How much does an infrared patio heater consume in an evening?

An infrared patio heater is wonderful for cool evenings in the garden or on the balcony. But many people wonder: how much does it actually cost in electricity per evening? In this blog post, we explain how to calculate your energy consumption and offer some handy energy-saving tips.

1. How does the consumption of an infrared patio heater work?

The power consumption of a patio heater depends mainly on the power (expressed in watts) and the duration of use .

• A 2000 Watt (2 kW) heater consumes 2 kWh of electricity in one hour.

• The higher the power and the longer you leave it on, the more it will naturally consume.

2. Calculation example: a pleasant evening of 4 hours

Suppose you have a 2000 Watt infrared patio heater.

• Per hour: 2 kWh

• For 4 hours of use: 4 × 2 kWh = 8 kWh

With an average electricity price of €0.40 per kWh, this costs:
8 × €0.40 = €3.20 for one evening .

3. Difference between types of infrared

Not every infrared patio heater uses the same amount of energy:

• Shortwave infrared (Halogen/Quartz): Heats up quickly, often 1500–2500 Watts.

• Medium wave infrared: Slightly lower power, around 1200–2000 Watts.

• Long-wave infrared (carbon/ceramic): Often 800–1500 Watts, more energy-efficient but heats up slightly slower.

4. Tips to limit consumption

• Choose the right power: Too much power is often unnecessary.

• Targeted heating: Position the heater so that the heat does not blow away.

• Use a timer: This way it won't stay on unnecessarily.

• Sheltered seating: Windbreaks or a canopy will help retain the heat for longer.

5. Advantage of infrared compared to gas

Infrared directly heats people and objects, not the air. This makes it more efficient than gas heaters, especially in places where a lot of heat would otherwise be blown away.

💡 Conclusion:
Enjoying a cozy evening outdoors with an infrared patio heater doesn't have to be expensive. An average model often costs only a few euros, and with smart choices, you can reduce that even further.