💡 How Much Can You Save with Infrared Heating? A Cost Breakdown for UK Homes
Share
Looking to cut down your energy bills while keeping your home cosy? You’re not alone. More UK homeowners are turning to infrared heating - an energy-efficient alternative that offers both comfort and real savings. But how much could you actually save by making the switch?
In this post, we break down the installation, running, and maintenance costs of infrared heating and compare it to traditional systems like gas boilers and electric radiators.
🔥 What Is Infrared Heating?
Infrared heating panels work differently from conventional systems. Instead of warming the air, they heat people and objects directly, just like sunlight. That means less wasted energy and faster, more focused warmth — ideal for modern homes or specific room heating.
🧾 Cost Comparison: Infrared vs Traditional Heating
Let’s see how infrared stacks up against gas central heating and electric convection heaters.
💸 1. Installation Costs
| Heating Type | Typical Cost (3-bed UK home) |
|---|---|
| Gas Central Heating | £4,000–£6,000 |
| Electric Convection | £2,500–£4,000 |
| Infrared Heating | £1,500–£3,000 |
✅ Infrared wins here — no pipework, boiler, or major labour required.
⚡ 2. Running Costs (per year)
Based on average UK usage (approx. 12,000 kWh/year):
| Heating Type | Efficiency | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Central Heating | 85–90% | £1,000–£1,200 |
| Electric Convection | 100% | £1,800–£2,000 |
| Infrared Heating | ~100% | £900–£1,100 |
💡 Why infrared is cheaper to run:
-
Heats rooms faster
-
Lower wattage needed
-
Great for zonal control (only heat rooms you’re using)
🛠️ 3. Maintenance Costs
| Heating Type | Annual Maintenance |
|---|---|
| Gas Central Heating | £100–£150 |
| Electric Convection | Low to none |
| Infrared Heating | £0 |
With no moving parts, infrared panels are maintenance-free and often last 20+ years.
🌍 Going Green: Infrared & Sustainability
Infrared heating isn’t just efficient — it’s also eco-friendly:
-
Zero carbon emissions when powered by renewable electricity
-
No dust circulation (great for allergy sufferers)
-
Pairs perfectly with solar panels or green energy tariffs
👪 Real Home Example: Family in Kent
A family of four replaced their gas boiler with infrared heating panels:
-
Upfront cost: £2,500
-
Previous annual heating bill: £1,100
-
New heating cost: £950
-
Savings: £150 per year
📉 They’ll break even in ~10 years — even faster if paired with solar panels or during energy tariff shifts.
💰 So, How Much Can You Really Save?
-
Installation savings: £1,000–£3,000 compared to gas
-
Running cost savings: £100–£300 per year
-
Maintenance savings: £100+ per year
-
Lifespan: 20+ years of consistent, low-cost heating
✅ Is Infrared Heating Right for You?
Infrared heating is ideal for:
-
Electric-only or off-grid homes
-
Rooms with poor insulation or high ceilings
-
Eco-conscious households
-
Anyone tired of boiler maintenance and rising gas costs
Final Thoughts
Switching to infrared heating can lead to real savings and a smaller carbon footprint. Whether you want to reduce your bills or make your home more sustainable, infrared is a future-ready choice for UK homes.
Enjoyed this post? Share it with someone thinking about upgrading their heating system — or explore more tips on efficient living in our Energy & Heating Blog!
