Infrared heating typically costs between 6p and 18p per hour to run per heater in the UK, depending on the wattage of the panel, how long it runs, and your electricity tariff.
Because infrared heaters warm people and surfaces directly rather than heating the air, most systems require fewer hours of operation compared to traditional convection or gas heating.
At Infrared Heating Supplies, real-world installations consistently show lower running costs when systems are correctly sized and controlled with thermostats.
What affects the running cost of infrared heating?
The cost of running infrared heating is not fixed. It depends on several practical factors that matter more than headline electricity prices.
Heater wattage
Infrared heaters are rated by wattage, commonly ranging from 300W panels to 3,000W bar heaters. A 600W infrared panel running for one hour uses 0.6 kWh of electricity.
If your electricity rate is 30p per kWh, this equates to:
- 18p per hour at full output
In practice, infrared heaters rarely operate continuously at full power once a room reaches temperature.
Thermostat control and cycling
Infrared heating performs best when paired with thermostats. Once surfaces and occupants are warm, the heater cycles on and off to maintain comfort.
- Typical duty cycle: 30 to 50 percent
- Most effective in insulated UK homes and commercial buildings
Room size and insulation
A well-insulated room requires significantly less energy than a poorly insulated space. Infrared heating performs particularly well in:
- Modern homes
- Renovated properties
- Offices and high-ceiling commercial spaces
Typical infrared heating running cost examples
Small room or office
- Heater: 350W infrared panel
- Usage: 5 hours per day
- Average cycling: 40 percent
- Daily cost: approximately 21p to 30p
Living room or bedroom
- Heater: 600W infrared panel
- Usage: 6 hours per day
- Average cycling: 40 percent
- Daily cost: approximately 43p to 72p
Commercial space or large room
- Heater: 1,800W infrared bar heater
- Usage: 6 hours per day
- Average cycling: 50 percent
- Daily cost: approximately £1.62 to £2.70
For seasonal concerns and colder weather usage, you may also find it helpful to read are infrared heaters expensive to run in winter.
Why infrared heating often costs less to run than expected
Traditional heating systems warm air, which rises, escapes, and must be reheated continuously. Infrared heating works differently.
- Heats people directly
- Warms walls, floors, and furnishings
- Reduces temperature stratification
- Maintains comfort at lower air temperatures
In many installations, infrared systems operate comfortably at 2 to 3 degrees lower than convection heating.
Is infrared heating suitable for whole-house heating?
Yes, when designed correctly. Infrared heating can be used as a full replacement for gas or as a zoned heating system.
- Room-by-room control
- Correct wattage calculations
- Appropriate heater selection
- Compatibility with solar PV and off-peak tariffs
How to keep infrared heating running costs low
- Use thermostats in every zone
- Size heaters correctly for each room
- Avoid overheating unused spaces
- Combine with insulation improvements
- Consider time-of-use electricity tariffs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is infrared heating expensive to run?
Infrared heating is not expensive to run when systems are correctly sized and controlled. By heating people and surfaces directly, infrared heaters often use fewer total kilowatt hours than traditional air-based systems.
How much does infrared heating cost per hour in the UK?
Typical infrared heaters cost between a few pence and around 20 pence per hour to run, depending on wattage, electricity tariff, and usage patterns.
Does infrared heating really save money?
Infrared heating can reduce overall heating costs by minimising wasted energy, especially in properties heated room by room or used intermittently.
Can infrared heating replace gas heating?
Yes. Many UK homes and businesses now use infrared heating as a full replacement for gas, particularly where zoning and smart controls are used.
Reduce heating costs with correctly sized infrared heating
Running costs depend far more on heater sizing and control than headline energy prices.
- Calculate accurate running costs: Use our room-based wattage calculator to size heating correctly.
- Understand your options: See how systems compare in our infrared vs traditional heating guide.
- View efficient heaters: Explore our infrared panels and bar heaters.
For tailored advice, speak with an infrared heating specialist.
Conclusion
Infrared heating offers predictable and controllable running costs for UK homes and commercial buildings. When systems are correctly sized and paired with thermostats, they often operate for fewer hours than traditional heating while maintaining the same level of comfort.
Accurate wattage calculation and appropriate heater selection are essential to achieving efficient performance.
To estimate how much heating your own rooms require, you can use our wattage calculator.
