Infrared Panels Buying Guide

Infrared heaters are slimline, stylish and easy to install. But what really sets them apart from other heaters is that they heat purely by radiation.

Radiated heat travels directly from the heat source to the solid objects in its path. Radiated heat does not waste energy heating the air – all the heat is absorbed directly by the surfaces, objects and people within range of the heater. A good example of radiated heat is our own sun. Radiated heat from the sun travels millions of miles across the vacuum of space to warm the planets in the solar system. Space stays cold, but the Earth gets warm enough to support human life.

Most heaters heat primarily through convection. This is the process of warming air which then circulates around the room and transfers its heat to the occupants. This is inherently less efficient than radiation because it requires an extra transfer of energy, during which heat is lost. Warming the air is particularly inefficient because heat is easily lost through draughts or opened doors. Radiation, sending all the panel’s heat directly to the recipient, effectively cuts out the middle man – cutting heat loss down to a minimum.

When we talk about infrared, we’re simply referring to radiated heat. Most heating systems – including electric and gas central heating radiators – give off some amount of infrared radiation when their surfaces get hot. Infrared panels, however, are unique in providing almost 100% of their heating through radiation.

Infrared panels use ultra-thin solid state elements distributed across large, flat panes of aluminium or glass to create the maximum possible surface area from which to radiate heat. As the panels get warm, heat radiates into the room and is absorbed directly by the people, objects and surfaces within their heating span.

As the objects in the room warm up they begin to re-radiate the heat, effectively turning your room into a 360 degree radiator.

This deep level of heating warms you much more effectively than a convection heater set to the same temperature, so you can turn your panel thermostat down several degrees and still feel warm.

Most infrared panels deliver radiated heat at the far end of the infrared spectrum. Commonly known as far infrared heat or longwave radiation, this is the form of infrared that we ourselves give off – it’s the rosy glow radiating from our cheeks; it’s the waves of heating pulsing from our bodies after a long run; it’s the warmth we share with our loved ones when we sit close together. It’s also the form of infrared that we absorb most easily, making far infrared the ideal choice for efficient comfort heating. Far infrared is a gentle, natural form of heat that is commonly used in incubators for babies.

Some infrared heaters use shortwave radiation, also known as near infrared heat. These heaters produce a harsher heat that is less easily absorbed by our bodies. Near infrared heaters also give off a bright orange glow. They are commonly used outside pubs, bars and restaurants. Whilst near infrared heaters can be an effective outdoor heating solution, they are neither the most efficient nor the most comfortable choice for everyday home heating. Always look for panels which use far infrared radiation when choosing infrared heaters.

Note: Be careful not to confuse infrared panels with electric panel heaters. Electric panel heaters are budget heaters that are much less efficient than infrared panels. Whilst they are slimline and can be wall mounted, electric panel heaters look much more like radiators and only heat through convection.

An essential for heating in any location, a thermostat maintains your desired temperature by switching the panel on or off when it senses the temperature rising above or below set levels. This keeps the room at a comfortable temperature and prevents you wasting energy over-heating your home.

A heating timer is a low budget option that gives you basic control over your infrared panels. Whenever you switch on your panels you can set the timer to switch the heaters off after a set amount of time. This can be useful if you’re using the panel in a bathroom, where you may only want heat for the duration of your bath or shower, or if you’re using the panel in an office where you may only spend a few hours at a time.

Programmers are advanced digital timers which, at their most sophisticated, can allow you to set a personalised heating schedule for every room in your house. Some heating programmers allow you to select pre-set temperature programmes for different days of the week; the most advanced heating programmers allow you to set a different temperature for every hour of each day of the week, if you wish! Programming your heating is the best way to cut down your energy usage to a minimum. As such, a programmer is a must-have for any panel you use frequently.

You can make programming your infrared panels that little bit easier by purchasing programmers with wireless or remote control. Programmers with a remote control allow you to adjust your heating schedule from the comfort of your sofa, whilst a programmer with wireless capabilities allows you to control your heating from anywhere in the world – provided you’ve got your laptop, phone or tablet!

Independent heating controls on each of your panels will allow you to zone your heating. This means you can set different levels of heat at different times of the day for each of the rooms in your house. Maybe you only need heat in your bathroom in the morning and throughout the evening. Maybe you prefer a lower level of heat in your personal gym, or a higher level of heat in your living room. Maybe you want to switch off the heating in your spare room altogether – but ensure a low level of heating will kick in when the temperature drops to prevent your pipes bursting. Zoning your heating is a great way to save money, allowing you to maintain your comfort whilst cutting your energy usage down to a minimum.

Note: Whilst more basic thermostats and timers will simply plug into the socket which powers your panels, more sophisticated controllers may need to be hardwired by an electrician when you install your panels.

Infrared panels are very versatile and can be fitted in a variety of locations: wall-mounted, free standing or ceiling mounted.

Wall mounting your infrared heaters is a great way to show off a set of stylish panels – definitely the best fitting option if you’ve chosen panels with personalised artwork. The ultra-slim design of infrared panels makes wall mounting a practical option even in the narrowest of rooms.

Free standing fitting is the best choice if you want to be able to move your panels, or you want to heat a room on a temporary basis. They are also recommended for users who can’t fit their heaters more permanently – for instance if you are living in rented accommodation, or are soon to move house.

Ceiling mounting is a useful option in rooms with limited wall space. Ceiling mounting is also one of the safest fitting options, keeping the panels tidily out of the way where they will not be knocked into or brushed against. This makes ceiling mounting a popular fitting option in dance studios, community halls and corridors. It also removes all risk of burns in homes with young children or vulnerable adults.

Wall mounted infrared panels are suitable for DIY installation. All you have to do is hang them on the wall like a picture frame and plug them into the nearest socket. If you prefer a more discreet fitting with no visible cables, the panels can be hardwired into the wall by a professional electrician.

Make sure you check the fitting instructions of any timers or thermostats to be installed with the heaters before you opt for DIY installation. Whilst some basic thermostats will simply plug into the wall socket, many more sophisticated heating programmers will need to be hardwired by a qualified electrician.

Most rectangular infrared panels are fitted with multi-purpose brackets which allow you to wall mount the heater either horizontally or vertically.

Free standing panels must be purchased with a suitable set of feet – usually sold as an optional extra. All you have to do is slide the panel into the feet and plug the heater into the nearest socket.

Ceiling mounted panels must be mounted and hardwired by a qualified electrician.

Infrared panels for bathroom fitting must be installed by a qualified electrician. They must carry the appropriate IP rating for the bathroom zone in which they will be installed. Infrared panels for Zones 1 & 2 will require an IP rating of at least IPX4. Before you have any electric heater professionally installed, you should always check the manufacturer’s guidelines concerning suitability and placement in bathrooms.

Infrared heaters require the bare minimum of maintenance – all you need to do is keep them clean. Like other electric heating systems, infrared panels contain no fuel combusting elements so they cannot produce carbon monoxide. This means they do not need an annual service. Because infrared radiation warms surfaces directly, infrared panels can help keep damp at bay. As such, they may even help to reduce time spent on other home maintenance jobs.

One of the unique benefits of infrared heating is that it is particularly gentle on allergies. Convection heaters – including storage heaters, panel heaters and, to an extent, radiators – heat by warming the air, which moves about the room as hot air rises and cool air sinks. The continuous movement of air can disturb dust and distribute it around the room – potentially exacerbating allergies. Infrared panel heaters, meanwhile, do not heat the air, so dust is left undisturbed. This makes infrared panels an excellent choice for people with asthma or dust allergies.

Radiated heat is not only energy efficient – it’s also a very comfortable way to heat your home. The heat from infrared panels feels a little like the warmth of the sun on a clear day – luxurious!

“Infrared radiation” sounds a little scary, so perhaps it’s unsurprising that some people worry that infrared heating might carry health risks. Don’t be put off by the technical jargon – infrared radiation is a natural form of heat which you experience on a daily basis, from the warmth of the sun to the heat given off by your own body. All radiated heat travels in infrared waves – so if you’re currently using radiators you’ve already heated your home with infrared radiation, to a degree. Infrared panels heat with far infrared radiation – the gentlest form of infrared in the spectrum – which is so safe it is commonly used in incubators for babies.

Infrared panels operate silently, with no gurgling pipes or humming fans. This makes them a great choice in bedrooms, offices or recording studios.

Like all other electric heating solutions, infrared panels cannot produce carbon monoxide. This makes them a very safe option, leaving you with one less thing to worry about. A great choice for your peace of mind.

All infrared heaters should be equipped with thermal safety cut out facilities to prevent overheating. A thermal safety limiter on your heater will monitor the panel’s temperature and cut power in the event of a malfunction.

Always make sure any electric heater you purchase comes with the relevant safety accreditation certificates. All infrared panel heaters should carry the CE mark. This indicates that the heaters meet the minimum safety standards set by the European Council. Ideally, you should look for infrared heaters with the BEAB mark. This demonstrates that the panels have been manufactured by approved methods in an inspected factory and have been tested by expert third-party authorities.

Never purchase an infrared heater without a warranty. A warranty is the manufacturer’s promise to fix or replace your heaters if they malfunction within a set period of purchase. Infrared panels are very durable and contain no moving parts, so are typically sold with longer warranties than competing heating products. We recommend choosing infrared panels with a warranty of at least 5 years.

If you want to fit your infrared panels or towel rails in a bathroom, you will need to check their IP rating. Electric appliances for installation in Bathroom Zones 1 & 2 should carry an IP rating of at least IPX4. This ensures your heaters are protected against water ingress. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding bathroom suitability and heater placement.

Infrared panels operate most effectively at surface temperatures of around 90 ˚C. The panels will be hot to the touch but you will not burn from simply brushing against the surface. The panels should never reach temperatures of 100 ˚C or beyond.

If you are concerned about the surface temperature of your panels – if, for example, the panels are to be installed in a child’s bedroom, or you have reduced mobility and are worried about falling against the panels – you can remove all risk of injury by mounting the panels on the ceiling.

Basic infrared panels typically come with a plain white finish. Whilst white infrared panels are usually the cheapest range on offer, they remain a stylish choice that can be discreet or striking depending on your interior design. Many white infrared panels are suitable for painting; check before you buy, and make sure you use the recommended type of paint.

Glass infrared panels make a sophisticated choice – smart, smooth and typically available in a wide range of colours. They usually use structured safety glass which is very durable and will not break easily. Most infrared towel rails use glass panels and make attractive bathroom accessories. Glass panels tend to be more expensive than aluminium panels.

A mirror infrared panel is the ultimate heater in disguise. Hung above your mantelpiece, mounted in your hallway or fitted over your bathroom sink, the panel will be indistinguishable from a normal mirror – yet it will provide you with energy efficient radiated heat. A great way to save space in rooms with limited wall space. Mirror infrared panels are particularly popular in bathrooms because the heated surface prevents condensation forming on the mirror surface – unlike ordinary bathroom mirrors, an infrared mirror panel will not “fog up”.

Infrared picture panels give you the opportunity to make your heating truly unique. The panels can be printed with the image of your choice – be it a painting, a photograph or an abstract design – so you can literally turn your heaters into a work of art. Panels are typically available with a range of pre-printed designs, with the option to submit your own image for printing at no extra cost.

Most sustainable energy sources generate electricity. This makes electric heating the natural choice if your home is powered by wind turbines, solar panels or hydropower.

Like other electric heating systems, infrared panels are 100% carbon neutral at point of use. Used with green electricity, infrared panels offer a truly carbon free heating solution. However, infrared panels that run off mains electricity cannot be classed as truly carbon free because the electricity they use may have been generated by fossil fuel burning power plants.

To make the most sustainable choice for your home, look for infrared panels manufactured from recycled aluminium and glass.

Reducing your energy consumption is an important part of eco-friendly living. As one of most energy efficient heating solutions currently available, infrared panels make the perfect choice for the eco-conscious.

High-ceilinged rooms can be difficult and expensive to heat. Whether you’re heating a high-ceilinged Victorian terrace, a large community hall, a church, stairway or school gym, high-ceilinged spaces present a challenge to ordinary convection heaters because of the large volume of air held within their walls. Convection heaters heat by warming the air as it circulates around the room. Hot air rises, leaving the cooler air below. The room will only be warm throughout when all the air in the room has been heated. Naturally, this takes twice as long and requires twice as much power if your ceiling is twice as high – even though the area where you actually need heat may be the same size.

Infrared panels can provide a solution to this problem. Because they only use radiated heat, you can use your panels to direct heat to where it’s needed. Rooms with high ceilings very rarely require heating all the way up to the rafters – so you can fit panels at ground level and keep everyone comfy for a fraction of the cost. Look out for specialist infrared panels adapted to suit a wide range of locations – from under-pew heaters for churches to under-desk panels for open plan offices.

It’s not only high-ceilinged rooms that don’t require heating throughout. There are many spaces both domestic and commercial which may benefit from heating zones that direct the heat to particular areas. Your workshop may be large but you may only need heat at one workstation. Maybe you use your garage for storage and only want to heat the area where you park your car. Perhaps you work in a library which needs heat at the desks and study areas but not along the aisles. Infrared panels, with their versatile fitting options, give you complete control of the heat distribution in your building, helping you save money and reduce your energy consumption.

One of the great disadvantages of ordinary convection heaters is that all the warm air they produce can be quickly lost whenever someone opens a door. In shops and restaurants, where doors may be opening almost constantly, a huge amount of energy can be saved by switching to infrared panels. The radiated heat from the panels is absorbed directly by the people, objects and surfaces in the room, so very little heat is lost when doors are opened. You can also take advantage of the extensive design options offered with infrared panels to find a style which matches your design scheme.

Infrared panels can be useful in bathrooms because the radiated heat is absorbed directly by the walls, which can help to reduce damp. If you want an infrared heater that will dry your towels, an infrared towel rail will be the best choice. Infrared towel rails typically feature a heated glass panel and two metal bars which allow you to hang your towels in front of the panel. Infrared mirror panels are also a popular choice because the heated elements prevent condensation forming on the surface – so, unlike ordinary mirrors, the panel will not “fog up”. If you’re fitting a panel heater in bathroom zones 1 or 2 you will need to make sure your infrared panel has an IP rating of at least IPX4 to protect against water ingress. Before committing to a purchase, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines concerning product suitability in bathrooms.

Infrared panels are a popular choice in fitness studios which run hot yoga classes. This is because the panels can be set to run at higher temperatures than can be achieved by conventional radiators. If you want to use your panels for hot yoga you will need to purchase your panels with hot yoga thermostats specially designed to maintain these higher levels of heat.