Infrared Heaters: Complete Guide & Top Recommendations for 2025

What is a Infrared Heaters and How Does it Work?

Infrared heaters are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homes and commercial spaces because of their benefits over traditional heating systems. This guide explains why UK homeowners are choosing them, how they work, what types are available, key features to look for, installation advice, and common FAQs.

The Technology Behind Infrared Heating

When an infrared heater is switched on, it begins to warm up an internal element, which is most commonly a carbon crystal element in our models that is located beneath a metal or glass panel. Within a few minutes, the element reaches its operating temperature and starts emitting infrared rays, which are invisible to the human eye. These rays travel through the air and directly heat surfaces, such as your skin, clothing, or furniture. It's the same kind of comforting warmth you feel from the sun, even on a cool day. Unlike traditional heaters that warm the air in the entire room, infrared heaters heat objects and people directly, making them more energy-efficient and often leading to lower running costs.

Benefits of Using a Infrared Heaters

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

As mentioned earlier, the infrared rays emitted by the panel heat people and objects directly, rather than warming the air. This means you can feel the warmth within just a few minutes, without waiting for the entire room to heat up. In contrast, heating air is slower and less efficient, especially in poorly insulated spaces, where warm air rises and easily escapes.

Because infrared heat is absorbed and retained by surfaces in the room, it stays where it’s needed. This makes infrared heating more effective and longer-lasting. In fact, our tests have shown that when paired with our thermostats, our infrared heaters can help reduce running costs by up to 40%, thanks to improved heat retention and precise temperature control.

Health and Comfort Benefits

Another advantage of infrared’s direct heating method is that it requires no moving parts, such as fans. As a result, the heater operates silently and doesn't stir up dust, making it a great option for people with allergies or asthma.

Unlike traditional heating systems, infrared heaters don’t dry out the air. And because they warm surfaces like walls and furniture directly, they can also help prevent condensation and mould, which is a common issue in damp or poorly ventilated spaces.

In addition, our infrared heaters are designed for low maintenance. Unlike gas boilers or other conventional systems, they have no filters, fluids, or parts that need regular servicing. The heating element is entirely enclosed behind the panel, making them safe and easy to clean.

Environmental Benefits

Infrared panels offer precise control over where heat is directed, allowing you to warm only the areas that need it. This targeted heating helps avoid unnecessary energy use, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Because infrared panels are fully electric, they also pair perfectly with solar panels, enabling you to power your heating system with renewable energy, further reducing your electricity costs and carbon footprint.

Step 1: Assess Your Room’s Size & Insulation:

1. Measure the area (length × width × height) in meters.

2. Determine the insulation level:

♦ Good insulation: new buildings with double-glazing and insulated walls and ceiling.
♦ Moderate insulation: modern buildings with average insulation.
♦ Poor insulation: older buildings with drafts or single glazing.

3. Choose Mounting Position:

♦ Wall Mount:
Assess the available wall space in your Room. The heater would ideally be placed around 1.5m from the floor and across from the space that is occupied the most.

♦ Ceiling Mount:
This provides a better heating coverage and saves wall spaces. These are required to be wired to an external thermostat .

4. Calculate heating requirement (in watts) using our online room calculator.

If you are still unsure, please contact our customer service via phone or email.

Step 2: Select the Right Panel Model and Wattage

[Click here] to read a detailed guide comparing our different ceiling-mounted models and [Click here] for our wall-mounted models.

Step 3: Decide on Control System (Thermostat):

Our wall infrared panels come with the option to include a built-in thermostat and our ceiling infrared panels need to be wired to an external thermostat for control.

Why choose a Thermostat?

♦ Prevents overheating and regulates the heater to maintain your set temperature, saving energy and running costs.
♦ Some models have smart units that can be controlled by an app via Wi-Fi.
♦ With our programmable thermostats you can pre-heat any room only when needed.
♦ Our programmable thermostats have extra features like open-window detection (shuts off if a drop in temperature is sensed), energy usage monitoring, child locks, or safety cut-outs (overheat protection). These features can significantly cut running costs by avoiding unnecessary heating.

Step 4: Check Compliance & Installation:

In general, we recommend hiring a qualified electrician to ensure that the installation of your heaters and thermostats complies with UK electrical standards and is carried out safely. For a bathroom installation, please follow our guide on infrared bathroom heaters.

However, many of our infrared panels are suitable for DIY installation. Our wall-mounted models come with a standard UK 3-pin plug and can be easily fixed to the wall using basic tools, with screws and wall plugs provided.

Ceiling panels, however, require hardwiring to a thermostat or power supply. In these cases, we strongly advise using a qualified electrician to ensure a safe and compliant installation.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Your Infrared Heaters

DIY Installation

Our wall panels are designed for easy installation. If you prefer to hard-wire the heater, any qualified electrician can assist with a safe setup. Alternatively, several of our models come equipped with a standard UK 3-pin plug and a 1.5m cable, allowing for DIY installation. Simply follow the included instructions to mount the brackets, then plug the heater into a socket.

Optimal Placement Tips

Our panels emit infrared heat, which is absorbed by the objects and surfaces in the room, creating a comfortable and consistent warmth. For optimal performance, we recommend mounting the panels higher up on the wall or on the ceiling, where they can radiate heat evenly across the space.

To maximise efficiency, avoid placing panels directly opposite windows or doors, as these areas lack sufficient thermal mass to absorb the heat. You'll feel the warmth from the panels at a distance of approximately up to 2.5 to 3 metres, so for the best comfort, try to position the panels within that distance of your usual location in the room.

Be sure not to place panels behind obstructions like sofas, tables, or long curtains. If the surface of the panel is blocked or covered, it cannot effectively radiate heat into the room.

Maintenance and Cleaning

There are no maintenance and servicing costs related with Infrared heating panels. There are no moving parts or liquids or gases that require any form of annual maintenance contract.

To maintain optimal heat output, it's important to keep the panel surface clean and free of residue. We recommend gently wiping the surface with isopropyl alcohol while the heater is turned off. Operating the heater with dust, fingerprints, or other substances on the surface may cause permanent marks or discoloration.

To maximise the lifespan of your heater, we also recommend using a built-in or external thermostat. A thermostat helps regulate the heater’s operating time, preventing it from running continuously. This not only improves energy efficiency but also helps avoid excessive wear, ensuring your heater performs reliably for years to come.