Infrared panels and electric underfloor heating do similar jobs in different ways. We sell both. This page is the honest version: when each one wins, when they cost a fortune for no reason, and when the smart play is to use both together.
Infrared panels heat objects, not air. They radiate long-wave infrared from the panel surface, usually wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted, and the radiation hits people, furniture, and walls, warming them directly. Air temperature comes up afterwards as the warmed surfaces release heat back.
Ask EkoBuild to confirm the current panel model, sizing, mounting and expected response for your room. Those details depend on the selected product and installation.
For either infrared panels or underfloor heating, size the installed output against room heat loss and consider comfort, controls and use. Room area alone does not establish which system costs less to operate.
Ask Russell about current infrared-panel options, availability and a complete quote. Confirm the exact panel rating, mounting position, electrical supply and control compatibility; do not assume a panel and ribbon can share a thermostat.
Compare the proposed systems for the same room, including installation and controls.
| Factor | Infrared Panel | EkoBuild Electric UFH |
|---|---|---|
| Price basis | Confirm a product and installation quote | Whole stocked Ribbon mats, from £50 per piece. Price the measured layout; controls, floor preparation and installation are additional. |
| Speed to feel warm | Depends on panel, distance and conditions | Depends on floor build-up and conditions |
| Whole-room warmth | Depends on panel placement, output and room layout | Depends on mat layout, floor construction and room heat loss |
| Floor temperature | Floor warming is not the panel's primary purpose | Designed to warm compatible floor surfaces |
| Install | Product-specific mounting and electrical work | Floor preparation, whole-mat layout and electrical work |
| Renovation impact | Mounting and electrical work; floor lifting may be avoided | Floor lift required (renovation timing) |
| Room size and output | Quantity depends on heat loss and layout | Output depends on fitted area and flooring |
| Output | Check the selected panel's rated output | 150W/m² of fitted Ribbon mat |
| Can be the only heat source? | Possible with an appropriate heating design | Possible when usable output meets heat loss |
| Best for | Spot heating, low-coverage rooms, no-renovation upgrades | Whole-room and whole-house heating |
Infrared panels may suit these situations, subject to the complete heating design:
Cloakroom WC, home office, garden room, porch, garage conversion. Any space where you want a quick burst of warmth without heating the whole house.
Wall or ceiling panels may avoid lifting the floor. Mounting, electrical work and any bathroom-zone restrictions depend on the actual product and installation.
Fixed sanitaryware can limit the area available for heating. Compare the output of the mats that physically fit with the room’s heat loss before selecting any additional heating.
Some panels can be removed and reused. Check the product, electrical connection and landlord's permission before choosing an installation for a rented property.
Consider underfloor heating in these situations, subject to the room and floor specification:
Underfloor heating can provide a broad heated surface. The floor construction and room design determine how that warmth reaches the occupied space.
Compare complete quotations for the room, including products, controls, electrical work and any floor preparation. There is no universal floor-area cutoff that makes one technology cheaper.
Ribbon can provide primary heating when the usable output from the fitted mats meets the room’s calculated heat loss at the permitted floor temperature. Around 70–80% useful coverage is a planning aim, not a pass/fail test. Confirm the complete heating design before removing existing heating.
If the floor is already being lifted, it may be a practical time to fit underfloor heating. Allow separately for preparation, insulation, controls and electrical work.
Full case for UFH including pricing tables and product details: underfloor heating page.
A combined system may suit some rooms. Its controls, connected load and temperatures need a coordinated design; one shared thermostat is not an automatic recommendation.
A bathroom with only 60% of its floor available needs a whole-mat layout and room heat-loss check. The coverage percentage alone cannot approve or rule out primary heating.
The Room Designer shows the fitted whole-mat area and stock estimate. It does not automatically recommend an infrared panel or certify sufficient primary heat.
For a garage conversion, check the floor insulation and construction, room heat loss, occupancy and electrical supply. Compare heating and control options for how the space will actually be used.
Send us your room. We will spec the system honestly, even if that means recommending infrared panels and skipping UFH entirely. Russell does not do oversell.