For athletes, time is very important. With IR panels, I just type in the temperature and the house is heated.
IR heating is becoming an increasingly common choice in Slovenia - both for new constructions and for replacing old heating systems. And not without reason. In 15 years, since Ekosen started building IR heating systems, we have equipped over 25,000 facilities. In this guide, you will find answers to all key questions: how IR heating works, how much it costs, who it suits, and why architects and builders are increasingly including it in projects already at the planning stage.
IR heating is a heating system that uses infrared radiant energy for heat transfer – just like the sun. Instead of air, IR panels directly heat objects and walls in the room, and these surfaces then evenly radiate heat back into the surroundings. The result is stable, pleasant heat without air circulation, without noise, and without the need for maintenance.
IR heating – or infrared heating – is based on the principle of radiant heat. IR panels emit electromagnetic radiation in the long-wave infrared spectrum (IR-C), which is completely natural and harmless. The sun, a fireplace, or a bread oven emit the same radiation – the only difference is that IR panels emit it in a controlled, even manner, and without dangerous by-products.
When infrared radiation reaches the floor, walls, or objects in the room, it converts into heat. These objects heat up and then radiate heat into the air – similar to a room warmed by a sunbeam through a window. Thus, the air is not heated directly, but indirectly through the heated surfaces.
Conventional heating systems – radiators, underfloor heating, stoves – heat the air by convection. Warm air rises towards the ceiling, while cold air remains near the floor, causing uneven heat distribution and constant air circulation with all the dust. The temperature difference between the floor and the ceiling in convection systems is 5-7 °C.
With IR heating, this difference is only 1-2 °C. The floors are 3-4 °C warmer than with radiator heating – without underfloor heating and without pipe distribution. This is why customers often say that despite the absence of underfloor heating, they do not feel cold floors.
The Ekosen system is designed as a primary and standalone heating source, which completely replaces conventional wood, oil, or gas furnaces. Although many still equate IR panels only with supplementary heating for bathrooms, this is a technology that independently heats the entire home:
IR heating is not just an alternative to classic systems – in most cases, it is a better choice. Not only because of lower long-term costs, but because of a combination of factors that no other system offers simultaneously.
The complete Ekosen turnkey IR heating system for a 130-160 m² house costs approximately 6,500 EUR, which is 50 to 70% cheaper compared to a quality heat pump with full installation and thermostats (approximately 14,000-18,000 EUR). With this, there is no boiler room, no pipework, no outdoor unit, and no construction work.
When you add up the investment, energy consumption, maintenance, and service over 20 years, Ekosen IR heating is the cheapest option. Comparison for a new building of 130 m², class C:
| Heating system | Total costs over 20 years | Warranty | Maintenance / Servicing |
| Ekosen IR heating | 100% (reference) | 15 years | Not required |
| Central wood stove | +126% | 3 years | Yes |
| Heat pump (air/water) | +136% | 5 years | Yes - compressor ~3,000 € |
| Natural gas boiler | +149% | 3 years | Yes |
| Central pellet stove | +154% | 3 years | Yes |
The calculation takes into account investment, energy sources, maintenance, and servicing. Electricity price €0.16/kWh. Calculations are for informational purposes only.
An IR panel has no moving parts. There is no compressor that wears out. No burner to service. No chimney to clean. Our customers who installed IR panels in 2011 are still using them today – after 14+ years – without special servicing. A lifespan of 40 years is not a market promise, but our everyday experience.
The IR panel is attached to the ceiling. Electrical connection, thermostat – and that's it. Installation of the entire system in an average apartment takes one working day. No pipes in the walls, no boiler room, no construction work, and no unnecessary costs.
Since IR heating does not create air circulation, it does not stir up dust and mites. This is a noticeable difference for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. Additionally, IR panels directly heat the walls, which helps prevent condensation and mold formation. Damp walls, which reduce insulation efficiency by up to 40%, gradually dry out, leading to better energy efficiency of the entire building.
By choosing the Ekosen system, you gain additional usable space in your home. Since IR panels do not require a dedicated boiler room, tanks, a chimney, or distribution boxes, the space that would otherwise be occupied by these systems can be converted into a storage room or walk-in closet. Ceiling installation also provides complete freedom in furniture arrangement.
The consumption of IR heating depends on three factors: the power of the installed panels, the quality of the building's insulation, and the precision of regulation. With a properly designed system, panels in a well-insulated house operate for an average of only 3 hours per day throughout the heating season. In poorly insulated buildings, up to 5 hours.
House size
130 m²
Total power of the IR system
7 kW
Average operation / day (good insulation)
3 hours
Heating season
180 days
For comparison: an identical house heated with a gas boiler costs 900-1,100 € annually (without maintenance), with heating oil it costs 1,200-1,500 €.
Total consumption / year
3,780 kWh
7 kW × 3 h × 180 days
Annual cost
~605 €
0.16 €/kWh
With your own solar power plant
0 €
or almost free of charge
IR heating is suitable for most situations - both in new constructions and existing buildings. However, there are specific conditions where IR heating particularly excels.
For new constructions, IR heating is often the most cost-effective turnkey heating option. Since there is no boiler room, no pipes, and no construction work, architects and investors save space and money already during the construction phase. Regulations for new constructions require a renewable energy source – a solar power plant combined with IR heating and water heating (with a heat pump or solar panels) elegantly covers this requirement.
Old furnace, high bills, and fear of breakdown in winter? Switching to IR panels does not require construction work - just a panel on the ceiling and a thermostat on the wall. The existing electrical grid is sufficient in most cases. The investment pays off in 5-8 years, and Eko Sklad subsidies can further reduce it.
Honestly: IR heating is not suitable for everyone. We cannot beat physics – if the house "leaks", consumption will be high. Therefore, we do not recommend the system as a primary source for:
In these cases, we do not recommend IR heating, as the costs to achieve a comfortable 22 °C would simply be too high. Because your satisfaction is our priority, after inspecting the building, we prefer to tell you honestly whether your home is suitable for such an investment based on its current insulation or not.
Instead of spending the entire budget (e.g., 15,000 €) on one expensive device, divide it more wisely. With a low investment in an IR system, you will have enough funds left for your own solar power plant. For all well-insulated buildings, this is the path to zero heating costs.
IR panels consume electricity, while a solar power plant produces it. In a well-insulated building with this combination, you completely eliminate the annual heating cost.
Practical example: A client from Selce invested the price difference between a central system and IR heating into an 11 kW solar power plant during renovation. Today, their 18 IR panels heat the house with no monthly costs.
The IR Sun regulator constantly detects free heat sources (e.g., cooking or sun) and immediately adjusts the panel power. This prevents unnecessary consumption and ensures that you use energy from your own solar power plant with maximum efficiency.
In new constructions, the combination of an IR system and photovoltaics (together with smart water heating) fully meets strict energy standards.
Today, there are many IR panel providers on the market. The difference between them is greater than it seems at first glance.
In-house production and development
Ekosen IR panels are not imported and repackaged. They are developed by our development team and produced in our own factory. This means constant quality control, fast resolution of complaints, and continuous improvements. Our panels are 16% larger than comparable foreign products with the same nominal power – which means a lower surface temperature, softer radiant heat, and a lower risk of overheating.
IR Sun regulator - developed for IR systems
Standard Wi-Fi thermostats and IR heating work - but not optimally. The IR Sun controller is the only one on the market that was designed exclusively for IR heating systems. Precise regulation without hysteresis, zone management, remote access. Up to 25% lower energy consumption compared to a standard thermostat. Awarded with the MOS silver recognition.
Longest warranty in the EU
15-year warranty with the possibility of extension to 20 years. None of our competitors offer it. Reason: we trust our panels because we develop and manufacture them ourselves.
15 years of experience, 15,000+ installations
Ekosen is not a startup that discovered IR panels last year. We are pioneers of IR heating in Slovenia with a 15-year history. In 15,000 buildings, we have seen it all: from attics and prefabricated houses to industrial halls, health centers, and hotel rooms. This experience is evident in every energy calculation.
4.8
100+ reviews
For athletes, time is very important. With IR panels, I just type in the temperature and the house is heated.
In 2011, we moved to a larger apartment where we pay rent. Heating was provided by central heating. During the entire heating season, we spent approximately 1200 euros on heating, even though we had the radiators closed in the mornings. In the coldest months, heating cost 330 euros per month. Since the cost seemed enormous to us, especially as we still had to be careful with consumption, we decided to change the heating system. We are very satisfied with the panels, as the annual heating cost has decreased by approximately 600 euros, while the apartment is pleasantly warm 24 hours a day. Thanks to the Ekosen team!
Physics of radiant heat, difference from convection, IR-C spectrum.
Yes. Ekosen IR heating is designed as a main heating system - not just for supplementary heating. In 25,000 buildings across Slovenia and the region, it is in most cases the sole source of heat. Proper system design with an energy calculation for your specific building is crucial.
With a properly sized system and a well-insulated building (class B or C), the panels operate on average 3 hours a day throughout the entire heating season. For less well-insulated buildings, up to 5 hours. This is significantly less than most people imagine.
Excellent. IR panels consume electricity, and a solar power plant produces it. In combination with an appropriate energy storage unit or a two-way grid connection, heating is practically free in the long term.
The investment in a turnkey Ekosen IR system (IR panels, regulators, installation) is approximately 25-55 EUR/m², depending on the building's insulation, panel type, and installation complexity. For an exact calculation, we provide a free site visit and energy calculation.
No. IR heating is a natural form of heat transfer – the same as that emitted by the sun or a fireplace. This is officially confirmed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), and in Slovenia by the Institute of Non-Ionizing Radiation (INIS). The long-wave IR-C spectrum emitted by IR panels has no negative health effects – on the contrary, it reduces moisture in walls and mold and improves air quality.
You will do the smartest thing you can before buying a heating system: you will request a free energy calculation. Our specialist will visit, consider all parameters of your building, and provide you with a concrete offer with realistic costs.
No obligation. No pressure. And with a guarantee: if the consumption in the first year exceeds the calculated amount by more than 15%, we will refund the entire purchase price for the panels and regulators.