Passivhaus needs a heat source built for tiny loads

Specifying a 24 kW combi boiler or even a heat pump for that load is engineering overkill. The system spends its life short-cycling, and the running costs are dominated by standing losses rather than useful heat. Infrared ceiling panels solve this elegantly: each panel is small (250-500 W), zone-controlled, silent, and only on when the room actually needs the boost.

Because infrared is radiant, it works with the Passivhaus thermal envelope rather than against it. There is no warm-air convection to disturb the carefully balanced MVHR streams, no pipework penetrations through the airtight layer, and no plant room to find space for.

See How PowerBoard Infrared Heating Works

Watch our introduction to infrared heating, the technology behind every PoweRad passivhaus installation.

Why infrared is the natural Passivhaus heat source

Five reasons certified designers and self-builders specify ceiling infrared in low-energy homes.

Sized for tiny loads

A 1.2 kW peak demand maps cleanly onto 4-6 × 250 W panels. No oversized appliance short-cycling and wasting standing energy.

MVHR-friendly

Radiant heat warms surfaces, not air. MVHR keeps doing its job, fresh air balanced and heat-recovered, without convection currents fighting it.

Airtight envelope intact

No flue, no gas pipe, no condensate drain. Nothing that needs to penetrate (and weaken) the airtight layer or the insulated envelope.

Under 10 Mins

Room up to temperature

Room by Room

Set each space perfectly

Child Safe

Cool-touch panels

10-Year Warranty

25-year lifespan

What this means for a Passivhaus project

Lower capital cost than a heat pump

A whole-house infrared system for a Passivhaus is typically £2-4k installed vs £10k+ for an ASHP designed for such a small load.

Architecturally invisible

Flush ceiling panels disappear into the plasterboard. No radiators competing with floor-to-ceiling glazing or built-in joinery.

Zero maintenance

No annual service, no antifreeze top-up, no F-gas inspections. Install once, replace nothing for 10+ years.

Compatible with PHPP modelling

Panel-by-panel wattages and per-room thermostats give you precise control over the heating schedule used in PHPP balancing.

Works with PV self-consumption

Daytime PV generation can offset most of the heating demand directly, especially in shoulder seasons when Passivhaus loads are highest.

Single trade install

No plumber, no gas engineer, no F-gas-certified installer. Your electrician fits panels and thermostats, typically 1-2 days.

See exactly how many panels your passivhaus needs

Typical Passivhaus panel specification

The combination of low U-values and MVHR means most rooms only need a single low-wattage panel as a winter top-up. Indicative specs below.

Compact Passivhaus (90-120 m²)

• 4-6 × PoweRad 250 W ceiling panels
• Total installed wattage: 1,000-1,500 W
• Per-room thermostat in living areas + main bed
• Standard domestic circuit, no upgrade required
• Est. winter running cost: £10-£18 / month

Family Passivhaus (140-200 m²)

• 6-10 × PoweRad 250 W ceiling panels
• Total installed wattage: 1,500-2,500 W
• Smart zoned thermostats (typically 4-6 zones)
• Pairs cleanly with 4-6 kW PV array
• Est. winter running cost: £15-£30 / month

PoweRad PB-S-250 panel, 1200×600mm, 250W, surface or flush ceiling mount

Passivhaus heating, common questions

Ready to plan your passivhaus heating?

Our specialists will design your system for free, no obligation.

Heat Your Passivhaus the Way It Was Designed to Be Heated

Tell us your PHPP heat load and floor plan and we'll come back with a panel-by-panel schedule, wiring diagram, and indicative running cost, at no charge.

Passivhaus Heating, panels from £249 exc. VAT · 10-year warranty

Passivhaus Heating from £249

View the Passivhaus heating slide deck

The same passivhaus pitch in slide form, ideal for sharing with the family or your installer.