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UK Infrared Heating Statistics: Market Trends & Why Adoption Is Growing

UK Infrared Heating Statistics: Market Trends & Why Adoption Is Growing

Infrared heating is one of the fastest-growing emerging technologies in the home heating world. Yet in the UK, it’s still surprisingly underused.

With;

  • Rising energy prices
  • The push toward net-zero, and
  • The government’s long-term plan to phase out gas boilers.

More homeowners and businesses are now searching for cleaner, simpler, and more efficient alternatives.

In this article, we’ve brought together verified statistics, UK market data, and international comparisons to show where infrared heating stands today, where it’s heading, and why it’s becoming a compelling option for British households and businesses.

UK Infrared Heating Statistics & Data Points

Infrared heating in the UK is still a small part of the overall heating landscape. However, the latest data reveals how interest and adoption are beginning to grow.

Market Size & Adoption

These statistics highlight how small the market is today, and how much room there is for growth.

  • Only ~33,399 UK homes used infrared heating in 2019, representing just 0.1% of all households.
  • 73% of UK homes rely on gas central heating, while 8% use electric heating of any kind. Infrared represents a tiny fraction of electric-heated homes.
  • The global infrared heater market was valued at ~$355 million in 2024, forecast to reach $445 million by 2032 (approx. £280m–£350m).

Residential Sector

Looking at UK households, several patterns emerge that help explain the slow but growing adoption of infrared heating.

  • IR heating adoption in UK homes is very low: 0.1% penetration as of 2019.
  • UK homeowners almost always replace old systems “like for like”. This slows adoption of new technologies like IR panels.
  • 45 Social housing trials in England, Scotland and Wales have installed IR panels to replace old electric systems and reduce damp.
  • More than 50% of UK consumers say they would consider plug-in heaters in winter to save money. Although not all of these are IR.

Commercial & Industrial Sector

Infrared technology has been adopted far more in commercial environments. This is because its strengths are easier to capitalise on.

  • High-intensity IR heaters are already widely used in warehouses and factories across the UK.
  • The global market for infrared tube heaters was ~$205 million (£156 million) in 2020. This reflects strong industrial uptake.
  • UK manufacturers report rising commercial demand as companies attempt to reduce energy bills and meet net-zero targets.

Regional Patterns (UK)

Looking across the UK, regional data helps show where infrared heating currently fits into the wider energy landscape.

  • No region has any higher IR uptake than others and adoption is low nationwide.
  • Areas without mains gas (rural Scotland, rural England, Northern Ireland, some London flats) are more likely to use electricity. This creates better conditions for IR adoption.

International Comparisons

International data shows how the UK’s progress stacks up against countries where infrared heating is more established.

  • Countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands are far ahead of the UK in domestic infrared heating uptake.
  • Europe accounts for roughly one-third of global IR heater demand. North America accounts for 20–25%. Asia-Pacific represents around one-third and is the fastest-growing region.
  • In the US, IR is mainly used as supplemental heating (garages, workshops, smart-home zonal heating).

Energy Efficiency

A major area of interest for homeowners is how infrared heating performs in terms of efficiency and running costs.

  • Infrared heaters convert almost 100% of electrical energy into heat, like all resistive electric systems.
  • Trials show IR panels can reduce heating energy use by 10–50% when replacing underfloor heating or storage heaters.
  • IR can use 2–15% less energy than electric underfloor heating depending on control strategy.
  • Users report 30–50% lower heating bills after switching to IR (in well-insulated homes with zoned heating).

Health & Safety

Infrared heating doesn’t just save energy. It can also create a healthier and safer living environment, as the following figures show.

  • IR panels circulate no dust or allergens because they do not move air. This is beneficial for allergy and asthma sufferers.
  • IR heating reduces damp and mould by warming walls and building surfaces. Social housing trials found reduced condensation and improved indoor health.
  • Case studies show improved asthma symptoms in children after switching to IR systems.
  • IR produces no combustion gases. This means no risk of CO or NO₂ exposure.
  • Typical residential IR panel surface temperatures are around 85°C, compared to up to 150°C for industrial units.
  • Portable heaters (all types) caused ~3,800 fires, 1,000 injuries and 73 deaths in the UK between 2009–2014, mainly from misuse (covered heaters, close to fabric etc.).
  • Fixed IR panels reduce fire risk because they cannot be tipped over or covered accidentally.

Why Infrared Heating Is Growing Now

A combination of:

  • Policy pressure
  • Energy costs, and
  • Consumer behaviour

Is accelerating the shift toward infrared heating. Unlike traditional systems that heat the air, infrared heats people and objects directly. This makes it perfectly suited to modern living patterns where households heat fewer rooms and prioritise energy efficiency.

As the UK edges closer to net-zero targets, interest in low-carbon, low-maintenance alternatives continues to rise.

Where Infrared Heating Performs Best

Because infrared heats people and surfaces directly rather than warming the air, it excels in spaces where other systems struggle. This makes it one of the most versatile low-carbon heating options available.

Below are the environments where infrared consistently delivers the best results:

Home Offices and Occasionally Used Rooms

With more people working from home, heating patterns have changed. Instead of warming the whole house all day, homeowners increasingly want targeted, on-demand heat.

Infrared is ideal for:

Bedrooms Where Gentle Radiant Heat Is More Comfortable

Many users find infrared heat more pleasant in bedrooms because:

  • It doesn’t create stuffy or dry air.
  • It avoids the cycling on/off feeling of radiators.
  • Radiant warmth maintains comfort even at lower air temperatures.

It also helps with:

  • Condensation on cold bedroom walls
  • Damp patches often found behind furniture.
  • Improved air quality for asthma or allergy sufferers

Open-Plan Spaces Where Convection Heating is Inefficient

Warm air often quickly disperses in open-plan layouts. Infrared solves this by:

  • Heating occupants directly
  • Maintaining comfort even when the air temperature drops
  • Delivering consistent warmth in high-volume spaces

This makes IR effective in open plan:

Users often report lower thermostat settings while feeling just as warm.

Well-Insulated Homes Where Heat Loss is Minimal

Modern builds and well-insulated retrofits benefit most from infrared.

In these homes:

  • Heat loss through walls and ceilings is already low.
  • Infrared panels only need to run for short intervals.
  • Zonal control offers major running-cost reductions.

This combination can deliver 30–50% lower heating bills, especially when paired with smart thermostats.

Older Properties with Damp or Cold Walls

Infrared is particularly effective in older properties, especially those with:

  • Solid brick walls
  • Stone walls
  • Damp issues
  • Cold spots

Because infrared heating heats the fabric of the building, it:

  • Reduces condensation.
  • Helps prevent mould.
  • Keeps walls dry and warmer over time.

This effect is often noticeable within weeks, making infrared more than just a heat source. It becomes part of the home’s moisture management.

Flats and Apartments Where Gas Isn’t Allowed

Many flats prohibit gas installations for safety reasons. Infrared offers:

For renters, infrared also works brilliantly with plug-in panel heaters.

Commercial Premises That Benefit from Zonal Heating

Many businesses waste money heating large volumes of empty air. Infrared allows them to warm only the spaces people occupy, making it extremely cost-effective in:

  • Warehouses
  • Workshops
  • Aircraft hangars
  • Gyms and sports halls
  • Car showrooms
  • Cafés and restaurants
  • Retail units

Benefits include:

  • Immediate, directed warmth for staff or customers.
  • Reduced energy consumption in high-ceilinged buildings.
  • Improved comfort without overheating the entire space.

Infrared also performs reliably in draughty environments, where convection heat would normally escape.

Spaces With High Ceilings or Poor Air Retention

Traditional heating loses efficiency rapidly in tall spaces because warm air rises.

Infrared avoids this entirely by:

  • Bypassing air as the heat medium
  • Delivering warmth directly to surfaces and people.
  • Maintaining comfort without needing to “fill the room” with warm air

This makes infrared ideal for:

  • Village halls
  • Churches
  • Barns
  • Community centres

Properties With Solar Panels

For households with solar PV, infrared becomes even more attractive.

When powered by self-generated electricity, running costs drop dramatically. This makes infrared heating one of the lowest-cost heating options available.

Conclusion

Infrared heating is still in its early stages in the UK. That said, the data shows a clear trajectory: rising adoption, strong international momentum, and real-world energy savings.

As households and businesses move away from gas and toward electric heating, infrared’s combination of efficiency, ease of installation, and comfort is becoming increasingly compelling.

For many properties, infrared isn’t just an alternative, it’s a smarter way to heat.

Sources: 

George C

Written by George