What Not to Do When Buying an Electric Heater: Top 5 Mistakes Explained

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an Electric Heater

As temperatures drop, homeowners start searching for the best way to keep their homes warm and comfortable. But choosing the right electric heater isn’t always as simple as it seems. A number of common mistakes can lead to poor performance, higher energy bills, or an overall disappointing heating experience.

To help you make an informed choice, here are five of the most frequent mistakes people make when purchasing an electric heater—and how to avoid them.

1. Buying the Wrong Type of Heater for Your Space

One of the biggest errors is choosing a heater that isn’t suited to your specific room or heating needs. Different heaters work in different ways, and understanding these differences is essential:

Convection Heaters

These warm the air in the room, making them suitable for small to medium areas where you want stable, even heat.

Near Infrared Heaters

Designed for direct, localised warmth. They heat objects or people immediately and are great for targeted heating zones.

Fan Heaters

Provide quick heat in small rooms, but they can be noisy and less energy-friendly.

Oil-Filled Radiators

Offer slow, steady heat and are excellent for maintaining warmth over long periods.

Far Infrared Heating Panels

These warm surfaces and people directly, ensuring consistent heat with far less energy waste. Ideal for larger rooms or eco-conscious homeowners.

Choosing the wrong type can result in uneven warmth, unnecessary energy consumption, or a heater that simply doesn’t meet your needs.

2. Misjudging the Heater’s Wattage and Output

Another frequent mistake is not matching the heater’s power output to the size of the room. A heater that’s too weak won’t warm the space properly, while an oversized heater wastes electricity.

For traditional convection heaters, the general guideline is 100 watts per square metre.
However, infrared heating panels require around 42% less wattage to heat the same area because they work by warming surfaces—not air.

Ensuring your heater’s wattage aligns with the room size will prevent both inefficiency and unnecessary energy costs.

3. Ignoring Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency should always be a priority. Selecting a heater with poor efficiency can noticeably increase your electricity bills.

This is where infrared heaters outperform most options. Infrared panels are significantly more economical because:

• They heat objects directly, reducing wasted energy

• Warmth isn’t lost through draughts or open doors

• They reach temperature quickly and cycle on/off efficiently

Additionally, using a heater with thermostat control allows you to maintain a stable temperature while avoiding unnecessary energy use.

4. Choosing Based on Price Alone

It’s easy to gravitate toward the cheapest heater on the shelf—but the lowest upfront price doesn’t always translate into long-term value.

Budget heaters often:

• Use lower-quality components

• Have shorter lifespans

• Offer lower efficiency

• Need replacing more frequently

A better-built heater with a reliable warranty can save money over time through reduced running costs, fewer breakdowns, and far greater efficiency.

5. Forgetting to Consider Noise Levels

If you’re heating a bedroom, office, or study, noise is an important factor. Many fan heaters and some convection units can be disruptive due to motors or internal fans.

Infrared panels, however, operate in complete silence.
With no moving parts, they deliver uninterrupted warmth—making them ideal for quiet environments such as:

• Bedrooms

• Living rooms

• Home offices

• Reading nooks

If peace and quiet matter, infrared is the best choice.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these common mistakes will help you choose the right electric heater for your home. Selecting a heater that suits your space, prioritising energy efficiency, and investing in quality will ensure better performance and lower bills throughout the winter.

Infrared heating stands out for its exceptional efficiency, silent operation, and ability to provide comfortable, consistent warmth without wasting energy. If you’re seeking a solution that is efficient, long-lasting, and comfortable, infrared heating panels are an excellent option.

For more buying advice—or to browse our range of premium infrared heating panels with 40+ year lifespans and a 10-year warranty—visit our website.
Stay warm, stay cosy, and enjoy a comfortable winter with the right heater for your home.