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Oil or gas-based heating systems have a significant carbon footprint, and parishes are exploring lower-carbon options to replace the use of fossil fuels. An increasingly common alternative is infrared heating.
Infrared heating can be cost-effective and reduce your carbon footprint, but any alternative form of heating will need to be carefully selected to meet the particular needs of your church.
The Church of England has published some helpful guidance to support parishes on this journey.
The impact on insurance
A change of heating could have an impact on your insurance cover, so consult your church insurer as part of the decision-making process.
Infrared heating: the basics
Infrared heating can be a viable and cost-effective solution for many churches. It’s also an energy-efficient alternative to more conventional heating systems.
The technology works by emitting infrared rays that transfer heat to people or objects in their path, rather than heating the air in a building. Infrared systems are often used in large spaces where heating the entire space, rather than just the people in it, can be inefficient and costly.
There are different types of infrared heating systems, ranging from panel-type heaters to chandelier-type suspended fittings. Wall-mounted infrared heaters are increasingly seen in outdoor dining areas.
The benefits of infrared heating systems
- Simple to install.
- Energy efficient compared to traditional heating.
- Limited heat loss as the technology heats objects rather than air.
- Quicker to heat people or objects, especially in large spaces.
- A cost-effective means of ensuring a comfortable environment.
- No traditional combustion processes are involved.
- It can be used to provide the sole means of heating or to supplement other, more traditional heating provisions.
Infrared technologies
There are two main types of Infrared heating technologies: Near Infrared (NIR) and Far Infrared (FIR).
While both use the same basic principles, NIR is not considered safe for churches or public buildings. Only FIR heaters should be used in these environments.
Reducing your risk
Follow these guidelines when implementing an FIR heating system:
- Only install products with the relevant CE marking. CE marking shows that a product meets European safety standards and is still recognised in the UK.
- Heaters should be installed by a qualified electrical contractor.
- Don’t use trailing electrical leads, which can create both a trip hazard and an increased fire risk.
- Position heaters where they will provide the greatest benefit to occupants, but make sure they're also easily accessible for routine maintenance and inspection.
- Place heaters a suitable distance from any combustible materials, contents, furniture, or finishes, and any seasonal decorations.
- Heaters should have a thermal cut-out that isolates power in the event of overheating.
- Ensure products are installed according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Heaters should be included as part of routine and formal inspection and testing regimes.
- Review and update fire risk assessments for church buildings to reflect the introduction of infrared heating, and update fire safety measures if necessary.
- Consider the effects on the fabric of the building when considering any alternative heating system.