As the colder months approach, many homeowners are looking for the best way to keep their spaces warm and cosy. However, choosing the right electric heater isn't always straightforward. There are several common mistakes that can lead to inefficient heating, higher energy bills, or disappointment in your heater's performance. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of the five most frequent mistakes people make when buying an electric heater and how you can choose the best option for your needs.
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Heater for Your Space
One of the most frequent mistakes is selecting the wrong type of heater for your specific needs. Not all heaters work in the same way, and each type has unique characteristics that suit different spaces and purposes. Let’s break it down:
Convection Heaters: These heaters work by warming up the air in a room, making them ideal for small to medium-sized spaces where you need a consistent, ambient temperature.
Near Infrared Heaters: These are perfect for localised heat. They warm up people or objects directly, offering immediate warmth for smaller, focused areas.
Fan Heaters: If you’re looking for quick heat in a small space, fan heaters can be effective. However, they can be noisy and are generally less energy-efficient.
Oil-Filled Radiators: These offer slow, steady warmth and are a great option for maintaining long-lasting heat without constantly running the heater.
Far Infrared Heating Panels: These heaters target objects and people directly, creating a consistent temperature across a room while significantly reducing energy waste. They're ideal for larger spaces or homes looking for a more eco-friendly solution.
Choosing the wrong heater for your space can result in uneven heating, increased energy consumption, and discomfort.
2. Underestimating the Heater's Size and Capacity
Another common mistake is not paying enough attention to the heater’s size and heating capacity. A heater that’s too small won’t adequately warm your space, while one that’s too large could waste energy and lead to unnecessarily high electricity bills.
A general rule of thumb for electric convection radiators is that you’ll need 100 watts per square metre to efficiently heat a room. However, if you're considering infrared panels, you’ll be pleased to know that they require 42% less wattage to heat the same area compared to traditional convection heaters. Infrared panels not only save you energy but also offer a more direct and comfortable form of heat.
Always ensure you’re matching your heater’s wattage to your room’s size to avoid inefficiency or overheating.
3. Overlooking Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is crucial when selecting an electric heater. Running a heater that isn’t energy-efficient can lead to skyrocketing electricity bills. This is where infrared heaters truly excel. Compared to fan heaters or even convection heaters, infrared heating panels are much more cost-effective to operate. They offer superior energy efficiency because they warm objects and people directly instead of heating the air, which can easily escape through draughts or open doors.
Additionally, investing in a heater with proper thermostat controls will allow you to manage your home’s temperature more effectively, helping you cut down on energy costs without sacrificing comfort.
4. Focusing Solely on the Lowest Upfront Cost
It’s easy to be tempted by the cheapest option available, but remember, you often get what you pay for. While a budget heater might save you money upfront, it could end up costing you much more in the long run due to poor energy efficiency, frequent repairs, or a shorter lifespan.
Cheaper heaters are often built with lower-quality materials, meaning they wear out faster and may not deliver the same consistent heating as a more reliable model. Investing in a high-quality heater with a good manufacturer warranty ensures that you’re getting a product that will last and provide efficient heating over time. In the long term, this can lead to savings on both your energy bills and replacement costs.
5. Not Taking Noise Levels into Account
If you’re planning to use your heater in a quiet space like a bedroom, office, or study, noise levels should be an important consideration. Some heaters, especially fan heaters and certain convection models, can be quite loud due to their moving parts.
In contrast, infrared panels operate silently. Since they don’t rely on fans or blowers, they have no moving parts and therefore, they’re completely noiseless, making them ideal for environments where peace and quiet are essential. Whether you’re working from home, trying to sleep, or just enjoying a quiet evening, an infrared panel heater will ensure warmth without the disruption of constant noise.
Final Thoughts
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you choose the best electric heater for your space. Opting for a heater that fits your specific needs, focusing on energy efficiency, and investing in a quality product can make all the difference in keeping your home warm and your energy bills low this winter.
Infrared heaters, in particular, stand out for their efficiency, quiet operation, and ability to deliver comfortable, consistent heat while reducing energy waste. If you’re looking for a heating solution that ticks all the boxes, infrared panels might be the perfect option for your home. Don’t let the cold catch you off guard—invest in the right heating solution for you.
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For more tips on choosing the best heater or to explore our range of efficient, high-quality infrared heating panels, browse our website. Our premium grade infrared panels have a 40+ year lifespan and come with a 10 year warranty! Stay warm, stay comfortable, and make this winter your cosiest yet!
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