Do infrared heaters use less electricity than electric convection heaters?

No — both types use the same electricity per watt. A 1,500W infrared heater and a 1,500W convection heater both draw 1.5 kWh per hour. The only potential savings come from shorter run times because infrared warms you faster.

Is infrared heating cheaper to run in a garage?

Infrared can be significantly cheaper to run in a garage because it heats people and objects directly. You feel warm in seconds without heating the entire air volume. A 1,500W infrared panel used 4 hours costs about half as much as an 8-hour convection session.

Which is safer — infrared or electric convection?

Both types get hot to the touch and should be kept away from children and flammable materials. Infrared panels mounted on ceilings or walls are generally safer around children than freestanding convection units on the floor.

Can I use an infrared heater as my main heating source?

Yes, but it works best for zone or spot heating. For whole-home heating, a higher-wattage system or multiple units would be needed. For a single room used intermittently — a home office, studio, or workshop — infrared is an excellent cost-effective primary source.

Updated April 23, 2026

Infrared vs Electric Heater Cost

Both use electricity but they heat differently. Here is the full cost comparison for US homeowners.

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Winner — Real-World Usage Cost

Infrared heaters cost the same per watt — but less per session

A 1,500W infrared heater and a 1,500W convection heater draw exactly the same electricity — $0.23/hour at $0.15/kWh. The difference: infrared warms you in seconds, not minutes. For short sessions (garage, workshop, bathroom), a 2-hour infrared session replaces a 4–6 hour convection session — cutting cost by up to 60%.

Infrared — per hour

$0.23

at $0.15/kWh (1,500W)

Convection — per hour

$0.23

at $0.15/kWh (1,500W)

Infrared Session Saving

Up to 60%

for spot/zone heating

✓ Best for zone heating

For whole-home heating, both cost the same. Infrared advantage applies to garages, workshops, patios, and rooms used intermittently. Use the calculator below to compare for your usage.

A 1,500W infrared heater and a 1,500W electric convection heater cost exactly the same to run — $0.20/hour at $0.13/kWh. The difference is in how they heat, not what they cost per kWh.

Compare Infrared vs Electric Heater Cost

Electricity Rate ($/kWh)US average $0.13/kWh.

Hours Per Day

Days Per Month

Infrared Heater

Infrared Wattage (watts)Common: 750W–3,000W.

Electric Convection

Electric Heater Wattage (watts)Common: 750W–2,000W.

Infrared vs Electric Heater — Full Comparison (2026)

Feature	Infrared	Electric Convection
Cost per hour (1500W)	$0.20	$0.20
Cost per month (8 hrs/day)	~$46.80	~$46.80
Heat-up time	Instant	5–15 mins
Heats	Objects & people	Air
Best for	Spot / intermittent	Continuous
Noise level	Silent	Silent
Safety near children	Gets hot	Gets hot

$0.13/kWh US average. 1,500W, 8 hrs/day, 30 days. US 2026 rates.

Infrared vs Electric — What Is the Real Difference?

Infrared and electric convection heaters cost exactly the same per kWh because both convert electricity to heat at 100% efficiency. A 1,500W unit of either type costs $0.20/hour at the US average rate of $0.13/kWh. Use our 1500-watt heater cost guide to see the full monthly breakdown.

The practical difference is in how they heat. Infrared heats people and objects directly using radiant heat — similar to sunlight. You feel warm immediately even in a cold room. Convection heaters warm the air which then warms the room gradually over 5–15 minutes.

In spaces like garages, patios, and workshops where heating the air is wasteful, infrared wins on practical efficiency. You run it for less time to feel warm. In well-insulated rooms used for hours at a time, convection heaters maintain a more even comfortable temperature throughout the space. See the full space heater cost calculator to compare more heater types.

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Top Rated Heaters

Infrared & Electric Heater Picks

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Best Overall Infrared

Dr Infrared Heater DR-968

Heats 1,000 sq ft in minutes

Dual infrared + convection system with auto thermostat and remote. Wall-mountable or freestanding. Quieter than convection-only models, 12-hour timer.

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Best Infrared Panel

Trustech Infrared Ceiling Panel Heater

Silent, wall/ceiling mountable

Flat panel design mounts flush to wall or ceiling. No moving parts — zero noise. Instant warmth in 30 seconds. Ideal for bathrooms, offices, and small bedrooms.

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Best for Garages

Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX Infrared Heater

Wall-mount, no floor space used

Wall-mount infrared quartz heater. Heats up to 750 sq ft. WiFi control, Google/Alexa compatible. Perfect for garages where floor space is limited.

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Best Budget Convection Pick

Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater

Under $30 — fastest payback

Compact 1,500W ceramic convection heater with built-in thermostat. Great for heating a room to a set temperature and maintaining it. Simple, reliable, affordable.

View on Amazon →