Winter is rapidly approaching, and with it, cold and humidity. Our reflex: to turn on our radiators to warm ourselves up and create a feeling of “cocooning” in our house. This, however, is something that requires good-working radiators.

As is the case for most types of equipment nowadays, there exist a variety of radiators on the market. Ré-novateurs guides you through the jungle.

THE ELECTRIC RADIATOR

The electric radiator gathers cold air from the room and heats it up using electrical resistance, before redistributing it back warm into the room. This type of radiator, also known as a “toaster,” has traditionally had quite a bad reputation. It has been reproached for its poor thermal comfort, its smell of dust and the fact that it “drains” the air. However, the electrical radiator has much evolved in the past years, and nowadays lets you comfortably add heat to your home without breaking the budget (average price of €100), despite certain shortcomings in terms of heat distribution. 

THE PANEL HEATER

As opposed to the electrical radiator, the panel heater offers an appreciable heat distribution thanks to its homogenous diffusion within a room.  This due to the panels emitting infrared waves that travel longer distances. This heating method is particularly well-suited for large rooms. It also permits you to heat walls and furniture to create a feeling of “cocooning.” This equipment is a bit costlier than the electric radiator (average price of €200). 

THE ELECTRIC HEATER WITH CONTROLLED INERTIA RADIATORS (HEAT TRANSFER FLUID)

The electric heater with controlled inertia radiators, known for its distribution capacity and heating reactivity, is highly efficient, particularly when combined with good isolation. This radiator functions with a circular flow, or a heat-storing material (such as cast iron), to diffuse heat in a room. This heating method enables you to save costs through reduced energy consumption. Thus, although it requires a larger investment at the time of purchase (average price of €400), it lets you lower your electricity bills for years ahead!

You can purchase this type of heater from multiple producers, such as  Acova, or Aterno with its complete collection of inertia heaters.