Why infrared heating has no impact on EPC ratings

I often get asked how Infrared panel heaters compare to standard convective heaters For Part L compliance. I know, I get asked all the fun questions! 😂 

Cat on a radiator (which I know isn't an infrared panel, but it's a cute cat).

ℹ️ IR panels work in the same way as those you find in beer gardens, except they look like radiators and don't have that annoying 5 minute timer 🍻. They heat anything in their line of sight by radiating heat across a room.

ℹ️ Most homes have convective radiators (Either through a wet system or individual panels). They heat the air in the room, so warm up the entire volume of that space ♨️.

So, logically, say Team Infrared, their product uses less energy because you're only heating the people, not the whole space.

But us mere SAP assessors don't have a button for that. SAP always assumes a heating system is convective. That means there's no improvement to be found in the Part L results or the Energy Performance Certificate.

The new Home Energy Model will let us adjust this, but it's too early to say how this will impact results, if at all.

DESNZ has just published this research paper on IR heaters, gathering real life experiences and occupant feedback.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infrared-heating-investigations-from-literature-and-user-experience-tests

It's worth a read if you're hoping to buy, sell or install IR heating into new homes under the Future Homes Standard.

When HEM is finalised, I'll do some proper testing between the two.