What is the preferable option, gas heating or infrared?

It is widely known that electric heating is pricier than gas in the United Kingdom, with electricity costing around 10-15p/kWh and gas costing only 3.5-4p/kWh. This means that gas is at least three times less expensive. However, there are other factors to take into account when comparing home heating systems and you will soon discover that electric heating can ultimately be more cost-effective in the long term.

Perhaps it is time to contemplate a more effective approach to staying warm and improving your home, similar to how you would enhance your flooring or insulation. Consider investing in a superior, cleaner, and more contemporary central heating system for better results. Infrared heating is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional electrical heating systems due to its numerous benefits, including cost efficiency, aesthetic appeal, thermal comfort, and various health advantages.

First, we will examine each heating system individually before comparing them and discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each one.

In Britain, out of the 27 million households, more than 22 million rely on mains gas as their primary source of heating, which accounts for 84% of all homes. This makes gas central heating the most widely used heating system in the country. In contrast, only 2.3 million homes use electricity (8.6%), while heating oil is the primary source of heat for over a million homes (4.1%). The remaining households use solid fuel (0.8%) or LPG (0.7%) for heating.

Gas is significantly more cost-effective per unit of energy compared to electricity. For homes connected to the national gas grid, gas has traditionally been the most economical choice. However, not all households have access to this network. If you are considering connecting your home to a gas supply, there are additional factors to consider that may increase the overall cost. For properties that have had a previous gas connection, the process of reconnecting can usually be done easily and at a relatively low cost of a few hundred pounds.

Is the nearest gas line in your vicinity? If a short extension is all that is required from a nearby house, the expense would be under a thousand pounds. Connecting to the gas supply in a rural area, far from the current network, could amount to thousands of pounds. Similarly, installing a gas line in apartments and flats above ground level is costly due to concerns with gas pressure and the need to run through other individuals' properties.

In the United Kingdom, the typical yearly expense for utilising gas to heat and provide hot water is £542, calculated on a usage of approximately 12,000 kWh per year.

Heating with Infrared Technology

An Infrared heating panel functions as a radiant heater, providing warmth not only to the person in its vicinity, but also to the surrounding objects such as furniture, walls and flooring. These objects absorb the heat and gradually release it.

This also guarantees that there is no occurrence of moisture and fungus, which is more beneficial for individuals who have allergies or are sensitive to dampness.

Infrared heating emits a warm and clean heat that is less humid, in contrast to traditional heating methods such as radiators, fan heaters, and convector heaters, which can circulate dust.

There are various options for powering heating panels, including mains electricity, natural gas, or propane. Each type of heater has its own level of output and control mechanisms. In addition, infrared heating can also utilize renewable energy sources like solar panels, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable heating solution.

Undoubtedly, infrared heating panels are more aesthetically pleasing and offer added features for use in your household. They are available in various finishes including artwork, glossy white, mirrored, or glass, which can also serve as a dry-wipe message board. These panels have a compact design and are simple to install. They can even be mounted on the ceiling, taking up no space and eliminating any chance of creating cold spots.

We will now examine the key factors to consider when comparing gas heating systems to infrared heating systems:

How do they function?

Instead of using convection to circulate air across a heating element, infrared heaters emit an electromagnetic wave that cannot be seen by the human eye, but can be felt as heat by objects in its vicinity - including you, furniture, walls, and floors. These waves are also referred to as heat waves, as they cause objects to produce heat through the vibrations of their atoms and molecules. We come across infrared waves daily in the form of remote controls, sunlight, and even in human body heat. This also means that infrared heating is not affected by open windows and doors, allowing you to breathe in fresh, cool air while still experiencing the comforting warmth on your skin.

The majority of individuals are likely to have knowledge of the functioning of gas-powered central heating. Gas is referred to as a 'wet system' as it involves a boiler that uses gas to heat water, which is then circulated through radiators and to the hot water taps in the house.

While gas may be effective in a well-insulated location, infrared heating directly warms objects and thus, insulation is not a primary factor. However, having some insulation can help retain the heat absorbed by objects in the room.

Expenses: Operational and Setup

The use of gas central heating means that the entire gas boiler system must be activated, even if the intention is to only warm up a single room. Despite having thermostatic valves on the radiators, the boiler is still obligated to provide maximum output in order to heat a small number of radiators. Clearly, this is not an efficient use of energy.

Infrared heating is extremely energy efficient due to its ability to target specific rooms for heating. By turning on the panel heater in selected rooms, known as Zone heating, you can only heat the zones in your home that require it. For instance, you can heat the downstairs area where one person is present, such as in the study or living room, and then later switch to heating the upstairs area when it's time to put the children to bed.

Zone heating is an efficient method to reduce your total heating expenses. This is achievable through the use of infrared heating, which can be scheduled to maintain a specific temperature at any given time in any area of your residence. Unlike gas heating, which usually only has one setting for the entire house.

This implies that the operating expenses are significantly reduced in comparison to other forms of household heating, particularly gas which requires a longer time to provide complete warmth throughout the house.

In comparison to other electric heating methods, infrared heating panels have a significantly lower power consumption, resulting in a reduced hourly running cost. A conventional fan or convection heater consumes 2kW/h and costs 28p per hour (on a standard meter), while an infrared panel only requires 0.29-0.8 k/h and costs 4-11p per hour.

The cost of installing is not high, as there is no need for plumbing, gas pipes, or radiators. All you need to do is locate a nearby plug socket and attach the panel to the wall, just like you would with a flat screen TV.

How about maintenance?

In terms of maintenance, an infrared panel heater requires little upkeep as it lacks filters or exhausts that need to be regularly cleaned. Additionally, it boasts great durability and can last up to 100,000 hours or 30 years on average. This is significantly longer than the lifespan of a gas boiler, which would need to be replaced multiple times and serviced annually at a cost. Furthermore, radiators can also pose issues such as trapped air, causing noise and uneven heating, requiring the tedious task of bleeding them.

When will you start to feel the warmth?

On average, it takes around 10 minutes for a far infrared heater or panel to warm up. The heat can be felt in the room fairly quickly, but it is a gradual increase in temperature rather than immediate warmth. It is recommended to use a thermostat to regulate the temperature and some panels have wireless programmable controls that allow for specific areas to be zoned, ensuring maximum efficiency and control over which panels are in use.

Convection heating systems, like radiators, rely on heating up the air around them which then rises up due to convection and is replaced by colder air at the lower levels. This constant cycle of warm and cool air can result in uneven heating until the entire room reaches a thermal equilibrium. In contrast, infrared heating does not require the air to be heated, ensuring a consistent distribution of heat throughout the room and eliminating the discomfort of cold feet.

The positioning of furniture is an important factor to consider when using infrared heaters, as they emit heat outwards. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid placing furniture directly in front of the panels or in close proximity to them. In most situations, the ideal placement would be either on the ceiling or at the level of a picture, as this allows for uninterrupted projection of infrared rays in the desired direction.

Advantages of Good Health

The infrared heating system provides a high level of thermal comfort as it does not rely on the surrounding air to distribute heat. This results in an enhancement of air quality within the household. Unlike convection heating from a radiator, infrared heating does not dry out the air or cause dust circulation, thus reducing the formation of mould. Additionally, the penetration of infrared heat into our skin leads to the expansion of blood vessels and improves blood circulation, potentially lowering blood pressure.

The use of gas heaters poses a constant danger of carbon monoxide poisoning due to the burning of fossil fuels. Therefore, it is crucial to have a detector installed when using gas as a heat source in your house. Consistent maintenance is necessary to ensure that your gas boiler is functioning safely and with proper ventilation. In contrast, the only potential hazard of Infrared panels is the risk of burns if touched while in operation. To avoid this danger, it is recommended to mount the panels at a height similar to that of a picture on the wall, which will make it inaccessible to children and vulnerable individuals living in the household.

Physical Appearance and Level of Noise

Infrared heating panels offer the flexibility to be as subtle or as aesthetically pleasing as desired. They have a slim profile, allowing them to be mounted on the wall at picture height or even on the ceiling without taking up any space. The panels can seamlessly integrate with your home décor and come in various finishes such as glass, glossy, plain white, mirror, or even as a decorative piece of artwork. Unlike traditional radiators, these panels operate silently, making them suitable for use in bedrooms or office spaces without causing any disturbance. Radiators, on the other hand, can be noisy, producing clanking, banging, or hissing sounds, which usually indicate the need for maintenance.

It can be said that radiators are not known for their aesthetics or subtlety, as they typically have visible pipes and protrude from walls in inconvenient locations, occupying precious space that could be used for a beautiful piece of furniture or a bookshelf.

Advantages for the Environment

The method of producing and using energy is undergoing a transformation as Britain works towards its climate objectives of achieving net zero emissions. In the UK, heating accounts for over one third of the total carbon emissions, making it the largest contributor. As part of the UK's efforts to reduce emissions, the use of mains gas is expected to be gradually discontinued, starting with a boiler ban on all new buildings from 2023.

With the increasing demand for environmentally friendly technologies, infrared heating has become a popular choice for heating solutions. This type of heat can significantly decrease the carbon footprint of your household, as it is highly energy-efficient and requires less power compared to traditional heating methods. As the UK works towards achieving its net-zero climate goal, the production of infrared heating systems is expected to expand, resulting in more affordable options for consumers.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Gas central heating compared to Infrared heating?

Benefits of gas central heating:

• If your home is directly connected to the piped network, there is no need to worry about storing fuel as gas is provided through the national transmission network.

• Gas is more cost-effective per unit of energy compared to electricity.

• It is possible to upgrade a standard gas boiler to a modern, more efficient condensing boiler, which can improve your cost efficiency.

• Gas boilers are better suited for heating larger homes as they have a higher heating capacity than electric boilers.

• A thermostat can be used to regulate the heat output of a gas heating system, but an infrared heater can also be used in conjunction with it.

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Advantages of Infrared Heating

Infrared heating is highly efficient and has been proven to result in savings of up to 50%, making it the most cost-effective heating option available. It can be powered by electricity or renewable sources like solar energy, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. Installation of infrared panels is simple as they only need to be mounted on the wall and plugged into a power socket. The heat produced is immediate upon switching on. These panels operate silently, making them suitable for use in bedrooms and home offices. They require no yearly maintenance and do not use a fan or convection to circulate dust, making them a healthier option for those with allergies or asthma. Infrared heating is ideal for poorly insulated spaces as it is not affected by draughts or open windows, providing the same level of thermal comfort regardless of outside conditions. Additionally, the air quality remains fresh, unlike other heating methods which can cause stuffiness.

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Drawbacks of Gas Central Heating

The initial set up of a gas central heating system for your residence can be costly, especially if your property is among the four million homes in the UK that are not connected to the gas network. This includes the installation of plumbing for radiators, a condensing boiler, heating controls and thermostat, as well as the required radiators and pipework. Additionally, the process can be time consuming and the labour cost must also be considered. The annual expense of operating a gas-powered system also involves a service charge and potential maintenance costs.

The cost of gas is influenced by global supply, which means it can fluctuate. As the UK relies on external providers for approximately half of its gas demand, this can have an impact on the price.

Gas is not considered a clean source of energy as it is a fossil fuel that emits carbon dioxide when burned. Out of the 29 million homes in the UK, only 1 million currently use low-carbon heating systems. In an effort to improve the environmental standards of housing in the UK, the government plans to phase out gas as an option for central heating and aims to eliminate gas heating in new constructions entirely by 2025.

To ensure safety, carbon monoxide detectors should be used in conjunction with gas heating systems and regular maintenance is recommended.

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Disadvantages of infrared heating

It is crucial to maintain an unobstructed area around the heating panel so that heat can be distributed efficiently to the individuals and objects in the room. This principle applies to traditional heaters as well, where it is not recommended to position a sofa or bed directly next to a radiator. Fortunately, this problem is effectively resolved by the option to install the panels on the ceiling or at picture height on the wall.

While the initial expense may be a hindrance compared to other heating systems, the long-term running costs and maintenance are lower, making it a worthwhile investment in terms of cost savings, similar to any other investment.

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The future of household heating systems

By 2025, the UK government will prohibit the use of gas heating in newly constructed houses. Recently, it has also declared that the ban on boilers will be moved up to 2023 in line with its ambitious net-zero goals for 2050. The construction of new homes will adhere to the Future Homes Standard and employ heat pumps and other energy-efficient technologies like infrared instead of gas boilers. It is wise to take advantage of this opportunity and equip your home with cutting-edge heating technology, not only staying ahead of the game but also making a smart investment in the most cost-effective and energy-efficient system currently available on the market.