The basic formula for power consumption

The consumption of an infrared panel is not guesswork, but pure physics. To determine the operating costs, you do not need to master complicated mathematical formulas. The basic calculation for daily consumption is as follows:

Panel power in kW (Wattage / 1000) x Number of effective operating hours x Electricity price per kWh = Cost per day

The most important word in this formula is effective operating hours. A major misconception is that a 700-watt panel actually draws 700 watts per hour from the mains as long as you are in the room. Thanks to smart control via a thermostat, the panel switches off as soon as the walls and furniture in the room have reached the correct temperature. In practice, a panel runs for only 4 to 5 hours on an average winter day to keep a room comfortably warm for 8 to 10 hours.

Calculation examples by room size (Electricity price 2026)

To make consumption tangible, we calculate using the current average Dutch electricity price in 2026 of €0.32 per kWh (including energy tax and VAT). We assume a well-insulated home where infrared heating is used during the heating season.

1. The home office or small bedroom (approx. 8 to 10 m²)

For a compact office, one 500-watt (0.5 kW) panel is usually sufficient. If you work here for 8 hours a day, the panel runs effectively for approximately 4 hours due to thermostat control.

• Calculation: 0.5 kW x 4 hours x € 0.32 = € 0.64 per working day.
• Per month (20 working days): Approximately €12.80.

2. The average bedroom or kitchen (approx. 15 m²)

In a room of 15 m², we recommend a capacity of approximately 800 Watts (0.8 kW), for example, split into a sleek ceiling panel or a functional design element.

• Calculation: 0.8 kW x 4 hours x € 0.32 = € 1.02 per day.
• Per month (30 days): Approximately €30.60.

3. The spacious living area or living room (approx. 25 m²)

A living room requires a strategic distribution of heat. Here, we often install two panels of 700 Watts each, giving a total output of 1,400 Watts (1.4 kW).

• Calculation: 1.4 kW x 4.5 hours x € 0.32 = € 2.02 per day.
• Per month (30 days): Approximately € 60.60.

Why are the actual costs often lower?

If you add up the amounts above for an entire house, you will see that the costs turn out surprisingly low compared to current gas prices and the increased fixed costs of a central heating boiler. This is due to the fact that infrared heating provides extremely localized heating. We call this zone heating. You no longer heat the entire house using a central boiler, but activate the heat only where you live or work. The bedroom remains cool during the day, while your home office is comfortably warm.

Do you want to know exactly what the initial investment and monthly costs are for your specific living situation? Then read our comprehensive guide on infrared heating costs.

3 Tips to bring your monthly expenses to zero

Do you want to keep the power consumption of your infrared panels as low as possible? Then follow these three rules of thumb:

1. Always choose a complete package: Combine your panels with a smart control system. Our specially designed infrared panels with thermostat prevent panels from staying on for even one minute too long.
2. Use an app for schedules: By programming panels via an app, you automatically lower the temperature when you sleep or are away from home.
3. Use infrared as the primary source: The technology performs best in reasonably to well-insulated homes. Discover the requirements for a whole house in our dossier on infrared heating as the primary heating source.

Have your consumption calculated for free by Warmteshop

Since 2006, Warmteshop has been the leading authority on infrared heating in the Benelux. Calculating the exact consumption is a customized process; it depends on your insulation, the type of glass, and your personal comfort preferences. Our advisors are happy to calculate this flawlessly for you, so that you will never face any surprises afterwards.

Bring your floor plans or energy label to one of our 30+ showrooms in the Netherlands and Belgium, such as in Culemborg, Roeselare, or Antwerp, for a no-obligation heating plan. For extra assurance regarding our service and independent customer reviews, you can view our profile on Trustprofile.