New infrared heating panels can cut home energy bills

With cooler weather this autumn many are putting the heating back on in their homes and are wondering how to cut their bills in lockdown.

One possible answer, said Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox, is to install infrared panel heaters which can cut energy costs by up to 70 per cent.

“These are a relatively new way to warm houses,” said Ron, of Noreus on the University of Keele Science and Innovation Park, “as they deliver heat directly to people and furnishings rather than trying to heat the entire room space and so are more energy efficient.”

He added there was a big difference between most central heating systems compared to the newer infrared panel heaters. The former mainly use convection to distribute heat with the radiators warming up the air which circulates around the room, though they emit some thermal radiation which is why people can feel the heating coming off them.

However, he said, infrared panels rely totally on radiation, which makes them an efficient heating system as the panels deliver heat directly to the people sitting in the room, even though the air around them is still fairly cold.

“The result,” added Ron, is that much less expensive electricity is needed than if the entire volume of the home has to be heated for the occupants to feel comfortable.

“These infrared panel heaters are particularly effective in older buildings which have large draughty rooms with poor insulation. Lack of insulation makes a conventional heating system very inefficient as the heat produced by the boiler is constantly lost through the walls and roof of the homes,” he continued.

“This isn’t a problem for infrared heaters as the heat is delivered directly to the people in the room and it is also absorbed by walls and furnishings, which store heat much more effectively than air.”

Other advantages include:

• As the infrared panels are stand-alone units, without any pipes they can be positioned to fit the layout of the room, or even be hung on the ceiling so that they point down at the people below.
• It only takes 30 seconds for them to reach the optimal heating temperature.
• The units are British manufactured and made with stainless steel and have a 10-year warranty.
• They are ideal for people working from home who want to just heat their office, marquee, conservatory or even an outbuilding or garage.
• It stops condensation and eliminates mould and dampness.
• Does not dry out the air so is good for allergy and cold sufferers.
• Infrared heating is completely safe – it is UV (ultraviolet) rays that can cause some problems.

“Probably one of the biggest advantages,” said Ron, “is that for around £300 people can have a panel put up in just one room to try it before putting them up in more rooms.”

For more information about green energy and infrared heating panels call Ron on 01782 756995.