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myInfrared Heater Cost Calculator
An infrared heater is an electrically powered panel that emits direct heat. It warms the surfaces, objects and people around it rather than the air in the room as standard radiators do. The panels are typically made of metal, toughened glass or mirrors and can be wall or ceiling-mounted.
These heaters are growing in popularity in the UK due to their energy efficiency and modern looks. Many are disguised as pictures, wall art or functional mirrors, making them suitable for any room in the house.
If you’re interested in estimating the running costs of infrared heaters for your home, our cost calculator is the perfect tool - letting you take the guesswork out of budgeting for your specific project.
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Infrared Heater Cost Calculator
Infrared Heater Cost Calculator Tool
Each home is different, so to get a clear indication of how much your infrared heater installation will cost, simply put the information required into our free-to-use calculator.
You just need to enter the size of the rooms, how many rooms you wish to heat, the desired output and the type of installation you want. The infrared heater cost calculator will then estimate the price of the work. With this information, you will be able to set a rough budget and then request quotations from local installers.
Average Cost of Infrared Heaters in the UK
For example, a small infrared heater of between 160 watts and 400 watts costs from £70 to £200. A standard-sized heater of 500 watts to 800 watts costs between £200 and £400 on average. Large models with high output of over 1000 watts range from £400 to over £600. Finally, designer infrared heaters and mirror panels cost from £250 to over £500.
Infrared heater installation costs are largely dependent on your location in the UK. The complexity of fitting the heaters will also influence the price. A typical installation for a single unit costs from £100 to £200. Awkward or complex fittings can cost over £500.
- Small infrared heater - £70 - £200
- Medium/standard infrared heater - £200 - £400
- Large infrared heater - £400 - £600+
- Designer/mirror infrared heater - £250 - £500
Costs range from £4,000 to over £10,000 to fit an entire house with an infrared heating system. For example, a 1-bedroom flat costs approximately £3,900 while a 4-bedroom detached home costs around £9,900.
With this type of energy-efficient heating, UK running costs are between 6 pence and 20 pence per hour, depending on the wattage of the heater.
To calculate the cost, divide the wattage by 1000 and multiply this by the hours the heater is in use and then by the kilowatt-hour price. The formula looks like this for a 500-watt heater run for 2 hours at 20 pence per hour: (500/1000) x 2 hours x £0.20.
Factors Affecting Infrared Heater Installation Costs
Several key factors affect the cost of installing an infrared heater.
Type and Number of Heaters Required
The number of rooms and their size will dictate the number and size of panels to be fitted. High-ceilinged rooms require more heaters or larger models to effectively warm the space.
Room Size and Number of Rooms
Standard metal infrared heaters are less expensive than glass, mirror or designer models. If you require more heaters to warm your home, this will obviously increase your material and labour costs.
Installation Complexity
The way in which the heaters are installed affects how much you pay. Freestanding heaters are portable and can simply be plugged in where needed. Wall and ceiling-mounted models are typically hardwired and need the services of an electrician.
Energy Efficiency and Model Quality
Infrared heaters are highly efficient and convert 100% of electricity into heat, making them cost-effective to run. The quality of the brand and model will be reflected in the price, with higher-quality heaters involving a higher upfront cost.
Existing Electrical Infrastructure
If you’re fitting several infrared heaters, the existing electrical infrastructure may need to be upgraded to handle the extra load. Outdated wiring should be replaced before installing new infrared heaters.
Pros and Cons of Infrared Heating
Before making the decision to fit infrared heaters, it’s wise to examine their pros and cons.
Pros:
- ✔ Very energy efficient
- ✔ Rapid heating
- ✔ Silent operation
- ✔ Modern and stylish designs
- ✔ Ideal for spot heating
- ✔ Low maintenance
Cons:
- ✖ Upfront costs
- ✖ Need an unobstructed position
- ✖ Rapid heat loss once switched off
- ✖ Large spaces require a lot of heaters
Infrared Heater Running Costs
Infrared heaters’ running costs are between 6 pence and 20 pence per hour. The daily cost is typically from 30 pence to £1.20, allowing for 5-6 hours of use.
To estimate monthly usage, multiply the number of hours per day that the heater is on by the price you pay per kWh and then multiply by 30 days. For annual estimates, multiply the monthly total by 12.
By using an infrared panel, you can heat a cold bathroom in 10 minutes, first thing in the morning. Using the heater for less than an hour in the morning costs around 6 pence to 20 pence. You don’t need to switch on the heating for the whole house if you just want a warm bathroom.
Rooms which are not connected to the central heating system can be warmed as needed using an infrared panel heater.
Infrared Heater vs Traditional Heating Systems
Weighing up the costs and benefits of infrared heaters compared to traditional heating systems helps you reach a decision on your project. Gas central heating, electric radiators, storage heaters and underfloor heating are all alternatives to infrared panels.
One of the main benefits of infrared panels is how energy efficient they are. They convert 100% of the electricity they use to heat - nothing is wasted. Regular electric radiators do the same, but they need to warm the air rather than surfaces, so they run for longer to achieve a similar level of comfort, increasing the cost.
Gas central heating is the most economical way to heat an entire house. However, if you only want to warm up one room, an infrared panel is a cheaper option. You don’t need to heat every other room at the same time.
If you don’t already have underfloor heating, the disruption an installation causes can be significant. Alternatively, an infrared panel heater can be mounted quickly and without major disruption.
Final Thoughts
The infrared heater cost calculator is a simple, free tool, allowing you to plan your installation with ease. By asking some basic questions, it will estimate the cost of installing an infrared heater in your home and offer the opportunity for a custom price. You can then approach local, professional installers for more exact quotations.
