Heating is vital in Australian yoga studios. Comfort and warmth matter, especially for hot yoga and winter classes. Studio owners often face three main options: infrared heating, electric systems and gas heaters. Each has different installation, running and maintenance costs. But understanding the true cost of heating is crucial. So today we are here to provide you a comparative of the upfront expenses, ongoing energy bills and long-term ROI for all three options.
Heating Options Overview
Infrared heating yoga studio panels provide radiant heat. So what does that mean? It means these warm people and objects directly.
- Panels are wall or ceiling-mounted.
- These do not waste energy heating air.
Infrared vs Electric vs Gas heating is a common question. There are three options and all three systems serve studios differently.
- Electric heaters (fan heaters or ducted systems) heat the whole air making it dry and suffocating. These also take longer to warm the room and can feel uneven.
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Gas heaters provide high output, usually heating air. These can be effective but may create hot spots.
Comparison Table: Infrared vs. Electric vs. Gas Heating for Yoga Studios
| Factor | Infrared Heating Panels | Electric Heating (Fan/Ducted) | Gas Heating (Ducted/Space Heaters) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation Cost | Moderate (simple ceiling/wall mount, no ducts) | Low–High (cheap fans or costly ducted) | High (gas lines, vents, compliance needed) |
| Running Costs | Low (direct heat, energy efficient) | High (heats all air, constant energy draw) | Medium–High (cheaper fuel, but inefficient in studios) |
| Energy Efficiency | Very High (90%+ efficient, targeted heat) | Medium (losses in air heating & ducts) | Medium (some energy wasted, uneven warmth) |
| Maintenance | Minimal (wipe panels, check wiring) | Moderate (filters, fans, ducts) | High (safety checks, servicing) |
| Comfort & Air Quality | Natural sun-like warmth, doesn’t dry air | Can dry air, circulate dust | Can dry/stuff air, CO2 emissions |
| Lifespan | 10–20 years | 5–10 years (depending on system) | 10–15 years (with regular servicing) |
| Suitability for Yoga | Excellent (quiet, even, allergy-friendly) | Average (noisy, uneven, stuffy air) | Fair (dry air, safety risks) |
Installation Costs
- Infrared yoga heating panels are easy to install. These require no ducting and take only a few hours. Typical installation costs in Australia range from AUD 400–900 per panel, depending on size.
- Electric heating is cheaper for small, portable units but rises quickly for ducted systems, often AUD 800–2000 for a medium studio.
- Gas heating requires gas lines, vents, and safety checks. Installation costs are higher, around AUD 2,000–5,000, depending on studio size.
Additional Tips:
- Studio owners must consider these upfront costs carefully.
- While infrared vs electric heating shows higher initial cost for larger panels, the simplicity of installation often offsets labor expenses.
- Comparing infrared vs gas heating - the former infrared is faster, safer. Also it is also less disruptive to existing spaces.
Running Costs & Energy Efficiency
1. Infrared Heating Panels
- Efficiently heat only people and objects. This is minimizing energy waste.
- Due to targetted heating, energy bills fall with time.
- Average electricity prices in Australia range from AUD 0.20 to 0.39 per kWh.
- Ideal for studios with multiple daily sessions, as they reduce operational costs.
2. Electric Heating Systems
- Consume more energy by heating the entire air volume in a room.
- Lead to higher electricity bills with passing time.
- Less efficient for yoga studios with multiple daily sessions.
3. Gas Heating Systems
- Cheaper per kWh in some cases, but less efficient for yoga studios.
- Gas prices have fluctuated. The recent data indicates an average of AUD 10.70 per GJ in May 2025.
- Higher operational costs due to uneven heating and potential air dryness.
- Less suitable for studios with multiple daily sessions.
Now compare the above to under the light of the Impact of Multiple Daily Yoga Sessions on Energy Bills.
- Heating runs more frequently when studios host 3–6 classes per day.
- Infrared panels turn on quickly and heat only people/objects. This means less energy wasted, lower total bills.
- Electric heaters must heat all the air each time. This means longer run times, higher electricity costs.
- Gas heaters provide fast high heat but then it faces an uneven distribution. It translates to that you may require longer operation to reach comfort levels, raising gas usage.
- Continuous sessions accumulate running costs, so energy-efficient heating greatly reduces cumulative bills.
- Scheduling gaps between classes allows infrared systems to maintain comfort efficiently. You will be avoiding repeated full-room heating cycles.
Maintenance & Longevity Comparison
1. Infrared Heaters
- Minimal maintenance required due to absence of moving parts.
- Average lifespan of 20 years.
- Easy cleaning with a soft cloth.
- No annual servicing needed.
2. Electric Heaters
- Require regular servicing of fans, filters and ducts.
- Average lifespan lasts from 10 to 15 years.
- Susceptible to sediment buildup. So this will require regular flushing.
- Servicing costs can accumulate over time.
3. Gas Heaters
- Annual servicing required for safety and efficiency.
- Average lifespan of 10 to 20 years.
- Potential for carbon monoxide leaks if not maintained.
- Higher servicing costs compared to electric heaters.
Comfort & Air Quality Check
1. Infrared Heaters
- Direct radiant heat. That means it warms people and objects without heating the air.
- No air circulation, reducing dust and allergens.
- Ideal for allergy sufferers like the Asthmatic ones. Or anyone else with such respiratory conditions.
- No combustion emissions. Thus, you have safe indoors as well as good indoor air quality.
- Silent operation, that means focussed Yoga activities.
2. Electric Heaters
- Heats air making it dry and suffocating Plus it may also circulate dust and allergens.
- No combustion emissions. So the air quality remains fine.
- Dried out air will be affecting respiratory comfort.
- Varied noise levels, depending on the model.
3. Gas Heaters
- Produces combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
- Unflued models can worsen the indoor air quality.
- Requires ventilation to ensure safety.
- May increase humidity, potentially leading to mold growth.
ROI and Long-Term Savings
Infrared heating yoga studio panels may cost more upfront than small electric heaters. However, long-term running costs are much lower. Energy bills decrease significantly for studios with multiple daily sessions. Gas heating may be cheaper per kilowatt-hour (kWh), but it is less efficient overall. Choosing infrared vs electric heating or infrared vs gas heating shows infrared panels save money over time. They also appeal to eco-conscious clients seeking sustainable studios.
For Yoga Studio owners, the ROI includes energy savings, reduced maintenance and happier YOGA students. Investing in infrared heating is a long-term, smart financial decision. Plus these have options of designer panels at Thermesia for your upmarket clients. So to cut expenses, increase comfort and attract eco-conscious Yoga clients you should consider Thermisia infrared panels seriously!!