Infrared Heaters: Cost, Benefits, Drawbacks & Use Cases

What are Infrared Heaters?

Infrared heaters work differently by producing infrared radiation, a form of heat that you can feel, not see. The feeling of infrared radiation is relaxing and familiar, just like sitting in the sunlight. If you are looking for this enjoyment on gloomy, cold, and even snowy days, infrared heaters are the go-to option.

Instead of warming the air like a traditional radiator, infrared heaters directly transfer heat to people, furniture, and objects with infrared waves. These waves are absorbed into physical objects, which later gently release warmth back into the room.

Not only can they help keep you warm during the winter months, infrared heaters with a big capacity are also chosen in DIY projects and construction sites. They can significantly speed up the drying process of paintwork and plaster while cutting down on operating costs.

In other words, infrared heaters use less energy, provide instant warmth, and create a natural feeling of comfort.

Types of Infrared Heaters 

Infrared heaters can come in various forms around the house for different needs.

• Portable infrared heaters: compact and flexible heating units that can be moved around. They are suitable for homes, workplaces, and construction sites. Some popular models are the Elite EH110MK3 Infrared Heater or the Master DC61 Infrared Battery/Oil Fired Heater.
• Wall-mounted infrared heaters: infrared heating panels are commonly used if you want to save floor space and don’t need much mobility.
• Ceiling-Mounted Heaters: panels installed on the ceiling to provide even heat around the room with greater coverage than other units. These are often seen in larger areas like garages, workshops, and open areas.

Benefits of Infrared Heaters

The clever heating method of infrared heaters makes them popular and brings countless practical advantages.

• Heat is absorbed by people and objects. This means there is less heat loss and energy wasted during usage
• With direct radiant heat, you'll feel the warmth as soon as you switch on the unit. The heating-up process is much faster compared to traditional heating.
• Infrared heaters run silently since they have no fans or moving parts.
• The unit has no by-products such as dust, fumes, or allergens.
• The infrared heat waves are more focused, thus perfect for any spaces in the house or DIY projects
• The infrared heating system is reliable and long-lasting.

Drawbacks of Infrared Heaters 

Infrared heaters sound like a perfect choice with their instant warmth. However, they may have some downsides that you need to know:

• Infrared heaters don’t warm up the air, meaning the room can still feel cool when you move away from the heat source.
• More suitable for small rooms and specific spots rather than the whole house. 
• Sitting too close to infrared heaters may feel like being near a fire, as the heat can be quite intense.
• Investing in infrared heaters can be expensive, especially the wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted models with a high up-front cost. 

If you have a large area, our experts recommend using industrial infrared heaters for greater capacity and coverage. Instead of buying, try hiring portable heaters from Speedy at affordable prices. 

Can You Use Infrared Heaters in Your Home?   

Certainly, infrared heaters can be used both indoors and outdoors when operated correctly. The term radiation may frighten you, but it's completely natural, like sunlight without UV rays. Plus, infrared heaters have several safety features, such as overheat protection, tip-over sensors and cool-touch surfaces.

However, like any other heaters, infrared heaters can be dangerous with hidden risks, especially around children and pets. When using them in your house, make sure to read the instructions carefully to avoid accidents. 

Where Can You Use Infrared Heaters in Your Home? 

Portable infrared heaters are versatile and convenient. You can use them pretty much anywhere around the house. 

• Great for large areas like living rooms and garages, for instance and comfortable heat.
• Use them when you need silent operation in bedrooms or workplaces
• Wall-mounted infrared heaters with a waterproof surface can be used in damp areas like bathrooms
• Suitable for less insulated areas like gardens, construction sites, and DIY projects for energy savings

Can Infrared Heaters Replace Your Central Heating System? 

The short answer is no. Infrared heaters are often used as supplemental heating or temporary solutions. They can be great in cutting energy costs and generating heat for small and individual rooms, but they won’t be able to replace central heating for warming your entire home. 

For this reason, many people choose to hire portable heaters instead of pouring money into a heating unit that can only be used occasionally. Plus, you won’t have to worry about storage or keeping the heater in great condition all the time. Speedy ensures all equipment is checked and ready to use when delivered to your home! 

Find out more types of heaters in our heating hire guide.

Safety Advice on Using Infrared Heaters in the Home 

Although infrared heaters are safe to use indoors, it’s best to use them with care to keep your house warm and hazard-free. 

• Place your heater at least 1 metre away from objects around the house or water sources. 
• Always turn off the heater when leaving the room/house or set an automatic shut-off, especially around kids and pets. 
• Always place your heater on a flat, stable surface so it can’t tip over. 
• Never cover the heater with clothes, towels, or fabrics for drying purposes. 
•  Make sure your heating unit is well-maintained without defects and dust build-up. 

For more safety information, read our blog on safety tips for portable heaters.  

Infrared Heaters vs Other Types of Heaters 

Here is a quick comparison between infrared heaters and other heating options to help you choose the most suitable model for your needs. 

Heater Type	Heating Method	Warm-up speed	Efficiency	Suitable for	Running Cost
Infrared Heaters	Directly heats people and objects	Instant	High	Spot or room heating	£0.30–£0.45/hour
Fan Heaters	Heats the air using hot coils	Fast	Moderate	Small rooms and focused areas	£0.40–£0.60/hour
Oil-filled Radiators	Circulates warm oil	Slow	Good	Continuous heating	£0.35–£0.50/hour
Central Heating Radiators	Water-based system via boiler	Slow	Varies	Whole-house heating	£0.50-£1.00/hour (depending on size of central heating system)

Note: Running cost is estimated based on a standard electricity rate of 27p per kWh and may vary depending on your energy tariff and heater wattage. 

Hire Your Infrared Heaters Today! 

Our portable infrared heaters are reliable, affordable, and ready to use. Ideal for homes, offices, and temporary setups, they provide efficient solutions when you need extra warmth. It's a smart upgrade for a more comfortable home! 

All heating options are available at Speedy for hire, from infrared heaters to oil-filled radiators or electric fan heaters. We offer various models for household or industrial use with a 4-hour delivery. 

With over 100 depots across the UK, you can collect or arrange fast delivery the same day. Not sure which model to choose? Contact our experts for more information! 

FAQs 

Do infrared heaters use a lot of electricity? 

No, infrared heaters generally use less energy with higher efficiency than other heaters. This is because the unit targets people and objects directly without warming the air. They can help reduce energy costs significantly.

How much does it cost to run an infrared heater for 1 hour? 

The cost depends on the model and your electricity rate. For example, an Elite 2.4 kW infrared heater running for one hour at 27p per kWh costs about 65p.

Can infrared heaters be left on all night? 

Yes, infrared heaters are suitable for overnight use with proper care. For safety and energy efficiency, it’s better to use them with a thermostat or automatic shut-off function with on a stable surface and away from children and pets.