There are two types of panel heaters, conventional panel heaters and radiant panel heaters.
| Heater Type | Upfront Costs | Operating Costs (Hourly) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Panel Heaters | $50 – $100 | $0.10 – $0.15 | Lightweight design, affordable price point, quick temperature increase, suitable for smaller spaces |
| Radiant Panel Heaters | $400 – $600 | $0.08 – $0.12 | Energy efficient, focused heating, better for health, prevents dampness and mold |
| Electric Radiators | $200 – $500 | $0.10 – $0.20 | Even heat distribution, efficient and consistent warmth |
Panel Heater vs Electric Radiators
Conventional Panel Heaters
Conventional panel heaters are a cost-effective heating option that primarily relies on convection to generate warmth.
Equipped with hot elements and fans, conventional panel heaters blow hot air into the room, quickly raising the temperature.
They are known for their lightweight design, affordable price point, and simplicity of operation.
Conventional panel heaters are suitable for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms or offices, where quick and localized heating is required.
A standard 1500-watt conventional panel heater can range in price from $50 to $100, making it an economical choice for cost-conscious consumers.
The hourly operating cost is approximately $0.10-$0.15 (based on an average electricity cost of $0.12/kWh and the energy efficiency of convection heaters).
Radiant panel heaters use far infrared radiation to heat objects and people in a room directly.
Because of this, they are more energy efficient than both conventional panel heaters and electric radiators because no heat is lost by heating the air in the room.
Radiant Panel heaters are also considered better for health because they do not spread harmful particles or substances throughout the home and they also help prevent the build-up of dampness and mould.
As for the cost you can expect to spend $400-$600 (including purchase and installation) for the Initial investment: $400-$600 (including purchase and installation).
The hourly operating cost is approximately $0.08-$0.12 (based on an average electricity cost of $0.12/kWh and the energy efficiency of radiant panel heaters) making it a highly efficient heating system.
Electric Radiators
Electric radiators, on the other hand, use a combination of radiant and convective heat to provide warmth.
Unlike panel heaters, electric radiators distribute heat evenly across their entire surface, including the elements themselves.
Electric radiators can be filled with thermal fluid, such as oil, or feature a dry element, like a ceramic core, to store and release heat.
These radiators are typically more expensive than panel heaters but offer efficient and consistent warmth throughout the room.
On average, you can expect to spend $200-$500 per electric radiator. This price range includes both the purchase and installation costs.
On average, the hourly operating cost for electric radiators can range from $0.10 to $0.20, based on an average electricity cost of $0.12/kWh.
