- Ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels are 100% energy efficient
- They cost between £200–£250, with larger models reaching up to £899
- Infrared panels heat people, not the air
Infrared heating panels are a great alternative to ordinary radiators. They work much more efficiently to warm homes—without the need to use gas or oil. The cost of infrared heating panels isn’t too eye-watering, either.
Infrared heating panels can be mounted on walls or ceilings, and in this article, we’re focusing on the latter. Our guide on ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels will tell you everything you need to know.
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Photo credit Herschel
What are ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels?
Ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels are flat heating systems that emit infrared waves, a harmless form of radiation that heats objects instead of the air.
These waves warm the surface of objects and people. Radiators, conversely, are convection heaters, which means they heat the room by circulating warm air.
The major downside is that radiators also circulate dust particles by circulating air. That makes ceiling-mounted infrared heaters ideal for people with allergies, as they don’t disturb a home’s environment.
Ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels can reduce energy bills by 30–50%.
Despite all these benefits, awareness of infrared heating panels still needs to be improved. The same isn’t true for low-carbon technology in general. According to our National Home Energy Survey, around three-quarters of Brits claim they know of or about these technologies.
Want to learn more about the price of infrared heating panels, how much they cost to run, and whether they can save money on your bills? Check out our infrared heating panel costs page.
And if you’d like to consider other alternatives, you can check out our page on infrared wallpaper.
How much do ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels cost?
You should expect to pay around £200–£250 for most ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels. This is slightly above the average price for wall-mounted infrared heating panels, which range between £125 and £180 per panel.
Premium ceiling-mounted panels can cost as much as £899, but this is typically for large rooms with many items to heat. Concerning running costs, ceiling-mounted infrared panels are indeed very attractive.
The cost varies depending on the panels chosen, the number of them, and how long you run them (which obviously relates to the insulation of your home). But to give you a ballpark figure, a typical three-bedroom house can expect annual electrical costs of around £895.
That compares very favourably to standard electrical heaters or high-efficiency combination gas boilers, with the former costing well over £1,000 or more and roughly £750 a year.
Of course, these prices are all averages. If you want a better idea of how much a ceiling-mounted infrared panel will cost, try using our personalised quote tool. Simply fill in the form, and we’ll connect you with trusted installers who can provide you with free bespoke quotes.
Read our guide on infrared heating panel costs for more information.
Advantages and disadvantages of ceiling-mounted infrared panels
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Cheaper energy bills | High upfront costs |
Low emissions | Not good at heating water |
Cheaper than heat pumps | |
Discreet | |
Aesthetically pleasing | |
Simple to install | |
No need to worry about obstruction | |
No noise pollution | |
Easy to use |
Advantages of ceiling-mounted infrared panels
- Cheaper Energy Bills – Ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels are highly efficient, with top models achieving 100% efficiency. This efficiency can lead to 30–50% cheaper energy bills than traditional heating systems.
- Low Emissions – Since these panels only use electricity, they eliminate the need to burn fossil fuels, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Pairing them with renewable energy sources like solar panels can make them even more eco-friendly.
- Cheaper Than Heat Pumps – Installing a full infrared heating system typically costs about half as much as an equivalent heat pump system, offering a more budget-friendly alternative.
- Discreet—Unlike bulky radiators, ceiling-mounted panels are compact and unobtrusive. Their overhead placement and customizable colors blend seamlessly with your ceiling.
- Aesthetically Pleasing – These panels can double as decorative features by incorporating custom images, turning them into stylish focal points in any room.
- Simple to Install – Without additional pipework, ceiling-mounted panels require only an electrical connection, making installation straightforward and hassle-free.
- No Need to Worry About Obstruction – Unlike wall-mounted versions, ceiling-mounted panels emit infrared waves from above, ensuring the heat isn’t blocked by furniture or other obstacles.
- No Noise Pollution – These heating panels operate silently, providing warmth without adding noise to your home environment.
- Control – Infrared panels can be easily managed through smartphone apps, offering convenient and precise control over your heating system.
Disadvantages of ceiling-mounted infrared panels
- High Upfront Costs – Each ceiling-mounted infrared heating panel costs between £200–£250, and outfitting an entire home can cost around £1,250 or more, depending on the number of rooms and panels required. While long-term running costs are lower, the initial investment can be significant.
- Not Good at Heating Water—Infrared heating panels are ineffective at heating water, meaning you’ll likely still need a boiler or another system for hot water. This limits their ability to replace traditional heating systems fully.
When should you not use ceiling-mounted infrared panels?
- Ceiling-mounted panels are perfect for rooms with too many obstructions, such as furniture, walls, or chimney breasts, which can hinder the effectiveness of wall-mounted systems.
- Infrared panels work by heating the surfaces of objects and people, meaning their effectiveness is drastically reduced if something blocks their waves, like the furniture placed in front of them.
- With a ceiling-mounted panel, infrared waves can radiate evenly throughout the room, ensuring consistent warmth.
- More than one ceiling-mounted panel may be needed to achieve optimal heat distribution in longer, thinner rooms. In contrast, square-shaped spaces can often be adequately heated with a single large panel.
Can you change the appearance of ceiling-mounted infrared panels?
There are plenty of businesses offering custom designs for ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels, so you can design them to fit in seamlessly, or stand out as a focal point.
The best part about this is you can almost completely hide the fact that a ceiling-mounted panel is an infrared heating unit. Many companies offer extremely high-quality image options that can make the panel look like a stylish ornament.
Other companies, such as Hershel, add style to their infrared panels. They don’t try to hide them — instead they design their panels to stand out.
The best ceiling-mounted infrared panels
Hershel’s Inspire White frameless panel
Hershel — Inspire White frameless panel
Hershel is a big name in the infrared heating panel industry and produces a range of high-quality panels.
| Brand | Model | Features | Warranty | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hershel | Inspire White frameless | Elegant frameless panel, ideal for ceiling mounting | 10 years | £347–£899 | High-quality design, long warranty | Expensive |
| The Infrared Heater Company | Glass infrared heating panel | Crystal-clear design, ceiling-mounted or suspended options, great for conservatories | Not specified | £169+ (ceiling) £176+ (wall) | Stylish, versatile mounting options, affordable ceiling model | No long warranty is mentioned |
| Mirrorstone | SunHeat infrared panel | Budget-friendly, discreet at 2.2cm depth, operates for 20–25 years | 5 years | £114 | Affordable, long operating life | Not the thinnest panel |
Its Inspire White frameless panel is perfect for mounting on a ceiling, and its elegant design is sure to complement any room.
A big positive of the Inspire White heating panel is its 10-year warranty. Even though heating panels require almost no maintenance, having such a long warranty will surely give you peace of mind.
The downside is that the Inspire White range is expensive by heating panel standards. Prices start at £347 and climb as high as £899 per panel.
The Infrared Heater Company’s Glass infrared heating panel
If you’re looking for a ceiling-mounted heating panel that really wows guests, The Infrared Heater Company’s Glass range definitely hits the spot.
The crystal-clear panel can be either mounted directly onto the ceiling, or suspended from discrete cables. They work brilliantly in conservatories too, seamlessly blending into the glass and letting plenty of light shine through.
Prices for these start from £169 and unlike most infrared heating panels, the ceiling-mounted version is cheaper (wall-mounted panels start at £176).
Mirrorstone’s SunHeat infrared panel
Costing just £114 per panel, Mirrorstone’s SunHeat model is a fantastic choice for those on a budget, or for people who want to try one panel without investing in an entire system.
The company says the panel can operate for 20–25 years and comes with a 5-year warranty.
At 2.2cm deep, it’s not the thinnest panel on the market, but it’s still discreet enough to hang from your ceiling without much fanfare.
Summary
- Infrared panels are highly efficient, cutting energy bills by 30–50%. They are also cheaper than heat pumps, with an average cost of £200–£250 per panel.
- They run on electricity, reducing emissions, and are even greener when paired with renewable energy sources like solar panels.
- Ceiling-mounted panels are compact, silent, and customizable to blend seamlessly into a room or serve as a decorative feature.
- They’re less effective in rooms with ceilings over 4 meters or vaulted designs and are unsuitable for heating water.
- Perfect for rooms with furniture or wall obstructions, ceiling-mounted panels evenly distribute heat without interference.
Next steps
When installed properly, ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels are brilliant tools for keeping you and your home warm. They don’t break the bank, only use electricity to run, and don’t circulate dust—perfect for people with allergies.
As more people look for alternatives to heating their homes with fossil fuels, infrared heating panels will undoubtedly become increasingly popular. With other sustainable technologies, infrared heating could become essential in the UK’s drive to net zero emissions.
Think infrared panels would be perfect for your home? Find the perfect set of panels by using our free quote tool. Simply pop a few quick details in the form, and our expert installers will be in touch with free quotes.
Alternatively, you can learn more about infrared panels by checking out some of our helpful guides below:
