Infrared heating running-cost calculator
Get a realistic annual running cost for infrared heating — and see honestly how it compares with a heat pump, gas and old electric heating for your room and location.
What does infrared heating cost to run?
For a typical room, infrared costs the same per kWh as any electric heater. This calculator estimates your annual cost from the room size, insulation and your local climate, then compares it to a heat pump, gas and storage heaters so you can see the real trade-offs before you buy.
| 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