PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2026 36 Energy SavingProducts


Why infrared heating is an ideal option for the social housing sector


For housing providers who are looking to balance tenant wellbeing with energy aff ordability and effi ciency, infrared heating could provide a cost- saving solution, says Sam Abel from Herschel Infrared.


S


ocial housing providers across the UK face the growing challenge of delivering warm, safe and aff ordable


homes while meeting tightening regulatory and environmental expectations. The introduction of Awaab’s Law, continued pressure to tackle fuel poverty and the transition to net zero are all shaping how landlords approach heating in residential buildings. While insulation and


ventilation improvements remain critical, heating systems themselves are increasingly recognised for the role they play in maintaining healthy indoor environments and reducing energy consumption. Infrared heating, a


technology used for decades, is gaining renewed attention for the benefi ts it can off er in addressing many of the modern challenges facing the social housing sector.


Aff ordable options Energy aff ordability remains a signifi cant concern for many social housing tenants. Despite improvements in building standards in newer homes, a large proportion of the UK’s social housing stock was built decades ago and can be challenging to retrofi t cost- eff ectively.


Sam Abel Marketing & communications manager at Herschel Infrared


Electric heating technologies


are increasingly part of the conversation as the UK seeks to decarbonise heating, but concerns over running costs have historically limited their adoption in some cases. Infrared heating systems


off er a diff erent approach to electric heating. Because they transfer heat directly to people and surfaces rather than relying solely on warming large volumes of air, comfortable conditions can be achieved without raising air temperatures to the same extent as convection systems. Advances in smart control


Infrared heating is gaining renewed attention for the benefits it can offer in addressing many of the modern challenges facing the social housing sector


technology are also helping tenants manage their energy use more eff ectively. Our patented InfraSense system combines infrared heating with advanced monitoring and control features designed to give users greater visibility over their energy consumption. The system provides real-time monitoring and allows residents to set heating budgets, helping them manage usage and avoid unexpected costs. Independent verifi cation has


demonstrated signifi cantly improved energy effi ciency when compared with a market-leading convection heater, highlighting the potential for the InfraSense and infrared heating system to contribute to lower energy use within electrically heated homes.


For housing providers, the


ability to monitor energy use and provide tenants with tools to manage their consumption can form part of a broader strategy to address fuel poverty while improving energy performance and thermal comfort levels.


Reduced condensation Few issues have brought greater scrutiny to the social housing sector than damp and mould. Awaab’s Law will place legal obligations on social landlords to investigate and remedy hazardous conditions within strict time frames. The interaction between


heating and building fabric can frequently infl uence condensation risk. Conventional convection


heaters warm the air within a room. Warm air rises, circulates and gradually heats the surrounding environment. However, surfaces such as external walls may remain cooler than the surrounding air. When warm, moisture-laden air encounters these colder surfaces, condensation can occur thereby creating conditions where mould can develop. Infrared heating works in


a diff erent way. Rather than primarily heating the air, it emits radiant heat that warms surfaces and objects directly, including walls, fl oors and furnishings. As these surfaces warm, the temperature diff erential between the air and building fabric can be reduced, helping to reduce the likelihood of condensation forming. For housing providers


reviewing how best to manage damp and mould risks across their building stock, infrared heating off ers a proven solution that supports healthier indoor environments and living conditions for tenants.


Less disruption The electrifi cation of heat is expected to play a central role in achieving the UK’s net zero ambitions. Infrared heating systems


are relatively straightforward to install, often requiring less disruption than alternative heating systems. This can make them particularly attractive in retrofi t scenarios where housing providers must balance decarbonisation ambitions with cost, installation time and tenant disruption. As the social housing sector


continues to respond to regulatory change and the need for healthier, more sustainable homes, technologies that can simultaneously address indoor comfort and damp prevention whilst supporting energy effi ciency goals are likely to attract signifi cant interest from housing providers It is perhaps no surprise that


infrared heating is becoming an increasingly interesting strategy for housing providers looking to balance tenant wellbeing with energy performance. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/65


CUT TO THE CHASE


 Infrared heating transfers heat directly to people and surfaces rather than warming large volumes of air


 Herschel’s InfraSense system offers advanced control and energy monitoring features


 Infrared heating reduces condensation and thereby minimises the risk of damp and mould


 Heaters are easy to fit and require less disruption


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