Consumers often underestimate the importance of considering key issues when researching electric heating options for their homes. As a result, many choose heaters that are not suited to their personal needs or incur higher than expected running costs.
This creates an opportunity for electrical contractors to provide guidance to their customers, walking them through the pros and cons of wall-mounted electric radiators and panel convector heaters.
Online wholesaler ElectricalDirect, offers insight into the advantages and disadvantages of both types of heaters, helping both electrical professionals and home owners to avoid the pitfalls of choosing a new heating appliance.
Radiating vs. convecting heat
The main difference between radiators and panel heaters is that the former heats rooms by radiating heat into objects and people in the room by warming up the internal liquid. Panel heaters convect air by heating the elements, then warming the air as it circulates around those enclosed hot elements using the internal convector fan.
A downside of convection is that the process tends to circulate dust in the air more which can cause irritation for people suffering with allergies. When advising customers, this is an important consideration for them before making a purchase.
However, panel convector heaters have the advantage as a source of instant heat, particularly in small spaces such as box rooms and home offices. They also work very well as an addition to the home’s main source of heating. Electric radiators can take longer to warm up initially, but once the desired temperature is reached, their internal thermostat maintains a constant warmth within the room.
Energy efficiency
When it comes to energy use, electric radiators are considerably more efficient. Radiated heat is a more direct way of warming a space up, as heat is produced by the hot element and then channelled out into the air. Once the room is at the desired temperature, the radiator will switch off, occasionally coming back on to keep the room temperature constant, within a few degrees of the set temperature. Therefore, the room is warm, without constant power and electricity being used by the radiator.
However, both types of heaters can also be turned on and off independently of other heaters whenever needed, giving home owners control over energy use. For additional control, both heaters offer round-the-clock temperature control with integrated timers.
Which heater offers the longest lifespan?
Panel convector heaters are used to heat a room when it is cold, rather than maintaining a constant temperature in a room. As a result, they are typically on for longer periods of time as each time they have to heat up from cold.
Also, when using a panel convector heater less frequently, the dust that gathers on the elements burns, often leaving unsightly sooty residues as well as odours. This is particularly the case when they are switched on for the first time after the summer months.
Cost effectiveness
If a customer’s budget is limited, the upfront cost of panel convector heaters is lower in comparison to electric radiators. However, since they are less efficient than electric radiators, higher energy bills may thwart customers’ aim of keeping long term outgoings to a minimum.
What styles are the heaters available in?
If aesthetics are important to your customers, both electric and panel heaters are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. From popular, practical styles to more contemporary designs, the heaters are suited to a range of tastes.
ElectricalDirect can offer more advice to help you provide your own customers with a top-quality service. Call us on 08082 742 339 or email: sales@electricaldirect.co.uk.
