The energy revolution is changing how buildings are heated — away from gas and oil, towards electricity from renewable sources. With this development, electricity-based heating systems such as heat pumps and infrared heating systems are moving into focus. Both are considered future-oriented and climate-friendly — but how do they differ? In this article, two modern heating technologies are compared directly.

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Heat pump or infrared heater: An overview

Die heat pump uses environmental energy from air, soil or groundwater and converts it into thermal energy using electricity. It requires no fossil fuels and produces many times as much heating energy. Thanks to their high efficiency, you can reduce both power consumption and running costs. Heat pumps are eligible for funding, meet the new legal requirements for climate-friendly heating and are suitable both for new buildings and for energy-efficient existing buildings. Their lifespan is usually 20 to 30 years.

Infrared heating systems work with electricity, which is converted directly into radiant heat — without using a water-based heating system. In doing so, they do not heat the air, but specifically walls, floors, furniture and people. This type of heat transfer is noticeable particularly quickly and creates a pleasant indoor climate. Infrared heaters are inexpensive to buy, maintenance-free and can be installed flexibly. However, they consume more electricity than heat pumps in continuous operation and are therefore only economical in certain application scenarios — such as in well-insulated buildings or for temporary use such as holiday homes.

The following is a comprehensive comparison of both heating systems:

Cost comparison: heat pump vs. infrared heating

Die Purchase costs of a heat pump Are between 15,000 and 30,000 euros, depending on the system and structural conditions. The installation costs are particularly high for ground or water heat pumps. However, government funding is available that covers up to 70% of investment costs. The actual costs after deduction of funding are therefore often significantly lower. During operation, the heat pump — depending on the efficiency of the system — causes annual heating costs of around 500 to 1,500 euros. There are also maintenance costs of 100 to 300 euros per year.

One infrared heating is significantly cheaper to buy and costs between 2,000 and 6,000 euros. Since no central heating system is required, installation costs are largely eliminated. However, funding is not available. Current electricity costs of 1,000 to 2,500 euros per year are comparatively high, depending on insulation standards and usage. There are no maintenance costs for this — neither for regular inspections, nor for spare parts or specialist personnel.

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Comparing efficiency and energy consumption

The efficiency of a heat pump is measured using the annual performance factor (JAZ), which is usually between 3.5 and 5.0. This means that the system generates 3.5 to 5 kWh of heat from 1 kWh of electricity. Modern systems achieve even higher values under ideal conditions. Power consumption depends heavily on the insulation standard of the building. In a well-insulated new building, 3,000 to 4,500 kWh per year is often sufficient. In an unrenovated old building, consumption is significantly higher, between 6,500 and 9,500 kWh per year.

Infrared heating systems convert electricity one-to-one into heat — the efficiency is 100%. As a result, actual energy consumption is significantly higher when heating is carried out permanently. In a well-insulated new building with 150 m² of living space, the annual consumption is around 4,000 to 8,000 kWh of electricity. In an unrenovated old building, it can be up to 18,000 kWh or more, as all heat must be generated directly electrically.

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Environmental balance: a comparison of CO₂ emissions

A heat pump causes — depending on the power source — only low CO₂ emissions. If it is powered by green electricity or connected to its own photovoltaic system, it works almost climate-neutrally. When purchasing grid power from the German electricity mix, there is an average of around 100 g CO₂ per kilowatt hour. This results in between 300 and 1,000 kg of CO₂ per year, depending on consumption and type of building.

An infrared heater Has a similar emission factor Like a heat pump when purchasing power from the grid, ** but ** As a result of higher electricity demand, CO₂ emissions are also increasing. At around 100 g CO₂ per kWh, there are annual emissions of between 400 and 1,800 kg, depending on the building standard. If green electricity is used or a PV system is used, the infrared heating system can also be operated almost emission-free.

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Future security: legal requirements and heating replacement

The heat pump meets all current legal requirements for climate-friendly heating and is considered the preferred technology in the context of the heating revolution. It is eligible for funding, meets the requirements of the Building Energy Act (GEG) and receives long-term support from political programs. A heating exchange with a heat pump is facilitated by government subsidies and can already be fully used today in new buildings and renovated old buildings. Increasing CO₂ prices for fossil fuels will also make it more economical to operate a heat pump in the long term.

Infrared heating systems are not subject to any direct legal restrictions, but do not always meet the efficiency criteria for the sole replacement of heating in accordance with GEG. Especially in unrenovated existing buildings with high heat requirements, pure direct electricity heating is often insufficient to meet legal requirements. There is currently no funding for installation. However, infrared heating remains legally permitted and future-proof for well-insulated buildings, temporarily used rooms or as an additional solution — provided that the electricity comes from renewable sources.

Is an infrared heater or a heat pump better?

Overall, the heat pump is the better choice for permanently used buildings, as it is energy-efficient, eligible for funding and meets the legal requirements for climate-friendly heating. In the long term, it offers lower operating costs and a high level of future security. Nevertheless, infrared heating is also a promising, sustainable system — especially for well-insulated new buildings, individual rooms or temporarily used buildings. It scores points with low purchase costs, simple installation and maintenance-free operation.

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