ᐅ Experience with infrared heating systems

PeterPaule schrieb:

The question is whether, looking towards the future (both economically and environmentally), it would be more sensible to rely on electricity.

To answer that, you need to know exactly what you are doing. I would (and do) recommend going with a heat pump, since it doesn’t use electricity on a 1:1 basis (regardless of the type of heat – see @netuser), but converts at least 1:3 up to 1:5 units of electricity into heat. This is complemented by photovoltaic support.

PeterPaule schrieb:

So only in the bathroom or individual rooms then?

Only as an addition in the bathroom, when you want it to warm up quickly – with the regular underfloor heating, the temperature is probably already 22–24°C (72–75°F).

We currently live in a newly built home of about 140 m² (1,500 sq ft) with a heat pump and underfloor heating. However, we are interested in both photovoltaic systems and infrared heating, especially since the latter can be integrated well into the living environment and saves space.

Another point is that the heat pump outside produces a lot of noise, which is an aspect that infrared heating would eliminate. Therefore, it would be helpful to have a clear comparison (costs of x for the heat pump compared to infrared heating or similar).

I know this from (otherwise) unheated bathrooms—or those only heated by a bathroom stove.

Yes, it is very comfortable when you don’t want to feel cold in an old building without central heating while shaving or before and after showering in the morning.

And it might also be more efficient to convert electricity into infrared radiation for just 10 or 20 minutes a day rather than keeping the bathroom at a constant temperature.

@pagoni2020 can probably tell you from experience.
I can confirm to some extent, as I am planning two of these panels as additional heating for the bathroom and have used them for a few weeks as emergency heating.
So, these units do produce heat, and I find the warmth comfortable. In my case, the energy consumption was quite high, but that was due to severe undersizing since they are only meant to serve as support heating.

PeterPaule schrieb:

However, we are interested in both photovoltaic systems and infrared heating.

You have to keep in mind that, as mentioned above, the infrared heating only outputs power at a 1:1 ratio.
The photovoltaic system will produce little to no energy during the winter months—that is, when you need heating the most. Ultimately, all electricity demand will have to be purchased at high cost. Even in the transitional seasons, the photovoltaic system will contribute only minimally to the infrared heating, and neither an (uneconomical) nor an oversized storage battery will change that.

PeterPaule schrieb:

Especially since it fits well into the living environment and saves space.

Are you sure? Is that your own conclusion, or just something you picked up from the brochure?
For example, I wouldn’t know where to hang the necessary “large number” of panels without significantly restricting furniture placement and similar aspects.

PeterPaule schrieb:

Another point is that the heat pump causes a lot of noise outside.

Who says that? Some of today’s models are so quiet you can hardly hear them a few meters away. Of course, the location where it’s installed plays a role. Assuming the placement can be chosen so that even the “noisier” units don’t disturb anyone, why not?

PeterPaule schrieb:

Infrared heating. Especially since it integrates well into the living environment and saves space.

Nothing beats installing underfloor heating. No elements on the walls that could disrupt the living space. I find wall panels quite intrusive. You can’t really place anything else against the wall (cabinet, decorations, sofa underneath, etc.).

PeterPaule schrieb:

Therefore, it would be nice to have a concrete comparison once (cost of x for heat pump compared to infrared or similar).

3 to 5 times more expensive than with a heat pump.