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Energy Prices: What Can I Do to Lower Energy Bills?
Energy Prices: What Can I Do to Lower Costs? Introduction: The Reality of Rising Energy Bills Energy bills are climbing higher than ever, and for millions of UK households, the impact is being felt with every passing month. As the cost of living rises and inflation bites, one of the most significant contributors to household expenditure is energy—specifically, heating and electricity. But why are prices rising so fast, and what can you do to protect yourself from future increases? Why Are Energy Prices So Unstable? The Ukraine-Russia War and Its Global Impact A major driver behind the surge in energy prices is geopolitical instability. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted global energy markets. Russia, one of the world’s largest exporters of natural gas and oil, has restricted supply to Europe in response to sanctions and political tensions. This has caused widespread supply chain issues and increased competition for energy resources, pushing prices up on a global scale. The Power of Energy Providers Another contributing factor is the influence energy providers wield. In many markets, a handful of major suppliers dominate, allowing them to set prices with little consumer recourse. These companies purchase energy on wholesale markets, and when wholesale prices rise—even temporarily—those increases are passed on to consumers. The UK Energy Price Cap The UK’s domestic energy price cap, designed to protect consumers from excessive charges, has failed to stop significant increases. The cap has risen consecutively in recent years, reflecting higher wholesale costs. While it offers some protection, it also legitimises higher prices, creating a cycle where each rise becomes the new normal. Energy prices have continued to rise year after year, and energy providers are seeing their profits soar—often at the expense of homeowners. While switching energy suppliers may offer short-term relief by locking in a fixed tariff, these deals are still subject to future market fluctuations. As we've seen in previous years, those increases can be steep and unexpected. The most effective way to combat rising costs is to address the root of the issue: your energy consumption. Heating typically accounts for 60–70% of total household energy usage, making it the most impactful area to focus on for savings. By adopting smarter, more efficient heating technologies, households can dramatically reduce their monthly and annual energy bills, regardless of external market conditions. What Can You Do to Reduce Your Energy Bills? While switching providers may offer some temporary relief, it’s often not enough. In fact, the most effective way to lower your energy bills is to focus on reducing your energy consumption, especially when it comes to heating, which accounts for around 50%-70% of total household energy usage. When researching the cheapest energy options or doing an energy comparison, remember that efficiency matters just as much as the rates you're paying. Heating: The Key to Lowering Your Energy Costs Gas vs. Electricity Traditionally, gas has been the go-to for UK home heating, but gas prices have become increasingly volatile due to global dependency and geopolitical conflict. Electricity, on the other hand, can be generated from a variety of sources, including renewables like solar and wind. As the UK continues to decarbonise, electricity is becoming the cleaner, more stable option. When doing an electricity price comparison, you’ll often find that renewable-powered tariffs are not only greener but can be more cost-effective in the long run. Infrared Heating: Cut Heating Costs by Up to 60% Infrared heating is one of the smartest and most energy-efficient ways to heat your home in today’s market. Unlike conventional heating systems that warm the air, infrared panels heat people and objects directly—just like the sun. This means less energy is wasted, and your rooms stay warm for longer. Benefits of Infrared Heating: 1. Energy Efficiency Infrared panels consume significantly less electricity compared to traditional electric heaters or gas boilers. This can lead to substantial reductions in your energy bills—by as much as 60% in some cases. 2. Targeted Heating You can heat specific rooms or zones without wasting energy on empty spaces. This is ideal for modern lifestyles where people spend time in different parts of the home throughout the day. 3. Low Maintenance Infrared panels have no moving parts, fluids, or filters, making them incredibly low-maintenance. Once installed, they require virtually no upkeep. Just the occasional wipe down. 4. Sleek, Modern Design Our panels come in a variety of finishes—including mirrors and custom prints—so they complement your decor while also serving a functional purpose. 5. Better Air Quality Because infrared heating doesn’t circulate air, it reduces the movement of dust and allergens, creating a healthier living environment—especially beneficial for allergy sufferers. 6. Controllability Our infrared heating panels come equipped with advanced control features, including programmable thermostats, smart home integration, and zone-based settings. These tools allow users to fine-tune energy usage, ensuring optimal efficiency and even greater savings. The Importance of Efficient Heating Systems When it comes to reducing your energy costs, the type of heating system you use plays a crucial role. It's not just about cheaper tariffs—it's about using less energy to begin with. When considering your options, look for a modern, efficient system like infrared heating. Infrared has a key advantage: it heats a room to the desired temperature in just 15–20 minutes, and thanks to superior heat retention, there's much less need for continuous operation. That means lower energy usage overall, as the system doesn't need to be running constantly for you to feel warm. Infrared panel heaters also require 42% less wattage than traditional electric radiators to heat an equivalent space. That's a 42% saving on your heating costs before you've even switched them on. Adopting this kind of technology is a smart way to react to rising energy prices and future-proof your home—and your family—for the years ahead. Real Savings, Real Results Many of our customers report energy savings of 30–70% after switching to infrared heating. These aren’t just theoretical figures—our systems are designed to perform efficiently in real-world conditions, and the results speak for themselves. This makes infrared heating not just a smart heating solution, but also a key consideration when comparing gas and electricity deals. Make the Switch Today If you’re looking for a long-term solution to rising energy bills, it’s time to consider a smarter approach. Focussing on the root of the issue, your consumption itself, is the best way to start. Gas and electric heating systems are dominating your energy usage and draining your wallet. Infrared heating not only lowers your consumption, but it also provides a more comfortable, stylish, and sustainable way to heat your home. Whether you're reviewing the cheapest energy options or doing a detailed energy comparison, consider the efficiency and benefits of switching to infrared heating. Ready to Learn More? Contact Infrared Group today for a personalised quote and discover how infrared heating can transform your home—and your energy bills.
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Case Study: Here’s how this homeowner saved £1,378.09 a year on their heating bills by switching to an infrared heating system.
Shahid, one of our recent customers, saved a massive £1,378.09 on his annual heating bills by switching to our infrared heating system. Here is the floor plan for the ground floor of Shahid’s very well insulated, modern, 4 bedroom home. Kitchen/Diner Shahid has a large open plan kitchen diner, which can be difficult to heat. This is where his family like to spend most of their time cooking, eating and socialising, so it’s important that this space is kept nice and warm. Furthermore, kitchens can quickly get super hot when ovens are on and food is being cooked so having individual infrared panels that you can switch off as soon as your oven is toasty, is a great way of minimising wasted energy. We installed 3 x 550w Frameless Ceiling Mounted Infrared Panels in Shahid’s Kitchen/Diner. With a larger room area and wattage requirement, it’s a good idea to split this between multiple infrared panels to achieve the most even heat distribution.1650 watts split between 3 panels was slightly more heat than required, but this ensured the room where Shahid spends most time was thoroughly covered. Convection cost: 65p/ hour. Infrared cost: 40p/ hour. That's a 38.5% saving. Living Room Shahid has a large family and they also like to spend a lot of their time together in the lounge. We installed 2 x 550w Frameless panels. The sleek, low profile frameless panels seamlessly blend in with any decor and when mounted on a ceiling you’ll forget they’re even there! Custom image panels are a great option for living rooms, blending any artwork or image of your choice with a smart, efficient heating system. Offering the ultimate in discreet heat. Convection cost: 44p / hour. Infrared cost: 27p/ hour. That’s a 47.9% saving. Hall Shahid opted for 1 550w Frameless Infrared panel in his hallway. This is slightly below the required infrared wattage, however, hallways don’t necessarily need lots of heating as you are only really ever passing through this area. So Shahid was happy with the 1 panel. Infrared mirrors are a great option for hallways as they help to make the space feel larger whilst adding a touch of style. Convection cost: 24p/hour Infrared: 13p/hour. That’s a 59.5% saving. Bedrooms 1 & 2 Here is the floor plan for the first floor of Shahid's very well insulated, modern, 4 bedroom home. Bedrooms 1 & 2 are very similar in size so we have combined the two for the sake of this study. Bedrooms tend to be cooler than other rooms in the home but it’s important that they are still heated effectively. Shahid opted for 2 x 450w Frameless IR panels in each bedroom. By connecting to our wireless thermostat system, Shahid can set timers so that his IR panels turn on at specific times to ensure the rooms are nice and toasty in the morning. Convection: 35p/hour. Infrared: 22p/hour. That’s a 45.6% saving. Bedrooms 3 & 4 We installed a ceiling mounted 550w Frameless IR panel in bedroom 3 and a 450w Frameless IR panel in bedroom 4. Ceiling mounted panels allow for optimal heat distribution and will heat the objects, surfaces, and people under them, creating a nice warm, inviting bed. Bed 3 convection: 23p/hour Infrared: 13p/hourBed 4 convection: 20p/hour Infrared: 11p/hourThat’s a 56.72% saving over bedrooms 3 & 4. Bathroom We over specified the wattage in the bathroom to ensure a powerful warmth straight out of the shower. The beauty of infrared is, it will take the cold touch off the walls and tiled surfaces. Bathrooms are a perfect setting for Infrared mirrors. It’s a sleek mirror available with LED backlight that blends seamlessly into any decor and with an IP65 rating they are splash proof and safe to use in all bathrooms. All panels are at least IP54 rated. Convection: 11p/hour Infrared: 11p/hour.Even over specified, the running cost is the same as it would be for convection heating. En Suite We also over specified the wattage in the en suite to ensure all the cold, hard surfaces are warmed thoroughly. Shahid and his wife frequently avoided using their en suite shower as the cold tiled floor was unpleasant on their feet and a nasty surprise stepping out of the shower. Now, they have fallen back in love with this cosy space. Convection: 9p/hour Infrared: 8p/hourEven over specified, there is an 11.8% saving. _________________________________________________ Now, lets take a look at the costs. Shahid’s £1,378.09 saving is based on the assumption he used his heating for 6 hours per day between September - March. If he were to use it all year round, the savings would be even greater! _________________________________________________ Costs Breakdown Here is a breakdown of the costs if Shahid was to use his heating for 6 hours per day for 365 days of the year. *Electricity Price: £0.245p/kWh*Gas Price: £0.062p/kWh As seen in “Table 1”, the yearly consumption of infrared heaters and running costs are dramatically lower than that of convection heating. As seen in “Table 2” Infrared heaters require significantly less watts than convection heaters for the same space. Day by Day Breakdown Using all of your infrared heating panels for 1 hour would cost £1.94. Using all of your convection heaters for 1 hour would cost £3.02. Using a 35kW Gas Boiler for 1 hour would cost £2.17. Comparing with Gas Central Heating Infrared is one of, in not the most efficient methods of electric heating. While the unit price per kWh for gas, is cheaper than electricity, infrared can still save you money compared to a gas heating system. Shahid would need a (35kW) boiler to heat his home effectively as he has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 6 people living in the home. At the time of writing the electricity price is £0.245p/kWh and gas is £0.062p/kWh. Shahid’s boiler would cost £2.17/hour to run. Compared to £1.94/hour for infrared. Context On the assumption the heating is on for 6 hours a day between September - March, infrared would save £296.45 on heating bills. However, this is if you were running all the infrared panels at once in the least efficient way possible. Infrared allows zoned heating, enabling you to only heat the rooms in your home that are occupied and avoid wasted energy. Boilers aren’t flexible and will constantly use the full capacity of their power, pushing heat through to every pipe and room in your home.Furthermore, IR panels will almost never be turned on and consuming power for the full hour. Infrared heats the room to the target temp in 15 to 20 minutes. Once the room is up to temperature, the smart thermostat feature constantly reads the room temperature and switches the panel on and off accordingly in order to maintain the desired temperature. Meaning the panel is only likely to be on for around 40 minutes of the full hour. Further contributing to energy savings.Infrared panels can be powered with renewable energy sources like solar PV to achieve a fully sustainable heating system and saving you even more on your energy bills! Final Thoughts It was a pleasure carrying out this work on Shahid’s home. This serves as a real-life example of the immense energy saving potential of infrared heating compared to alternative methods such as gas central heating and electric convection heating. If you're interested in receiving similar guidance for outfitting a room or your entire home, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone at 0333 090 7160 to initiate the process. Alternatively, feel free to send us an email at info@infraredgroup.co.uk, and we'll be delighted to assist you in getting started.
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The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing an Electric Heater for Your Home
As the colder months approach, many homeowners are looking for the best way to keep their spaces warm and cosy. However, choosing the right electric heater isn't always straightforward. There are several common mistakes that can lead to inefficient heating, higher energy bills, or disappointment in your heater's performance. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of the five most frequent mistakes people make when buying an electric heater and how you can choose the best option for your needs. 1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Heater for Your Space One of the most frequent mistakes is selecting the wrong type of heater for your specific needs. Not all heaters work in the same way, and each type has unique characteristics that suit different spaces and purposes. Let’s break it down: Convection Heaters: These heaters work by warming up the air in a room, making them ideal for small to medium-sized spaces where you need a consistent, ambient temperature. Near Infrared Heaters: These are perfect for localised heat. They warm up people or objects directly, offering immediate warmth for smaller, focused areas. Fan Heaters: If you’re looking for quick heat in a small space, fan heaters can be effective. However, they can be noisy and are generally less energy-efficient. Oil-Filled Radiators: These offer slow, steady warmth and are a great option for maintaining long-lasting heat without constantly running the heater. Far Infrared Heating Panels: These heaters target objects and people directly, creating a consistent temperature across a room while significantly reducing energy waste. They're ideal for larger spaces or homes looking for a more eco-friendly solution. Choosing the wrong heater for your space can result in uneven heating, increased energy consumption, and discomfort. 2. Underestimating the Heater's Size and Capacity Another common mistake is not paying enough attention to the heater’s size and heating capacity. A heater that’s too small won’t adequately warm your space, while one that’s too large could waste energy and lead to unnecessarily high electricity bills. A general rule of thumb for electric convection radiators is that you’ll need 100 watts per square metre to efficiently heat a room. However, if you're considering infrared panels, you’ll be pleased to know that they require 42% less wattage to heat the same area compared to traditional convection heaters. Infrared panels not only save you energy but also offer a more direct and comfortable form of heat. Always ensure you’re matching your heater’s wattage to your room’s size to avoid inefficiency or overheating. 3. Overlooking Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency is crucial when selecting an electric heater. Running a heater that isn’t energy-efficient can lead to skyrocketing electricity bills. This is where infrared heaters truly excel. Compared to fan heaters or even convection heaters, infrared heating panels are much more cost-effective to operate. They offer superior energy efficiency because they warm objects and people directly instead of heating the air, which can easily escape through draughts or open doors.Additionally, investing in a heater with proper thermostat controls will allow you to manage your home’s temperature more effectively, helping you cut down on energy costs without sacrificing comfort. 4. Focusing Solely on the Lowest Upfront Cost It’s easy to be tempted by the cheapest option available, but remember, you often get what you pay for. While a budget heater might save you money upfront, it could end up costing you much more in the long run due to poor energy efficiency, frequent repairs, or a shorter lifespan.Cheaper heaters are often built with lower-quality materials, meaning they wear out faster and may not deliver the same consistent heating as a more reliable model. Investing in a high-quality heater with a good manufacturer warranty ensures that you’re getting a product that will last and provide efficient heating over time. In the long term, this can lead to savings on both your energy bills and replacement costs. 5. Not Taking Noise Levels into Account If you’re planning to use your heater in a quiet space like a bedroom, office, or study, noise levels should be an important consideration. Some heaters, especially fan heaters and certain convection models, can be quite loud due to their moving parts. In contrast, infrared panels operate silently. Since they don’t rely on fans or blowers, they have no moving parts and therefore, they’re completely noiseless, making them ideal for environments where peace and quiet are essential. Whether you’re working from home, trying to sleep, or just enjoying a quiet evening, an infrared panel heater will ensure warmth without the disruption of constant noise. Final Thoughts By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you choose the best electric heater for your space. Opting for a heater that fits your specific needs, focusing on energy efficiency, and investing in a quality product can make all the difference in keeping your home warm and your energy bills low this winter. Infrared heaters, in particular, stand out for their efficiency, quiet operation, and ability to deliver comfortable, consistent heat while reducing energy waste. If you’re looking for a heating solution that ticks all the boxes, infrared panels might be the perfect option for your home. Don’t let the cold catch you off guard—invest in the right heating solution for you. --- For more tips on choosing the best heater or to explore our range of efficient, high-quality infrared heating panels, browse our website. Our premium grade infrared panels have a 40+ year lifespan and come with a 10 year warranty! Stay warm, stay comfortable, and make this winter your cosiest yet!
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Is Modern Electric Heating Any Good?
As energy costs and eco-consciousness continue to rise, many homeowners are re-evaluating their heating options. Modern electric heating has emerged as a popular choice, known for its efficiency, flexibility, and potential environmental benefits. But with so many heating systems on the market, its natural to wonder: is modern electric heating really any good? In this post, we'll explore the advantages, potential drawbacks, and best applications of electric heating to help you decide if it's the right choice for your home. What is Modern Electric Heating? Modern electric heating systems have come a long way from the simple space heaters of the past. Today’s electric heating solutions range from advanced infrared panels and electric radiators to underfloor heating systems. These options use electricity to generate heat through various methods, offering a versatile alternative to traditional gas or oil-based systems. Electric heating can be used to supplement existing systems or as a primary heat source, making it adaptable to almost any home setup. Benefits of Modern Electric Heating Modern electric heating offers several advantages that make it an attractive choice for today’s homeowners. Here are some of the main benefits: 1. Energy Efficiency Electric heating systems are generally highly efficient, with most systems converting almost 100% of the electricity they use into heat. Unlike gas boilers or furnaces, which can lose heat through vents, pipes, or ducts, electric heating delivers warmth directly to the room, minimising energy loss. Additionally, many modern electric heating systems are designed to be zone-controlled, allowing you to heat specific rooms as needed, further improving energy efficiency. 2. Easy Installation and Low Maintenance One of the biggest advantages of modern electric heating is its ease of installation. Unlike gas heating systems, which often require extensive piping, electric heaters can be installed quickly and easily. Options like wall-mounted infrared panels, plug-in radiators, and underfloor systems require minimal setup, with many options suitable for DIY installation. Electric heating also requires very little maintenance compared to traditional systems. There are no combustion parts, boilers, or moving parts to worry about, reducing the risk of breakdowns and the need for regular servicing. This can save homeowners significant time and money over the system’s lifespan. 3. Improved Safety Modern electric heating systems are safe and designed to meet today’s rigorous safety standards. Because they don’t rely on combustion, there’s no risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide, making electric heating a safer alternative for families and households. Electric heaters often come with automatic shut-off features to prevent overheating, adding another layer of safety. 4. Eco-Friendliness and Potential for Renewable Energy With growing concerns over carbon emissions and climate change, many people are turning to electric heating for its potential to be a greener choice. Electric heating systems produce zero on-site emissions, unlike fossil-fuel-based systems. Additionally, when powered by renewable energy sources such as solar or wind, electric heating can be a carbon-neutral option. This aligns well with the UK’s shift towards greener energy solutions and is especially appealing to environmentally-conscious homeowners. 5. Flexible and Customisable Comfort Electric heating systems offer flexibility that traditional systems struggle to match. Options like electric radiators and infrared panels can be installed in various locations, and underfloor heating provides even, ambient warmth from below. Many electric heating systems are also compatible with smart home technology, allowing you to control the temperature in each room remotely via a smartphone app or home automation system. This level of control helps create a personalised and energy-efficient heating experience, with on-demand warmth where you need it most. Types of Modern Electric Heating Systems Modern electric heating encompasses a variety of options tailored to different needs and room configurations. Here are some of the most popular types: 1. Infrared Heating Panels Infrared heating is a relatively new technology that uses radiant heat to warm people and objects directly, rather than heating the air. This creates an immediate, comfortable warmth that doesn’t rely on air circulation, making it ideal for rooms with high ceilings or draughts. Infrared panels are sleek, silent, and can be wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted, adding a minimalist, aesthetic touch to any space. 2. Electric Radiators Electric radiators are one of the most common forms of modern electric heating and are available in a range of styles and sizes to suit different spaces. They work by heating up quickly and providing consistent warmth throughout a room. Advanced models come with thermostatic controls and smart home compatibility, allowing you to adjust the temperature for specific rooms or set schedules for optimal energy usage. 3. Underfloor Heating Electric underfloor heating systems are popular in bathrooms, kitchens, and other tiled areas. These systems use electric coils or heating mats installed under the floor surface to provide even, ambient warmth from below. This creates a comfortable and luxurious feeling, especially during the winter months, and eliminates the need for visible heaters in the room. Underfloor heating is particularly energy-efficient as it operates at lower temperatures but heats the room evenly. 4. Storage Heaters Storage heaters are designed to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, which makes them a cost-effective option for homes on Economy 7 tariffs. These heaters store thermal energy during the night and release it throughout the day. Modern storage heaters include smart controls to release heat when needed, improving efficiency compared to older models. Are There Any Drawbacks to Electric Heating? While modern electric heating offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks to determine if it’s the right choice for your needs. 1. Higher Electricity Costs Electricity can be more expensive than gas per kilowatt-hour, which may lead to higher running costs, especially if electricity prices continue to rise. However, the efficiency of modern electric systems and options like zone heating can help to offset these costs. For households powered by renewable sources or on time-of-use tariffs, electric heating can still be an economical choice. 2. Limited Output for Very Large Spaces Electric heaters are excellent for small to medium-sized spaces, but in very large rooms or open-plan areas, they may struggle to provide the same level of warmth as a central heating system. This can sometimes mean that electric heating is better suited as a supplementary system in larger homes or in areas with particularly cold climates. 3. Initial Cost of Installation While many electric heating systems are easy to install, underfloor heating and higher-end infrared systems may have a higher initial cost compared to conventional radiators. However, this cost can be offset by long-term savings in energy efficiency and maintenance. Comparing Modern Electric Heating to Gas Heating Electric heating and gas heating each have their strengths and best-use scenarios. Here’s a quick comparison of how they stack up: Feature Electric Heating Gas Heating Efficiency Near 100% efficient, minimal heat loss Less efficient, some heat lost in pipes or vents Installation Simple and quick for most systems Complex, requires gas lines and boilers Maintenance Low maintenance, no moving parts Requires regular maintenance and servicing Eco-Friendliness Zero on-site emissions, compatible with renewables Emits carbon emissions, less eco-friendly Operating Cost Higher cost per kWh, offset by efficiency Lower cost per kWh, but higher maintenance Safety No combustion or carbon monoxide risk Risk of leaks and carbon monoxide Flexibility Highly customisable, ideal for zoning Centralised system, less flexible Overall, modern electric heating is a flexible, safe, and environmentally-friendly option that’s well-suited for today’s homes. While gas heating may still be a viable choice in some areas, electric heating has distinct advantages, especially for those seeking an energy-efficient, low-maintenance solution. When is Modern Electric Heating a Good Choice? Modern electric heating can be an excellent choice in several scenarios: New Builds and Renovations: Electric systems are easy to install and require minimal infrastructure, making them ideal for new builds or renovation projects where flexibility is key. Environmentally Conscious Homes: Homes looking to reduce their carbon footprint can benefit from electric heating, especially when paired with renewable energy sources like solar panels. Small and Medium Sized Spaces: Electric heating is effective for small to medium-sized rooms where fast, direct warmth is needed. This includes bathrooms, bedrooms, and offices. Smart Home Integration: If you’re interested in using smart home technology, modern electric systems are highly compatible with apps and automation systems for zoned heating. Conclusion: Is Modern Electric Heating Right for You? So, is modern electric heating any good? The answer is a resounding yes for most homeowners. With its efficiency, ease of installation, low maintenance, and eco-friendliness, modern electric heating is well-suited to meet the demands of today’s energy-conscious homes. While it may have a higher running cost per kilowatt-hour compared to gas, the benefits of zone control, reduced maintenance, and compatibility with renewable energy make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re considering upgrading your heating system, modern electric heating offers a safe, sustainable, and effective way to keep your home warm. Explore the options, weigh the costs, and consult with professionals to find the best system for your specific needs. Electric heating is not only an investment in comfort but in a cleaner, greener future for your home.
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