what is best for your space?

More and more households are switching to electric heating. It's sustainable, affordable, stylish, and you don't need a boiler or an installer. However, there are two popular options within electric heating:

• Electric convectors (air heating)

• Infrared panels (radiant heat)

They look similar, but work completely differently and you will notice this in terms of comfort, energy consumption and the effect in your space.
In this guide, we'll explain exactly which option best suits your room, your situation, and your living style.

What is electric convector heating?

An electric convector heats the air in the room. Cold air is drawn in, warmed, and then flows back up.

Advantages:

• Heats the entire room quickly

• Perfect for larger spaces or places with a lot of movement

• Quiet and energy efficient in eco mode

• Can be easily combined with smart thermostats

Disadvantages:

• It takes longer for you to feel warm

• Slightly higher consumption than infrared

Ruby Home convectors

What are infrared panels?

Infrared panels do not heat the air, but you, the floor, the walls and the furniture, just like solar heat.

Advantages:

• Up to 40% more economical than air heating

• Instantly noticeable heat in 1–2 minutes

• Ideal for small spaces, bathrooms and workspaces

• No dry air or dust circulation

• Sleek design and space-saving

Disadvantages:

• Heats the air less quickly

• You must stand or sit within the radiation range

Ruby Home infrared panels

The main difference: air heating vs. radiant heat

Convectors → heat the air

→ The entire room gradually warms up
→ It takes a while for the heat to reach you

Infrared → heats objects and people

→ Direct feeling of warmth on your skin
→ Very economical
→ Ideal if you sit in one place (desk, sofa, bathroom)

Which heats up faster?

• Infrared heats you instantly → ideal for quick warmth

• Convectors heat the room faster → ideal for rooms where you walk around

Which is more energy efficient?

Infrared panels are currently the most economical form of electric heating.

You use less energy because:

• heat is directed directly onto your body

• there is little heat "loss"

• you don't have to heat an entire room for comfort

Convectors are also economical, but mainly if they are in a small, closed space and you use the eco mode.

Which feels most comfortable?

Infrared → warm, soft, comparable to solar heat

Perfect for:

• home offices

• bathrooms

• bedrooms

• cold walls / cold floors

Convector → stable room temperature

Perfect for:

• living rooms

• medium-sized rooms

• hobby rooms

• spaces where several people are present

Which one fits best in which room?

✔️ Bathroom

→ Infrared panel or electric towel radiator
→ Very fast heat, safe and economical

towel radiators

✔️ Home office

→ Infrared panel + desk heating
→ Instant heat, without heating the entire room

office heating

✔️ Living room

→ Convector + optional IR panel for targeted warmth
→ Perfect for long-term heating

convectors

✔️ Bedroom

→ Infrared (silent, no air circulation)
→ Convector is also possible, but IR feels quieter

✔️ Attic / studio

→ Convector → heats larger volume more easily

Example situations

“My bathroom is small and gets cold quickly.”

→ Infrared panel or electric towel radiator

“I have a home office and cold feet.”

→ Infrared + desk heating

“My living room remains cold.”

→ Convector for air heating

“I want to save energy.”

→ Infrared panel = best choice

Conclusion: Which one should you choose?

Select infrared if you want:

• ✓ direct heat
• ✓ the most energy-efficient option
• ✓ modern, sleek design
• ✓ rapid heating of small spaces

Choose a convector if you want:

• ✓ heat the entire room
• ✓ a stable temperature
• ✓ a budget-friendly solution
• ✓ a heater that you can move

Best combination:

Infrared for direct heat + convector for room temperature.
This is the ideal setup in many Dutch homes.