Are infrared heaters expensive to run in winter?

Infrared heaters are not expensive to run in winter when they are sized and controlled correctly. In many UK homes and commercial spaces, infrared heating can actually reduce total winter energy use by heating only occupied rooms instead of running a whole system continuously.

Although electricity costs more per unit than gas, infrared heating works very differently from traditional systems. This often results in lower real world running costs during colder months than many people expect.

Why heating costs increase in winter

Heating costs rise in winter because buildings lose heat more quickly. Lower outdoor temperatures, reduced daylight hours, and increased demand all contribute to higher energy consumption.

Traditional heating systems respond by running for longer periods to maintain air temperature throughout an entire property. This often leads to wasted energy, particularly in rooms that are unoccupied for much of the day.

How infrared heating performs in cold weather

Infrared heating is not affected by cold air temperatures. Instead of heating the air, infrared heaters emit radiant heat that warms people and surfaces directly.

In winter, this means:

• Rooms feel warm more quickly
• Comfort is achieved at lower air temperatures
• Heaters do not need to run continuously
• Heat loss caused by air movement is reduced

These characteristics allow infrared heaters to operate efficiently even during very cold winter conditions.

Typical winter running costs

Winter running costs depend on several factors, including heater wattage, room size, insulation levels, and how long heating is used each day.

In practice, infrared heaters usually cycle on and off once a room reaches temperature. This means they are not drawing full power continuously throughout the day.

For a detailed breakdown of electricity usage and real cost examples, see our guide on how much infrared heating costs to run in the UK .

When infrared heaters are most cost effective in winter

Infrared heating performs particularly well in winter where heating demand varies between rooms.

• Homes with different usage patterns throughout the day
• Bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices
• Extensions and garden rooms
• Workshops, studios, and garages
• Churches, halls, and large open spaces

In these situations, infrared heaters reduce winter costs by avoiding unnecessary heating of unused areas. For frequently used rooms, many homeowners install infrared heating panels sized specifically for each space.

Comparing infrared heaters with other winter heating options

Fan heaters, convection heaters, and storage heaters often perform poorly in winter because they rely on heating air, which escapes quickly in cold conditions.

Infrared heaters maintain comfort by warming surfaces that retain heat for longer periods.

You can explore the differences in more detail in our infrared heating vs traditional heating guide.

Can infrared heaters replace central heating in winter?

Yes. In many properties, infrared heating can be used as a full winter heating solution, particularly where rooms are reasonably insulated and heaters are sized correctly.

Some users replace central heating entirely, while others use infrared heaters to reduce boiler run time and improve comfort in colder or harder to heat areas.

Accurate room sizing is the key factor.

You can calculate the correct heater output using our room based wattage calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do infrared heaters cost more to run in winter?
No. When used correctly, infrared heaters do not necessarily cost more to run in winter because they heat people and surfaces directly rather than warming cold air.

Are infrared heaters effective in very cold weather?
Yes. Infrared heating performance is not affected by air temperature, making it reliable even in very cold conditions.

Can infrared heating reduce winter energy bills?
Yes. With thermostats and zoning, infrared heating can reduce winter bills by preventing unnecessary heating of unused rooms.

Is infrared heating suitable for overnight use?
Yes. Infrared heaters maintain background warmth efficiently and cycle on and off rather than running continuously overnight.

Real world experience: At Infrared Heating Supplies, we design and supply infrared heating systems for homes, commercial buildings, and heritage properties across the UK. Our guidance is based on real installations and measured performance.

Conclusion

Infrared heaters are not expensive to run in winter when used correctly. By heating only occupied spaces and delivering warmth directly to people and surfaces, infrared systems reduce wasted energy during colder months.

Understanding how your space is used and selecting the correct heater size is the most effective way to keep winter heating costs under control.