Does infrared heating use a lot of electricity?
This is without a doubt the most common question we get at Infracenter.
Many people who are considering infrared heating first look at the panel's effect and think:
"If the panel is 800W, it must draw 800W all the time, right?"
But it doesn't work that way.
A common misconception is that installed power and actual energy consumption are the same thing. This is rarely true for any modern heating system – and not for infrared heating either.
To understand energy consumption, you first need to understand the difference between installed power and actual operating time.
Installed power is not the same as energy consumption
When we dimension a heating system, we calculate how much power is needed to heat the building safely and comfortably.
This does not mean that the panels are working at full power all the time.
Just like a heat pump, underfloor heating or a traditional radiator, infrared panels are controlled by thermostats. When the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat turns off the heating and only turns it on again when needed.
This means that actual energy consumption is often significantly lower than many people initially think.
A simple example
An 800W infrared panel can use a maximum of 800 watts when operating.
If the same panel works approximately 50% of the time during the winter months, the average consumption will instead be approximately 400W.
| Panel effect | Operating time | Average consumption |
|---|---|---|
| 800W | 30% | about 240W |
| 800W | 50% | about 400W |
| 800W | 70% | about 560W |
That is why the operating time is at least as important as the panel's power.
How long do infrared panels actually work?
It varies between different buildings and seasons.
During the winter months, it is common for the infrared heater to work periodically to maintain the desired temperature. The amount of time the panels are active is affected by factors such as insulation, ventilation, outdoor temperature and desired indoor temperature.
As a general guideline, one can say:
| Building type | Typical operating hours during the winter months |
|---|---|
| Well-insulated building | about 30% |
| Normal villa | about 50% |
| Demanding environment or cold periods | up to 70% |
During spring, summer and early autumn, however, the heating requirement is significantly lower. Then the panels often work very little or not at all for long periods.
It is therefore important to distinguish between installed power and actual energy consumption over an entire year.
The biggest misconception about infrared heating
Many people look at the installed power and calculate:
800W × 24 hours × 365 days
But no modern heating system works that way.
Just like a heat pump, radiator or underfloor heating, infrared heating only uses energy when heat is actually needed. Once the right temperature has been reached, the thermostat turns off the heat until it is needed again.
That's why the actual operating time determines energy consumption – not the maximum power of the panel.
Only heat the rooms that are being used
One of the biggest advantages of infrared heating is that each room can be controlled individually.
All rooms in a house rarely need to be kept at the same temperature 24/7. Guest rooms, storage rooms and laundry rooms are often used significantly less than living rooms, kitchens or home offices.
With infrared panels and individual thermostats, the temperature can be adjusted according to how the house is actually used.
Example of smart zone control
| Room | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Guest room | 17°C |
| Storehouse | 17°C |
| Bedroom | 18°C |
| Living room | 22°C |
| Bathroom | 23°C |
Instead of heating the entire house to the same temperature, the energy can be used where it is most useful.
For many households, this means greater comfort while keeping total energy consumption down.
Therefore, many people experience infrared heating as energy efficient.
Traditional elements primarily heat the air.
Infrared heating works differently.
Instead, it heats:
Floor
Walls
Ceiling
Furniture
People
When heat is stored in the room's surfaces, many people find that the heat remains longer and that comfort increases.
This is one of the reasons why many people experience high comfort without having to raise the temperature unnecessarily.
It's not just about watts
When people compare heating systems, they often focus on watts and kilowatt hours.
But comfort is just as important.
Two houses can have exactly the same air temperature but feel completely different to live in.
When floors, walls and other surfaces maintain a comfortable temperature, the entire room feels warmer and more comfortable. Many describe the feeling as the natural warmth you get when the sun peeks through the clouds.
That is why infrared heating is often perceived as more comfortable than traditional air-borne heating.
Infrared heating is not the same as old electric radiators
Many people still associate electric heating with older electric radiators that heated the air and often had limited control options.
Modern infrared heating works in a completely different way.
Instead of just heating the air, people and surfaces are heated directly, while modern thermostats provide very good control over energy use.
Today's infrared panels therefore have very little in common with older generations of electric heating.
What affects energy consumption the most?
The insulation
A well-insulated building requires less energy regardless of which heating system is used.
Correct sizing
The right power provides better comfort and better conditions for efficient heating.
Smart temperature control
Modern thermostats help heat when needed – not all the time.
How the building is used
A holiday home, a villa and an office often have completely different energy needs.
How much power do you need?
As a general rule of thumb, one often counts with:
| Environment | Recommended power |
|---|---|
| Well-insulated homes | 60–80 W/m² |
| Normal housing | 80–100 W/m² |
| Older or more demanding buildings | 100–120 W/m² |
The exact dimensions are affected by insulation, windows, ceiling height and area of use.
At Infracenter, we always help our customers find the right solution for their property.
Not all infrared panels are equally energy efficient
It is easy to compare two panels based on price and wattage.
But the quality of the panels plays a major role in both comfort, longevity and user experience.
At Infracenter, we develop our own products based on experience from thousands of installations in real environments.
Why customers choose Infracenter
The Nordic region's largest specialist in infrared panels
Several thousand panels sold every year
Own products developed by Infracenter
Approved for suspended ceilings
High IP rating
Up to 10 years warranty
Personal advice from specialists
How much electricity does infrared heating consume – summary
How much electricity infrared heating uses does not only depend on the panel's power.
Factors such as insulation, temperature settings, thermostat control and how the building is used play a major role.
The most important thing to remember is that installed capacity is not the same as actual energy consumption.
When infrared heating is properly dimensioned and controlled with a thermostat, many people experience high comfort while the energy is used where it is most beneficial.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about energy consumption and infrared heating
Does infrared heating use a lot of electricity?
Not necessarily. The actual energy consumption depends on insulation, temperature setting, thermostat control and how long the panels operate.
Is installed capacity the same as energy consumption?
No. The panels normally only work part of the time thanks to thermostat control.
Can I control each room separately?
Yes. One of the great advantages of infrared heating is that each room can have its own temperature and control.
Is infrared heating energy efficient?
Many people appreciate infrared heating because the heat is used directly where it is most beneficial – on people and surfaces.
How much power is needed in a house?
In normal homes, approximately 80–100 W/m² is often considered as a starting point.
Why choose Infracenter?
Infracenter is the Nordic region's largest specialist in infra panels and offers proprietary products, expert knowledge and up to a 10-year warranty.