Düsseldorf – October 28, 2026 -- Infrared heaters deliver warmth at the push of a button and are easy to install, but running them for long periods can drive up electricity costs, according to energy provider Grünwelt Energie.
Infrared heaters work best as a supplementary heat source
Infrared heaters warm rooms with direct thermal radiation. Grünwelt Energie says they are strongest as an add-on heater, for example in a bathroom or guest room. The devices are relatively cheap to buy, usually need no regular maintenance and stir up little dust.
Converting electricity directly into heat limits efficiency
The main drawback is that these heaters turn electricity straight into heat. Long operating times can therefore mean higher costs. As the only heating source, especially in poorly insulated buildings, they are less economical.
Renewable electricity lowers heating emissions
The CO2 emissions from electric heating depend on where the power comes from: the higher the share of renewables, the lower the emissions. According to the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), renewables made up roughly 61 percent of Germany's electricity mix in the first quarter of 2026.
Grünwelt supplies electricity from renewable sources. Its experts say that using renewable power for heating can cut CO2 emissions, and that the key is choosing a solution that fits your own needs.