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Electric Heaters FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right electric heater can seem complicated, but it actually comes down to a few simple criteria. In this guide we answer the most frequently asked questions we receive every day — from calculating the right wattage and running costs, to comparisons with air conditioners and the advantages of modern electric heating.
How Do I Calculate How Many Watts I Need to Heat a Room?
The basic rule is simple: 100–125 Watts per square metre for rooms with standard insulation. So a 15 m² room needs a 1500W–1875W heater.
But that's only the starting point. You should also consider:
- Insulation quality: In a well-insulated home (double glazing, external insulation), 80–100W/m² is sufficient. In an older building without insulation, you may need up to 150W/m².
- Ceiling height: Standard 2.80m ceilings need no adjustment. For high ceilings (3m+), increase by 15–20%.
- Geographic location: Northern Greece (Thessaloniki, Kastoria, Florina) requires more power compared to island areas or Attica, due to lower outdoor temperatures.
Practical example: For a 20 m² living room in Athens, in an apartment with average insulation, the ideal heater is 2000W–2500W. In the Atlantic range, this corresponds to the F120 Design 2000W or the F120 WiFi Connect 2500W.
How Much Does an Electric Heater Cost to Run?
This is the question we hear most often — and the answer depends on three factors: the heater's wattage, hours of operation, and your electricity rate.
Let's calculate with real numbers: A 1500W heater with a digital thermostat does not run continuously at 1500W. Once it reaches the set temperature, the thermostat switches it off and only turns it back on when needed. In practice, the heater runs actively only 40–60% of the time — especially with a precision electronic thermostat, like those in Atlantic heaters.
Monthly cost example: 1500W heater × 6 hours/day × 50% thermostat cycling = 4.5 kWh/day. At €0.20/kWh × 30 days = approximately €27 per month.
For a 70 m² apartment with 3 heaters (living room + 2 bedrooms), the monthly heating cost typically ranges between €60 and €90, depending on usage and electricity prices.
Energy-saving tip: Heaters with weekly programming, like the Atlantic F120 WiFi Connect, can reduce costs by 15–20% because they only operate during the hours heating is actually needed.
Why Don’t Electric Panel Heaters Dry Out the Air?
This is a very important question that concerns both health and everyday comfort. The short answer: modern electric panel heaters do not dry the air — and there is a scientific explanation.
The heating element in Atlantic heaters is shielded (aluminium) and operates at a low surface temperature. It does not glow red-hot, which means it doesn't burn dust particles in the air — that's exactly what causes the sensation of dryness in older heating devices (halogen heaters, fan heaters).
Furthermore, electric panel heaters work through natural air circulation (convection), without a fan. The air heats evenly and circulates gently through the room, without drafts that dehydrate the skin or dry out mucous membranes.
This is why electric panel heaters are considered ideal for allergy sufferers, children and the elderly — they don't stir up dust, don't dry the air and produce no combustion gases.
Electric Heater vs Air Conditioner: Cost & Efficiency Comparison
This comparison concerns many Greek consumers, especially in recent winters with rising energy prices. Let's look at the real data:
Purchase cost: A quality 1500W electric heater costs €150–300. An inverter air conditioner (12,000 BTU) costs €500–1,200 plus installation (€150–300). The electric heater is clearly the more affordable investment.
Electricity consumption: Inverter air conditioners are more energy-efficient (COP 3–4), meaning for every 1 kWh of electricity they produce 3–4 kWh of heat. Electric heaters have a 1:1 ratio. However, in mild climates (Attica, islands), the difference on your monthly bill is smaller than you might think.
Choose an electric heater when:
- The room doesn't already have an air conditioner installed.
- You need supplementary heating in bedrooms or offices.
- Holiday homes and guesthouses that need independent heating per room.
- You want completely silent operation (electric heaters are 100% noiseless).
- There's no option to install an outdoor unit.
Choose an air conditioner when:
- One is already installed and used for cooling in summer.
- It's the primary heat source for large spaces in cold regions (Northern Greece).
- Energy efficiency is your top priority.
The verdict: There's no single right answer for everyone. For many Greek households, the combination of an air conditioner in the living room plus electric heaters in the bedrooms is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Silent Operation: Why Electric Panel Heaters Are the Quietest Heating Devices
The answer lies in how they work. Electric panel heaters warm the air through natural convection — cold air enters from below, heats inside the unit, and rises out from the top. There is no fan, no motor, no moving parts whatsoever.
This means zero noise — literally 0 dB. No other heating device can make the same claim.
For comparison: fan heaters produce 40–55 dB (fan running continuously), air conditioners 25–45 dB (indoor unit), oil radiators 0 dB but slow to heat, while electric panel heaters deliver 0 dB with rapid heating.
This makes them ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, offices and any space that demands absolute quiet.
Benefits of Electric Panel Heaters: Why Choose Electric Heating?
Modern electric panel heaters have evolved far beyond the old-fashioned heaters we remember. If you're wondering whether the investment is worth it, here are the key advantages:
- Instant heat output: Unlike oil radiators that need 20–30 minutes, an electric panel heater starts delivering heat within 1–2 minutes.
- Easy installation: All you need is a power socket. No plumber, no holes in the wall. Wall mounting takes 20–30 minutes.
- Precise temperature control: The electronic thermostats in Atlantic heaters control temperature to ±0.1°C accuracy. Consistent comfort without waste.
- Independent heating per room: Each heater operates autonomously. Heat only the rooms you use — impossible with central heating.
- Zero maintenance: No filters, no servicing required. An Atlantic heater lasts 15–20 years.
- Safety: No flame, no combustion gases, no exposed heating elements. Atlantic heaters feature overheat protection and settings lock — ideal for homes with children.
- Smart scheduling: With the Atlantic F120 WiFi Connect, you control heating via smartphone from anywhere.
How Does an Electric Panel Heater Work?
An electric panel heater works on the fundamental principle of natural air convection:
- Cool room air enters through openings at the bottom.
- Inside, it's heated by the aluminium heating element.
- The warm air, lighter than the cool air, rises naturally and exits from the top.
- It circulates through the room while new cool air enters the heater.
This cycle heats the entire room evenly. The electronic thermostat continuously measures the temperature and activates or deactivates the heating element accordingly, ensuring a stable temperature without wasting energy.
Which Atlantic Electric Heater Models Are Available in Greece?
Atlantic, Europe's largest manufacturer of electric heating, offers three heater ranges in Greece through the official distributor SANI HELLAS AE:
Atlantic F119 Design CE — The entry-level choice with electronic thermostat, silent operation and 5-year warranty. Available from 500W to 2500W. Prices from €126.
Atlantic F120 Design Digital — Digital thermostat with LCD display, weekly programming, open-window detection. 5-year warranty. Prices from €123.
Atlantic F120 WiFi Connect — The most advanced electric heater. Smartphone control via the CozyTouch app, weekly programming, open-window detection, 10-year warranty on the heating element. Prices from €156.
All models include a mounting bracket and ship free across Greece.
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Official distributor in Greece: SANI HELLAS AE | Free shipping across Greece | Contact us
