How economical are infrared heaters in operation?
Infrared heaters are becoming increasingly important as a modern heating solution. But how economical are they really in operation? This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of cost-effectiveness, running costs, electricity consumption, comparison with other heating systems and valuable tips for the efficient use of infrared heaters – with a special focus on the innovative solutions from Heat4All.
Table of contents
- What is an infrared heater?
- Economic efficiency: What does this mean for heating systems?
- Acquisition & operating costs
- Electricity consumption: sample calculations
- Comparison with other heating systems
- Important influencing factors
- Tips for maximum efficiency
- Real experience with Heat4All
- FAQ: Economic efficiency of infrared heaters
- Placeholder for media content
What is an infrared heater?
Infrared heaters convert electrical energy almost completely into heat radiation. Unlike classic convection heaters, they do not primarily heat the air, but the surfaces and objects in the room – similar to the sun’s rays. Heat4All offers various designs and construction types for this, for example as classic panels, picture or mirror heaters.
Advantages at a glance:
- Fast, targeted heat
- Pleasant indoor climate without raising dust
- Flexible mounting on wall, ceiling or mobile
- Maintenance-free and durable
Economic efficiency: What does this mean for heating systems?
The economic efficiency of a heating system is not only measured by the running costs, but also by the total costs over its service life:
- Acquisition costs (incl. installation)
- Operating costs (electricity consumption)
- Maintenance costs
- Service life & repairs
- Subsidies, modernization costs
Infrared heaters score particularly well due to their low purchase and maintenance costs. The crucial question: How high are the operating costs in everyday life? This depends largely on the building, usage and electricity price.
Acquisition & operating costs
Acquisition costs
| Power (Watt) | Average price (panel) |
|---|---|
| 300 | 250 – 400 € |
| 600 | 400 – 600 € |
| 1000 | 600 – 900 € |
Operating costs (electricity)
The operating costs result from the electricity consumption, which depends heavily on the insulation and usage.
Sample calculation:
- Room size: 25 m², well-insulated new building
- Heat output: approx. 1,250 watts
- Heating duration: 8 hours/day, 180 heating days
- Power consumption: 1,250 W x 8 h x 180 = 1,800 kWh/year
- At 0.35 €/kWh: 630 €/year
| Building type | Heating load/m² | Consumption/year | Costs/year* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old building, bad | 80 W | 2,880 kWh | 1.008 € |
| New build, normal | 50 W | 1,800 kWh | 630 € |
| Low-energy house | 30 W | 1,080 kWh | 378 € |
*at 0.35 €/kWh
Important: Infrared heaters are particularly economical in well-insulated buildings!
Electricity consumption: sample calculations
Infrared heating as additional heating
| Capacity | Usage/day | Electricity costs/month (at 0.35 €/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 400 W | 3 h | approx. 12,60 € |
| 600 W | 4 h | approx. 25,20 € |
Infrared heating as main heating
| Living space | Heating load | Consumption/year | Costs/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 m² (well insulated) | 3.000 W | 1,440 kWh | 504 € |
| 120 m² (new building) | 6.000 W | 2,880 kWh | 1.008 € |
Formula for calculation
Heating load (W) = area (m²) x specific value (W/m²)
Consumption/year (kWh) = heating load (kW) x heating hours/year
Costs/year = consumption (kWh) x electricity price
Comparison with other heating systems
| System | Acquisition | Maintenance | Operating costs | Flexibility | Life cycle assessment* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared | +++ | +++ | ++ | +++ | ++ / +++ |
| Gas heating | – | – | + | – | – |
| Oil heating | – | – | + | – | – |
| Heat pump | — | ++ | +++ | ++ | +++ |
| Pellet heating | — | – | ++ | – | ++ |
*Depending on the electricity mix (green electricity = very good balance)
Advantages of infrared heating:
- No maintenance costs
- No chimney, no annual inspection
- Simple retrofitting and flexible expansion
- Can be operated directly with green electricity
Important factors influencing profitability
- Building insulation: The better the insulation, the lower the heat requirement and electricity costs.
- Utilization profile: Particularly economical in vacation homes or little-used rooms.
- Electricity price: Great savings potential with your own PV electricity or favorable tariffs.
- Dimensioning & placement: Optimum dimensioning and correct installation increase efficiency.
Tips for maximum efficiency
- Calculate heating load precisely (Heat4All offers an online heating load calculator)
- Using intelligent thermostats
- Optimal placement of panels
- Good insulation (windows, doors, walls)
- Use your own electricity (e.g. PV system)
- Low basic temperature, targeted additional heating if required
Expert tip: Get individual advice from a Heat4All consultant and receive a customized offer!
Real experience with Heat4All
“The heating panels from Heat4All are not only the absolute highlight in our house visually, they also provide warmth and comfort. They are very economical in terms of electricity consumption and are highly recommended both as a complete heating system and for the transitional period.” – Josef Schwindl
“In September 2013, we replaced our night storage heaters with infrared heaters from Heat4All following advice from SE.ES and now have pleasant, constant heat throughout the house and pay a monthly electricity discount of €198.00, compared to €468.00 per month before. We are now saving € 270 per month.” – Widmaier family
More customer testimonials: Heat4All Testimonials
FAQ: Economic efficiency of infrared heaters
Are infrared heaters expensive to operate?
They are very economical in well-insulated buildings or as supplementary heating. In older buildings, the electricity costs can be high – a detailed analysis is recommended here.
How long do infrared heaters last?
High-quality models such as those from Heat4All have a service life of 20 years or more and are practically maintenance-free.
How can I reduce my heating costs?
Through precise control, use of green electricity and optimum insulation.
Is it worth investing in a PV system for infrared heating?
Yes, our own solar power makes operation particularly economical and environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
Infrared heaters are inexpensive to purchase, maintenance-free and extremely economical, especially in well-insulated residential buildings and as supplementary heating. Modern controls, intelligent planning and the use of green electricity can further minimize operating costs. Benefit from Heat4All solutions – for efficient, flexible and future-proof heating!
Contact & advice
All information and prices are average values and serve as a guide.
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