The difference between an electric heater and an infrared panel is that a heater warms the air in the room, while an infrared panel mainly heats people and objects in its vicinity. A heater warms a room quickly and is portable, while a panel is suitable for a fixed seating area such as a desk. Both are only economical if used locally and for short periods.
How do an electric heater and an infrared panel work?
An electric heater, such as a ceramic heater, heats the air around the heating element and distributes it with a fan. You quickly feel the effect throughout the room, especially if the device has an oscillation function. An infrared panel radiates heat that you feel directly on your skin, without the air becoming much warmer first. Therefore, a panel is mainly suitable for a fixed location.
Is an electric heater economical?
Let's be honest: electric supplementary heating is not the most economical way to heat a house. Milieu Centraal does not consider an electric radiant heater (radiator or fan heater) to be an energy-efficient measure because such a heater uses a lot of electricity. However, Milieu Centraal does advise providing extra heat in the area where you want it warmer and setting the thermostat for the rest of the house a few degrees lower, for example by using an infrared panel at your desk.
That is exactly where a heater is at its best: in a room where you sit for a short time, or if you only want to heat that one room. The cost per hour depends on the power. Assuming 30 cents per kWh, an 1800 W heater costs approximately 54 cents per hour on the highest setting, and approximately 27 cents on the 900 W setting. You can find out how to calculate this yourself in how much an electric heater costs per hour.
Heater or infrared panel: the differences at a glance
| Feature | Electric heater (ceramic) | Infrared panel |
|---|---|---|
| Heat distribution | Heats the air, oscillating through the room | Radiates heat towards people and objects |
| Heating up | Noticeable within a short time | Immediately felt, especially when close by |
| Portability | Easy to move | Often permanently mounted |
| Suitable for | Living room, bedroom, study | Fixed seating or work area |
| Safe use | Pay attention to the distance to flammable items | Pay attention to installation and distance |
Direct answer: choose an electric heater to heat a room quickly and flexibly and an infrared panel for a fixed location; use both locally and keep the rest of the house cooler.
Safe use of an electric heater
A heater should be plugged directly into a socket, not into an extension cord or power strip. The fire brigade advises against connecting large power consumers to an extension cord and keeping items too close to curtains and furniture. Do not leave a heater unattended and choose a model with overheat and tip-over protection. More practical placement tips can be found in where to place an electric heater most safely.
Product spotlight: Dynter HT18C and HW2002
The Dynter Aerva HT18C is a ceramic heater with PTC heating. You can read how that technology works in how a ceramic PTC heater works.
Power: maximum 1800 W, with two heat settings of 900 W and 1800 W.
Temperature and timer: six temperature settings from 10 to 30°C and a timer up to 9 hours.
Controls: digital touchscreen and a dimmable display with four brightness settings.
Safety: overheat protection and tip-over protection, plus oscillation for even heat distribution.
Are you looking for a heater with a remote control? The Dynter HW2002 has an adjustable power of 1500 to 2000 W, is suitable for rooms up to 40 m², and comes with a remote control and timer function. View all models in the heaters collection. Dynter does not sell infrared panels itself, so the above comparison is intended to make your choice easier.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more economical: an electric heater or an infrared panel?
That depends on the power and how long you leave the device on. A low-power panel in a fixed location may consume less energy than a heater that warms an entire room.
Can an electric heater heat an entire room?
Yes, within the specified range. According to the product page, the HW2002 is suitable for rooms up to 40 m². More information can be found in how many m² an electric heater heats.
Can an electric heater replace central heating?
Not as economical primary heating. According to Milieu Centraal, insulation is the most important step and a heater is mainly suitable as a supplement in specific areas.
Can a heater be used in the bedroom?
Use a timer and do not leave it running unattended. Read whether you can use an electric heater in the bedroom.
What is the difference between 900 W and 1800 W?
A higher setting provides more heat but also consumes more electricity. Use the high setting to warm up and then switch back.