Choosing new heating requires comparison of comfort, demand, investment and running costs. Infrared may suit particular applications but is not automatically the greenest or cheapest main heating. Consider insulation, ventilation, hot water and the existing installation before selecting equipment.
Key considerations
Use a heat-loss assessment and compare complete systems under equivalent conditions. Obtain actual quotations and use appropriate tariffs and operating profiles. Check current rules and support with the responsible authority; do not assume a general replacement obligation in 2026 or automatic subsidy.
Why assess the existing building?
Homes, offices and halls have different constraints and uses. Building improvements may reduce demand and affect system selection. Replacement does not guarantee higher property value or an improved energy rating. Have relevant legal requirements and rating effects checked for your building. Electricity tariffs are not inherently more stable than gas tariffs.
Understanding radiation and convection
Infrared panels radiate towards people and surfaces and also produce convection. Heat is not stored in building mass without losses, and ventilation remains necessary. Resistance heating turns electricity almost entirely into heat, which differs from radiant fraction or savings. Emissivity alone proves no household energy saving. No fixed air-temperature reduction provides everyone with identical comfort.
Compare infrared, heat pumps and existing heating
Heat pumps move heat and may deliver more heat per kWh of electricity than direct electric heating. Results depend on design, source and delivery temperatures and use; no universal insulation-resistance threshold determines suitability. Infrared can be investigated as targeted supplementary heating. Main heating requires assessment of all rooms, electrical capacity and costs. Combining it with central heating or a heat pump may work with suitable controls and objectives, but does not automatically save energy.
Investment steps
Assess the building envelope, ventilation and use first. Establish room demand and distinguish main from supplementary heating. Compare designs and itemised quotations. Have electrical loads, circuits, supply, mounting and controls assessed. Zoning may reduce unnecessary hours; other heating technologies can also be zoned. Establish domestic hot-water provision and test the installation and required protection at commissioning.
Our support
We help private and business end users, installers and wholesalers with information and quotations. Share photos, floor plans and existing-system details. We compare suitable models and scope without relying on unproven market leadership, range counts or universal manufacturing origin. Warranty, certification and maintenance follow the exact product’s documentation. Heating advice does not replace building or electrical inspection.
Assess costs and environmental effects
Compare purchase, installation, energy, maintenance, replacement and possible standing charges over the same period. Do not assume fixed payback or standard annual service savings. Solar generation does not cover every heating moment. Electric panels have no combustion at the point of use, but overall emissions also depend on generation, manufacture and operation. A gas contract can end only when other gas uses have also been replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Can my entire home be electrically heated? It needs a complete plan; not every home or supply is suitable without changes. Is a three-phase 25 A supply always sufficient? No: have simultaneous loads and protection assessed. Is maintenance unnecessary? Cleaning, visual checks and inspection of connections and controls remain necessary as instructed. Is it safe for children and animals? Hot surfaces, access and placement need care; electric heating guarantees neither health nor dust-free air. Request a suitable quotation without assuming guaranteed returns.