Ever come home feeling chilly because your heater just can't keep up? Choosing the right size panel heater can make a world of difference. Not only will you stay comfortable, but you'll also save money on your energy bills.
Convection heaters work by warming the air, circulating throughout the room. By choosing the right size heater, you can ensure efficient and comfortable warmth.
While the general rule of thumb is that 1kW of output can heat up to 10 square metres of space, remember that several factors can influence this guideline. Here's how different aspects affect heater size:
Ceiling Height and Insulation Quality
Homes with standard ceiling heights (2.4m to 3m) and good insulation can often benefit from the 1kW per 10m² rule. However, if your ceilings are higher or your insulation is poor, you might need a heater with a higher output (e.g., 1.5kW) to achieve the same level of warmth.
Double Glazing
Double-glazed windows significantly improve heat retention. If your home has them, the 1kW per 10m² rule becomes slightly more efficient, potentially allowing a 2kW heater to heat a room up to 24m² comfortably.
Special Considerations for Older Homes
Older homes might not have double glazing or adequate insulation. For example, an old leaky weatherboard home with high ceilings and regular windows can present a different heating challenge. In these cases, the general rule of 1kW output heating up to 10m² might still apply but may not be as efficient. This means you might need to opt for a more powerful heater or use additional insulation methods to maintain warmth.
New Homes and Modern Standards
Newly built homes typically come with more advanced heating solutions like ducted heating or split systems already installed. These systems are designed to provide consistent heating throughout the home, often eliminating the need for additional panel heaters. However, for specific rooms or areas that require extra warmth, the standard sizing guide can still be applied.
Tips for Optimising Heating Efficiency
By taking steps to improve your home's overall heating efficiency, you can potentially reduce the size of the panel heater you need. Here are some tips:Improve Insulation: Ensure your home has adequate insulation in the walls, roof, and floors to retain heat effectively.
By considering these factors and using the sizing guide, you can select the perfect panel heater to keep your home warm and cosy throughout the colder months.