For Policy Makers
KEY UK INFRARED HEATING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PAST YEAR
The UK has seen a significant increase in engagement around IR heating policy and technical assessment in the last year. Most notably, in late 2024, the UK government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) invited the UK IR industry to collaborate on developing a laboratory-based performance testing protocol for low-temperature IR heaters. The key goal: to determine whether IR, when assessed using operative temperature (rather than air temperature) as the control metric, demonstrates energy savings and dynamic thermal performance sufficient to justify its own category in the upcoming Home Energy Model (HEM).
Currently, IR heaters in the UK have been grouped under the generic “direct acting electric heaters” category within the Standard Assessment Procedures (SAP) for assessing the energy performance of new homes. This means that the potential energy savings from IR heaters is not recognised. The development of the Home Energy Model (HEM) is due to replace SAP and will use operative temperature as a standard temperature control metric.
7 UK based IR companies engaged consultants to establish a laboratory based test protocol which will be used to assess the energy performance of IR heaters compared to electric convection heaters. This protocol was drafted in consultation with leading academics in heating from 3 UK universities. The protocol consists of measuring the energy efficiency of IR technologies in both dynamic (start up and cool own) and steady state tests and at various levels of heat loss.
At the time of writing (August 2025), the draft test protocol is in the processes of seeking approval from DESNZ and the UK Building Research Establishment (BRE). If approved a pilot testing phase will take place during which IR and non-IR technologies will be evaluated. EN:60675/3 radiant efficiency will form part of the test to categorise IR and non-IR heater types. If pilot testing is successful, full scale testing will be required by manufacturers to establish a separate technology category within HEM. However, given that there is currently no UK lab that is equipped to perform the testing and funding will be needed for this, this is likely to be a medium-term project that may take several years.
TOWARDS A UK EIHA AFFILIATE GROUP?
Currently Herschel Infrared are a direct member of EIHA and there is no UK IR trade association. We are looking into the formation of a UK IR trade association with the intention of this becoming an affiliate member of EIHA. Despite being outside the EU, the UK’s product standards are still shaped by European regulation, and UK developments are increasingly aligned with broader EU efforts to recognise and categorise IR heating technologies.
We believe the direction of travel in the UK is positive, and that the progress being made–particularly around formal testing, regulation, and policy recognition of IR–offers valuable insights and alignment for other European countries pursuing similar goals. A UK affiliate group within the EIHA framework would ensure this shared momentum is captured and mutual benefits are realised.
Main points on infrared heating
- Complementary to Heat Pumps, IR do not need to be “Competitors”
Infrared (IR) heaters can effectively complement heat pumps in homes where a single heat source cannot reach every room. For example, outbuildings, poorly insulated areas, or large houses with intermittent occupancy benefit from supplementary IR heating instead of oversizing a heat pump and therefore actually wasting energy.
- A Low-Cost Route to Decarbonisation
IR heating systems typically cost a fraction of heat pumps to install — often between £2,000 and £6,000 per dwelling. This means lower public subsidy requirements and greater value for taxpayer funding under decarbonisation schemes.
- Smarter, More Flexible Heating
Because IR heaters work fast and are easy to zone by room, they support energy efficiency through targeted heating and allow an overall reduction in background setpoint temperatures where heat isless needed. This kind of targeted heating coupled with smart controls reduces overall consumption and better matches real-world usage patterns.
See also:
Mohamad Rida and Nicolas Kelly. 2024. “Reducing energy consumption in urban office buildings with localised heating and heating set-point temperature reductions.” Paper presented at uSIM2024 , Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Available here
- Long Life, Minimal Maintenance
With no moving parts or fluid circuits, IR panels are virtually maintenance-free and can last over 25 years. This results in lower lifetime costs and fewer service requirements, ideal for both households and landlords.
- Clean Heat with Zero Direct Emissions
IR systems are fully electric and emit no direct greenhouse gases, particulate matter, or NOx. In sensitive areas or urban zones struggling with air quality, they offer a zero-emission path to warmth.
- Ideal for Heritage and Hard-to-Convert Homes
No pipework, radiators, or wall invasions are needed. IR heaters are perfect for heritage buildings, apartments, and rentals where intrusive retrofits are costly or legally restricted.
- Ready-made Compatibility with Smart Energy Systems
IR panels work well with solar PV, batteries, and time-of-use tariffs. Their responsiveness allows them to shift demand away from peak times, helping grid stability and enabling demand-side response.
- Tackling Damp and Mould at the Root
Radiant heating warms surfaces directly, reducing condensation and the risk of mould. Field experience suggests this makes IR systems especially beneficial in older or underheated buildings.
- Lower Carbon Footprint, Start to Finish
IR systems tend to have lower embodied carbon than heat pumps and offer excellent whole-life environmental performance — combining low manufacturing impact with efficient, long-duration use.
- No Skills Bottleneck
The supply chain for IR systems doesn’t face the same installer shortfalls as heat pumps. All skills required to install IR Heating are already on site. A qualified electrician can install a system in hours, helping scale-up at speed without needing thousands of retrained engineers.
- Enabling Consumer Choice
If policy only supports one or two technologies, it risks leaving many homes behind. Adding IR to subsidy schemes expands choice — crucial in the quarter of UK homes where a heat pump alone is not suitable.
- Financial Accessibility for All
Lower system costs mean more people can afford to decarbonise. Combined with consumer finance or service models (like Heat as a Service), IR can unlock warm homes for those currently excluded by high capital costs.
- Ready for Certification and Integration
The IR industry is actively working with regulators to develop robust performance testing, SAP integration, and MCS standards. Infrared is no longer “emerging” — it’s ready for structured inclusion.