The new reality of the energy tax in 2026

The fiscal shift from gas to electricity is a deliberate government incentive to accelerate the transition to a natural gas-free Netherlands. Those who stick with a gas-fired central heating system will pay top dollar per cubic meter ($m^3$) in 2026. Electrifying your heating system is therefore no longer an ideological choice, but a bitter financial necessity. However, many homeowners balk at the massive investment, extensive renovations, and long delivery times associated with traditional heat pumps. Infrared panels offer a direct, accessible solution here.

How does a modern house work without a central heating boiler?

Infrared technology completely breaks with the century-old principle of central air heating. Instead of heating water, pumping it through meters-long pipes, and using this to circulate the air, infrared panels work with targeted radiant heat. The panels radiate directly onto the mass of the home: the walls, the floor, and the people present. These objects retain the heat and gradually release it back into the room. This results in an extremely homogeneous and comfortable climate, without the dry air and dust circulation so characteristic of old radiators.

• No demolition work: There is no need to mill floors or pull thick distribution pipes.
• Maintenance costs reduced to zero: An infrared panel contains no moving parts or fluids; periodic inspections or service contracts are definitively a thing of the past.
• Room-controlled efficiency: Via a digital network, you heat only the rooms where people live or work.

Infrared as the primary source in new construction and renovation

The flexibility of this technology ensures that infrared heating performs excellently in two completely different scenarios. In 2026, we see a clear divide in the market:

1. The ideal scenario for new construction

Modern, airtight new-build homes have a minimal heat demand due to their excellent insulation envelope. A heavy central heating system is often oversized in these cases. Slim, strategically placed panels are more than sufficient to flawlessly maintain the base temperature. Read all about this efficient match on our infrared heating for new-build homes.

2. The smart way out of renovation and sustainability

Owners of existing homes who want to phase out their central heating boiler without demolishing their entire house will find the perfect partner in infrared. You simply replace the unsightly radiators with sleek ceiling or wall panels. Discover how to tackle this transition step-by-step in the infrared heating renovation.

Would you like to know what conditions your specific home must meet to permanently get rid of the central heating boiler? Then take a look at our main collection on infrared heating as primary heating.

Why choose Warmteshop? Specialist since 2006

Warmteshop has been the largest and most reliable pioneer in gas-free electric heating in the Benelux since 2006. Successfully converting a home to gas-free heating requires precise transmission calculations and high-quality hardware. Our experts do not sell individual panels, but design a complete, comfortable, and energy-efficient heating system that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle.

Are you ready to take the step towards a gas-free future? Then visit one of our 30+ showrooms in the Netherlands and Belgium, such as in Culemborg, Roeselare, or Antwerp, for a demonstration and a free, tailored heating plan. For independent reviews from thousands of households that have already gone before you, you can consult our profile on Trustprofile.