Are Infrared Heaters Expensive to Run? A Full Guide to Costs, Electricity Use, and Efficiency

Infrared heaters are not expensive to run compared to many traditional heaters. On average, a 1,500W infrared heater costs around $0.20 per hour at U.S. electricity rates of $0.13 per kWh, which equals about $60 per month if used 10 hours daily.

How Infrared Heaters Work

Infrared heaters use infrared radiation to directly warm people, furniture, and objects rather than heating the air. This makes them more efficient in targeted spaces since less energy is wasted on circulating air. Think of the way sunlight warms your skin on a cold day—that’s infrared heating in action.

Unlike convection heaters that rely on airflow, infrared units deliver instant warmth, making them ideal for spot heating, poorly insulated rooms, or large open spaces where heating air would be inefficient.

Typical Wattage and Electricity Consumption

Most residential infrared heaters range from 500W to 1,500W, though larger commercial models can use more. The higher the wattage, the faster the heating and the higher the energy consumption.

• 500W unit → uses 0.5 kWh per hour
  
  

• 1,000W unit → uses 1 kWh per hour
  
  

• 1,500W unit → uses 1.5 kWh per hour
  
  

Since U.S. electricity averages about $0.13 per kWh, calculating cost is simple: multiply the wattage in kilowatts by hours of use and then by the electricity rate.

Cost Breakdown Examples

Let’s use a 1,500W (1.5 kW) infrared heater as an example:

• Per Hour: 1.5 kWh × $0.13 = $0.20
  
  

• 8 Hours Daily: $0.20 × 8 = $1.60 per day
  
  

• Monthly (30 days): $1.60 × 30 = $48 per month
  
  

For a 1,000W heater, the cost is about $0.13 per hour and around $31 monthly when used 8 hours a day.

Table: Estimated Running Costs of Infrared Heaters

Infrared Heaters vs. Other Heating Options

Infrared heaters are generally cheaper to run than electric baseboards, ceramic heaters, or fan-forced heaters because they heat objects directly instead of circulating warm air. Compared with gas heating, the cost depends heavily on local gas prices, but electricity tends to be more stable and predictable.

• Infrared vs. Ceramic Heaters: Infrared warms faster and uses less energy.
  
  

• Infrared vs. Oil-Filled Radiators: Oil-filled heaters are slower but retain heat longer.
  
  

• Infrared vs. Gas Heaters: Natural gas can be cheaper in some areas, but electricity is cleaner and easier to install.
  

Factors That Affect Efficiency

Several conditions impact how much your infrared heater will cost to run:

• Room Size: Larger rooms require more wattage.
  
  

• Insulation Quality: Well-insulated rooms retain heat better.
  
  

• Usage Time: Longer daily operation means higher bills.
  
  

• Placement: Directing heat toward people and objects increases efficiency.
  
  

• Supplemental Use: Using infrared heaters alongside central heating can lower overall energy bills.
  

How Much Does It Cost to Run a 1500W Infrared Heater?

The most common household infrared heater has a power rating of 1500 watts (1.5 kW). Electricity costs vary by location, but the national average in the U.S. is around $0.16 per kWh.

Here’s the math:

• Hourly cost: 1.5 kWh × $0.16 = $0.24 per hour
  
  

• Daily cost (5 hours use): $0.24 × 5 = $1.20 per day
  
  

• Monthly cost (30 days): $1.20 × 30 = $36 per month
  
  

If used for longer periods, such as 8 hours a day, the cost can rise to about $58 per month.

For a full breakdown of electricity rates and step-by-step calculations, see our detailed guide on how much it costs to run a 1500W infrared heater.

Do Infrared Heaters Use More or Less Electricity?

Infrared heaters typically use less electricity overall because they work differently from convection heaters. Instead of heating all the air in a room, they emit infrared radiation that warms people and objects directly.

• Convection heaters: Constantly reheat air, leading to higher energy use.
  
  

• Infrared heaters: Targeted warmth with fewer wasted watts, reducing runtime.
  
  

As a result, users often find they can stay comfortable with lower overall consumption.

Want to know how infrared heaters compare with oil-filled and convection heaters? We’ve put together a full comparison of electricity use across different heater types.

How Energy Efficient Are Infrared Heaters?

Infrared heaters are considered highly efficient, often reaching nearly 100% efficiency because all the electricity consumed is converted into heat.

• Direct Heat: Heats bodies, floors, and furniture instead of just air.
  
  

• Faster Warmth: Reduces the need for long running hours.
  
  

• Consistent Comfort: Keeps heat steady, even if the air cools down.
  
  

This makes them especially efficient for spot heating, such as keeping one room cozy without raising the thermostat for the whole house.

To really understand radiant heat vs. air heating, check out our in-depth guide on infrared heater efficiency and how they work.

Infrared Heaters vs. Oil-Filled Heaters: Cost and Efficiency Comparison

When comparing infrared heaters with oil-filled radiators, both have their strengths.

Infrared Heaters

• Pros: Instant heat, energy efficient, great for targeted zones, portable.
  
  

• Cons: Limited coverage area, heat stops once switched off.
  
  

Oil-Filled Heaters

• Pros: Radiates heat even after turning off, heats whole rooms evenly.
  
  

• Cons: Slower to warm up, typically uses more electricity over time.
  
  

Cost Savings Example

• A 1500W oil-filled heater costs about the same $0.24 per hour, but since it takes longer to heat a space, it usually runs longer per day.
  
  

• In contrast, infrared heaters warm instantly, often reducing total run time, which means lower bills for targeted heating.

We’ve done a full head-to-head comparison of infrared heaters vs oil-filled heaters to see which is more energy efficient.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Running an Infrared Heater

1. Use in Smaller Spaces: Infrared is most efficient in bedrooms, offices, or living rooms.
   
   

2. Insulate Your Room: Prevent heat loss with curtains, rugs, and draft stoppers.
   
   

3. Adjust the Thermostat: Lower your central heating and rely on the heater where needed.
   
   

4. Run on a Timer: Use a programmable timer to avoid unnecessary energy waste.
   
   

5. Choose Quality Models: Energy-certified units last longer and consume less.
   
   

Looking for ways to cut costs? Read our dedicated guide with tips to reduce the cost of running an infrared heater.

Pros and Cons of Infrared Heaters

Pros:

• Immediate warmth
  
  

• Energy-efficient for spot heating
  
  

• Quiet operation
  
  

• Portable and easy to use
  
  

Cons:

• Limited coverage area
  
  

• Less effective in open or drafty rooms
  
  

• Heat stops once the unit is turned off
  
  

Conclusion: Are Infrared Heaters Cost-Effective?

Infrared heaters are a cost-effective choice for many households, especially when used for targeted heating or as a supplement to central systems. At around $0.20 per hour for a 1,500W model, they strike a balance between efficiency, comfort, and affordability.

For stylish options that integrate both design and function, visit RealCozy, where modern furniture and heating solutions come together seamlessly.

FAQ: Are Infrared Heaters Expensive to Run?

1. Are infrared heaters cheaper to run than electric heaters?
Yes, because they heat objects directly, reducing wasted energy.

2. Can an infrared heater heat a whole house?
Not efficiently—best for single rooms or as supplemental heat.

3. How long can I run an infrared heater?
They can run for hours, but using a thermostat saves money.

4. Do infrared heaters use less electricity at lower settings?
Yes, lowering wattage reduces consumption proportionally.

5. Are infrared heaters safe to leave on overnight?
Yes, most have safety features, but always follow manufacturer guidelines.