Infrared heater cost calculator
Estimate the annual running cost of infrared heating for your room, then compare it with other common systems using the same heat-demand assumptions.
How much will my infrared heater cost to run?
Enter your room size, insulation and nearest location. The model uses heating degree days and the current indicative electricity rate, then shows why zonal, on-demand heating can cost less than heating an entire building continuously.
| Heating type | Est. kWh/yr | Est. cost/yr |
|---|---|---|
Infrared panels Low upfront cost, zonal on-demand heat, no maintenance. | 1,074 | £263 |
Air-source heat pump Lowest running cost (COP ~3.2) but high install cost; £7,500 grant. | 430 | £105 |
Gas central heating Cheap fuel today, but fossil and being phased out of new builds. | 1,530 | £95lowest |
Old electric / storage heaters What infrared usually replaces — resistive and always-on. | 1,377 | £337 |
Indicative estimates using the degree-day method, real local climate data and the current Ofgem price cap. Heat pumps show the lowest running cost because they move ~3× more heat per kWh — infrared's advantages are upfront cost, zonal control and zero maintenance, not kWh efficiency. Your actual costs depend on tariff, usage and building fabric.
Frequently asked questions
Reviewed by the Infrared Heat Solutions technical team · Last updated July 2026 · Data sources: Open-Meteo (2024 climate), Ofgem price cap, first-party energy model