boiler + pipework |
| Installation | Simple electric | Complex | Complex |
| Retrofit Suitability | Excellent | Limited | Moderate |
| Maintenance | None | High | Medium |
| Response Time | Fast | Slower | Medium |
| Zoning | Full room-by-room control | Limited | Limited |
| Future Homes Standard | Compatible | Compatible | Being phased out |
Key takeaway: Infrared heating offers a simple route to electric heating without radiators, pipework, outdoor units or plant-room space.
Important Installation Notes
Do not install heating film under fixed furniture or permanent built-in units.
Always use suitable insulation beneath the film for underfloor installations.
Electrical installation should be completed by a qualified electrician.
Final heat output should be calculated against the room size, insulation level and heat-loss requirement.
Sold per 1 metre.
Looking for a complete solution? See our infrared heating film kit UK which includes installation components.
Designed as a reliable infrared heating film UK system for underfloor and ceiling heating installations.