Infrared heating panels: what size, and which one to choose?
An infrared panel is a radiant heater mounted on a wall or ceiling: it warms objects, walls and people rather than mainly the air. Its power should be chosen to match the volume of the room.
In brief
- An infrared panel is a radiant heater mounted on a wall or ceiling: it warms objects, walls and people rather than mainly the air.
- Choose the power by the room's volume: according to the manufacturer, a 600 W Fenix EcoSun U+ panel heats 18–22 m³, which at a 2.6 m ceiling height is approx. 6.9–8.5 m².
- A bathroom needs a splash-proof model, for example the IP44 EcoSun U+; an IP20 panel is not suitable for a damp room.
- Most infrared panels have no built-in thermostat: a separate thermostat or WiFi socket thermostat switches them.
- The plug-in version goes into a wall socket; a fixed 230 V connection must be made by a qualified electrician.
What size infrared panel do you need?
The manufacturer specifies power by the volume of air to be heated (m³). The table converts the Fenix EcoSun U+ series data into floor area, assuming a 2.6 m ceiling height. With weaker insulation, many windows or a higher ceiling, you need more power than this.
| Panel power | Volume heated (manufacturer data) | Floor area at 2.6 m ceiling height | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 W | 7–10 m³ | approx. 2.7–3.8 m² | small bathroom, dressing room; supplementary heating in a larger room |
| 500 W | 13–18 m³ | approx. 5–6.9 m² | walk-in wardrobe, small study |
| 600 W | 18–22 m³ | approx. 6.9–8.5 m² | children's room of around 8 m² |
| 700 W | 22–27 m³ | approx. 8.5–10.4 m² | room of 9–10 m² |
| 850 W | 25–30 m³ | approx. 9.6–11.5 m² | room of 10–11 m² |
| 1000 W | 32–38 m³ | approx. 12.3–14.6 m² | room of 12–14 m²; in a larger space, two panels spread out |
Source: Fenix EcoSun U+ manufacturer data sheet (on the shop's product pages). The m² values in the manufacturer's data block are inconsistent, so we calculated from the m³ figure. Data for other series (glass, mirror, premium WiFi) may differ: check the product page. For a more accurate estimate, request a quote or an on-site survey.
Ceiling and wall infrared panels: Fenix EcoSun U+
Frameless white panels for the ceiling and wall, on their own or in a package with a WiFi socket thermostat. Current prices are in the web shop: infrared panels in the shop (Hungarian-language shop, delivery within Hungary).
Glass and mirror EcoSun panels for walls and bathrooms are listed there too; the exact protection rating is on each product page.
Which infrared panel should you buy?
Six points that settle most questions. It is best to go through them in this order.
Ceiling or wall?
A ceiling panel radiates unobstructed onto the floor and furniture. The square 300 W EcoSun U+ also fits a 600 × 600 mm suspended-ceiling tile grid. Glass and mirror panels are meant for walls.
Which room?
A bathroom needs a splash-proof model: the EcoSun U+ and the 300 GS glass panel are IP44, while Maxeco IP20 panels are not for damp rooms. An electrician checks the bathroom zones.
How much power?
Choose by the volume of the room: see the table above. In a larger room, two smaller panels spread out are also a good solution.
How is it controlled?
Most panels have no built-in thermostat and are switched by a separate one. The EcoSun U+ package comes with a WiFi socket thermostat; a version with a built-in thermostat and display is also available.
How is it connected?
The plug-in version goes into a wall socket. A fixed 230 V connection must be made by a qualified electrician; you can fit the bracket yourself.
Which surface?
White metal for the ceiling, glass or mirror for walls and bathrooms, or the low-surface-temperature K+ version that can be mounted under a desk.
How is it different from a panel heater?
A panel heater (convector) warms the air, and the flow of warm air heats the room. The surface of an infrared panel gives off radiant heat that warms objects, walls and the people in the room, and these then pass the heat on to the air.
That is why placement matters: the panel radiates onto the surface it "sees". Do not cover it with furniture or curtains, and do not put clothes or towels on it.
A detailed comparison: Panel heater or infrared panel? If you would like to heat the whole home invisibly, see infrared heating with heating film.
Glass and mirror infrared panels
Wall-mounted EcoSun panels with a glass or mirror surface are available in the shop; the exact protection rating is on the product page: glass infrared panels (Hungarian-language shop, delivery within Hungary).
Questions about infrared panels
What size infrared panel do I need?
Choose the power of an infrared panel to match the room's volume: according to the manufacturer's data for the Fenix EcoSun U+ series, a 600 W panel heats 18–22 m³, an 850 W panel 25–30 m³ and a 1000 W panel 32–38 m³. A 12 m² room with a 2.6 m ceiling is about 31 m³, which calls for an 850 or 1000 W model or two smaller panels spread out; a poorly insulated room needs more power. Work it out with the infrared panel sizing guide.
Which infrared panel should I buy?
Four decisions matter when buying an infrared panel, in this order: where it is mounted (ceiling or wall), the room (a bathroom needs a splash-proof model, for example IP44), the power that matches the room's volume, and the control (a separate or WiFi thermostat). Appearance, whether white metal, glass or mirror, comes only after these. The range: infrared panels in the shop (Hungarian-language shop, delivery within Hungary).
Which is the best infrared panel?
There is no single best infrared panel for every room: the right one suits the room's volume, its humidity and the mounting location. For the ceiling, the frameless IP44 Fenix EcoSun U+; for walls and bathrooms, a glass or mirror panel; next to children and pets, or under a desk, the low-surface-temperature K+ series. Glass and mirror panels: glass infrared panels.
How much power does an infrared panel use?
An infrared panel uses at most its rated power per hour: a 600 W panel uses 0.6 kWh at full load. The thermostat switches it off when the set temperature is reached, so real consumption is lower and depends on the building's heat loss, the set temperature and usage. Estimate it room by room with the infrared panel consumption guide.
How much does an infrared panel cost?
The price of an infrared panel depends on its power, surface (white metal, glass, mirror) and control; current shop prices are shown in the product listings, for the Fenix EcoSun U+ panels both on their own and in a package with a WiFi socket thermostat. An electrician's work for a fixed 230 V connection is a separate item; with the plug-in version it is not needed. Full range: infrared panels in the shop.
Can I put an infrared panel in the bathroom?
Only a splash-proof infrared panel can go in a bathroom: the IP44 Fenix EcoSun U+ and the 300 GS glass infrared panel are, while Maxeco IP20 panels are not suitable for damp rooms. An electrician checks the installation position against the bathroom zones. More: heating a bathroom with infrared panels.
Do I need an electrician to connect an infrared panel?
You need an electrician if the panel is fitted with a fixed 230 V connection; the plug-in version simply goes into a wall socket, such as the EcoSun U+ package with a WiFi socket thermostat. You can fit the wall or ceiling bracket yourself. Control: thermostat for infrared panels.
Is the surface of an infrared panel hot?
The surface of an infrared panel can be hot in operation: according to the manufacturer, 90 °C for the plain white Fenix EcoSun Basic panel and 95 °C for the Maxeco panel, so do not cover it with furniture or curtains and do not put clothes or towels on it. Where there are children or pets, the ceiling is the safe place; the low-surface-temperature K+ series is designed for under desks and next to pets. All types: infrared panels in the shop.
What is the difference between a panel heater and an infrared panel?
An infrared panel warms objects, walls and the people in the room by radiation, while a panel heater (electric convector) warms the air, and the flow of warm air heats the room. That is why placement matters with an infrared panel: it radiates onto the surface it "sees". A detailed comparison: Panel heater or infrared panel?
Not sure how many panels you need?
Send us the dimensions of your rooms, or request an on-site survey. Installation and surveys are available in Hungary.