A bathroom mirror that bathes you in gentle warmth while you brush your teeth? A radiant ceiling that warms your skin when you get out of the shower? An ultra-flat wall panel that quickly brings comfort to the room where you work? Here are the services you can expect from infrared radiant panels.

Infrared heaters, which have been on the market for several years, can be interesting from a comfort point of view. However, heating with electricity can quickly increase your bill.

How does it work?

Unlike conventional radiators, which transfer their heat into the room by heating the ambient air (convection principle), infrared heating heats bodies and objects in its vicinity in a targeted manner by means of radiation.

It converts electricity into infrared waves.

How are infrared panels used?

As the main heating system

Infrared panels may be suitable as the main heating system but only in passive houses or extremely well insulated homes. By definition, these have little or no need for heating.

As a supplementary heater

These panels can also add comfort for a limited period of time, in a few places in the house, or be used in "unheatable" situations to heat a specific area, on an occasional basis: outdoor patio, large workshop, room with very high ceilings, etc.

As an auxiliary heating system, infrared heating has certain advantages over traditional electric heating.

How much does it cost?

Count on approximately € 500 VAT excl. at purchase for an 800 W panel, not installed. The cost of use obviously depends on how many infrared panels you have and how often you use them.

Here you will find a method to calculate the consumption based on the power of your panels.

Advantages and disadvantages of infrared heating panels

The advantages of infrared panels

• Ultra-flat, aesthetic, discreet, possibly decorative
• Can be installed on the wall or ceiling (this is their ideal location)
• Relatively inexpensive (approx. € 500 VAT included for a 800 W panel, not installed)
• Can combine another function (e.g. mirror)
• Warms the body directly (but only on one side because the air stays cold for a long time)
• Immediately effective and flexible in use (no inertia)
• Does not cause air and dust movements
• If the electricity is from a renewable source, infrared panels can be interesting from an ecological and environmental point of view

Limitations and disadvantages

• Consumes electricity directly, without accumulation
• Cost of use should not be overlooked
• The feeling of warmth ceases as soon as you move away from it or turn around
• Walls and air stay cold for a long time
• Regulation of this heating system is difficult and imprecise – it is either on or off