August 22, 2024

Infrared Heater vs Heat Pump: Which Is Best?

As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners are increasingly searching for efficient heating solutions. The debate between infrared heaters and heat pumps has gained traction, with many wondering about the infrared heater cost to run compared to heat pumps. This comparison is crucial for those looking to balance comfort with affordability in their homes.

When choosing between these heating options, several factors come into play. The article will explore how infrared heaters and heat pumps work, their suitability for different property types, and their environmental impact.

Additionally, it will delve into the long-term costs, including energy consumption and maintenance, to help readers make an informed decision about which heating system might be more economical for their specific needs.

How Infrared Heaters and Heat Pumps Work

Infrared Heating Technology

Infrared heaters work by converting electricity into radiant heat. This gives you the same feeling you get when the sun shines on you on a cold winter day and is similar to the feeling of a real fire.
You do feel the effect instantly. There is a direct transfer of heat from the heater to the object, you and the room around you.
Traditional radiators heat the air around you and eventually you feel warmer.
This is less effective. You will have warm and cool spots in a room from traditional heating. And due to this the heat is often set higher than it really needs to be to compensate for the cold spots in te room, making traditional heating less economical and less effective than infrared heating.

Infrared heating systems are highly efficient and economical. Infrared heat creates a comfortable, draught-free environment with an even heat distribution throughout the area [1].

The process involves:

Converting electricity into infrared radiation;
Emitting this radiation to warm the walls, floor, and ceiling of a building (the 'thermal mass');
The warmed thermal mass then radiates heat back into the room.

This method of heating is 100% energy efficient, as all the electricity used is converted into heat. Infrared heating can provide comfort at lower air temperatures compared to traditional heating methods.
For instance, infrared panels can run at around 1°C lower air temperature to give the same sense of comfort as convection heaters set to higher temperatures [2].

Heat Pump Technology

Heat pumps, on the other hand, use electricity to transfer heat from one place to another [3]. They work on the principle of heat exchange, similar to how a refrigerator operates but in reverse [3].
The most common types are air-source and ground-source heat pumps [4].

The process of a heat pump involves:

Extracting heat from the air, ground, or water source
Compressing this heat to increase its temperature
Transferring the heat into the building's heating system

Heat pumps are highly efficient, capable of reducing electricity use for heating by approximately 65% compared to electric resistance heating [3].
They can achieve efficiencies of up to 300- 400%, meaning they can produce 3-4 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed [5].

Key Differences

The main differences between infrared heaters and heat pumps lie in their heating methods and efficiency:

Heating Method: Infrared heaters provide directional heat that warms objects and people directly, while heat pumps use convective heating to warm the air [5];
Efficiency: While infrared panels convert 100% of electricity into heat, heat pumps can achieve efficiencies of 300-400% due to their heat extraction process [5];
Installation: Infrared panels are simpler to install, often requiring just mounting and wiring into the mains. Heat pumps, however, need significant infrastructure changes, including ductwork, pipework, and possibly electrical upgrades [5];
Maintenance: Infrared panels require minimal maintenance, mainly just occasional cleaning. Heat pumps, with their more complex systems, need annual check-ups by certified technicians [5];
Lifespan: Infrared panels can last up to 20 years or more, while heat pumps typically last between 10 to 15 years [5].

Understanding these differences can help homeowners make informed decisions about which heating system might be more suitable for their specific needs and property type.

Suitability for Different Property Types

Infrared Heaters for Various Homes

Infrared heaters offer flexibility for various property types, particularly in homes where selective heating is desired. They are ideal for situations where only specific rooms or areas need heating at any given time [6].
This makes them suitable for properties with multiple rooms that are not always occupied simultaneously.

The effectiveness of infrared heating is closely tied to a property's insulation.
Well-insulated homes benefit more from infrared heating, as the heat absorbed by solid objects is better retained [6]. In poorly insulated properties, a larger system size might be necessary to achieve the desired temperature.
Churches and larger industrial units often use larger infrared heating systems.

When installing infrared heaters, placement is crucial. They require a direct line of sight to the areas they need to heat [7].
Ceiling installation is often considered the most effective method, as it allows for unobstructed heat distribution downwards towards living areas [7].
In larger commercial spaces, products such as space heaters and pew heaters such as those supplied by Infrared Heating UK can be particularly effective, especially in retail spaces, warehouses, garages, churches and factories [7].

Heat Pumps for Different Properties

Heat pumps are versatile and can be suitable for a wide range of property types. They are particularly effective in homes with existing ductwork, as ducted heat pumps can easily connect to forced-air systems [8].
For properties without ductwork, ductless heat pumps (mini-splits) offer an alternative solution, making them suitable for homes with radiators or those adding climate control to specific areas [8].

The efficiency of heat pumps can vary depending on the climate.
In colder regions, where temperatures frequently drop below freezing, heat pumps may struggle to maintain efficiency.
However, modern heat pumps have improved their performance in colder climates, making them viable options for a broader range of properties [8].

Heat pumps are not limited to new builds. A study by the Energy Systems Catapult found that heat pumps could be successfully installed in various property types, including Victorian terrace houses and 1960s flats [10].
The Fraunhofer Society's research even showed that heat pumps outperform gas boilers in buildings over 100 years old, achieving an average seasonal performance rating of 3.1 [10].

Best-Fit Scenarios

The choice between infrared heaters and heat pumps depends on several factors:

Property Size and Layout: Infrared heaters are ideal for zonal heating in homes where not all rooms need to be heated simultaneously [6].
With properties that already have existing ductwork then Heat pumps are better suited [8].
Insulation: Well-insulated properties benefit more from infrared heating [6]. Heat pumps can be made more effective in well-insulated and older properties with some energy-saving measures [10].
Climate: In colder climates, infrared heaters may be more reliable as they don't suffer from efficiency loss in low temperatures like heat pumps can. The overall thermal efficiency of the heat pump decreases and electrical power consumption may increase as the pump works harder to achieve heating conditions [16].
Installation Requirements: Infrared heaters are generally easier and less expensive to install, sometimes even allowing for DIY installation [9].
Heat pumps, especially ducted systems, may require more extensive installation work [8].
Budget: Initial costs for heat pumps are typically higher than for infrared heaters, but they may offer long-term savings on energy bills. Installation of infrared heating is easier to do and cheaper [9].
Noise: Heat pumps can be noisy. Infrared heaters make no noise.
Infrared heating is also available as underfloor heating and is very easy to install.

In some cases, a combination of different systems might be the optimal solution. For instance, solar energy combined with Infrared can be extremely efficient and eco friendly. Also, using a heat pump as the primary heating system with infrared heaters as supplementary heating in specific areas or for colder days can provide a balanced and efficient heating solution.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Infrared Heater Eco-Friendliness

Infrared heaters offer several environmental benefits, making them a viable option for eco-conscious homeowners. These heaters are 100% energy efficient, converting all the electricity they use into heat [11].
This high efficiency means that if the electricity carbon intensity is 200g CO2/KWh, the heating carbon intensity would be the same [11].

Infrared heating systems are also low-maintenance and have a long lifespan of at least 30 years. Infrared underfloor heating has a life expectancy of 50 years [12].
This longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, which in turn minimises waste. Additionally, when infrared panels do reach the end of their life, they can be completely recycled. When you have underfloor heating and want to replace your floor there is no need to replace the infrared heating.
You simply fit a new floor over the existing heating.

Infrared heating operate on electricity, which increasingly comes from renewable sources. Today, renewable energy sources make up a significant proportion of the electricity mix that powers our homes and businesses. And the UK is well on its way to creating an electricity system that’s wholly based on renewable and carbon-free sources [15].

Another advantage of infrared heaters is their safety compared to combustion systems. They do not require a chimney or produce any emissions within the home, contributing to better indoor air quality [13].

Heat Pump Environmental Benefits

Reduced electricity consumption: Heat pumps operate at very high efficiencies of around 400%, which means that for every unit of electricity used, 4 units of thermal energy are created.
Conventional electric heaters are at best 100% efficient, so you’ll need 75% less electricity to heat your home.

This needs balanced against the high installation cost, maintenance and ultimately replacing of the system over the years [14].

Carbon Footprint Comparison

When comparing the carbon footprint of infrared heaters and heat pumps, several factors come into play. Heat pumps are generally 2 to 3 times more efficient than most current fossil-fuel heating systems [15]. This high efficiency means they use significantly less total energy, resulting in lower carbon emissions even if the electricity supply is not entirely from renewable sources.

Heat pumps can reduce heating-related fossil fuel use by 40% or more [15].
In fact, a study published in the journal Science suggests that 98% of U.S. households would cut their carbon emissions by installing a heat pump [15].

However, the environmental impact of both systems can be further improved when combined with renewable energy sources. Solar panels, for instance, can be used effectively with both infrared heaters and heat pumps due to their high efficiency [14].
This combination can lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions and energy costs.

It's worth noting that the choice between infrared heaters and heat pumps may depend on specific circumstances. In some cases, such as in extremely efficient buildings with low heat demand, the lower capital costs of infrared heaters might outweigh the cheaper running costs of heat pumps [11]. However, as renewable electricity becomes more prevalent and affordable, both systems are likely to become increasingly environmentally friendly options for home heating.

Conclusion

The choice between infrared heaters and heat pumps has a significant impact on both running costs and environmental sustainability. Each system has its strengths, with infrared heaters offering simplicity and targeted heating, while heat pumps provide high efficiency and potential for substantial energy savings.
The best option depends on factors such as property type, climate, and existing infrastructure, making it crucial to weigh these considerations carefully to make an informed decision.

As the push for greener heating solutions continues, both infrared heaters and heat pumps are likely to play important roles in reducing carbon emissions.
Their compatibility with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, further enhances their eco-friendly credentials. In the end, homeowners should consider their specific needs, budget, and long-term goals to choose the heating system that best balances cost-effectiveness with environmental responsibility.

FAQs

What is more cost-effective to operate: a heat pump or an infrared heater?

The initial setup cost for heat pumps is generally higher than for infrared heaters, but heat pumps can lead to more significant energy bill reductions over time.
In colder climates, however, infrared heaters may be more effective in providing consistent warmth. In addition infrared underfloor heating can offer substantial savings on cost due to efficiency.

Will an infrared heater increase my electricity bill significantly?

Infrared heaters are designed to be highly efficient, which means they aim to provide ample warmth while consuming minimal electricity.
Therefore, they should not cause a substantial increase in your electricity bill.

What are some potential drawbacks of using infrared heating?

While infrared heaters are effective for direct heating, they do have some disadvantages. Infrared outdoor heaters have coils which can become extremely hot and could be hazardous around children and pets.
Although the items design tends to minimize such risks. Heating panels may not be suitable for large or frequently changing spaces. In these instances space saving infrared heaters are required. Moreover, once turned off, they stop heating immediately. This can also be viewed as a benefit as a room will no become overheated.

Is operating a heat pump more economical than using other types of heaters?

Electric heat pumps are more energy-efficient compared to gas heaters, wood burners, and other electric heating options. They are particularly cost-effective in the long run, making them a wise choice for new constructions, renovations, or when replacing an outdated heating system.