VASNER Panel Heaters, Modern Designs, Great Variety

Buying an Infrared Panel Heater » Wich Factors Should You Consider?

In this panel heater guide, you will find all the tips you need in order to make the right decision when you buy an infrared heating panel. Which factors indicate a high quality electric heater? Which heat output do you need for your room? What is the best way to install the chosen panel heater? And which thermostat is suitable for controlling your new heating system? This article answers these questions and many more. Continue reading!

• Quality indicators and certificates
• Panel heater models
• Panel heater pros and cons
• Required heat output
• Heating costs and energy consumption
• Bathroom panel heater IP class
• Panel heater installation
• Programmable thermostat systems
• Where can you buy a panel heater?

Buy a High Quality Panel Heater » Quality Indicators and Certificates

If you would like to buy an infrared panel heater for the first time, you may be confused by the many different options available online. Without any experience with infrared technology, it can be quite difficult to distinguish quality heating panels from the inferior products on the market. The many different panel heater designs won't necessarily make your choice any easier.

Although unfortunately you can't look inside an infrared panel heater before buying it, there are a number of indicators that can help you determine the quality of the product. It is advisable to consider the following factors when choosing an infrared electric heater:

• Made in Germany: An infrared panel heater does not necessarily have to be 100% made in Germany to be of high quality. Infrared heating panel manufacturers who have a Made in Germany label, however, usually produce higher quality products. Especially infrared heating technology that comes from Germany is preferable to cheaper heating foils that do not guarantee an even heat radiation. If you would like to buy a quality infrared heating panel, German carbon technology is always recommended. 
• German carbon technology: This innovative heating technology ensures that identical or similarly high temperatures prevail over the entire surface of the panel heater. This is because carbon heating filaments avoid kinks and therefore eliminate so-called "hot spots". These cause some inferior infrared heating panels to develop areas with unnecessarily high temperatures, while other areas remain colder. The result: If you buy a panel heater with this type of cheap technology, the emitted warmth is extremely uneven and the heating process becomes very inefficient.
• Infrared panel heaters with a TÜV certificate: If you are unsure about which heating panel to choose, a TÜV certification is always a good indicator of high product quality. The independent testing association carries out various infrared panel heater tests to verify that the product meets the highest safety and quality standards.
• Manufacturer's warranty: If you are looking for a high quality panel heater, you should stick to manufacturers who offer a voluntary warranty for their products. A guarantee of several years indicates that the manufacturer is confident of the quality of its products and will reliably replace or repair defective heating panels.
• Reviews: If you buy a panel heater in an online shop, you can read the reviews of other users to find information on the quality and use of the device.
• Service: Last but not least, it is always a sign of trustworthiness when an infrared panel heater manufacturer offers a hotline and other ways to contact its service team for a free consultation. However, if a manufacturer is difficult to reach and does not respond to phone calls or e-mails, you should not buy infrared heating panels from them.

Wall Panel Heater Thermal Effect

When you buy an infrared panel heater, you benefit from direct radiant heat that is stored in all surfaces of the room (such as the wall) and re-emitted from there. For lasting, cosy warmth. The air is not heated, so no dust is stirred up and the room air is not dried out.

Which Panel Heater Model Should you Buy? » Infrared Picture Heater, Mirror Heater and Co.

Once you have found a trustworthy supplier, the next step is to decide which heating panel model you would like to buy. Because infrared panel heaters are available in a wide variety of designs and construction styles. You can choose between simple heating panels in white made of glass or metal or panel heaters disguised as a mirror or picture. (See the VASNER Zipris and Panora series.) This decision tends to be a question of taste, since even the decorative infrared electric heaters serve as full-fledged heating systems.

• Standard metal panel heater: If you are looking for the most affordable alternative with a wide range of installation options, you can buy a VASNER Citara heating panel made of metal. The simple yet flat infrared elements are available in white, so that they blend in perfectly with their surroundings. Delivered with a suitable bracket, the infrared heating panel can be mounted not only on the wall (vertical + horizontal installation), but also on the ceiling. For sun-like warmth from above. Tip: With a suitable lacquer, Citara infrared panel heaters can be painted in the colour of your choice. For those who would like to create an individual work of art.
• Buy a glass panel heater: A VASNER Zipris or Citara G infrared heating panel made of glass is a very advanced and elegant wall heater. Glass radiators are available in plain white and in different colours. When buying a glass heating panel, however, you should make sure that it is made of ESG safety glass. Only then, the glass panel heater is impact and scratch resistant. In the rare case of damage caused by rough handling, the flat glass panel breaks into small pieces in a controlled manner so that no one is injured.
• Customised picture panel heater: A VASNER Panora infrared picture heater can be printed with the image of your choice. In some cases, manufacturers offer standard pictures or samples, so you can buy a pre-designed infrared picture panel directly in their online shop. If you prefer a wall heater with your own photo, you will in most cases have to contact the supplier directly, who will then individually produce your designer panel heater. VASNER Panora infrared picture panel heaters - The unique wall decoration for cosy warmth.
• Buy infrared mirror heaters: If you would like to buy an electric panel heater for your bathroom, a VASNER Zipris mirror radiator is a good choice. Infrared radiant mirrors are available with different metal frames, in a frameless design and with or without LED light. For every bathroom decor. With IPX4 splash protection and a glass surface that does not fog up during operation, the electric heater can be ideally mounted above your bathroom sink.
• Hybrid infrared panel heater with thermostat: The VASNER Konvi infrared hybrid heating panel combines targeted infrared warmth with traditional convection technology. The symbiosis of warm air and direct infrared radiation helps the hybrid heater bring even cold and only occasionally used rooms to an optimal temperature quickly and efficiently. Ideal for basements and hobby rooms. The Konvi hybrid infrared heating panel with a thermostat features an integrated knob for temperature control similar to common oil and gas heaters. Thus, the hybrid panel heater is a completely self-sufficient heating system and can be operated without an additional plug-in or radio thermostat.

Infrared Panel Heater Disadvantages and Benefits » A Comparison

Anyone interested in buying a panel heater can find various arguments both in favour of and against infrared heating panels on the internet. Sometimes the different online sources even make contradictory statements about the special heating systems. The following table offers an overview of the most frequently mentioned disadvantages of infrared heating systems and the most important advantages, so that you can compare the points and make an informed decision: 

Choosing the Ideal Heat Output When you Buy a Panel Heater

Depending on the building structure, number of external walls, room size and insulation, you will have to choose a different output when you buy an infrared heating panel. Below you will find a table with guide values to help you determine the right thermal output. The following values serve as a non-binding recommendation. Depending on your specific situation, there may of course be (small) deviations.

Generally speaking, a panel heater with a higher heating capacity is recommended, so that your home can always be brought to an optimal room temperature quickly. Even on the coldest of days. In combination with a programmable thermostat, the desired temperature is reached sooner using a more powerful heating panel and the device is then turned down again more quickly. This means that a more powerful electric heater will not necessarily incur higher heating costs if used correctly.

Running Infrared Heating Costs and Energy Consumption 

Example calculation: If your room has average insulation and one external wall, this results in a power requirement of 70 watts per square meter. For a room size of 15 m², the total required heat output is calculated as follows:

70 watts / m² * 15 m² = 1050 watts

You can meet this heating requirement by purchasing one infrared panel heater with the necessary heat output. Alternatively, you can distribute the required output over several electric radiators. Depending on the layout of your room, different options can be recommended in order to achieve an ideal heat distribution everywhere. 

Calculate energy consumption & running heating costs: In order to determine the resulting infrared heating costs, you also need to know the current electricity price. If one assumes the average energy price in Germany - approx. 29 cents / kWh electricity - the above specified heating power of 1050 watts results in the following electricity costs per hour:

29 cents/kWh * 1,05 kW = 30,45 cents per hour

If you operate your panel heater for 6 hours a day during the heating season, you will incur the following heating costs per day if you buy a 1050 watt heating panel:

30,45 cents * 6 heating hours daily = 182,7 cents ≈ 1,83 €

So if your infrared panel heater continuously runs at full power, you pay around 1,83 Eur per day.

Buy a Bathroom Panel Heater » IP Protection Class and its Meaning

If you are looking to buy a bathroom panel heater, an electric infrared heating panel is often the most ideal solution. Because radiant panels offer space-saving, cosy warmth with a nice spa vibe. The infrared radiation is also drawn into the bathroom walls and keeps them warm and dry even in high humidity. So condensation and mould don't stand a chance.

However, infrared heating panels are a type of electric heater. Therefore, when buying a bathroom panel heater, you must make sure that the desired model is really suitable for use in damp rooms. Otherwise the device may be damaged by the moisture.

For use in the bathroom you must therefore buy an infrared heating panel with a suitable IP protection value. This code provides information on the compatibility of the panel heater with various environmental factors such as humidity or dust.

If you wish to heat your bathroom or restroom with an infrared panel heater, the second digit of the respective IP rating is particularly relevant. This is because it indicates the degree of water protection. The number 4 guarantees a resistance to spray and splash water, while a value of IPX5 even signifies jet water resistance. Infrared heating systems for the bathroom - such as VASNER Zipris infrared mirror heaters - usually feature protection class IPX4 against spray water. This is sufficient for mounting the panel heater above your bathroom sink.

Panel Heater Installation: Mount the Radiator Correctly after Your Purchase

Since an infrared panel heater is electrically powered, you can install it anywhere where there is a power supply. Either with a standard power plug or via a fixed connection to the electrical circuit.

If you buy a VASNER Citara M metal infrared heating panel, it can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Glass and mirror radiators are in most cases more suitable for a wall installation. 

Ideally, you should mount your infrared panel heater opposite the area to be heated (either on the wall or ceiling) so that the heat waves can reach the desired location easily. Additionally, installing the electric heater at distance of 3 - 4 meters from the desired location ensures that the heat spreads evenly. If possible, you should direct the infrared radiation away from windows, so that the heat rays are instead aimed at a wall and are thus stored in the room for a long time.

The advantage of a ceiling installation: An infrared panel heater on the ceiling ensures a pleasantly warm floor. And it has been proven that with warm feet the temperature in a room is automatically estimated to be 2 degrees higher. The result: You don't turn up your thermostat as quickly and save on energy and heating costs.

If the panel heater is used in the bathroom, a sufficient distance from the wet zone must also be maintained. 60 cm should separate the electric heater from the water source.

If you buy a VASNER panel heater or a model by another premium supplier, the radiator is delivered together with a suitable mounting bracket for installation. With the enclosed screws and dowels, you can hang the fixture up in the desired place and simply lock the heating panel in place. Within minutes your ceiling or wall mounted panel heater is ready to provide targeted, energy efficient warmth.

Alternatively, VASNER offers accessories such as feet for its heating panels, so that most Konvi and Citara devices can also be used as portable heating solutions. 

Panel Heater Control: Buy a Programmable Thermostat for Your Electric Heater

If you would like to control your infrared panel heater as efficiently and sustainably as possible, you should buy a programmable thermostat.

Radio thermostat sets are available with a flexible plug-in receiver for sockets or with a flush-mounted receiver for a hidden installation. Regardless of the type of installation, digital thermostats can be flexibly configured so that a customised, time-oriented heating programme runs automatically.

Your infrared panel heater is thus automatically turned down when you are not at home. However, just in time for your return after work, the room temperature is raised again, so that you can enjoy a cosy atmosphere. 

Not only does a suitable thermostat for your electric heater increase your living comfort, but it also provides an economic benefit. Because with a programmable room thermostat you can save up to 10 - 30% in energy or heating costs. Pleasant for the environment and your wallet alike.

Where Can You Buy an Infrared Panel Heater? Directly from the Manufacturer!

You can best buy an electric panel heater in the VASNER online shop for home and garden accessories. Ordering directly from the manufacturer offers numerous advantages: Free shipping of your items within Germany from 49 Eur (from 99,- € within Austria, NL, LU, BE), a quick delivery, various payment options and a 30-day return policy are part of VASNER's service.

If you prefer to have a closer look in person before you buy an infrared electric heater, you can make an appointment and visit the VASNER product showroom in Verl.

If you live too far away, this shouldn't be a problem either. VASNER heating panels are also sold by different sales partners and in some hardware stores such as OBI.

In case you have further questions concerning the VASNER product range or would like more information on our sales partners, please call our service team. We are happy to help you: 

+49 (0)5246 - 93 55 625