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 reduce total energy use during colder months by heating only occupied rooms rather than running a whole heating system continuously.

While electricity prices are higher than gas on a per unit basis, infrared heating works differently from traditional systems, which can make winter running costs lower than expected.

Why winter heating costs rise

Heating costs increase in winter because buildings lose heat more quickly. Cold external temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and increased heating demand all contribute to higher energy use.

Traditional heating systems respond to this by running for longer periods to keep air temperatures stable 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 unaffected by cold air temperatures. Instead of heating air, infrared heaters emit radiant heat that warms people and surfaces directly.

This means:

• Rooms feel warm faster
• Comfort can be achieved at lower air temperatures
• Heaters do not need to run continuously
• Heat loss through air movement is reduced

In winter, these characteristics allow infrared heaters to operate efficiently even in colder conditions.

Typical winter running costs

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

In practice, infrared heaters often operate on a cycling basis once a room reaches temperature. This means they are not drawing full power continuously.

For a detailed explanation of electricity use and example costs, 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 when heating demand varies across 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 can reduce winter costs by avoiding the need to heat unused areas. For winter heating in frequently used rooms, many homeowners install infrared heating panels sized 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.

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

You can explore how infrared heating compares with traditional systems in our infrared heating vs traditional heating guide.

If you are weighing up alternatives, you can also read infrared heating vs heat pumps: running costs compared.

Can infrared heaters replace central heating in winter?

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

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

The key factor is accurate room sizing.

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?
Infrared heaters do not necessarily cost more to run in winter, as they heat people and surfaces directly rather than relying on 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 during very cold winter conditions.

Can infrared heating reduce winter energy bills?
When used with thermostats and zoning, infrared heating can reduce winter energy 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 recommendations are based on real installation data and practical performance, not theoretical figures.

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 can reduce wasted energy during colder months.

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