The energy efficiency of heat pumps is generally higher than that of infrared panels, making them more cost-effective in the long run for extensive
Think about lifetime costs
The lifetime costs of heat pumps versus infrared heating is significant, with heat pumps costing some 40% to 50% more than infrared.
But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible. This makes them much cheaper to run than central heating, space heating, and air source heat pumps.
IR-A radiation with its excessive heat can cause irreversible damage (such as burns) to the retina and cloud the lens, which can lead to a cataract (also known as glassblower's cataract or infrared cataract). IR-B radiation can damage the blood vessels down to the fatty tissue.
We understand why people look at infrared heating—it sounds energy efficient. But in reality, infrared heaters need to stay on longer to maintain warmth, and because they only heat what they directly touch, they often end up using more energy than expected.
To give you the quick answer, the majority of good infrared heating panels are designed with safety and efficiency in mind, allowing them to be left on throughout the day without major safety issues or costing you a small fortune.
Say you have the 700w Ecostrad Accent iQ wall panel and you want to run it for 6 hours a day. Using a DIY calculation, you can work out the approximate running cost for a day's use, taking into account that it might only need to use a third of its full wattage: 0.7kW x 6 hours = 4.2kWh. 4.2kWh x 34p = £1.43.
Radiant-based heater types seen in the above examples (Bar fire, storage and Herschel Infrared panel) are always cheaper to run than any unit using convection as their heat transfer method – so long as proper controls are also used.
A 1500 watt heater is using about 1.5 Kw per hour x 24 hours = 36Kw/h. So about $3.60 in the USA. If the heater has a thermostat and doesn't run constantly, it will use less. In some places the rate is considerably lower but the method for figuring it out is the same.
As a rule of thumb it will require about 10 watts for every square foot. So the 1500 watt will usually heat up to 150 square feet. Heating question - trying to understand what size heater to ... I am trying to understand in layman terms what this actually ...
Lifespan of infrared panels vs traditional heating
When considering heating options, longevity is a crucial factor. Infrared panels are known for their durability and should last around 20 years, but depending on the quality of the panel, this could be anywhere from 10 to 30 years.
It's expensive to install a heat pump
They cost considerably more than a gas installation. Nevertheless, grants are available to reduce the purchasing cost, which is not the case with gas installations. However, even with such grants, the heat pump is still at least 20% more expensive.
In colder climates, 95% efficient gas furnaces fare better than ENERGY STAR® heat pumps. And, due to the relatively lower cost of natural gas versus electricity, lifetime operating costs should be considered as well.
In terms of electricity, infrared heaters actually use less energy than other space heaters; the cost depends on the wattage and hours used per day. For example, a 1,500-watt infrared heater used 10 hours a day can cost around $60 a month (based on 13 cents per kilowatt hour).
Infrared panels offer direct, focused heating with minimal installation effort, making them ideal for targeted or supplementary heating needs. Heat pumps provide efficient whole-house heating by transferring heat from outside to inside, but they come with higher initial costs and maintenance requirements.
Runs on expensive electricity – Infrared panels use electricity, which is currently more expensive than gas (from 1st January 2025 to 31st March, costs will be 24.86p/kWh vs. 6.34p/kWh respectively). While their efficiency can lower energy bills, electricity prices may still impact overall savings.
The short answer is yes Infrared heaters will save you money. Depending on what heating system you are converting from Infrared heating will still reduce your energy bills.
Infrared panels are suitable for all-day heating.
The gradual build-up of heat ensures a comfortable environment, allowing them to be left on for extended periods without making a room feel stuffy.
Potential health issues
Indeed, if you sit too close to an infrared heater, you can experience blotchy skin, so there is damage occurring at a cellular level. Also, if you overheat, you sweat. While this isn't an issue with convector heaters that gently heat and circulate the air, it is a problem with infrared heat.
With the same efficiency, an infrared heater consumes 30% less energy than a convection radiator. The choice is yours, let your apartment, office or country house will always be comfortable and warm!
They often heat empty spaces. Rooms are heated on the basis that they may be used. Not always the case. Infrared heat is felt almost instantly.