Panel heaters don't use fans, which keeps the air from drying out and allows the room to retain a little of the humidity. No one wants a dried out airway, which is what panel heaters are so good at avoiding.
While providing fast and efficient heating, this also allows for the heat to be evenly distributed rather than from one concentrated area. This consequently generates a relatively low surface temperature on the heater itself and also doesn't dry out the surrounding air while heating.
Panel heaters are not suitable for constant use
Because the hot elements come into direct contact with the air, any dust circulating around the room can burn and leave sooty deposits on the wall. Over time this can cause wall blackening and damage to paintwork. Circulating dust particles can also agitate allergies.
Electric heaters of any type are unsafe to leave running overnight because they carry a significant amount of risk. If a space heater falls over or becomes too hot from running for too long of a period of time, that can lead to a fast-moving fire that occurs while you are asleep and cannot act fast enough.
Infrared Versus Conventional Heaters
These problems are now a thing of the past thanks to infrared heaters. Unlike conventional heaters, infrared heaters do not take moisture out of the air.
Heaters based on infrared heating technology heat objects and air, without drying it or blowing air around.
A whole-house humidifier provides steady, constant humidity throughout the home every time the furnace runs. It's one simple solution to allergy and asthma symptoms, dry skin, static electricity, and other seasonal irritations.
Panel heaters are less efficient than electric radiators because convected heat is inherently less efficient than radiated heat. This means that you'll need to use more power to heat your room with panel heaters than you would with energy efficient electric radiators.
A well-known way to position heaters is under windows. If you do not have the space for panel heaters, you can also choose wall strip panel heaters, which are lower and longer versions. By placing heaters under the windows, you heat up cold air descending from the window glass, and avoid cold draughts along the floor.
Wall heaters are generally safe, posing no risks related to gases, flames, or chemicals. Responsible usage and proper placements are crucial to prevent potential hazards.
Panel heaters are an excellent choice because they work automatically, warm up fast and will control their output to balance the remaining heat of the storage heaters. They are also more efficient than other portable top up heaters, such as fan heaters, so will use a reduced amount of higher rate daytime electricity.
Again, because wall heaters do not use ductwork, it also means they take longer to get the desired temperature in different rooms. This can be a problem if you need to heat multiple rooms quickly at home or in your business place.
Select the Ideal Location: Install your heater at a low level on an interior to maximise heat circulation. However, avoid installing directly under windows to prevent heat dissipation.
The precise surface temperature of panels can vary depending on the specific product, but it's safe to say they'll feel hot to touch. However, because IR panels have lower 'watt densities' than equivalent heaters, you won't burn yourself from quick touches and glances by.
If a wall heater is correctly placed and all safety precautions are followed, it can keep a room quite comfortable. But to ensure you're using one safely: Mount the heater at least three feet away from furniture, carpeting, curtains, and other objects that can burn.
What Causes Dry Air in the Winter? When furnaces kick on, they heat up the air by circulating it through a series of metal coils. This process of heating up the air also removes moisture from it, resulting in dry air.
"Most heaters – particularly convection, panel and oil column heaters which don't have exposed heating elements – are safe to leave on overnight on a low setting, as long as they are well clear of any furniture, curtains and so on, as per the 'leave a metre for heaters' rule," says CHOICE heating expert Chris Barnes.
Running costs
Electricity for plug-in heaters costs from 23 to 31 cents per kWh depending on your power supplier and tariff plan. Example: If you run a 2kW heater on high setting for 5 hours per day at a cost of 25 cents per kWh, this will amount to $2.50 per day or about $75 per month.
Position away from cold drafts and heat sources, preferable on an interior wall or support at a height of approximately 1.2m (4ft) from the floor. Where necessary shade from direct sunlight.
Panel heaters are known for their ability to warm up a room quickly, making them perfect for short-term or occasional use. Electric radiators, on the other hand, take longer to heat up initially, but once they do, they provide a consistent and evenly distributed temperature throughout the space.
Heating Element and Housing
The most efficient heaters are the ones made from the most heat-conductive material. The best material for retaining and storing heat is ceramic. However, as it's so heavy and fragile, it's really only suitable for use as a heating element. The other material to look out for is aluminium.
That being said—radiant heaters like infrared floor, wall, and ceiling heating systems directly convert electrical energy into heat without affecting air moisture levels. They transfer warmth to boundaries such as floors, walls or ceilings. By doing so, they warm up surfaces in the room instead of the air.