Infrared heating under carpet for direct and local heat
With infrared heating under a rug, you can easily and energy-efficiently create a warm and comfortable living space. This form of electric heating is ideal for sitting areas, workspaces, study rooms, and hobby rooms where you want to add targeted warmth without having to heat the entire house. The system works with thin infrared foil placed directly under a rug. This creates a pleasant warmth within minutes that feels like natural sunlight. Because infrared doesn't heat the air but emits radiation, the heat is immediately noticeable, and energy consumption remains low.
How does infrared heating under a carpet work?
The technology behind this solution is based on long-wave infrared radiation. The thin heating foil distributes heat evenly across the floor surface, warming nearby objects and people. This eliminates the need to heat the entire room, which is especially beneficial in large or poorly insulated spaces. Infrared under carpet requires only a short warm-up time, making the heat available almost immediately. The system's lightweight and flexible design makes it suitable for homes, offices, and temporary workspaces. Its ease of use and fast response make this type of heating popular for those seeking comfort without major installation projects.
What is infrared heating under a carpet ideal for?
This type of heating is particularly suitable for places where people sit still for extended periods or where extra comfort is desired. Think of sitting areas in the living room, workstations in a home office, or rooms with cold floors such as conservatories and garden sheds. It's also frequently used in hobby rooms where targeted heating is more efficient than central heating. Because you only heat the area under the rug, the heat is highly focused, and you benefit from low energy consumption. The system is also ideal for rental properties because it's portable and doesn't need to be permanently fixed to the floor. For larger spaces or when you want full-zone heating, infrared under rug heating can be perfectly combined with a wall-mounted infrared panel .
Benefits of infrared under carpet
One of the biggest advantages is the immediate comfort. Infrared foil reacts within minutes, making cold feet a thing of the past. The heat is distributed evenly, without air circulation or drafts. The system is highly energy-efficient because you only heat the area you're actually using. Unlike traditional underfloor heating, infrared doesn't require a thick floor structure and doesn't require invasive installation. The foil remains thin, flexible, and easy to remove. Furthermore, there are no maintenance, moving parts, or wear and tear. The combination of comfort, simplicity, and efficiency makes this heating method ideal for both permanent and temporary applications.
Which rugs are suitable?
Infrared heating under carpet works best under thin to medium-weight rugs that conduct heat well. Materials such as cotton, synthetic fibers, and low-pile textiles are suitable. Thick, high-pile carpets or rugs with heavy insulating underlays can retain heat. It's important that the rug can ventilate freely and isn't placed under heavy furniture. This maintains optimal heat output and ensures the system's longevity. For situations where you want to heat the entire floor, you can also opt for infrared underfloor heating , which is suitable for larger areas and permanent installation.
Comparison with other forms of additional heating
Infrared under carpet differs significantly from convection heating systems like electric heaters or fan heaters. While convectors heat the air in a room and therefore require time and energy to reach a comfortable level, infrared works directly on the body and the surrounding environment. This makes the heat noticeable faster and reduces energy costs. Compared to traditional underfloor heating, infrared under carpet is faster, easier to install, and more flexible in use. The system is ideal for areas that only need to be heated at specific times. More information about efficiency can be found on our knowledge page: Is infrared heating economical ?
Is infrared under carpet safe?
Yes, if used correctly. The infrared foil is designed with built-in overheating protection and operates at a safe low voltage. Heavy furniture should not be placed on top, and the rug must be able to conduct heat effectively. The systems supplied by Warmteshop meet strict safety standards and have been tested for durability, heat resistance, and fire safety. We also advise on the right combination of rug, power output, and floor structure. For situations where the floor requires permanent heating, a ceiling panel or wall panel may be a better alternative, depending on the space.
Ease of use and installation
Installing infrared under carpet is simple and can be done by almost anyone. The thin film is rolled out on the subfloor, connected to a thermostat, and covered with a suitable carpet. No major renovations are required, and the system is easily relocatable. This makes it ideal for tenants, home offices, studios, or workspaces. The thermostat ensures that the floor temperature remains within safe and comfortable ranges. For long-term use, we recommend a thermostat with a timer so you can automatically heat zones when needed. In larger spaces, this system works perfectly with a standing infrared heater to create both direct radiant heat and underfloor comfort.
Why choose Warmteshop?
Warmteshop has extensive experience with infrared heating since 2006 and supplies systems that have been thoroughly tested in both residential and commercial environments. With over 5,000 panels in stock and warehouses in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, we can deliver quickly and always maintain control over quality and service. Our experts will personally advise you on the right application, the required power, and the ideal setup for your heating zone. In our 30+ showrooms , including locations in Antwerp, Ghent, Hasselt, Kortrijk, Brussels, and Culemborg, we are happy to demonstrate how infrared under carpet works and the various systems available. Warmteshop is certified by Trustprofile , which stands for reliability, transparency, and excellent customer reviews.
Scientific background of infrared heating
Electric radiant heat has been studied for years in energy efficiency programs. Various studies – published on platforms like energy.ec.europa.eu – show that infrared is particularly effective in rooms with varying use or where zoned heating is desired. Infrared heats objects directly instead of creating air circulation, reducing heat loss through ventilation. This property makes infrared under carpet a highly efficient and affordable solution for those seeking targeted comfort without having to adjust the entire heating system.
Want to know more about infrared and additional systems?
Want to delve deeper into electric radiant heat or discover the best combinations? Then read our guides, such as comparing infrared heating , or see when infrared heating or a heat pump is the best choice. For larger projects or when you want to heat entire floors, there's also infrared underfloor heating , which offers greater coverage and is suitable for permanent installations.
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