Installing Infrared Heating Cost

When the colder, rainy and frosty winters hit, heating becomes a key part of making your home cosy, comfortable and a relaxing place to be.

There are a variety of heating options in the UK, including traditional systems such as gas and electric central heating, but one has quickly proven to be a modern, efficient alternative: infrared heating.

Unlike other heating methods that warm the air in a room, infrared heaters work by heating objects and people. Not only does this result in faster heating, but it also reduces heat loss and helps maintain a consistent room temperature, making it more energy-efficient and low-maintenance.

But, how much will it cost you to install infrared heating at home?

How Much is Infrared Heating?

The cost of infrared heating can vary hugely, depending on the type of system, the size of the area being heated and the specific installation requirements.

The total cost includes the purchase price of every single panel, installation, and any additional electrical work. The average cost for a full system installation ranges from £800 to £2,500, with individual panels priced from £100 to £500. The cost of a single panel can vary based on size, wattage, and design, and larger rooms may require more than one panel for effective heating.

There are a range of things that influence the overall cost to lay an infrared heating, including the number of panels needed, the wattage and efficiency.

Whether wall or ceiling mounting is required, and any additional electrical work needed to support the system, will also impact the cost.

Infrared Heating Prices

The price of infrared heating depends on the size of the area you’re planning to heat.

For example, a small bedroom will only require 1 panel and a few hours’ worth of work, whereas a large 3-bedroom house will need an average of 14 panels and up to 3 days of work. Optional features, such as thermostats or smart controls, also affect the price.

Infrared heating can be used as a whole-house heating solution, providing comfort throughout the entire home and offering a modern, cost-effective alternative to traditional systems.

Supply Costs

Whether you’re planning a DIY infrared heating system install or you’re going to enlist the help of a professional tradesperson, it’s useful to break down the costs of individual components.

For supply-only, you can expect to pay:

• Standard Infrared Panels - Prices vary by wattage and size, with smaller panels costing around £100 and larger, higher wattage panels costing closer to £500.
• Decorative or Mirror-Finish Panels - Premium designs can double as décor, and they’re typically priced at around £400 per panel, depending on size and finish.
• Thermostats and Smart Controls - These are essential for energy efficiency, and they’ll set you back between £40 and £100.
• Mounting Brackets or Installation Kits - Though prices vary depending on the size and weight of your chosen panels, you can get installation kits and mounting brackets for as low as £10.

The purchase price of an infrared panel heater for a single panel will vary depending on its features, design, and size, so it’s important to compare options before buying.

As a homeowner, you can choose to buy individual panels to heat specific rooms, or you can invest in a full-room or whole-house bundle. This can sometimes reduce the cost per unit and simplify the installation planning.

Though DIY installation may lower labour expenses, getting the help of a professional tradesperson is best, especially when it comes to ensuring electrical safety and compliance with building regulations.

Additional Costs of Infrared Heating

As well as the price of panels and installation, you also need to factor in additional costs that can affect the overall cost of having an infrared heating system installed.

• Electrical Upgrades - If your home requires new circuits, additional outlets or a fuseboard upgrade to handle the load of multiple infrared panels, you’ll have to cover this cost. This includes the cost of rewiring, which electricians charge around £200 per day for.
• Smart Control Setup or Home Automation Integration - Though basic thermostats are often included, integrating panels with a full smart home system or advanced scheduling controls may cost more. You can expect to pay an average of £265 to have a smart thermostat installed.
• Surface Preparation - Walls or ceilings may need reinforcement, plastering or other preparation to ensure panels can be safely mounted, especially if you’ve chosen decorative or larger units that are difficult to fix to the wall.
• Waste Removal or Cleanup - Any debris from the infrared heating installation that needs removing, or old system removals, will increase labour costs.
• Removal of Old Heating Systems - If you’re replacing an existing system and you need someone to remove radiators or gas heaters, you’ll need to factor this into your budget. You should expect to pay £80 to have a small radiator removed.

Infrared heating systems have lower maintenance costs than other heating systems because they require little to no ongoing servicing.

Keep in mind that infrared panels are designed for space heating only and do not heat water directly, so you may need a separate hot water system, such as a hot water cylinder, if you require hot water in your home.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Infrared Heating

The price of a qualified electrician will need to be factored into how much you’re planning to spend on infrared heating installation. Though a DIY approach is the cheap option, flawless wiring and compliance with electrical regulations are key for safety, which is why professional labour needs to be budgeted for.

• Day Rates or Per Project Costs - Electricians in the UK tend to charge between £150 and £250 per day, depending on experience, demand and location. Some work on a fixed fee per project, especially if you’re planning a multi-room or whole-house installation.
• Estimated Time to Fit One Room - Installing infrared panels in a single room usually takes around a day, including mounting panels, wiring and connecting thermostats.
• Estimated Time for a Full-House Installation - For multiple rooms or a complete home system, you should plan for the work to take 2 to 3 days. This can be longer if you have a larger home or complex wiring requirements.
• Factors Affecting Costs - There are many things that affect the cost of labour and project timescales. Labour charges may rise if access is difficult, if walls or ceilings require reinforcement, or if the system design is more intricate. For example, if you’re integrating smart controls or custom panel layouts.

Cost Factors for Infrared Heating

The overall cost to install and run infrared heating varies a lot, depending on a number of key factors.

• Size and Number of Rooms - Larger rooms or homes with multiple spaces require more panels, which increases both supply and installation costs.
• Panel Size and Design - Standard panels tend to be more affordable compared to decorative options, which tend to have a hefty price tag. Panels with a higher wattage also usually cost more.
• Ceiling vs Wall-Mounted - If you lay panels on the ceiling, you might find they require additional mounting hardware or structural support, adding to installation costs.
• Smart vs Manual Control Systems - The cost to replace your existing control system with smart thermostats and home automation integration increases the cost, though it does also improve energy efficiency.
• Existing Electrical Infrastructure - Older properties might require electrical upgrades, such as new circuits or fuseboard improvements, which can increase expenses.
• Quality of Insulation and Heat Loss - Properties with good insulation retain heat more effectively, reducing the number of panels needed and lowering running costs.

Building Regulations Related to Infrared Heating

Before installing infrared heating, you need to familiarise yourself with the relevant building regulations and compliance requirements.

For example, all electrical work associated with infrared heating must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, which covers electrical safety in homes. This ensures that all installations are designed and carried out to protect homeowners from electric shock and fire hazards.

It’s also important that installation is completed by a qualified electrician who is registered under a competent person scheme, which allows them to certify that the work meets regulatory standards.

You don’t usually need planning permission for infrared heating installations, but if the property is listed or located within a conservation area, additional permissions may be necessary.

Types of Infrared Heating

There are a few different types of infrared heating available, and the type you choose will depend on your home, space and budget.

Wall-Mounted Panels

These are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms or hallways, as they provide discreet, efficient heating without taking up floor space.

Pros

• ✔ Space-saving design with no floor footprint
• ✔ Discreet appearance that suits most living spaces
• ✔ Efficient at heating occupied areas directly
• ✔ Generally lower installation costs than ceiling-mounted systems

Cons

• ✖ Requires suitable wall space
• ✖ Heat direction is fixed once installed
• ✖ May not distribute heat as evenly in larger rooms

Ceiling-Mounted Panels

These are perfect for rooms with limited wall space or for achieving even heat distribution, but they can cost slightly more due to additional labour and rewiring.

Pros

• ✔ Ideal for rooms with limited or no wall space
• ✔ Provides even heat distribution from above
• ✔ Keeps walls and floors completely clear
• ✔ Less likely to be obstructed by furniture

Cons

• ✖ Higher installation costs due to labour and possible rewiring
• ✖ Installation can be more disruptive
• ✖ Less accessible for maintenance or replacement

Freestanding Infrared Heaters

These portable units are flexible and easy to move between rooms, making them ideal for renters or occasional use.

Pros

• ✔ Portable and easy to move between rooms
• ✔ No installation required
• ✔ Ideal for renters or temporary heating needs
• ✔ Lower upfront cost than fixed panels

Cons

• ✖ Takes up floor space
• ✖ Less efficient for heating large areas
• ✖ Can be less aesthetically pleasing than fixed options
• ✖ May need frequent repositioning for best results

Mirror Infrared Panels

Commonly used in bathrooms or decorative spaces, these panels double as functional mirrors. They’re on the pricier side of panel options.

Pros

• ✔ Dual-purpose design combines heating and a mirror
• ✔ Popular for bathrooms and en-suites
• ✔ Sleek, modern appearance
• ✔ Helps reduce condensation in humid rooms

Cons

• ✖ Higher purchase cost compared to standard panels
• ✖ Limited heat output due to size
• ✖ Typically restricted to smaller rooms

Outdoor Infrared Patio Heaters

Designed to withstand weather conditions, these heaters are used in gardens, patios, or outdoor dining areas to provide instant warmth. They can cost more to run, compared to indoor panels.

Pros

• ✔ Provides instant heat in outdoor spaces
• ✔ Effective in open or well-ventilated areas
• ✔ Weather-resistant designs available
• ✔ Extends the use of patios and gardens year-round

Cons

• ✖ Higher running costs than indoor panels
• ✖ Less energy-efficient in very open areas
• ✖ Requires suitable outdoor electrical connections
• ✖ Heat is localised rather than widespread

Alternative Types of Infrared Heating

Electric Convection Radiators

These heat the air rather than surfaces, which can lead to slower warming-up times and uneven heat distribution. They’re usually cheaper to install but can be less energy-efficient.

Storage Heaters

Designed to store heat during off-peak electricity hours, storage heaters can be cost-effective under certain tariffs, but you have less control, and they take up more space.

Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating provides even heat throughout a room, but involves higher installation costs and disruption, making it more suitable for new builds or major renovations.

Installation costs for underfloor infrared heating are often calculated per square metre, which helps estimate the total expense based on the area to be covered.

Gas or Oil Central Heating

Traditional boilers can be cheaper to run in larger homes, but they rely on fossil fuels and require regular maintenance. Infrared heating, by contrast, has no emissions and requires minimal upkeep.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Infrared Heating

Before you hire a contractor to install infrared heating, ask yourself questions:

• Are they Part P registered?
• Do they have experience with infrared heating systems?
• Can they provide a detailed, written quote?
• Are warranties included for both parts and labour?
• Is the work certified and compliant with regulations?

Removing Infrared Heating

Infrared heating systems are generally straightforward to remove, but the work should be carried out by a qualified electrician. Most panels can be detached easily from their wall or ceiling mounts, but minor repairs to surfaces might be needed, such as patching holes or repainting.

Labour for removing infrared heating typically costs between £100 and £150, depending on the number of panels and accessibility. Infrared panels can be reused or relocated, making them a flexible and sustainable heating option, even after removal.

FAQs