Infrared Heating vs Air Source Heat Pumps: Which Is Better for Your Property?

Last Updated on June 27, 2025

When it comes to choosing an energy-efficient heating system for your home or commercial property in the UK, understanding the differences between infrared heating and air source heat pumps is crucial. 

The debate around infrared heating vs air source heat pumps is common among homeowners and landlords seeking to balance installation costs, running efficiency, carbon emissions, and overall sustainability. 

This guide breaks down the key aspects of both technologies to help you make an informed decision tailored to your property’s needs.

Infrared Heating vs Air Source Heat Pumps: A Quick Comparison

Infrared Heating vs Air Source Heat Pumps: How Do They Work?

Infrared Heating

Infrared heating panels produce heat by emitting infrared radiation that directly warms objects and people in their path, much like the warmth felt from the sun. 

This makes infrared panels efficient for localized heating and instant warmth but less effective at heating large spaces evenly. Below are the pros and cons of infrared heating:

Air Source Heat Pumps

In contrast, air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air even at low temperatures and amplify it to warm the indoor environment through radiators, underfloor heating, or warm air systems. 

They operate on electricity but deliver significantly more heat energy than the electricity they consume, making them highly efficient for whole-property heating. To learn more about how these systems actually function, read our detailed explanation of how heat pumps work. Below, we’ll briefly discuss the pros and cons of air source heat pumps.

Infrared Heating vs Air Source Heat Pumps: Which Is Better for Your Property?

Choosing the right heating system depends on various factors, including your property’s size, insulation, energy goals, and budget. All of this will impact what size air source heat pump you will need.

Let’s explore critical considerations to help you decide.

Energy Efficiency

Infrared heating systems have an efficiency close to 100% in converting electricity to heat, but this does not account for how the heat is distributed. 

Since infrared heat warms objects directly, it may not be ideal for uniformly heating large or poorly insulated spaces, potentially requiring higher energy use.

Air source heat pumps, however, can deliver 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity used (COP 3-4), making them 300-400% efficient in ideal conditions. 

They distribute heat more evenly through a building’s heating system, reducing overall energy demand when paired with good insulation. For a closer look at how performance varies, read our dedicated post on air source heat pump efficiency.

Winner:
For overall energy efficiency, air source heat pumps take the lead.

Installation and Running Costs

Installation Costs

Infrared heating panels are comparatively inexpensive and quick to install, often costing between £300 and £1,200 per panel, depending on size and brand.

Air source heat pumps require a higher initial investment, averaging £7,000 to £13,000 for a full system, including the heat pump unit, installation, and any necessary system upgrades like new radiators or underfloor heating.

However, homeowners in England and Wales may be eligible for financial support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which offers grants of up to £7,500 towards installation. For more on eligibility and available funding options, read our full guide on heat pump grants.

Additionally, you can find a full breakdown of heat pump costs, including installation and maintenance factors, in our guide.

Running Costs

Infrared heaters run entirely on electricity, which in the UK can be costly, especially during colder months when heating demand is high.

Air source heat pumps consume electricity too but are far more economical over time due to their ability to extract ambient heat, leading to lower energy bills and reduced carbon footprint. For specifics, we’ve broken down typical heat pump running costs so you know what to expect monthly and annually.

Winner:
In terms of long-term affordability and energy efficiency, air source heat pumps clearly outperform infrared heating for whole-home use in UK properties.

Maintenance and Servicing 

Infrared heating systems require minimal maintenance, typically just occasional cleaning of the panels and checking electrical connections.

Air source heat pumps need annual servicing by qualified technicians to maintain efficiency and longevity. This includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning filters, and inspecting mechanical components. 

While this adds a bit of ongoing cost, it helps ensure the system operates effectively for 15-20 years. You may also want to understand how much electricity an air source heat pump uses, since running costs are tied closely to efficiency.

Winner:
In this category, infrared heating takes the lead due to its simplicity and near-zero maintenance demands.

Servicing and Maintenance Costs 

Winner:
For ease of maintenance and minimal upkeep costs, infrared heating holds the advantage in this category.

Lifespan

Infrared heaters generally last 10 to 15 years, depending on build quality and usage.

Air source heat pumps, with regular maintenance, can function efficiently for 15 to 20 years, offering a longer-term heating solution that can be paired with renewable electricity sources like solar panels for greater sustainability.

Not sure which brand to choose? Our guide on the best heat pump brands can help you identify high-performance, reliable systems.

Winner:
When it comes to overall longevity, air source heat pumps come out on top.

Carbon Emissions 

Infrared heating relies directly on the UK’s electricity grid, which, while progressively greener, still includes fossil fuels. This means infrared heating can have a higher carbon footprint, especially if used extensively.

Air source heat pumps significantly reduce carbon emissions by leveraging ambient heat from the environment. When combined with renewable electricity, they offer one of the cleanest heating options currently available in the UK.

Winner:
In terms of environmental impact, air source heat pumps are the clear winner.

Installation Requirements 

Infrared Heating

Infrared heating panels are incredibly straightforward to install. They are typically wall- or ceiling-mounted using basic brackets and require access to a standard mains electricity connection. 

There’s no need for pipework, ducting, or major renovations, making them ideal for retrofitting in existing properties with minimal disruption. Most installations can be completed in a single day by a qualified electrician.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps are more complex. They require sufficient outdoor space with good airflow to install the external unit, usually at least 1 metre clearance from boundaries and ideally away from direct wind and noise-sensitive areas.

Understanding how much space an air source heat pump needs is critical in order to meet building standards and efficiency goals.

Inside, the system may involve integration with radiators, underfloor heating, and a hot water cylinder. 

In most setups, air source heat pumps require a water tank to store heated water for domestic use. Read our article to get more insights on why heat pumps need a water tank.

Many customers also wonder, do heat pumps work with radiators? The answer is yes, though upgrading to larger surface area radiators may be necessary to ensure peak performance.

Some properties may need insulation upgrades or larger radiators to ensure optimal performance. Installation should always be handled by an MCS-certified installer to meet government incentive requirements. For a step-by-step breakdown of what’s involved, see our air source heat pump installation guide.

Winner:
In terms of installation simplicity and minimal disruption, infrared heating is the preferred option.

Property Types Are Best Suited to Infrared Heating and Air Source Heat Pumps

Infrared Heating:
Best suited to:

• Smaller homes or flats
  
• Rooms that need spot heating (e.g. home offices, bathrooms)
  
• Properties with poor insulation where direct heating is more efficient
  
• Commercial spaces where only certain zones require heating

Infrared is often used as a supplementary heating source or for properties with intermittent occupancy.

Air Source Heat Pumps:
Best suited to:

• Well-insulated homes and buildings
  
• Medium to large residential properties
  
• New-builds or retrofits with upgraded insulation
  
• Commercial properties seeking full heating and hot water systems

Air source heat pumps are ideal for whole-home heating, especially where long-term energy savings and sustainability are key goals. If you’re asking, “Is my house suitable for a heat pump?”, it often comes down to your insulation level, available outdoor space, and heating goals.

Even older properties can benefit, provided insulation upgrades are made. For more insights, read our post on how air source heat pumps work in old houses.

Winner:
For comprehensive and sustainable heating solutions across a wider range of property types, air source heat pumps take the lead.

Planning Permission

Infrared Heating

No planning permission is required for infrared heating panels. They are treated the same as other internal electrical appliances and can be installed freely in homes, flats, and businesses.

Air Source Heat Pumps

In most cases, air source heat pumps fall under Permitted Development Rights in England, Scotland, and Wales, meaning you won’t need planning permission, provided certain criteria are met. These include:

• Only one external unit installed
  
• Not installed on a pitched roof
  
• Not within 1 metre of the property boundary
  
• External unit volume not exceeding 0.6 cubic metres

For listed buildings, conservation areas, or multi-unit properties, planning permission may be required, so it’s essential to check with your local planning authority.

Winner:
For hassle-free installation without planning constraints, infrared heating holds the advantage.

Should You Choose Infrared Heating or an Air Source Heat Pump?

Choosing between infrared heating and an air source heat pump depends on your property size, heating needs, budget, and long-term energy goals.

Infrared heating is an excellent option for smaller spaces or individual rooms where quick, direct warmth is needed. It’s easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and works well as a supplementary or spot heating solution. 

However, it tends to have higher running costs and is less efficient for heating whole properties, especially those that are poorly insulated. Our comparison of heat pumps vs electric radiators offers further context on energy use and heating style.

In contrast, air source heat pumps offer a highly efficient and sustainable way to heat entire homes or commercial properties. Although they require a higher initial investment and professional installation, their ability to deliver multiple units of heat for each unit of electricity consumed means lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions over time. 

They are especially suitable for well-insulated properties and those looking to future-proof their heating with greener technology. Not sure which is right for you? You might also find our article on hydrogen boilers vs heat pumps helpful if you’re exploring long-term alternatives.

In summary:

• Choose infrared heating if you need simple, low-cost, and instant heating for specific rooms or smaller properties.
  
• Opt for an air source heat pump if you want an energy-efficient, low-carbon, whole-property heating solution with long-term cost savings.

Ready to Upgrade Your Heating System?

If you’re a UK homeowner, landlord, or business looking for an efficient, low-carbon heating solution, an air source heat pump is often the superior choice and worth the investment, especially for whole-property heating and long-term savings.

At Eco Happy, we specialise in installing high-quality air source heat pumps tailored to your property’s needs. Our expert team ensures seamless installation, servicing, and ongoing support to maximise your heating efficiency and comfort.