Infrared heating calculator: Determine heating requirements and size

Infrared heating is one of the most effective types of heating available. However, with the large selection of different models, it is not easy to find the right one. Because the following question always arises: Which is the best infrared heater for my living space?

Calculators for heating requirements, size & co. – such as our exclusive infrared heating configurator – help you to find the right infrared panel for your home. Read here how to determine the required heating power for your living space and calculate the right size for your infrared heater

Infrarotheizung Rechner

Dimensioning infrared heating correctly: Advice from the experts

To find the right infrared heater for your home, simple infrared heating calculators are a good option for an initial overview. However, when it becomes more specific, these simple calculators are usually no longer sufficient. They rarely take into account all the factors that need to be considered before making a purchase and often do not provide very precise results.

That is why we recommend that you consult an expert in infrared heating. At heatness® we have developed a comprehensive configurator for this purpose, so that you can find exactly the infrared heater that is perfect for your living space. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your living space and our infrared heating experts will find the right heating elements for you – free of charge and without obligation. Try out our configurator right now and find your ideal infrared heating with us.

Step 1 of 3

Step 1 of 3

The four basic questions


Selected: 0

0 = none  1 = hardly any 2 = moderate   3 = good 4 = very good  
If there are major differences between the rooms, please indicate this in the notes.

Calculate the required output of the infrared heater

Frau am Tisch mit Grundriss, Bleistift und Klemmbrett

To calculate the required heating output of an infrared heater, the size of the living space is primarily decisive. In the first step, measure the room to be heated. For a simple calculation, the room size in square metres is sufficient. For a more precise calculation, we recommend measuring the cubic metres of the room. Why cubic metres? Quite simply, it makes a difference to the required heating output whether your room is 2.5 m or 3.5 m high. A higher room requires more heating.

In addition to the room size, you also need the general heating capacity per m³ for the calculation. This varies – depending on whether it is an old or a new building. For new buildings with good insulation, one assumes a required heating capacity of 20-30 watts/m³, for an old building the values are higher. The number of exterior walls also influences the amount of general heating capacity.

Infrared heating: Calculate size

The optimal size of the infrared panel depends on several factors. Essentially, however, it depends on the required heating power, which in turn is determined by the size of the room. The more watts you need, the larger the heating panel usually has to be. Smaller infrared heaters usually only have a rather low heat output, so that a small panel alone is often not powerful enough to heat the entire room.

Size of the heater
Room size 15 m² 10 m² 7 m² 5 m² 4 m²
Size of the heater Room size
15 m²
10 m²
7 m²
5 m²
4 m²

On the other hand, the available free wall or ceiling space in the room is also important when choosing an infrared heater. If you only have a small amount of free wall or ceiling space, it might be difficult to fit a 120 x 60 cm heating element, for example. Therefore, it is especially important to measure the available space before you calculate the infrared heating or decide on a specific model.

Heatness® infrared heaters are available in different sizes: from XS to XL. The measurements are standardised for our infrared heaters. This means that all our M-size infrared panels have the same dimensions – regardless of which series they come from.

But beware: The output varies despite the standardised size, because not every model with a surface area of 60 x 60 cm has the same heating output. You can find detailed information on the technical data of our infrared heaters in the respective product descriptions.

120 x 60 x 2,5 cm 90 x 60 x 2,5 cm 60 x 60 x 2,5 cm 120 x 30 x 2,5 cm  90 x 30 x 2,5 cm
120 x 60 x 2,5 cm
90 x 60 x 2,5 cm
60 x 60 x 2,5 cm
120 x 30 x 2,5 cm
90 x 30 x 2,5 cm

Determining the number of infrared heaters

In many cases, it is not optimal to install only one large infrared panel to cover the entire heating capacity. Therefore, you should definitely also calculate the required number of infrared heaters. Several smaller heating elements namely bring – in contrast to one large panel – two decisive advantages: a better room climate and a more effective use of the heating power.

With several smaller infrared heaters, cleverly placed in the room, the heat distribution can be optimised. There are several heat sources that reach all corners of the room and allow irradiation from several sides. This allows you to heat the room more efficiently with infrared with a lower wattage, while at the same time reducing power consumption and electricity costs.

Kleine Infrarotheizung neben Schreibtisch und Schreibtischsstuhl

Infrared heating: calculator for consumption and electricity costs

If you want to calculate electricity costs and consumption of your infrared heating, you have to base it on the calculated heating output. This is because the calculation of the heat output of the infrared heating (in watts) serves as the basis for the consumption and costs of the infrared heating.

For an exact breakdown of the costs, however, we recommend that you consult an expert in infrared heating. This expert can not only calculate the required output of the infrared heating system, but also provide precise information on electricity consumption and electricity costs, taking into account various influencing factors.

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Image 2: © shintartanya – stock.adobe.com