Last updated: February 2023
Efficient, intuitive and stylish – infrared heaters tick a lot of boxes when it comes to home heating. Not only are they 100% efficient at point of use, but they also come with a range of intelligent features that allow you to program warmth to a tee. However, when it comes to using these heaters in your home, just how expensive are they? Before we explore the cost-effectiveness of this heating solution, we must first see whether infrared is a viable primary heating solution for your property.
What are infrared heaters?
Infrared heaters are a highly efficient, modern heating solution, offering a sophisticated and stylish way to heat your home. They supply warmth through radiation which is a type of heat transfer that is 100% natural – in fact, it’s the same heat that our bodies are constantly emitting and absorbing daily. Rather than warming the surrounding air, infrared travels in a wave, heating people, objects and surfaces directly, reducing the chance of warmth being lost to draughts. This is why infrared is ideal for a range of interiors and exteriors, from your bedroom to hard-to-heat spaces like your patio. Incredibly versatile, you can use infrared panels for your living room, stylish mirror panels for your bathroom and electric patio heaters for your outdoor space – offering unmatched flexibility and efficient warmth for your entire property.
Infrared panels
Patio heaters
How much does it cost to run an infrared heater?
Calculating an accurate running cost of an infrared heater can sometimes be tricky due to a number of factors, such as:
Size of your home and room
In larger spaces and high-ceilinged rooms, infrared heaters will use more energy than they would in a small, low-ceilinged one bed flat.
Room insulation
Single glazing and poor insulation are typical in period homes, meaning running costs will be higher in these types of properties than they would in a double-glazed new build.
Exposure levels
An infrared heater will have to work harder in locations that are more exposed to the elements, such as a fully detached house with north facing rooms.
Unpredictable weather
Here in the UK we’re accustomed to unforeseen changes in weather, so it’s difficult to calculate a set running cost – e.g., some months might need more heat than expected.
How infrared heaters can help save money
So, whilst calculating running costs should be taken with a pinch of salt, let’s take a look at how infrared heaters maximise efficiency. Here are some of the benefits these solutions have to offer that make them a cost-effective choice.
100% efficient
Infrared heaters are 100% efficient at point of use, meaning every watt of energy drawn from the wall is converted into usable heat. No energy is wasted so you can rest assured that every penny is being used to supply your home with warmth. Better yet, when paired with renewables like solar panels, infrared is completely efficient from start to finish. These reasons make infrared heating much more efficient than gas central heating, a system that incurs natural heat losses at the point of combustion and across the pipe network, ultimately resulting in money going to waste.
Robust radiant warmth
Infrared heaters not only come with a 100% efficiency guarantee, but they also promise 100% radiant warmth – a pocket-friendly style of heat transfer. These heaters warm objects, people and surfaces directly, rather than the surrounding air. As a result, warmth isn’t easily lost to draughts and air movement, meaning energy isn’t wasted either. These heaters also require a line of sight in order for warmth to travel, encouraging you to position them towards spaces that are most frequently used, like your sofa area. By directly heating spaces that need it most, you’ll not only maximise comfort but you’ll also eliminate the worry of energy, and your pennies, going to waste.
Learn more about the efficiency of electric heating here.
Zero maintenance
With no risk of carbon monoxide leaks, infrared heaters do not require an annual safety check like a gas central heating system does, completely eliminating any maintenance costs. Many of these heaters are also DIY-friendly so you can easily avoid lengthy callouts and hefty fees from a contractor. Besides servicing and installation, most infrared heaters offer robust warranty periods that alleviate the stress of having to shell out for a replacement down the line. For example, one of our bestselling infrared heaters, the Herschel Inspire, boasts a generous 10-year guarantee, providing you with total peace of mind.
Precise digital thermostats
When paired with a precise digital thermostat, infrared heaters monitor and regulate room temperature with an incredible degree of accuracy. So, if the thermostat detects that your room has reached your desired temperature level, the heater will automatically stop drawing power from the wall, saving energy on your behalf. These digital thermostats also give you the option to program your heating on a 24/7 basis, ensuring energy is only used when you most need it.
Smart control
Many modern infrared heaters come equipped with a range of smart features that offer exceptional controllability over your home heating – ideal for those who want to micromanage warmth in a bid to minimise energy bills. Infrared heaters with WiFi control demonstrate smart heating at its finest, letting you manage multiple infrared heaters via an app on your smartphone, even when you’re away from home. Providing you can connect to the internet, you’ll be able to control warmth from anywhere in the world, giving you ultimate on-the-go access. This means you never have to be concerned about accidentally leaving the heating on – you can simply open up the app and turn them off, regardless of where you are.
For everything you need to know about infrared heating, check out our video.
Browse our full range of efficient infrared heaters now
So, there you have it. Using infrared to heat your entire property is an ideal way of providing your home with comfortable, energy-efficient warmth that doesn’t cost a small fortune. As long as you use them correctly and take advantage of all the energy-saving features they have to offer, infrared heaters make an affordable choice. Besides cutting cost, our versatile range of infrared heaters feature elegant aesthetics and modern control functions, taking sustainable home heating to a whole new level. Browse our full range today.
Key learnings
- Calculating an accurate running cost of an infrared heater can sometimes be tricky due to a number of factors, such as the size of the room it's heating and your home's insulation levels.
- Infrared heaters are built to be as cost-effective as possible. They're 100% efficient at point of use, meaning every watt of energy drawn from the walls is converted into useable heat.
- Infrared heaters deliver their warmth via radiation: warming objects, people and surfaces directly, rather than the surrounding air. As a result, warmth isn’t easily lost to draughts and air movement, meaning energy isn’t wasted either.
- Smart app control, precision thermostats and 24/7 programming give you greater scope over managing your energy usage and heating bills.