Infrared heating vs electric radiators
Infrared heating vs electric radiators?
Electric radiators and infrared panels are both 100% efficient at turning electricity into heat, so running cost per kWh is the same. The difference is how they deliver it: electric radiators warm the air (convection), while infrared warms people and surfaces directly (radiant), which can feel warmer sooner and suits draughty or intermittently used rooms.
Side by side
| Infrared | Electric radiators | |
|---|---|---|
| How it heats | Radiant — warms people & surfaces | Convection — warms the air |
| Efficiency | 100% (resistive) | 100% (resistive) |
| Perceived warmth | Feels warm quickly, even in draughts | Depends on warming the whole air volume |
| Appearance | Slim panels, mirror/glass options | Traditional radiator form |
| Best rooms | High-ceilinged, draughty or glazed rooms | Well-sealed, standard rooms |
| Running cost | Same per kWh; can be lower with zoning | Same per kWh |
Our honest verdict
Neither is 'more efficient' — they convert electricity to heat identically. Infrared's radiant delivery tends to feel more comfortable in rooms that are hard to heat by warming the air, while electric radiators are perfectly good in well-sealed standard rooms.
Frequently asked questions
Reviewed by the Infrared Heat Solutions technical team · Last updated July 2026 · Data sources: Energy Saving Trust, Ofgem, gov.uk Boiler Upgrade Scheme