You’ll notice the Warmlite is a little lower in output compared to our two space heaters above, being just 1.2kW. Typically, this is a big enough heater to heat a small space. Yes, infrared heaters are very energy-efficient, generally costing less to run than conventional fan heaters, most ceramic fan heaters, and even oil-filled radiators. In fact, very few infrared heaters draw more than 1.3kW, while some models such as the portable Princess model featured below are as low as 350 watts. Many professionally installed wall and ceiling-mounted models consume even less electricity – as low as 160 watts.

The Workplaces Ordinance sets a minimum requirement for room temperature, depending on the job, but doesn't take individual comfort into account. Men tend to prefer cooler temperatures, while women are more comfortable at warmer temperatures, for example, which can lead to a hot/cold conflict in teams. Fan heaters are probably the ones you want if you’re on a budget and you expect good results. Which is the cheapest electric heater to run? Infrared bar heaters are another popular choice. These types are also usually mounted to a wall or skirting board area, but they’re not the most attractive. Finally, there’s the halogen or carbon option most often used for outdoor patio heating. These types of heaters are extremely efficient at producing direct heat, but the tubes do get extremely hot, so you will need to give thought to where you place them. Are infrared heaters energy-efficient?In addition, the heater has three power levels, giving you a larger range of warming options than comparable heaters.

The best halogen heaters offer at least two power levels, allowing for temperature and energy consumption flexibility. That’s why we won’t be recommending any storage heaters below. The best electric heating units (depending on your space and heat requirement) that are the cheapest to run and buy are convection, fan, and halogen.If you’re after an infrared heater that retains and emits a certain amount of heat once it’s been turned off, try the Klarstein HeatPal for size. The HeatPal works just like an oil-filled model, only it’s much more energy-efficient – and, in many ways, more effective. This is because it has a very heavy slab of unpolished Mongolian marble sitting behind the grille, which is heated by the element behind it to produce an amazing amount of heat that’s pushed outward and upward.