Lifestyles and family dynamics differ greatly from household to household and this is especially true of how we use each room of the home. No one space is exactly the same which is why finding a suitable heating system is so important. Electric heaters are the versatile solution for home heating, allowing you to pick and choose a method specific to your room’s requirements.
The umbrella term ‘electric heater’ covers everything from small portable convection heaters, to industrial infrared heaters. No matter whether they use radiant or convected heat, the greatest boon of electric heaters is that they can work as a single entity or even complement each other within a whole home system. Their modularity is their greatest strength as it allows heating methods to be mixed and matched however you desire. If you want convection heat in your conservatory, infrared heating in your bathroom and radiators everywhere else, there’s nothing stopping you. The targeted, zoned heat that comes with using electric heaters lets you manage your home’s heat on a room-by-room basis.
Our range includes infrared heaters, storage heaters and panel heaters. Though they are all electric heaters, their heating methods and applications vary significantly, which is why we’ve put together this quick introductory guide to provide you with an overview of their individual merits. Where some heaters will make the perfect heating method in one home, they may not necessarily work well in another, so if you need further detailed information, we also provide extensive buying guides for each product type.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters are one of the few products that warm using radiant heat only. Infrared radiation warms people and objects directly, providing a deeper level of warmth compared to convection-only heaters. ‘Radiation’ is a word that has very negative connotations but don’t be put off by it. All objects, living and non-living, absorb and re-emit infrared heat constantly. If you’ve ever seen thermal imaging cameras, you will see that people and animals often show up as red and orange due to the high amount of infrared heat they’re giving off – it’s a phenomenon that’s happening around us constantly.
Radiant heat works very differently to convected heat. Convection heaters work by heating the air volume in a room and are therefore unaffected by the room’s shape; infrared heaters, on the other hand, heat a very specific area and anything falling out of their range will not be heated. As infrared is on the same electromagnetic spectrum as visible light, it can help to view infrared heaters as acting in a similar way. Imagine shining a torch on a wall in a dark room and seeing the cone of light projected outwards in the same shape as the torch lens. The warmth given off by infrared works on exactly the same principle and is projected outwards in a wedge-shaped area. So, in the same way your beam of torchlight won’t be able to go around corners, neither will the heat projected by an infrared heater. This very defined heated zone can be preferable for those who want to direct their heating to certain areas, such as work tables and seating areas. There’s no wasted effort heating tiny alcoves or annexes that don’t need warmth, and by making a plan of where you intend to install your infrared heaters, you can ensure all your main living spaces are covered. For more detailed information on how infrared works, take a look at our buying guides for infrared panels and infrared outdoor heaters.
Infrared heaters are tremendously energy efficient as they convert almost 100% of the energy they use into heat and have generally low running costs. As this heater type contains some of the most varied styles, here is an itemised list of each type and its uses:
Infrared Panels
Infrared panels are a popular choice within the home and look a little like a blank canvas when hung up. They’re incredibly thin at 2.5cm and can be wall mounted, ceiling mounted or even used free standing with the purchase of additional feet. They’re a much more unobtrusive option than many other types of heater and incredibly discreet in terms of looks. Mirror panels are a variation on this heater type and are particularly useful in bathrooms. They provide a reflective surface and an efficient heat source at the same time, combining two room features in one. For added convenience, their warm surface temperature prevents the mirror from fogging up, leaving it always clear for use. Our most basic infrared panel is priced at £249.99.
Ceramic heaters
These heaters look a little more utilitarian compared to panels as many are designed for both indoor and outdoor installations. Their use tends to be limited to indoor areas that can be quite draughty like workshops, garages, warehouses and factories– a great heating solution as infrared is unaffected by the movement of air. Ceramic heaters provide gentle radiant heat with no harsh glowing elements. We also provide specialised ceramic heaters for larger commercial application, so be sure to check our range. Prices start from £329.99 and a range of sizes and styles are available.
Quartz Heaters
Quartz heaters are mainly associated with outdoor use as they use a more intense form of infrared that can counteract cooler outdoor temperatures. This stronger form of radiant heat is less easily absorbed by the body and will become uncomfortable after a while, so they’re not recommended for protracted periods of use. This different form of infrared also produces an orange glow, which provides a good indicator as to whether it’s in use. However, low glare products are available for those who find the orange glow too harsh on the eyes. Bathroom quartz heaters are some of the lowest priced products in this category and are designed for on-demand heat for those who tend to be in and out of their bathrooms quickly. These small quartz heaters start at £69.99, and our larger outdoor quartz heaters begin at £199.99.
Storage Heaters
Storage heaters are sometimes viewed as a little old fashioned because they suit lifestyles where people are at home for the majority of the day. When storage heaters were first conceived, their controls were very limited but current models offer a lot more control and convenience. These heaters are designed to work with Economy 7 electrical tariffs that offer cheaper night-time rates. They warm up overnight using the cheaper rates and store heat in thermal bricks within the housing so that they have a ready supply of heat for the rest of the day. By adjusting the output, a steady stream of heat is released through a grille at the top of the unit.
Storage heaters are known for being very cost effective, although they do require you to plan your heating well in advance! Once they run out of heat during the day, you’ll need to wait until night-time to start charging them again. Some see Economy 7 style tariffs as a little punitive as the trade-off for cheaper night-time rates is highly inflated day-time rates. This means if you need to top up your heat during the day because you’ve run out of heat from your storage heaters, you’ll be racking up a lot more in energy costs. If you have a good understanding of the system and use them properly, storage heaters can be a wonderfully economical option that many people swear by.
We sell basic manual storage heaters with easy-to-use dials to control input and output levels, but we also have a raft of models with additional convenience features. Our range includes models with automatic charge regulators, which prevent the heater from drawing energy unnecessarily; combi and fan assisted heaters, which allow you to top-up heat levels if you run out; and models with a high sensitivity thermostat for greater control over room temperature. These new features can make storage heaters much more manageable and a less daunting prospect for those who are unfamiliar with the system. Our lowest price storage heater is priced at £189.99. If you’d like to learn more about storage heaters and how they work, take a look at our comprehensive buying guide.
Panel & Convection Heaters
Panel heaters can be another confusing term as it’s sometimes applied to infrared panels, but thankfully, it’s not easy to mix them up when you know what they’re supposed to look like. Panel heaters look more like electric radiators, although they heat entirely through convection. Air in the room is warmed when it comes into contact with the elements in the heater body. This warm air starts to circulate around the room in a convection cycle, providing effective and comfortable heat in a jiffy. They’re a heating method that favours convenience over energy efficiency and it’s inadvisable to use them as primary heat sources due to their higher running costs. They’re best suited to places or situations where they will be used infrequently or in short bursts, such as guest rooms, home offices or meeting rooms.
Some panel heaters, like our Haverland Lodel, can be used as free standing portable heaters as additional feet come included. Levels of control can vary from heater to heater; some come with basic dial controls or timer functions, whereas others come with 24/7 programmers that allow for a heating schedule to be created. When looking at panel heaters, you should concentrate on the ‘heats up to’ figure on product pages to ensure you’re purchasing a heater the right size for your room space. Panel heaters are very inefficient when it comes to using energy, so while a certain wattage for an electric radiator might suit your room space, you can’t assume the same wattage will be suitable for a panel heater. Find out whether panel heaters are right for you with our handy buying guide which covers all frequently asked questions. Our lowest priced panel heater is £79.99 and various sizes are available.
Shop Today
At Heatingpoint, you’ll find fantastic electric heaters for all room types and applications – rest assured, we’ve got your needs covered. If you need any guidance choosing from the different types of heater listed in this category, our expert sales team will be able to guide you through the process. Our quotes are entirely free and no obligation, so give us a call on 0330 880 7008.