One of the most common questions we get at Infracenter is whether infrared heating is really economical. Many people are curious about the technology and appreciate the comfort, but hesitate when they hear the word electric heating.
That's completely understandable.
Electric heating has for many years gained a reputation for being expensive, and almost everyone associates infrared heating with the classic patio heaters that glow bright red in restaurants, outdoor cafes and balconies.
The problem is that the comparison is wrong from the start.
Heating a patio in the middle of winter is a huge challenge regardless of what heating system you use. If you were to install the best ground source heat pump on the market and try to heat the same patio, it would also use large amounts of energy.
The difference is not the heat source.
The difference is that you are trying to heat an area without walls, roof and insulation.
A well-insulated house works in a completely different way.
Modern infrared panels have very little in common with old electric heating
When many people hear the word electric heating, they still think of old direct-acting elements from the 70s and 80s.
They mainly heated the air, had limited control options and often provided an uneven indoor climate.
Modern infrared panels from Infracenter work differently.
Instead of just heating the air, the panels emit infrared waves that directly heat people, floors, walls, ceilings and furniture. These surfaces then store the heat and help create an even and comfortable temperature throughout the room.
The result is heat that many describe as more natural and comfortable than traditional air heating.
An 800W panel does not use 800W all the time
Another common misconception is that an 800 watt infrared panel uses 800 watts every hour, 24/7.
No modern heating system works like that.
When the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat turns off the panel. After that, it only turns on when more heat is needed.
An 800W infrared panel that works:
| Active time | Average consumption |
|---|---|
| 30% of the time | about 240W |
| 50% of the time | about 400W |
| 70% of the time | about 560W |
The actual consumption depends on several factors such as insulation, outdoor temperature, ceiling height and the temperature you want indoors.
This is why actual energy consumption is often significantly lower than many people first think.
A house stores heat – a patio does not
When a patio heater is turned off, the heat disappears almost immediately.
A house works differently.
When Infracenter's infrared panels heat floors, walls, ceilings and furniture, energy is stored in the materials. These surfaces then continue to radiate heat back into the room.
That's one of the reasons why infrared panels don't need to work continuously to maintain a comfortable temperature.
The better insulated the house is, the greater this effect will be.
Therefore, many people can lower the temperature and still feel warmer.
Think about a spring day when it's 18 degrees outside.
When the sun is shining, it feels warm and pleasant. Many people wear t-shirts and enjoy the warmth.
But if the sun disappears behind the clouds, the same 18 degrees suddenly feels significantly cooler.
The air temperature is exactly the same.
What changes is how the heat is experienced.
The same principle applies indoors.
When floors, walls and people are heated by infrared waves, many people experience increased comfort. Therefore, the temperature can often be lowered by one or a few degrees compared to traditional heating systems without compromising comfort.
As a rule of thumb, it is usually said that a one degree lower indoor temperature can reduce energy consumption by approximately six percent.
This means that comfort and economy often go hand in hand.
Why heat rooms that no one uses?
One of the biggest advantages of infrared panels is the ability to control each room individually.
In many houses, the same temperature is maintained throughout the building even though some rooms are used very rarely.
This leads to unnecessary energy consumption.
With infrared panels, you can instead adjust the temperature according to how the house is actually used.
| Room | Example temperature |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | 23°C |
| Living room | 22°C |
| Kitchen | 20°C |
| Guest room | 17°C |
| Storehouse | 15–17°C |
Why heat a guest room to 22 degrees when no one is staying there?
By pinpointing the heat where people actually are, energy consumption can be reduced while comfort increases.
Infrared heating and solar cells are a perfect combination
Since infrared panels are powered directly by electricity, they are an excellent match for solar cells.
The self-produced electricity can be used directly for heating without the need for complicated systems, boilers or circulation pumps.
For many homeowners this means:
Lower energy costs
Simpler technology
Fewer components that can break
Higher degree of self-sufficiency
This is one of the reasons why the combination of solar cells and infrared heating has become increasingly common in modern energy-efficient houses.
Built to last for decades
When comparing different heating systems, it is easy to become blind to energy consumption.
But the real cost is about much more than that.
Infracenter's infrared panels are built for approximately 70,000 hours of operation. For many households, this means several decades of use.
Unlike many other heating systems, there are no:
Compressors
Refrigerants
Circulation pumps
Fan motors
It also means minimal maintenance and very low service costs.
The overall economy is more important than the electricity bill
The real question is not:
"How much electricity does an infrared panel use?"
The real question is:
"How much does it cost to keep the house warm?"
To answer that, you have to look at the whole picture.
| Cost | Infrared panel |
|---|---|
| Purchase | Low |
| Installation | Low |
| Maintenance | Very low |
| Service | Almost non-existent |
| Life | Very long |
| Comfort | Very high |
When the entire calculation is added up, it is difficult to find a heating system that provides as much comfort per dollar invested as a correctly dimensioned infrared heating solution.
Why customers choose Infracenter
Since 2014, Infracenter has helped thousands of customers create warmer, drier and more comfortable homes.
We develop our own products, sell several thousand infrared panels every year and work daily with everything from villas and apartments to hotels, yoga studios and commercial properties.
This experience means we know which solutions work in reality.
When you choose Infracenter, you choose the experience of the Nordic region's largest specialist in infra panels.
Summary – is infrared heating expensive?
No, not necessarily.
On the contrary, many are surprised by how economical modern infrared panels can be when used correctly.
The ability to control each room individually, the high comfort, the long lifespan and the minimal service costs mean that the overall economy is often very strong.
When you can also lower the temperature, heat the right room at the right time and combine the system with solar cells, infrared heating becomes one of the most interesting heating alternatives on the market today.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about infrared heating and electricity consumption
Does infrared heating use a lot of electricity?
Not necessarily. An infrared panel only works when heat is needed and is therefore not on at full power all the time.
Is infrared heating more expensive than a heat pump?
It depends on the house and its use. Infra panels, on the other hand, have a significantly lower investment cost and basically no service costs.
Can I lower the temperature with infrared heating?
Many people find that they can lower the temperature by one or a few degrees and still maintain the same comfort.
Is infrared heating compatible with solar cells?
Yes. Infrared panels and solar cells are a very popular combination because the electricity can be used directly for heating.
How long does an infrared panel last?
Infracenter's infrared panels are built for approximately 70,000 hours of operation, which for many households means several decades of use.
Why choose Infracenter?
Infracenter has specialized in infrared heating since 2014 and develops its own products with a focus on comfort, quality and long lifespan.