Why Should We Choose Infrared Heating?

Infrared heating is worth choosing primarily for its comfort: radiant heat is distributed evenly in the room, stirs up less dust, there are no radiators on the walls, heating film produces no heating smell, and a warmer wall surface reduces the chance of condensation. Installation can also be favourable, because no boiler or pipework is needed – whether it pays off in running costs is decided by the insulation of the house.

In this article we have collected what infrared heating means in everyday life, in a home or an office. The article appeared in 2021; we have reviewed the arguments, and where the original text exaggerated, we have made it more precise.

No boiler, radiators or heating pipes

Infrared heating needs no boiler, chimney, pipework or wall-mounted heater. An infrared panel goes on the wall or ceiling, and heating film is built into the floor, wall or ceiling. For this reason, building it is in many cases a smaller investment than a conventional wet central heating system, and there is no annual boiler service either. The running cost, however, depends on the price of electricity and the heat loss of the house, so we do not promise "cheap heating" in general.

When the article appeared, the heating film solution was made with 3rd-generation heating film; today we install 4th-generation heating film.

Even warmth from floor to ceiling

Infrared heating passes heat by radiation to the people, objects, floor and walls in the room, and these surfaces then warm the air further. A pleasant thermal sensation therefore develops quickly. With heating that warms the air, the warm air rises under the ceiling: according to the article's original 2021 comparison, in a living space of average ceiling height there can be as much as an 8-10 °C difference between floor and ceiling, and with infrared heating only 1.5–2 °C. So our feet do not get cold, while the air above is not needlessly overheated either.

Less dust, no heating smell

With convection heating – for example next to a radiator or a fan heater – warm and cold air continuously circulate, and carry dust with them, which is especially unpleasant for allergy sufferers. Radiant heating does not rely on this air flow, so it stirs up less dust.

On heaters with a high surface temperature, dust floating in the air can be scorched, which causes the characteristic heating smell. Anyone who has spent a longer time in an office or flat where "the heating smelled" knows that it can be endured for a day, but is disturbing in the long term. Heating film works at a low surface temperature, so no such smell arises from it.

Less chance of condensation

Mould is not only ugly but also unhealthy: the spores reach the airways when inhaled. With radiant heating the surfaces of walls and furnishings are typically warmer than the air, so there is less chance of moisture condensing on them – this reduces the risk of mould. No heating gives complete protection, however: if the wall leaks, is soaked through, or the flat is not ventilated regularly, mould can appear even with infrared heating.

A freely furnishable living space

Many people know the situation: there is a good layout idea, but the radiator is there on the wall, immovable, and the sofa or wardrobe can only go where the heater allows. Heating film built into the floor, wall or ceiling takes no space and is not visible, and a ceiling infrared panel does not obstruct furnishing either. One rule remains: do not cover the heated floor area with large furniture with a closed base, because it impedes heat output.

Where can you try it?

Radiant warmth is easiest to experience in person: in our Budapest showroom (1039 Budapest, Rákóczi u. 4.) you can also try it out. We have also demonstrated heating film at professional events, for example at the Mapei professionals' meeting. We write about another use of radiant heat in our article on the infrared sauna.

If you would like to compare heating methods by cost and maintenance as well, read our article on the advantages of electric heating over gas heating; the types of electric heating are presented on our electric heating page.