Which heating system should you choose for your home? Types, consumption, and power requirements by square footage
Choosing the right heating for your home isn't simply about buying the most powerful appliance. Room size, insulation, outdoor temperature, and hours of use are factors that directly influence comfort and electricity consumption.
In this guide, we explain how to calculate the power you need based on square meters, what differences exist between the main types of electric heating, and how to choose the most suitable appliance for your home without using more energy than necessary.
1. How many watts of heating do you need based on m²?
As a quick calculation, you can start with this formula: estimated power (W) = room area (m²) × W/m². The value per square meter changes depending on how easy or difficult it is to retain heat inside the home.
Estimated power based on insulation
| Type of home / condition | Estimated power |
|---|---|
| Very well insulated / recent construction | 40–60 W/m² |
| Good insulation | 60–80 W/m² |
| Medium insulation | 80–100 W/m² |
| Poor insulation or very cold area | 100–120 W/m² or more |
Example: what power do I need to heat a 15 m² room?
If we take 90 W/m² as a reference for a home with medium insulation:
Under these conditions, an approximate power of 1,350 W would be a reasonable starting point to keep the room warm. However, if the bedroom has old windows, little protection against the cold, or is located in an area with very low outdoor temperatures, it may need higher power.
Estimated heating power table based on m²
| Area | Reference power at 90 W/m² |
|---|---|
| 10 m² | 900 W |
| 12 m² | 1,080 W |
| 15 m² | 1,350 W |
| 20 m² | 1,800 W |
| 25 m² | 2,250 W |
| 30 m² | 2,700 W |
2. Types of electric heating: which is best for your home?
Thermal emitter: stable heat for daily use
Thermal emitters work using an electric resistance that heats the body of the radiator. It transmits heat to the room both by convection, heating the air, and by radiation, towards people and nearby surfaces.
They are especially practical in rooms where you need to maintain a comfortable temperature for several hours, such as bedrooms, offices, or living rooms. At Mellerware, the Comfy WiFi range offers different power levels and includes Wi-Fi connectivity and weekly programming to control the heating according to your schedule.
Convector radiator: heat through the natural circulation of air
Electric convector radiators use a resistance to heat the air that passes through them. As the air heats up, it rises and leaves space for cooler air to enter through the bottom of the appliance. One of its main advantages is that many convectors have a fast thermal response, as they are designed to transmit heat directly to the air.
They are a good alternative for rooms where you want to heat the environment comfortably, without forced ventilation and with an appliance that blends into the decor. Mellerware's Warmy 2000 combines an electric convection system with a glass front and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Which is better, a thermal emitter or a convector?
Both are good alternatives for heating a room and maintaining a comfortable temperature. The main difference lies in how they transmit heat. Convectors are designed primarily to heat the air through natural convection, while thermal emitters transmit heat from the body of the radiator, combining convection and radiation. The consumption of each will depend mainly on the power, operating time, selected temperature, and the room's heat losses.
Electric heaters: fast heat for specific moments
Heaters are an especially practical alternative when you need fast heat for short periods. Unlike thermal emitters and natural convection convectors, they usually incorporate a fan that pushes hot air into the room, providing an almost immediate sensation of heat. They are compact, easy to transport, and useful for heating an office or a room you use occasionally.
There are conventional and ceramic PTC models, whose heating element has a thermal self-regulation capacity. At Mellerware, the Homy range offers different options of compact, ceramic, and wall-mounted heaters to adapt to different needs.
3. What heating to choose based on square meters
The size of the room helps narrow down options, but remember to always cross-reference it with insulation and intended use.
| Room | Mellerware options | When to choose them |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 m² | Comfy WiFi Small · Comfy WiFi Small Move · Homy / Homy Ceramic | Comfy to maintain temperature; Move if you want mobility; Homy for fast heat and occasional use. |
| 10–15 m² | Comfy WiFi Medium · Comfy WiFi Medium Move · Homy / Homy Ceramic | Good range for a bedroom or office. Prioritize Comfy if use will be prolonged and scheduled. |
| 15–20 m² | Comfy WiFi Large · Comfy WiFi Large Move · Warmy 2000 · Warmy 2000 Move · Homy Wall | For living rooms and large rooms. Choose according to the type of use. |
4. How much does an electric heater or radiator consume?
To find out the consumption of a heating appliance, you must look at its power and the time during which it is actually heating. Electricity consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). You can calculate it using this formula:
For example, a 2,000 W heater running for a full hour at maximum power consumes 2 kWh. If the price of electricity is €0.20/kWh, the energy cost would be €0.40 per hour.
Electricity consumption table based on power
| Power | Consumption in 1 hour | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| 600 W | 0.6 kWh | €0.12 |
| 1,000 W | 1 kWh | €0.20 |
| 1,200 W | 1.2 kWh | €0.24 |
| 1,500 W | 1.5 kWh | €0.30 |
| 2,000 W | 2 kWh | €0.40 |
Example calculated with a hypothetical price of €0.20/kWh and continuous operation at the indicated power. Actual consumption may be lower when the thermostat interrupts or modulates the heating.
5. Quick comparison of Mellerware heating
| Range | Power | Indicated coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfy WiFi | 600 / 1,200 / 2,000 W | Up to 6 / 12 / 20 m² | Daily use, stable heat, programming, Wi-Fi, habitual location. |
| Comfy WiFi Move | 1,000 / 1,500 / 2,000 W | Up to 10 / 15 / 20 m² | Daily use with wheels to move it between rooms. |
| Warmy 2000 · Warmy 2000 Move | 2,000 W | Up to 20 m² | Living room or bedroom, natural convection, Wi-Fi, and glass design. |
| Homy | 2,000 W | Up to 20 m² | Fast heat, compact, and occasional use. |
| Homy Ceramic | 2,000 W | Up to 20 m² | Fast heat with PTC ceramic technology and oscillation. |
| Homy Ceramic Moonlight · Homy Ceramic Midnight | 1,500 W | Up to 15 m² | Fast heat with PTC ceramic technology and oscillation. |
| Homy Wall | 2,000 W | Up to 20 m² | Wall-mounted, especially practical in bathrooms or small spaces. |
Note: coverage is indicated on our product data sheets and may vary depending on insulation, outdoor temperature, orientation, and other room characteristics.
6. Tips to save energy when using heating
These tips can help you reduce electricity consumption without giving up comfort.
- Adjust the temperature to your needs: an excessively high temperature increases the home's heat losses and, therefore, the energy needed to maintain it.
- Program the heating according to your schedule: if your radiator has programming, take advantage of it to adapt the operation to the hours you use each room.
- Take advantage of the thermostat: a thermostat allows you to regulate the selected temperature and prevent the appliance from continuing to heat unnecessarily once reached.
- Avoid heat losses: good insulation can considerably reduce the energy needed to maintain the temperature.
7. Frequently asked questions about choosing heating
At what temperature is it recommended to set the heating in winter?
To maintain a comfortable temperature without using more energy than necessary, it is recommended to set the heating to around 20-21 °C during the hours you are at home. At night, when you are sleeping, you can normally reduce the temperature to around 17ºC, which is enough to sleep, although it will always depend on each person's needs and the home's insulation.
Why doesn't my electric radiator heat the room enough?
If your radiator is working, but the room does not reach the desired temperature, it may be due to different reasons: The power of the appliance is insufficient for the square meters or the room's insulation, there are significant heat losses through windows, doors, or walls, the temperature selected on the thermostat is too low, or the radiator's air inlets or outlets are blocked.
Before thinking there is a breakdown, check the configuration and make sure the appliance can transmit heat correctly. If the problem continues, consult the instruction manual or contact technical service.
Do electric radiators dry out the room's air?
Electric radiators do not directly remove water from the air, but by increasing the temperature they can reduce its relative humidity. This means the air can feel drier, although no water vapor has been removed from the room. The sensation depends on the initial humidity, ventilation, and the temperature reached.
Where is the best place to put an electric radiator so it heats well?
The location of the radiator can influence how heat is distributed through the room. The most important thing is to install or place it in an area where the air can circulate freely and where the thermostat can measure the temperature representatively. Avoid placing it behind furniture, long curtains, or elements that hinder the release of heat.
If it is a wall radiator, respect the minimum distances indicated by the manufacturer. If it is a model with wheels, place it on a stable and suitable surface. It is also advisable to avoid locations where it receives direct sunlight or drafts that can alter the thermostat's measurement.
What heating is best for a bathroom?
If you are looking for fast and occasional heat, a compact heater may be enough. If you want a fixed solution without taking up floor space, Homy Wall is designed for wall mounting. There are also Comfy emitters with IP24 protection.