The main disadvantages of infrared heating are variable electricity costs, the need for a suitable setup, and limitations when it comes to heating a room completely. Whether these points are significant depends on your insulation, usage, and comfort requirements. A panel is not automatically cheaper or more suitable than another heating system.

Have your space and heating choice assessed before you order panels. Below you can read which questions help to prevent disappointment.

1. A low purchase price says little about the operating costs

An electric panel consumes electricity as soon as it heats. The costs depend on the power output, the operating time, and your tariff. A thermostat helps regulate usage but does not guarantee a fixed savings percentage.

Calculation example: an 800 W panel operating continuously at full power for one hour consumes 0.8 kWh. At a rate of €0.30 per kWh, this is €0.24. This is an example based on an assumed rate and duty cycle, not a prediction of your daily or annual consumption. Calculate for your specific situation using your own rate.

2. The number of square meters alone is insufficient

A 20 m² room can have a very different heat demand than another room of the same size. Insulation, windows, exterior walls, height, ventilation, and desired temperature all play a role. A universal table of watts per m² cannot fully account for these differences.

For primary heating, the total output must be able to meet the room's heat demand. Also have it assessed whether a single panel or distribution over multiple panels is suitable.

3. The mounting location affects comfort

Radiant heat requires a suitable positioning relative to the location where you wish to experience warmth. A cabinet, partition wall, or unfavorable mounting location can limit the result. Also check the permitted mounting method and clearances in the model's manual.

When requesting advice, please include a sketch or photo showing windows, doors, seating areas, and potential mounting locations. This helps to assess more than just the power rating on the label.

4. Supplementary heating and primary heating require a different assessment

A panel can be considered for additional comfort at a workspace or seating area. Heating an entire home daily requires an assessment of the heat demand, control system, available electrical connection, and expected operating costs.

Compare alternatives for the same desired temperature, usage times, and space. Do not look solely at the purchase price or the claim that all electrical energy is converted into heat: that in itself does not indicate which system has the lowest operating costs.

5. Control and installation may entail additional costs

Check if a thermostat, receiver, or other control unit is included. Verify that the control unit is compatible with the panel and suitable for your use. A complete setup may also require mounting hardware, cabling, and installation or connection work.

For a bathroom or other special usage environment, have an assessment made to determine which appliance is suitable for which location. Follow the product manual; a protection class alone does not answer all installation questions.

6. Perception of heat and warm-up time vary by situation

The experience depends on factors including distance, arrangement, surfaces, and room temperature. Do not expect a cold room to immediately have the same level of comfort everywhere due to any single panel.

Would you like to experience the warmth first? Visit the Warmteshop showrooms and coordinate in advance which model you can view and whether an appointment is necessary.

7. You remain dependent on electricity

Take your electricity tariff and the available connection into account when heating multiple appliances simultaneously. Solar panels can supply part of the electricity, but the output and heating demand do not always coincide. Therefore, do not automatically count on free heating.

When is further advice advisable?

• You want to replace an existing main heating system.
• Your room has a lot of glass, limited insulation, or an open connection to other rooms.
• You are unsure about the number of panels, mounting locations, or the system.
• You want to compare different heating systems based on total costs.

Frequently asked questions about infrared disadvantages

Is infrared heating always expensive to use?

That cannot be answered with a single figure. Calculate the power consumption using a realistic duty cycle and compare systems based on the same comfort requirements. Additional supplementary heating may result in extra power consumption.

How much power does a 20 m² room need?

Surface area alone is not sufficient. Also provide information regarding insulation, height, windows, and usage. Have the required total power and its distribution across appliances assessed.

Can a panel heat my entire home?

To this end, have the heat demand and layout per room assessed, along with the control system and connection. Choosing a single room does not automatically constitute a suitable heating plan for the entire home.

From doubt to an informed choice

Request heating advice for your space. Please provide dimensions, insulation, existing heating, and the times when you desire comfort. Then view suitable infrared panels, complete sets , and the necessary controls.