When winter hits and the temperature drops, many of us face the same question: what’s the most cost-effective way to stay warm? With energy prices still high and a cost-of-living squeeze, the heating solution you choose really matters.
So, are infrared heaters actually cheaper to run than fan heaters or oil-filled radiators? And how much could you really save?
Let’s compare three popular electric heating options and the basic raw numbers:
Fan Heater
Uses around 2kW per hour
Oil-Filled Radiator
Typically 1.5kW per hour
Infrared Panel Heater
Often around 0.6kW per hour.
Assuming 5 hours of daily use over 5 months
(approx. 150 days):
Fan heater
2kW x 5h x 150d = 1,500kWh → ~£510 per winter (at £0.34/kWh)
- Oil-Filled Radiator
1.5kW x 5h x 150d = 1,125kWh → ~£382
Infrared Panel Heater
0.6kW x 5h x 150d = 450kWh → ~£153
Saving over £350 vs a fan heater. That’s nearly the cost of a weekend away. Or your broadband and Netflix for the year.
The Tale of Two Rooms
Meet John and Fred.
John plugs in his fan heater every night for the winter. It’s noisy, kicks up dust, and costs him over £500 per year.
Fred installs an infrared panel. It’s silent, slimline, and costs him just £153 to run through winter.
After three years, Fred’s saved over £1,000. Enough for a home office upgrade, or a family holiday.
The difference? Same warmth, smarter source.
What’s behind this?
Infrared heats objects and people, not the air.
That means quicker warmth, fewer cold spots, and better comfort at lower ambient temperatures.
