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Infrared Heating vs Heat Pumps: What’s the Right Choice for Your Home?

ARC Thermal Solutions l Homeowner Guide

Heat pumps are an excellent technology. So is infrared heating. 

The real question isn’t which system is “better”. It’s which system is better suited to your property, your budget, and the way you actually use your space. 

At ARC Thermal Solutions, we work across multiple heating technologies. Our role isn’t to push one system over another - it’s to recommend the right solution for the right environment. This guide explains both technologies clearly, with honest data, so you can make a more informed decision. 

How Each System Works

Heat Pumps

Air source and ground source heat pumps extract heat from outside air or the ground and transfer it into your home. They work by warming water, which then circulates through underfloor heating, low-temperature radiators, or a wet central heating system. In effect, they heat the air inside the room. 

When well-designed, heat pump systems can achieve seasonal efficiencies of 250 - 400%. That means for every 1 kWh of electricity used, a well-installed system can deliver 2.5 - 4 kWh of heat output. These figures assume optimal installation conditions - good insulation, low-temperature heat distribution, and appropriate sizing. 

Infrared Heating

Infrared works differently. Rather than heating the air first, infrared panels transfer energy directly to people, walls, floors, tiles, and furniture. Those surfaces then gently radiate warmth back into the space. 

What is infrared heating?

“It’s similar to standing in sunshine on a cold day - the air temperature may be low, but you still feel warm.”

Because surfaces are warmed directly, many people feel comfortable at air temperatures 2-3°C lower than with a conventional system. That lower thermostat setting can have a meaningful impact on overall energy consumption in practice. 

Neither system is inherently superior. They deliver comfort in different ways and perform best in different buildings. 

Installation & Disruption

For many homeowners, the level of disruption involved becomes the deciding factor. 

Heat Pumps Typically Require Infrared Typically Requires
An external unit and plant space Electrical connection only
Plumbing and pipework modifications No pipework or wet system
Larger radiators or underfloor heating No plant room or external unit
Good insulation levels throughout Minimal structural work
Potential electrical upgrades Suitable for most existing wiring

Heat pumps are particularly effective in new builds or major renovation projects, where the heating system can be designed from the outset. Infrared is often better suited to apartments, extensions, bathrooms, listed buildings, and any space where running pipework is impractical. 

For example, in bathroom or kitchen retrofits, infrared panels can be installed directly to the ceiling or wall, eliminating the need to alter floor levels or run new pipework through finished spaces. 

Running Costs & Comfort

Heat Pump Running Costs 

A heat pump’s real-world efficiency depends on how it was designed and installed. The key measure is the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) - the ratio of heat output to electricity consumed across a full year. A well-installed system typically achieves an SCOP of 2.5 to 4.0. Poorly designed systems, or those retrofitted into under-insulated homes, can underperform significantly. 

Infrared Running Costs 

Infrared panels are 100% electrically efficient - every unit of electricity becomes heat. However, the real efficiency gain comes from behaviour: because surfaces and occupants are warmed directly, many users find they’re comfortable running their system at a lower thermostat setting than they would with a conventional radiator. That reduction in set-point temperature, even by 1–2°C, can meaningfully reduce total consumption. 

Infrared also lends itself well to zone-by-zone control. Rather than heating an entire property, individual rooms or spaces can be managed independently - particularly valuable in homes where not every room is used throughout the day. 

A note on electricity tariffs

Both systems run on electricity. With energy prices remaining a key concern for homeowners, correct sizing and zoning, for either technology, will always matter more than the headline efficiency figure.

Where Each System Makes Sense

There is no universal answer. The right choice depends on your building, how it’s insulated, how you use it, and what level of disruption you can accommodate. 

Heat Pumps Often Suit Infrared Often Suits
New build properties Flats and apartments
Whole-house systems designed from scratch Bathrooms, kitchens, and tiled spaces
Highly insulated homes Extensions and outbuildings
Full renovation projects Listed or period buildings
Properties with space for plant equipment Rooms used intermittently
Retrofits with minimal disruption

In some properties, a hybrid approach may also be appropriate - for example, a heat pump handling the main living areas while infrared supplements individual rooms or zones. 

Speak to ARC about hybrid solutions

Our Approach at ARC Thermal Solutions

The heating industry is moving fast, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. At ARC, we don’t position infrared as a replacement for every heating system. We position it where it performs best. 

When we assess a property, we look at: 

Building fabric and construction type

Ceiling heights and room volumes

Insulation levels and airtightness

Electrical capacity and existing infrastructure

Occupancy patterns and usage

Installation constraints and budget

Long-term running cost expectations

Only then do we recommend the most appropriate approach - whether that’s a heat pump, infrared, or a combination of both. 

Speak to Our Technical Team 

If you’d like a practical, jargon-free conversation about what makes sense for your property, we’re happy to help. We advise homeowners across the country on the most appropriate and cost-effective heating solutions - without any pressure toward a particular technology. 

Contact Us Learn: What is infrared heating?

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