As heating systems have developed they have increasingly contributed to planet damaging greenhouse gas emissions.
The opportunity to move away from combustion-based systems, tackle climate change and meet net zero targets is within our reach though, with infrared heating generally considered to be an eco-friendly option due to it not directly emitting carbon dioxide.
According to energy saving product supplier Warm4Less, infrared works by converting electricity into heat, and the amount used depends on the size of the space and the efficiency of the heating system.
Key advantages include reduced carbon and energy emissions, potential for integration with renewable energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, as well as the fact many are made from recyclable materials.
Infrared can be installed throughout a property or room by room, which allows people to make a gradual change, unlike heat pumps which require a complete replacement of an existing heating system.
The fact that it is not centralized means you can heat only the room you are in, when you are in it, so you don’t have the whole system running 24/7 and will save energy.
Electric infrared can be combined with solar, battery storage, time of use tariffs, smart controls and, if possible, improved insulation, thus minimiziing energy bills.
Also, infrared can be used to heat the thermal mass of your home before the peak demand period of 4pm to 7pm, which should stay warm enough until prices reduce, meaning people can benefit from cheaper electricity prices.
Infrared heating panels, which can be mounted on ceilings and walls, also help prevent mold and condensation, are easy to install, over 95 per cent recyclable, maintenance free and have a long lifespan.
Manchester-based Warm4Less says: “Infrared is a form of radiant heat, comparable to the type of heat you get from the sun. Rather than heating the air, infrared instead warms any object it collides with, including people.
“There are many different reasons for far infrared being cheaper to run from the controllability, the type of heat they emit, maintenance and general build of the panels. One main reason for cheaper running costs is the lower wattage of the panels, as 98.5 per cent of the electricity that the panels use go into heating up the element on the inside which then emits the far infrared heating. This means that you get almost 100 per cent heat output for the electric you use.”
It is believed that from 2030 running electric heating should be a fully CO2 free operation and the UK government has committed to decarbonising the electricity grid by then.
Possible downsides are the high initial cost of installation and the need for proper insulation as infrared heating works most effectively when rooms are well insulated.
More information can be found at warm4less.com
