How to Choose an Electric Radiator?

What is an Electric Radiator?

An electric radiator, or Joule effect radiator, consists of a heating element, the resistance, through which an electric current passes to produce heat.

To produce 1 kW of heat, you need 1 kW of electricity. Since reducing the heating by 1°C can reduce consumption by 7% (source Ademe), the quality of regulation is, therefore, an essential criterion.

What Are the Advantages of Electric Radiators?

Electric radiators, especially those of the new generation, offer numerous advantages:

• Ease of installation: They do not require complex work, such as installing gas pipes or ducts.
  
  
• Precise temperature control: They allow for precise adjustment of the desired temperature, room by room, offering personalized comfort.
  
  
• Silent operation: Unlike some other heating types, electric radiators operate silently, without ventilation or air circulation noise.
  
  
• No greenhouse gas (GHG) or fine particle emissions: Since they operate on electricity, electric radiators do not emit smoke or combustion gases, making them safer and more environmentally friendly. They do not affect air quality and do not compromise health.

What Power Should You Choose for an Electric Radiator?

The choice of power for an electric radiator depends on the size of the room to be heated, its level of insulation, ceiling height, and the geographical region in which you live.

There is no fixed value, but conventionally, 100 watts per square meter are considered suitable for standard insulation. However, for very well-insulated buildings (constructed from RT2012 onwards), you can go as low as 20 watts per square meter. If your home is poorly insulated, you must improve your installation.

We strongly recommend seeking a professional to conduct a complete thermal study.

For an initial approach, intuis will soon provide a configurator to help estimate the required power. In large rooms, such as living rooms over 20 square meters, it's preferable to distribute power among multiple radiators for better uniformity.

Which Electric Radiator to Choose for Each Room?

Choosing an electric emitter depends on numerous criteria. Initially, you should consider the type of room, its use, orientation, and level of insulation.
 
For example, convection heaters are utility devices that can be used in certain service rooms or for temporary housing structures, such as a bungalow.
 
Radiant panels, on the other hand, prioritize occupant comfort. Cost-effective to purchase, they are recommended for efficiently heating living areas such as hallways, temporary-use bedrooms, studios, or shops.
 
Finally, intuis electric radiators with soft heat are designed to fit all housing configurations. While there are no radiators dedicated to specific room types, inertia radiators with single, double, or even triple heating elements are preferred in frequently occupied living spaces such as master suites, children's bedrooms, offices, or living rooms, as they provide a comfortable and consistent warm spot. 
 
Intuis electric radiators come in various power ratings, ranging from 300W to 2000W, to best suit room size and insulation levels.
 
For example, a well-insulated 10m2 room can be heated with 300W, whereas a room with average insulation would require a 1000W electric radiator.
 
You can also discover electric radiators in various formats:

• Horizontal - to be installed under a window
• Vertical - for narrow wall spaces
• Low-profile skirting radiators (30 cm) - ideal for fitting under large glass walls.