Electric panel heater buying guide

Electric panel heaters combine two different types of heat transfer: radiation and convection. Thermal radiation involves transferring heat directly to objects and people whereas convection heating works to warm up air which is then circulated throughout the room. Using a combination of these two types of heat provides better performance and thermal comfort compared to convection heating alone.

How to use an electric panel heater

Electric panel heaters are recommended for use in corridors, kitchens, spare rooms, bathrooms, or as a back-up heating system. Quiet to operate and energy-efficient, these devices can be a great option.

However, it should be noted that these devices will stop generating heat as soon as they are turned off. With this in mind, electric storage heaters may be a more suitable option for living areas that are used more frequently as they continue to provide heat even after they have been switched off.

Installing an electric panel heater

Like all heaters, the power rating you go for will depend on the size of the room you want to heat and the quality of the building's insulation. The features of an electric panel heater –plus any add-on options – will vary according to the model and range selected.

There are several types of electric panel heater and various size and shape options available.

Horizontal electric panel heaters

Wider than they are tall, horizontal panel heaters are generally the most popular choice. They are designed to fit easily into most layouts and can be used in any room of the house.

Vertical electric panel heaters

If horizontal space is limited, a vertical panel heater can be easier to slot into any space you have available.

Designer panel heaters

Some electric panel heaters are designed with style in mind. These are often referred to as 'designer panel heaters' and can come in a range of designs from mirror effects to colours or even a printed image!

Portable panel heaters

Portable panel heaters can be moved from one room to another hassle-free. They are usually horizontal and equipped with wheels making them easier to move around. These models don't take up much room and are easy to store when not in use.

Bathroom panel heaters

While less common than central heating versions, specially designed electric panel heaters can be a great solution for heating up a bathroom.

Very convenient to use, these models heat up instantly and offer really comfortable heating. What's more, they'll also keep your towels warm! These systems must be splash-resistant with an IP rating of at least 34.

Radiant ceiling panels

Radiant ceiling panels can be fixed to or hung from the ceiling. These panels send out heat downwards which helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the room.

They are usually made from materials that are good at retaining heat for improved thermal performance.

Electric panel heaters transfer heat through both infrared radiation and convection. Some newer models may also be able to store some heat (although this will not make up a large portion of the overall heat output).

Heat transfer

Electric panel heaters contain an aluminium panel which is heated by a carbon fibre or quartz heating element. These panel heaters function using medium- to far-infrared technology. The radiation emitted by these devices is invisible to the naked eye.

Electric panel heaters heat up instantly from the moment they are turned on and transfer heat in a similar way to the sun – the closer you are to the device, the warmer you will be. The disadvantage of these systems is that they stop providing heat as soon as they are turned off.

The performance of a panel heater largely comes down to its features and any additional accessories it may have. The more equipment on offer, the more expensive the system will be. On the other hand, these additional parts may reduce your bills and give your heater a longer service life leading to savings in the long term.

Thermostats

Thermostats may be controlled by an LED display or a dial depending on the model. Temperature adjustments will vary in accuracy according to the control type:

• mechanical: maintains pre-set temperatures with an error margin of 2°C;

• electronic: maintains a temperature with an error margin of 0.5°C;

• digital: maintains pre-set temperatures with an error margin of 0.1°C.

Programmers

Programming your heater will save you money over time. Programmers can be used to set specific heating times and temperatures. This can be done by means of a built-in unit or via a remote programmer.

Room thermostats

Available with most models, room thermostats adjust your heating power based on the temperature of the room.

Power cable length

While it may not seem like an important decision, choosing the right cable length will allow you to make your panel heater work with the layout of the room without having to use an extension cord.

Indicator light

Indicator lights are particularly useful for electric panel heaters as they do not emit any visible light. A pilot light is a very easy and efficient way to tell when your panel heater is on.

Backlit LCD displays

LCD displays can be used to keep your controls (timers, time and programming settings, etc.) on show. A locking control panel usually comes with LCD displays.

Timers

Timers allow you to schedule your panel heater to shut off quickly and easily. If used as an additional heating source, programmers can be used instead of timers for even more savings.

Remote control

Panel heaters can be controlled individually or as a group via a traditional pilot wire, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Smart control

Smart control allows you to manage your heater directly from your smartphone via an app. This technology provides increased user comfort and convenient setting control.

Designer heaters

These models come in a range of materials, colours and a greater variety of shapes, allowing you to match your heater to your home décor.

Electric panel heaters all vary in power. You should choose a model that is a good fit for the space it aims to heat. To do so, think about the room in terms of size and insulation.

Please note that it is advisable to reduce these estimations by:

• 20% for a room with a party wall;

• 5 to 10% for a south-facing room.

Conversely, you should add 5 to 10% for north-facing rooms or those featuring large bay windows.

More information

• Space heater buying guide

• Patio heater buying guide

• Bathroom heater buying guide