Future Homes test Infrared Heating to deliver Zero Carbon Targets

Future Homes test Infrared Heating at Salford Energy House

Infrared heating and heat pumps are the two electric heating technologies that are being tested by the UK’s leading University heating lab, at the Salford Energy House 2. The brand new £16m facility, which can replicate all weather types, is the only testing facility of its kind globally and is key to understanding the opportunities available from electric heating technologies such as infrared heating.

The combined challenge of achieving the UK’s net zero carbon targets alongside the cost of living crisis means the requirement to make homes energy efficient is ever more urgent.  Energy efficient technologies for all housing stock are in high demand as people seek out innovative and affordable measures to reduce energy consumption and from 2025, the Future Homes and Buildings Standard will require all new-build homes to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than older homes.

With a high proportion of homes having traditional gas central heating, heating represents a significant opportunity for the UK to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Electric heating, powered by renewable sources, delivers the only practical solution for new homes moving forward to reduce carbon emissions and manage energy levels efficiently.

Herschel commissioned our own independent research at Salford Energy House in 2021 where we compared Herschel Infrared heaters to heat pumps and electric convection heating. The results showed that Herschel Infrared panels can run at around 1°C lower air temperature to give the same sense of comfort as convection heaters set to higher air temperatures. This is due to the direct heating of the room and objects by the infrared radiation which then begin to radiate warmth themselves.

Combined with the ability of infrared to be able to heat on a room by room basis, further efficiencies can easily be achieved by not having a central system heating the entire house. Infrared can be used as the primary heating source and can also be used as part of a hybrid system, in addition to central heating systems such as heat pumps.

The full report on our own testing at Salford Energy House, and the associated costs and practicalities of infrared heating for future and existing homes, can be seen here.