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If you’ve been shopping for an electric fireplace, you may have encountered the term infrared heater. But how does infrared heating work, how does it compare with fan-forced heat, and is an infrared fireplace right for your space?
This guide explains the technology, its benefits, operating costs, and how infrared electric fireplaces can support zone heating in your home.
What Exactly Is Infrared Heating Technology?
How Do Infrared Heaters Work?
Infrared heating, sometimes called radiant heating, transfers warmth directly to people and objects rather than relying only on heated air circulating through a room. The effect is similar to feeling warmth from sunlight, even when the surrounding air is cool.
In an infrared electric fireplace, heating elements generate radiant warmth while the fireplace’s flame effect creates the appearance and ambiance of a traditional fire.
Infrared vs. Fan-Forced Heating
Fan-forced electric fireplaces warm the air and use a fan to circulate it into the room. Infrared fireplaces produce radiant heat that warms nearby people and objects more directly.
Standard fan-forced models commonly provide supplemental heat for rooms up to approximately 400 square feet, while select infrared models are rated for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Coverage varies by model, ceiling height, insulation, room layout, and outdoor temperature, so always check the manufacturer’s specifications.
Infrared heat can be a good fit for larger living areas or rooms where you want to feel warmth quickly. Fan-forced heat may be sufficient for bedrooms, offices, and other smaller spaces.
Are Infrared Fireplaces Expensive to Operate?
The cost to operate an infrared electric fireplace depends on its wattage, heat setting, local electricity rate, and how often the thermostat cycles the heater.
Many electric fireplace heaters draw about 1,500 watts on their highest setting. You can estimate the hourly cost with this formula:
Fireplace wattage ÷ 1,000 × electricity rate per kWh = estimated cost per hour
For example, a 1,500-watt heater used at an electricity rate of $0.18 per kilowatt-hour would cost approximately $0.27 per hour while the heating element is actively running.
Actual costs may be lower when the fireplace is used on a reduced heat setting or when its thermostat cycles the heater off after reaching the selected temperature. Using the flame effect without heat generally consumes much less electricity.
Infrared electric fireplaces also produce no combustion inside the home and require no fuel storage, chimney, or venting. As with any electric heater, keep the heat outlet unobstructed and follow the manufacturer’s clearance and safety instructions.
More Ways to Save on Heating Costs
Only Heat The Rooms You Use The Most
Many infrared heaters are portable, making it easy to bring supplemental warmth to the room you’re using. Infrared heating is also available in stationary electric fireplaces, including fireplace mantels, inserts, stoves, and media consoles.
This approach is often called zone heating: lowering the central thermostat slightly while adding supplemental heat to an occupied room. Instead of maintaining the same temperature throughout the entire home, you concentrate comfort where it is needed most.
Potential savings depend on your climate, insulation, primary heating system, electricity rates, and how the fireplace is used. An infrared fireplace should be treated as supplemental heat rather than a replacement for an appropriately sized whole-home heating system.
Explore An Infrared Fireplace
Top Infrared Fireplace Picks
The Modern Ember Uptown combines a clean built-in appearance with infrared supplemental heat for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Its resin log set, ember bed, adjustable flame settings, remote, smart-device controls, and voice compatibility make it a versatile choice for modern interiors.
Why we love it: It pairs a streamlined design with flexible controls and strong supplemental heating performance.
Shop the Uptown Infrared Fireplace
2. ClassicFlame 3D SpectraFire Plus Infrared
The ClassicFlame 3D SpectraFire Plus Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace Insert provides supplemental heat for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Its illuminated log set, ember bed, and layered flame effect create the look of a traditional fire without wood, smoke, or ash.
Why we love it: It is an approachable upgrade for an existing fireplace opening and delivers realistic ambiance with infrared heat.
3. Country Living Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace Stove
The Country Living Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace Stove combines a freestanding, vintage-inspired design with up to 5,200 BTUs of supplemental heat. It is rated for spaces up to 1,000 square feet and includes an adjustable thermostat, remote control, operable doors, glowing logs, and a dimensional flame effect.
Why we love it: It adds farmhouse character while providing portable supplemental warmth and year-round ambiance.
Shop the Country Living Infrared Stove
Is an Infrared Electric Fireplace Right for You?
An infrared electric fireplace may be a good choice when you want supplemental warmth for a larger room, direct radiant comfort, and the ambiance of a fireplace without combustion or venting.
Before choosing a model, consider:
- The manufacturer’s recommended heating area
- Your room’s insulation and ceiling height
- Whether you prefer portable or built-in installation
- Thermostat, remote, and smart-control options
- The fireplace’s electrical requirements
Explore our selection of infrared electric fireplaces, take the Find Your Perfect Fireplace Quiz, or contact our team for help choosing the right model for your space.