Ultimate Infrared Underfloor Heating Guide

Thinking about installing underfloor heating but unsure where infrared fits in? In this guide, I’ll walk you through how infrared floor heating works in real homes, not just on paper.

Infrared underfloor heating uses thin electric parts. It gives off radiant heat that warms people and objects directly, not just the air. This article explains how infrared heaters work and walks you through installing infrared underfloor heating.

You will learn about the typical costs per square meter. Finally, I will discuss the real-world pros and cons of this system compared to other heating systems. By the end, you’ll know whether infrared underfloor heating is right for your project and what to plan for next.

Key Points:

• Infrared underfloor heating uses radiant heat to warm surfaces and people directly, not just the air.
• Typical install costs are around £60 to £85 per m², with higher totals for larger rooms and retrofits.
• Good insulation and careful system design make the biggest difference to running costs.
• Infrared floor heating is low maintenance, quiet, and completely hidden from view.
• Not always the best choice for zoning; in some homes, infrared panels or warm-water UFH will be more flexible.

What is an infrared heater?

Infrared heaters convert electricity into waves. These waves move through the air and surfaces, objects, and our bodies absorb them. Instead of blowing warm air around the room, they quietly “beam” heat to whatever they can see.

Infrared light sits just beyond visible red light in the spectrum and is often grouped into:

• Near / shortwave infrared – strong, instant heat, often used outdoors.
• Mediumwave infrared – punchy enough for sheltered outdoor spaces and hard-to-heat interiors.
• Far / longwave infrared – gentler, “deep” warmth, very similar to the heat our own bodies emit.

If you have sat in a sunny window, you know how warm it can feel. This happens even when the air is cool. This is what radiant heat feels like. Infrared heaters work in the same way: they warm the surfaces in the room, which then slowly release that heat back into the space.

Research shows that infrared heat in medical and wellness settings can feel comfortable and soothing. This warmth is similar to what the body naturally gives off. Domestic heaters aren’t medical devices, but the basic physics is the same.

What is infrared underfloor heating?

Infrared underfloor heating, also known as infrared floor heating, uses the same radiant principle. However, the heat source is hidden under your finished floor.

The system uses very thin infrared heating film or special mats. It does not use cable mats or warm-water pipes. When powered, these emit far infrared heat through the floor surface, warming:

• The floor itself
• Furniture, walls and other solid surfaces
• People and pets in the room

You still feel that “warm floor under bare feet” sensation. However, the heat comes from an infrared panel, not a traditional electric mat.

In practice, infrared underfloor heating systems behave like an electric UFH system optimised for radiant output. You usually pair them with room thermostats so you can set a target temperature and schedule.

How does infrared floor heating work?

Infrared floor heating is simple. A resistive element heats up and emits infrared. This makes your floor surface a large radiant panel. The important bit is how the designers layer and wire the system.

Typical infrared underfloor heating build-up

A common installation for infrared underfloor heating film looks like this:

1. Subfloor preparation
   • Clean and level the base (concrete slab or timber deck).
   • Install a suitable insulation layer to stop heat disappearing downwards.
2. Laying the infrared film or mats
   • The installer rolls out the infrared heating film.
   • Strips are cut to length along the marked cut lines and laid across the room, avoiding fixed furniture footprints where possible.
3. Electrical connections
   • Copper strips on the film are connected using approved clamps and conductors.
   • All circuits are wired back to a suitable connection point and protected circuit.
   • A floor sensor is usually placed within the build-up to feed accurate temperatures back to the thermostat.
4. Testing and sign-off
   • Resistance and insulation tests are carried out before the floor goes back down.
   • The system is briefly powered to confirm correct operation.
5. Floor finish installation
   • The chosen floor finish (laminate, engineered wood, vinyl or suitable tile system) is laid over the top, following the manufacturer’s UFH guidance.

A good product usually lasts for several decades. This is why it is important to get the design and installation right from the start.

Never skip the electrician: Infrared underfloor heating is an electrical system. Even if some products advertise simple “plug and play” features, final wiring, protection and sign-off should always be handled by a qualified electrician.

How much does infrared underfloor heating cost?

Two parts to think about with infrared heating cost are the installation cost per m² and running cost.

Installation cost

Independent cost guides say that infrared underfloor heating usually costs between £60 and £85 per m². The average cost is about £73 per m² for both supply and installation. To put that into context:

Example cost snapshot

• Average UK living room: ~17 m²
• Typical infrared UFH installation cost: ~£73 per m²
• Approximate install cost: 17 × £73 ≈ £1,240 (before any floor extras)

You’ll also need to factor in:

• Removing and refitting existing floor finishes
• Any levelling compound or extra insulation
• Electrician’s labour for wiring, testing and certification

The installation cost per m² is usually lower than warm-water underfloor heating. However, it is still higher than just putting panels on the walls.

Running costs

Running costs depend on:

• Wattage per m²
• Your electricity tariff (pence per kWh)
• How well the room is insulated
• How many hours a day do you run the system

As a rough working example:

• Heater output: 0.55 kW for a small room
• Time on: 7 hours
• Tariff: 13p per kWh

Daily cost ≈ 0.55 × 7 × £0.13 ≈ £0.50 per day if the heater drew full power the entire time. In reality, a thermostat turns the system on and off. So, the actual number can be about a third of that in a well-insulated home.

Key info box – Insulation first
Any underfloor system performs better in a well-insulated home. Bad insulation in floors or walls can make your heating system bigger. It also makes it run longer, which raises your winter bills.

Pros and cons of infrared underfloor heating

Infrared floor heating has clear strengths, but it isn’t perfect for every project.

Advantages

Lower emissions potential
The system uses lower wattages and radiant heat. This lets you keep rooms at a lower air temperature and still feel comfortable. Pair it with a low-carbon electricity tariff or on-site solar and your footprint can drop significantly.

Low maintenance
With no moving parts, no pump and no water, there’s minimal to service. Once you install and wire it, it tends to just “get on with it” year after year.

Even, comfortable warmth
Infrared warms the floor and solid surfaces, which then smooth out temperature differences in the space. You don’t get the same hot-at-ceiling, cool-at-feet pattern you see from some convector heaters.

Hidden and quiet
You gain every inch of wall space back because the system lives under the floor. There’s no fan noise, no humming pump – just silent background heat.

Good match for solar PV
If you already have solar panels, daytime running can be partly covered by your generation. That can make infrared underfloor heating more attractive in living areas you mainly use during the day.

Disadvantages

Higher upfront cost vs panels
Compared with hanging a couple of infrared panels, lifting floors, adding insulation and laying film is a bigger job. Expect more disruption and a higher initial spend.

Needs good insulation
In an old Victorian house with no upgrades, the system may have to work harder. This can reduce some efficiency benefits until you improve insulation and airtightness.

Limited zoning in some layouts
You can use thermostats to zone infrared underfloor heating. However, in a large, open-plan area, you usually heat the entire zone. Stand-alone infrared panels or warm-water multi-zone systems can be easier to split room by room.

Electricity prices
In the UK, a unit of electricity still costs more than a unit of gas. Even with good efficiency, you should be realistic about running costs. This is especially true when comparing it to a well-designed warm-water UFH system that uses a heat pump or modern boiler.

Comparison table

How is infrared different from other heating methods?

The main difference is how heat is delivered:

• Convector systems – like panel heaters, storage heaters and many radiators – warm the air, which then circulates.
• Radiant systems – like infrared heaters and well-designed underfloor heating – warm surfaces, which then gently raise the air temperature.

With infrared underfloor heating, most of the comfort comes from radiant heat. That means:

• Less heat is lost immediately through draughts.
• You can often run a slightly lower thermostat setting for the same comfort level.
• The room feels more “even” because floors and walls aren’t icy while the air overhead is hot.

For some projects, a warm-water underfloor heating system with a heat pump can have the lowest long-term costs. This is especially true for large, well-insulated homes.

Infrared floor heating works well in certain rooms. It is great for retrofits where pipes are hard to install. It is also a good choice for homes that need a fully electric solution without plumbing.

Is your home suitable for infrared underfloor heating?

Most UK homes can use infrared underfloor heating in some form, but a quick checklist helps.

You’re generally a good fit if:

• Your floors can be lifted and refitted (or you’re mid-renovation).
• You’re prepared to upgrade insulation where needed.
• You like the idea of an all-electric heating solution.
• You want clear, open wall space without radiators.

You may need extra thought if:

• You live in a listed property with strict rules on floor finishes.
• Your home has very poor insulation and you’re not planning any upgrades.
• You rely on very low daytime tariffs from another system (e.g. existing storage heaters).

Infrared floor heating works well on ground floors, basements, and upper levels. It is important that the structure and floor coverings match.

A quick heat-loss calculation is always the first step. At UFHTS, we often help homeowners with this. This ensures the system is the right size from the beginning.

Installing infrared underfloor heating: what to expect

From my side of the trade counter, the smoothest projects are always the ones where planning happens early.

DIY vs professional work

There are two parts to an infrared floor system:

• Floor build-up and film layout – some confident DIYers tackle this themselves, following the product’s layout drawings.
• Electrical wiring and protection – this should always be carried out by a qualified electrician.

If you are using infrared floor heating with a warm-water system or boiler, consider your plumbing accessories. Valves, manifolds, pumps, and fittings must all work together well. At UFHTS, we stock a wide range of tools, including:

• Floor adhesive
• Compression pipe fittings
• Unequal tee
• End caps

Positioning and control

Because infrared relies on “line of sight” to some extent, the layout matters:

• Try to cover the main walking and sitting areas.
• Avoid putting heating film under fixed kitchen units, baths or heavy built-ins.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance on floor coverings and maximum surface temperature.

We always recommend pairing infrared underfloor heating with a good programmable thermostat for each zone. That lets you:

• Set different temperatures for different rooms.
• Run lower background settings in rarely used spaces.
• Time your heating so you’re not paying to heat an empty house.

WiFi thermostats and smart controls let you adjust settings from your phone and help you to track energy use. This can help you set your schedule during the first winter.

What is the most efficient way to use an infrared heater?

The most efficient way to run an infrared heater is to size it correctly for the room, pair it with good insulation, and control it with a programmable thermostat rather than switching it on and off manually. Aim the heater (or floor area) at the places you actually sit and spend time, and set realistic target temperatures rather than overheating the whole house.

What are the downsides of infrared heating?

The best way to use an infrared heater is to choose the right size for the room. Make sure the room has good insulation.

Use a programmable thermostat to control the heater instead of turning it on and off by hand. Point the heater at the areas where you sit and spend time. Set realistic target temperatures instead of heating the whole house.

Do infrared heaters use a lot of electricity?

Infrared heaters usually have lower wattages than similar convector heaters for the same room size. This is because more heat reaches you directly. However, they still draw power whenever they are on, so the running cost depends on your tariff and how you use them. When combined with thermostats, zoning and decent insulation, infrared systems can be a very efficient option for modern homes.

How Underfloor Heating Trade Supplies can help

At Underfloor Heating Trade Supplies, we help homeowners decide if infrared underfloor heating is the best choice. We also consider if a warm-water or standard electric system would work better for them.

We provide complete kits and plumbing accessories. This allows us to view your project as a whole. We consider everything, from the heat source to controls and floor construction.

If you are planning a renovation or new build, we can help. We are happy to discuss layouts, costs, and design ideas. This is before you decide on a system.

Conclusion

Infrared underfloor heating is a simple and low-maintenance way to add warmth to your home. It makes your floors feel nice underfoot and does not use radiators that take up wall space.

It works best in well-insulated rooms with good zoning and control. It is especially appealing if you are switching to an all-electric, low-carbon system.

If you want to explore layouts, you can compare options. You can also learn more about designing underfloor heating. Start planning your next project now.

FAQs

Sources

Achauer, H. (2024) ‘Infrared heat is all the rage—and it may really come with health benefits’, National Geographic, 13 November. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/infrared-heat-health-benefits [Accessed: 21 November 2025]