Infrared Heating vs Heat Pumps: Which Is Right for Your Home?

At Cobalt Carbon Free, we take a whole-home approach to energy efficiency. First, we focus on keeping warmth in with the right insulation, then we design a heating system that fits your home’s needs and your sustainability goals. Working with iHelios, innovators in infrared heating film, we’re able to offer ultra-efficient, invisible heating that delivers comfort without compromising style. 

With energy prices continuing to rise and many homeowners seeking to move away from gas, the search for efficient, low-carbon heating has never been more important. Across the UK, more people are turning to electric heating systems that not only reduce carbon emissions but also offer comfort, control and long-term savings. Among the most popular options are heat pumps and infrared heating. Let’s explore how these two technologies differ, and help you decide which might be right for your home and your lifestyle.

How Do Heat Pumps And Infrared Heating Work?

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Heat Pumps

A heat pump extracts heat from the air (air source) or ground (ground source) and transfers it indoors to warm your home. Rather than generating heat directly, it moves existing heat using electricity, making it highly efficient. Typically, air and ground source heat pumps deliver three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.

Heat pumps perform best in homes that are well-insulated and have underfloor heating or large radiators. They can provide both heating and cooling, offering year-round comfort. However, they require some space for external and internal units, as well as pipework to distribute heat evenly throughout your property.

Infrared Heating

Infrared heaters work in an entirely different way. Instead of heating the air, they emit infrared radiation that gently warms people, furniture and surfaces directly, similar to the natural warmth of sunlight. This method reduces heat loss through draughts and creates a comfortable, even temperature across the room.

The iHelios infrared heating film, available through Cobalt Carbon Free, represents the latest innovation in this field. The ultra-thin film can be installed beneath ceilings, walls or floors, making it completely invisible once in place. It offers silent, zoned heating that can be individually controlled in each room, delivering both comfort and efficiency.

Installation & Aesthetics

Heat pump installation involves fitting an outdoor unit, internal hot water cylinder and new pipework. Older homes may need replacement radiators or new underfloor heating, which can be disruptive and add to the cost. Ground source heat pumps also require additional pipes to be laid underneath gardens or other outdoor areas. 

Infrared film can be installed quickly with minimal disruption. Because it hides beneath the surface, there’s no need for bulky radiators or visible units, making it ideal for contemporary interiors and minimalist designs.

Comfort & Heating Style

Heat pumps deliver slow, consistent warmth throughout the home. They are most efficient when kept running continuously at lower temperatures, maintaining steady comfort levels.

Infrared heating offers instant, direct warmth that you can feel immediately. Perfect for zoned heating, it allows you to heat only the rooms you’re using. This flexibility helps reduce energy consumption while increasing comfort.

Efficiency & Energy Use

When comparing heat pump vs infrared heater systems, both can be highly efficient under the right conditions. Heat pumps are generally much more affordable to run than gas or electric boilers. However, their efficiency depends heavily on insulation, system design and outdoor temperature. If you’re wondering how much does a heat pump cost to run, it typically ranges between £500 and £1,000 per year for an average UK home, though this varies by electricity prices and usage.

Infrared heating converts nearly all electricity into usable heat. Because it warms objects and people directly, less energy is wasted through air movement or ventilation. In well-insulated homes, this makes it an exceptionally efficient choice. 

For homeowners concerned about operating costs, a common question is: are infrared heaters expensive to run? The answer depends on insulation and how the system is used. When installed as part of a zoned system and powered by renewable electricity, infrared heating can be remarkably economical and environmentally friendly.

Maintenance & Lifespan

Heat pumps require regular servicing to ensure performance and longevity. Annual maintenance checks are recommended to keep the system efficient. Infrared heating is virtually maintenance-free. The iHelios infrared film contains no moving parts and is designed to last for decades without degrading, offering long-term peace of mind.

Installation Costs & Support

Installation costs for air and ground source heat pumps can be substantial, typically between £7,000 and £13,000 depending on the system type and property. The good news is that government incentives, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, can help offset some of these expenses.

Infrared heating is generally more affordable to install, especially for renovations or modern builds as there’s no need for radiators, cylinders or pipework. While grant support is currently limited, the lower upfront cost and minimal disruption make it an attractive option for many homeowners.

Next Steps

Even the most advanced heating system can only perform efficiently in a well-insulated home. This is why we always recommend ensuring your insulation is up to scratch before installing a new heating system. Whether you’re building new, renovating or upgrading an existing home, our expert team can help you combine top-quality insulation with cutting-edge technologies. 

The result is a future-proof home that’s warm, sustainable and affordable to run. If you want to make your home more comfortable and more efficient, we’re here to help. Get in touch with a member of our expert team to find out more.