- An infrared panel heater costs 15.8p an hour at 600 W and 31.6p at 1,200 W, at full power.
- Prices from the Ofgem price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026: the average for England, Scotland and Wales is 26.32p per kWh by Direct Debit. Your region and tariff change it, so use the calculator below.1
- Last checked: 28 October 2026.
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How much does an infrared panel heater cost per hour?
Costs for four published panel sizes, for 1, 3 and 8 hours at full power.
| Power | 1 hour | 3 hours | 8 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 420 W | 11.1p | 33.2p | 88.4p |
| 600 W | 15.8p | 47.4p | £1.26 |
| 850 W | 22.4p | 67.1p | £1.79 |
| 1.2 kW | 31.6p | 94.8p | £2.53 |
How to work out the cost
Multiply the power in kilowatts by the hours it runs, then by your electricity unit rate. If the power is in watts, divide by 1,000 first.
For example: 600 W x 3 hours x 26.32p per kWh = 47.4p.1
That is the cost at full rated power. If a thermostat switches the appliance off once the room is warm, it uses less. Standing charges are paid whatever you use, so they are not part of the cost of switching it on.
Typical infrared panel power
The Herschel Comfort range lists panels of 420 W, 600 W, 850 W and 1,200 W, among others.2 Models are named only as examples of published ratings, not recommendations.
Herschel's room-size figures are “a guide only”, so check what a panel is rated for in your own room.2
Are infrared heaters cheaper to run?
Per hour, a panel costs what its watts cost: 600 W for an hour is 15.8p. Be wary of adverts claiming a fixed percentage saving over other heating: they depend on the room and how the heating is used, and we have not found an official source for them.
Next steps
1. Check the panel's wattage on its label or the product listing.
2. Use a thermostat or timer if it has one, so it is not on longer than needed.
3. Work out your own cost with the calculator above.
Help with energy bills
If you are struggling with energy bills, check the help you may be able to get. These checkers are free and need no account.
Who these figures cover
The prices are from Ofgem's price cap for England, Scotland and Wales, 1 October to 31 December 2026.1 In Northern Ireland, use the unit rate on your bill in the calculator.
There is no VAT on household electricity in England, Scotland and Wales, and the rates above already reflect this.1 HMRC: “The temporary zero rate applies from 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027.” The Budget on 28 October 2026 extended it from 31 March (announced; the legislation is due in early 2027). Gas stays at 5% VAT.5