Ambion Heating’s infrared panels are slimline and easy to install, making them well-suited to retrofit apartment blocks, social housing and smaller homes
The UK has set ambitious targets to achieve net zero by 2050 – and one of the biggest hurdles is decarbonising residential heating. With about 80% of UK homes still reliant on gas boilers, transitioning to low-carbon alternatives is essential. But it’s not easy. Moving away from gas presents challenges for buildings where space constraints and affordability are key considerations.
These include flats, maisonettes and other small homes which pose unique difficulties for heating decarbonisation. Solutions like heat pumps, while effective in many settings, may not be the best option for all housing types, particularly those with limited space or multi-occupancy buildings. This is where infrared heating, such as an Ambion system presents a proven, effective and practical answer.
How infrared differs from other technologies
Convection heating systems warm the air in a room, which can lead to uneven heat distribution, cold spots and inefficiencies as heat is lost through ventilation. Infrared heating works differently. Rather than heating the air, infrared heat panels warm the fabric in a room, including walls, floors and furniture. This creates a consistent, radiant heat that is comfortable, efficient and long lasting.
Unlike traditional radiators or heat pumps, which require extensive pipework or external units, infrared panels are slimline, easy to install and require no routine maintenance. This makes them particularly well suited for apartment blocks of any size, social housing developments and smaller homes where space and budget constraints make other heating systems less viable.
The perfect fit for flats and social housing
Flats and maisonettes present unique heating challenges. Heat pumps create space issues, and their relatively high upfront costs can look unaffordable relative to the low heat demand of the property.
Ambion’s infrared heating panels provide an ideal solution for these types of developments, delivering:
● Space saving - no need for external units (ideal where space is limited)
● Low upfront costs
● Even heating with no cold spots
● A durable, low-maintenance system
● Improved air quality (since no air circulation means reduced dust movement and fewer allergens)
For social housing providers, affordability for tenants is also a crucial factor. With running costs of about £35–£45 per month for a retrofit two-bedroom flat, Ambion’s system provides an affordable alternative. Running costs can be further reduced by using solar PV and smart tariffs, making Ambion’s system a future-ready technology.
Simple, fast and cost-effective installation
One of the biggest barriers to adopting low-carbon heating solutions is the cost and complexity of installation. Heat pumps, for example, often require substantial property modifications, which can be disruptive and expensive.
Infrared panels offer a far simpler and faster installation process with no boilers, pipework or external units needed. There is also no need for specialist installer training, with installations done by any qualified electrician and with minimal disruption, ideal for retrofits and new builds alike.
For housebuilders and developers, this means projects stay on time and on budget while still meeting decarbonisation targets.
Comfort, control and data insights
Comfort and usability are just as important as efficiency. In fact, recent testing at Energy House 2.0 has proven that Ambion’s infrared heating system delivers exceptional temperature control and comfort, with fast heat-up times, even temperature distribution across rooms and user-friendly touchscreen control panels.
Infrared heating also combats damp and mould by warming the building fabric rather than just the air, helping to create healthier indoor environments. This is particularly important in social housing, where damp and mould-related health issues can be a significant concern.
For landlords and housing providers, smart data insights provide real-time monitoring of energy use and heating patterns. This data can be accessed via a remote dashboard, helping providers optimise energy efficiency and support compliance with EPC targets.
Future-proofing homes with flexible, low-carbon heating
As the UK moves towards net zero, the flexibility of heating systems will be key. Ambion’s infrared heating system seamlessly integrates with solar PV and smart tariffs, allowing residents to maximise energy savings and housing providers to further reduce carbon footprints.
Ambion’s unique load-balancing algorithms ensure heat demand is spread evenly across a 24-hour period, reducing peak loads and making infrared an ideal solution for the future energy grid.
A smarter way to decarbonise heating
The transition to low-carbon heating doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Ambion’s infrared heat panels offer a practical, efficient and proven alternative for homes unsuitable for heat pumps.
For housing providers, developers and social landlords looking for a smarter way to decarbonise heating for flats and maisonettes, Ambion’s infrared technology represents a future-ready solution that balances affordability, sustainability and comfort.