Should panel heaters be left on?

Author: Dr. Rubie Greenfelder Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Are panel heaters flammable? Mill Panel Heaters are completely safe as long as they are properly used per the instruction manual. They can be safely left on unattended due to their safe x-aluminum heating element and relatively low surface temperature.

Does a panel heater use a lot of electricity?

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.

How to use panel heaters efficiently?

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.

Can I leave my infrared heater on all the time?

Infrared panels are made for continuous operation over many hours. Once turned on, they'll heat up in a few minutes and can be left running for extended periods of time without issue. With the incorporated safety features, if the panel gets too hot, they will automatically shut off until the temperature has reduced.

How safe are panel heaters?

Panel heaters are safe to use. They have no exposed heating elements, reducing the risk of fire. They also come with overheat protection and automated shut-off technologies to prevent overheating and keep users safe.

Electric Radiators vs. Panel Heaters - A Comparison | Electric Radiators Direct

Can I leave the panel heater on all night?

Are panel heaters flammable? Mill Panel Heaters are completely safe as long as they are properly used per the instruction manual. They can be safely left on unattended due to their safe x-aluminum heating element and relatively low surface temperature.

What is the disadvantage of a panel heater?

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.

What is the safest heater to leave unattended?

The good news is that modern infrared heaters are very safe to use even when left unattended during the night, even while you are sleeping.

Does an infrared heater use a lot of electricity?

But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible.

Is it OK to leave heater on all day?

If you have an electric heater or an old, non-condensing boiler, we recommend not leaving them on forever. That's because electricity heaters can be expensive to run, so turning them on and off will help.

Do panel heaters get hot to touch?

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.

Are panel heaters worth it?

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.

Where is the best place to put a panel heater?

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.

What is the difference between a panel heater and an electric heater?

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.

What is the cheapest way to heat a room?

What's the cheapest way to heat your home?
  • Gas boiler.
  • Gas boiler and solar thermal panels.
  • Oil boiler.
  • Electric combi boiler.
  • Air source heat pump.
  • Biomass boiler.
  • Infrared heating panels.
  • Wood burner.

What are the disadvantages of infrared panel heaters?

Runs on expensive electricity – Infrared panels use electricity, which is currently more expensive than gas (from 1st January 2025 to 31st March, costs will be 24.86p/kWh vs. 6.34p/kWh respectively). While their efficiency can lower energy bills, electricity prices may still impact overall savings.

Can I leave the infrared heater on all the time?

Infrared panels are suitable for all-day heating.

The gradual build-up of heat ensures a comfortable environment, allowing them to be left on for extended periods without making a room feel stuffy.

Can you leave a panel heater on all night?

In conclusion, electric space heaters are a great alternative to using a central heating system. However, they're best used for short periods, and it's generally not recommended that you leave them on overnight.

What heater can I leave on all night?

What is the safest heater to leave on overnight? While it's not recommended to leave any space heater on if you're not monitoring it, oil-filled, radiant space heaters are considered safer than ceramic convection (hot air) types, according to Roberson. Both of these options are safer than open-coil heaters.

How likely is a space heater to start a fire?

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are involved in more than a thousand home fires every year.

How long do panel heaters last?

Our IR panels have expected lifespans of around 100,000 hours. To put that in practical terms, you could run this panel for 24 hours a day, 365 days in a year and you'd get about 11 years of use out of it!

What is the difference between a fan heater and a panel heater?

Glass Panel Heaters: Suitable for offices, waiting rooms, or retail spaces where style and quiet operation are essential. Their energy-efficient design helps businesses manage heating costs while maintaining comfort. Fan Heaters: Great for workshops, storerooms, or areas requiring rapid heat in short bursts.

Why is infrared heating not popular?

We understand why people look at infrared heating—it sounds energy efficient. But in reality, infrared heaters need to stay on longer to maintain warmth, and because they only heat what they directly touch, they often end up using more energy than expected.

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