Comparison between Infrared Heating Panels and Heat Pumps
Selecting the most optimal, affordable, and environmentally-friendly heating system is an important and often crucial choice for both individuals and companies.
There is no single solution that fits everyone. The selection of a suitable sustainable system relies on various elements, such as the utilization of the area, its dimensions and form, the degree of insulation, and the preferred heating method. For example, some spaces are ideal for heating panels use such as Churches, whilst other spaces might be more suited to underfloor heating
Two potential options for sustainable heating to be taken into consideration are infrared heating panels and heat pumps. While both methods are capable of warming a room, their approaches differ significantly.
When it comes to comparing infrared panels and heat pumps, there is a wealth of information to discover, ranging from the installation process and initial expenses to the generation and distribution of heat.
Hopefully this article will help provide all the essential details to evaluate and differentiate between these two progressive heating systems.
Main Points:
- With minimal installation effort, infrared panels offer direct and focused heating, making them a suitable choice for targeted or supplemental heating needs.
- Heat pumps are an efficient option for heating an entire house by transferring heat from outside to inside, but they do require higher initial costs and ongoing maintenance costs. Infrared heating is virtually maintenance free.
- Heat pumps generally have higher energy efficiency compared to infrared panels, making them a more cost-effective long-term solution for extensive heating needs.
- Unlike heating the air, infrared heating directly warms objects and people, resulting in a more immediate feeling of warmth. This is ideal for spaces where the heating would ideally to be felt on an almost immediate basis. So living-rooms or bathrooms and certainly larger spaces such as Churches or commercial spaces such as offices.
- The decision between infrared panels and heat pumps depends on specific heating requirements, budget limitations, and desired efficiency over time.
Comparison between heating methods: Infrared panels vs. heat pumps
Two different methods of heating are represented by infrared panels and heat pumps.
Indoor IR panels emit focused warmth using long-wavelength (also referred to as 'far') infrared radiation. This form of warmth directly heats up individuals and objects without affecting the air or surroundings, although this may well occur as a secondary result over time as the space heats.
Infrared heating, which is a type of electromagnetic radiation, is completely safe. If you rub your hands together you are creating infrared heat. Infrared heat allows for the accurate delivery of warmth to specific areas within a household or space. This not only avoids wasting energy on heating empty air, but also ensures efficient heating.
Heat pumps , however, offer convective heating. This heating method is similar to the way conventional radiators operate. The air is first warmed up through convection, and then it is transferred to you.
Instead of relying on a traditional radiator powered by fossil fuels, heat pumps use clever engineering techniques to extract heat from alternative sources. There are several types of heat pumps available, such as air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps.
Heat pumps operate by transferring heat from a warm area to a cooler one. This is achieved through a reverse process of refrigeration, in which the heat is compressed and condensed before being distributed throughout the heating system of your house. Despite being a more complex process, heat pumps are highly efficient, with some systems producing four times more heat energy than the electrical energy used to power them.
Comparison between Heat Pumps and Infrared Panels
When it comes to comparing heat pumps and infrared panels, there are many aspects to take into account. Some of the key elements to consider include the expenses, performance, set-up, and upkeep. Now, let's delve deeper into the matter.
- Please note that unless specified otherwise, our comparison will be between infrared panels and air source heat pumps (ASHP) rather than ground source heat pumps. The most recent statistics show that for every ground source heat pump that is installed, there are six installations of ASHP.
For most individuals, the cost of sustainable heating solutions will be a top consideration when comparing options, unless budget is not a limiting factor.
It should be noted that heat pumps function as a comprehensive home heating system, serving as a substitute for a typical gas boiler for central heating purposes.
In some situations, infrared panels have the capability to function as a complete household heating system. If you have an all electric house or offices etc it can be configured as a complete system. However, infrared panels are generally utilised as an additional source of heat for particular areas such as kitchens, garden rooms, bathrooms and offices.
Considering this, the initial expenses for buying and setting up IR panels are considerably lower compared to a complete air source heat pump system.
The cost of single infrared heating panels varies from £135 to £600, depending on their size and the brand.
As an illustration, a residence with three bedrooms (equipped with high levels of insulation) might need around 12-15 infrared panels. Based on an estimated price of £380 per panel, the total cost could amount to £5700.
Despite being more challenging to set up due to the need for multiple units, pipework, and ducting, the typical price for purchasing and installing an air source heat pump system is approximately £5,565, as stated by Octopus Energy's heat pump FAQ page.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offered by the UK government, allows for a deduction of £7,500 (England and Wales) or £7,500 (Scotland) from the overall expense of a heat pump. This grant is applicable only if a conventional gas boiler is being replaced.
The BUS will come to an end on 30th March 2025. Heat pump customers will have the opportunity to reduce their costs to approximately £3,000, making it comparable to the expense of installing a new gas boiler.
In comparison, the cost of purchasing and installing ground source heat pumps is significantly higher, ranging from £15,000 to £50,000. So as an option for your typical consumer Air heat pumps are most likely the most cost effective to install. However this is due to a government grant. And going forward the infrared panels cost nothing to maintain and last significantly longer.
Operating expenses
Electricity powers both infrared panels and heat pumps, making them a suitable choice for sustainability. They can be combined with renewable energy sources at home, such as solar panels, or can be supplied with environmentally-friendly energy from the grid.
When it comes to comparing similar running expenses, it can be a challenging endeavour. The outcome is heavily influenced by factors such as the amount of energy needed to heat your space, the level of insulation, and your yearly energy consumption. However, we will provide you with some approximate numbers.
An average three bedroom home would cost approximately £1,000 to run with an air source heat pump.
Meanwhile, the overall cost of running panels for a whole house infrared heating system would range from £750 to £1,100 roughly
The cost of running an infrared panel comes down to three things:
- Wattage – The power of the panel
- Duration – How long you have it turned on
- Electricity rates – The price you’re paying your energy supplier
Throughout this guide, we’ll be calculating electricity costs based on the current UK November 2024 electricity price of 0.24.5p per kWh.
The price you pay for electricity may differ depending on your supplier.
Infrared heating panels tend to be powered from 200W on the small side to 1,200W on the large side. You can get bigger or smaller panels, but we’ll work on this range to give you a comparison and idea of how much power they will use.
You can estimate Kwh usage with the following formula.
Power rating (kW) x Operating time (hours) = Energy consumption (kWh).
- A 200W panel will cost 4.9p an hour to run
- A 1,200W panel will cost 29.4p an hour to run
For single panels, this makes infrared heating cheap and efficient to run.
For example, a 200W panel is the perfect size for a home office. In the depths of winter, you can run it for 8 hours a day and only spend 39.2p on heating costs, and it’ll keep you lovely and warm. That is very cheap.
Another benefit of the infrared panel is it heats up to capacity within seconds and heats you very quickly. So this means the heating tends to not have to be on as long as traditional convection heaters.
An electric fan heater can be 1kW per hour or 1.5kW per hour. The large fan heater one would be
1.5kW x 8hours=12kW of usage which translates to almost £30 per day.
Infrared as an electric heating source is very good and currently the most economical electric heating.
Both infrared and air source heat pump systems are in a comparable range of operating expenses.
Efficiency Comparison between Heat Pumps and Infrared Panel
The realm of efficiency is where these types of technology become intriguing. It can be confidently stated that both heating methods are highly energy-efficient, yet there is a definite victor…
The top-rated infrared panels are specifically engineered to transform all of the electrical energy into heat. This is possible due to the implementation of cutting-edge heating element technology, as well as the addition of insulation layers on the back of the panel. Moreover, these panels do not require any lighting, further enhancing their energy efficiency.
Heat pumps go beyond this, achieving an efficiency of around 300-400%. This is achievable due to their ability to extract thermal energy from the atmosphere (or ground) through an active heat exchange process. The term 'active' is used because it necessitates energy input, but for every unit of electricity input, you receive three to four times the amount of heat energy output.
It should be acknowledged that the energy efficiency of these systems can be compromised by external factors, which can reduce their effectiveness. For instance, inadequate insulation and drafts will have a greater impact on the heat output of heat pumps compared to infrared panels.
It should be noted that the efficiency of infrared panels may be reduced if they are not placed in an optimal location. This is due to the fact that they need an unobstructed view of the individual and must be positioned within the suitable range to effectively heat them up. A trusted installer can help ensure the heaters are placed correctly.
It is often mentioned that heat pumps lose their efficiency as the outside temperature drops. This statement is technically correct, but there is no need for concern. Heat pumps are still able to maintain a high level of efficiency even in sub-zero temperatures. In a country like Norway, where the average temperature is much lower than in the UK, approximately half of the households use heat pumps.
On the other hand, it takes more time for a heat pump to heat a room and you compared to IR heating. In contrast, infrared panels offer quick controllability and can achieve their maximum temperature within a few minutes, as mentioned here.
Comparing Installation of Heat Pumps and Infrared Panels
Mounting infrared panels onto ceilings or walls is a much easier task compared to heat pumps. These panels can be directly fixed onto the desired surface or can be plugged into a power socket. In our opinion, mounting them on the ceiling is the most effective option. Regardless, the installation process for an electrician is simple and involves attaching the panel onto a bracket and connecting it to the main power supply.
In order to fully install infrared panels in your home, you may want to ensure the wires are hidden and the system is set up with thermostats. A qualified installer will ensure this is done correctly. There is no necessity for any ductwork or outdoor units.
The installation process for air source heat pumps is a more extensive undertaking that involves significant modifications to infrastructure. These modifications may encompass the installation of new ductwork, pipework, electrical upgrades, improved insulation, as well as an outdoor and indoor unit. It is essential to note that a professional and qualified individual is required for the installation of heat pumps. However, the current shortage of qualified engineers has resulted in extended waiting periods and a decrease in the adoption of heat pumps.
Maintenance Comparison between Heat Pumps and Infrared Panels
Proper maintenance is necessary to ensure optimal efficiency of heat pumps, as they consist of various moving parts and system components. Similar to a regular boiler, it is recommended to schedule an annual inspection with a certified technician.
As part of a heat pump maintenance, a specialist must examine the refrigerant levels, inspect the electrical connections, conduct a pressure test, inspect the ventilation system, and assess the condition of the coils and filters.
In general, the lifespan of a heat pump is expected to be around 10 to 15 years, but with regular maintenance, this time can be prolonged.
Compared to other heating systems, infrared panels require minimal upkeep. Due to their uncomplicated structure and lack of mechanical or external components, they are not prone to significant damage. The only necessary maintenance is the occasional removal of dust from the panel itself. They are, for all intents and purposes, maintenance free.
As a result of this, it is possible for IR panels to have incredibly long lifespans, with certain panels lasting for 20 years or longer, depending on how frequently they are used.
When it comes to upkeep, infrared panels are an easy winner.
Decision on infrared panels versus heat pumps
Both options provide a greener option for heating, but they each come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Heat pumps are an excellent and environmentally friendly method of heating your entire home. Currently, the cost of installation is reduced due to the availability of the grant provided by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The grant ends early next year. The installation of heat pumps is more intricate than infrared panels and will necessitate yearly upkeep.
Infrared panels are also highly efficient in terms of energy consumption. However, they do not warm up your home or area in the same manner as traditional convection heat. This may not be a significant concern if you have a well-insulated home, as the overall air temperature will remain relatively stable. Personally, we first used a heater in a draughty room where our twins slept and it worked incredibly well. They slept very well from the time we installed an infrared heater. The room became comfortable and cosy.
No grants are currently accessible for infrared panel. This may change in the future as governments tend to encourage more eco friendly heating solutions. But for now no grant are available. This can mean there is a significant expense if one wishes to acquire multiple panels. However, one of the main benefits are that once the panels are installed, they demand minimal maintenance and upkeep.
The ideal system for you will vary based on the specific space, budget, and personal requirements.