Efficient electric heating: Find the best solution

Is a gas-free home really possible without the complicated and costly installation of a heat pump? Many people still think that electric heating is an expensive stopgap solution that spoils your interior with bulky radiators, but the technology of 2026 has proven otherwise. Now that taxes on fossil fuels are rising due to the recent tax shift, switching to electricity is becoming increasingly financially attractive for those who make smart choices. Nowadays, you can enjoy instant heat without having to remodel your entire home for pipes or outdoor units.

You are probably familiar with the frustration of high energy bills and the desire for a heating system that simply does what it is supposed to do, without the hassle. In this article, you will discover exactly how modern electric heating works and how you can save significantly on your running costs through smart Wi-Fi control. We explain why Norwegian technology has been setting the standard for your living comfort for over a hundred years and how paintable fronts ensure that your heater blends completely into your interior. We dive into the world of efficient convectors that transform your home into a sustainable and warm place.

What is electric heating and how does it work?

At its core, the definition of this technology is surprisingly simple. It is a system that converts electricity directly into heat without a combustion process, as is the case with gas or oil. This makes it a clean and safe way to climate control your home. To properly understand the basics, it is helpful to look at the official definition of electric heating: the process by which electrical energy is converted into thermal energy. Nowadays, we see various forms appearing on the market, ranging from infrared panels that heat objects directly to modern convectors that circulate the air in the room.

The choice of convection heating is popular because it ensures a very even temperature distribution in the room. While a traditional radiator often creates 'hot spots', a convector distributes heat via natural air currents. The thermostat plays a crucial role in this. Modern systems are equipped with highly accurate sensors that constantly monitor the room temperature. As soon as the desired value is reached, the element switches back immediately. This allows you to maintain a stable and comfortable indoor climate without unnecessary energy loss due to temperature fluctuations.

The operation of an electric convector

An electric convector works based on a simple physical principle: warm air rises. Cold air from the room is drawn in at the bottom of the heater. This air then flows past a heating element with a large surface area. The larger this surface area, the more efficiently the heat transfer to the air takes place. An important advantage of BEHA 's advanced technology is that the elements are designed so that they do not become extremely hot on the outside. As a result, no dust combustion occurs. This significantly improves the air quality in your home and prevents that typical, dry smell often detected by older heaters.

Difference between primary heating and supplementary heating

You can electric heating in your home in two ways. As primary heating, it is an excellent alternative to gas, provided your home is well insulated. In that case, you replace all traditional radiators with smart convectors to create a completely gas-free home. For many people, however, it is also the ideal supplementary heating. Think of a home office that you only use during the day or a bathroom that needs to be warm quickly during your morning routine. By creating smart zones, you only heat the rooms where you are actually present. This is the most effective way to keep your energy consumption low while enjoying maximum comfort in the places that matter at that moment.

Why choose electric convectors instead of other systems?

In 2026, choosing a heating system is more of a strategic decision than ever. While taxes on natural gas are rising due to the recent tax shift, electric heating offers a financial and practical alternative. The biggest advantage over a traditional gas boiler is the complete absence of complex pipework and flues. For many Dutch people, ease of installation is the deciding factor; you don't have to break open walls or hire a certified installer. You simply hang the convector on the wall, plug it into the socket, and the room is pleasantly warm within minutes.

In addition, the system is completely maintenance-free. Whereas a gas-fired boiler requires annual inspections and parts replacement to guarantee safety and efficiency, electric convectors have no moving parts or combustion processes that cause wear and tear. This translates directly into lower operating costs over the entire lifespan. The synergy with solar panels is a strong asset in this regard. By using your own generated electricity directly to cover the costs of electric heating, you significantly reduce your monthly energy bill and become less dependent on fluctuating market prices.

Comparison with infrared panels

A frequently asked question is how convectors compare to infrared panels. While infrared works with radiant heat that only warms objects and people in the direct beam, a convector heats the air in the entire room through natural circulation. This ensures a much greater sense of comfort in larger living spaces, as no 'cold corners' are created. Aesthetically, modern convectors integrate seamlessly into your interior. Whereas infrared panels often need to be mounted on the ceiling for good coverage, our smart convectors with steel fronts the wall in a subtle, modern way that suits every living style.

Ecodesign and sustainability in 2026

In 2026, the ECODESIGN guidelines will be the gold standard for sustainability. These European standards require heating appliances to have high energy efficiency and be equipped with smart features such as open-window detection and precise weekly programming. BEHA is at the forefront of this. Norwegian reliability translates not only into compliance with these environmental requirements but also into an exceptionally long lifespan. In Norway, where winters are extreme, reliability is not a luxury but an absolute necessity. This expertise is reflected in the robust build quality and sophisticated electronics that last for decades without compromising efficiency.

The costs and return of electric heating

To understand the efficiency of electric heating, you need to look beyond just the electricity price per kilowatt-hour. The basis of an efficient system begins with an accurate calculation of the power required for your specific space. In an average, well-insulated home, we often calculate with 60 to 100 watts per square meter. Do you have a modern house with excellent insulation? Then a lower wattage will suffice, which directly results in lower electricity consumption. The impact of insulation is the biggest variable here; after all, heat that does not escape does not need to be regenerated.

When comparing the purchase costs with a heat pump, it is striking that the barrier to entry for electric convectors is much lower. While a heat pump requires an investment of many thousands of euros and often necessitates extensive renovations, convectors can be used immediately without high installation costs. Moreover, smart thermostats help you save up to 20% on your consumption by heating with extreme precision. This makes it a cost-effective solution for both renovation projects and new construction, allowing you to maintain full control over costs per room.

Save on heating costs with smart features

Modern technology makes it easier than ever to keep a grip on your energy bill. By using a weekly schedule, you set the desired temperature per day and per hour. This prevents the heater from running unnecessarily in an empty room while you are working. Another essential feature is open-window detection. As soon as the convector detects a sudden temperature drop due to an open window, the device immediately stops heating to prevent waste. Would you like to know more about how to make optimal use of these features? Then read all about saving on electric heating costs in our comprehensive guide.

Return in combination with solar panels

For homes with solar panels, an electric heater is a particularly smart investment. Now that the net metering scheme is changing in the future, directly consuming your own generated electricity is becoming increasingly important for your return on investment. Instead of feeding electricity back into the grid at a low rate, you use the energy directly to enhance your living comfort. Because electricity is the energy carrier of the future, this system prepares you perfectly for a gas-free world. To this end, you transform your home into an independent ecosystem where sustainability and comfort go hand in hand.

Installing and operating a smart electric heater with Wi-Fi

The installation of modern electric heating is a breath of fresh air compared to the complex systems of the past. Whereas a traditional central heating system often involves days of mess due to demolition work and pipe laying, the installation of a BEHA convector is lightning fast. You take the unit out of the box, attach the included wall bracket with a few screws, and simply click the heater into place. Within 15 minutes, the room is ready to be heated. This ease of use makes it an ideal solution for anyone who wants immediate comfort without being dependent on an installer.

In 2026, Wi-Fi connectivity will no longer be a luxury, but an essential part of modern living comfort. It enables you to manage your heating via an intuitive app on your smartphone, no matter where you are. Finished work unexpectedly early? With a single tap in the app, you can ensure the living room is already at the right temperature when you get home. Integration into your smart home system offers maximum control over your energy consumption and ensures a seamless experience in your digital household. You no longer need a central thermostat that heats the entire house unnecessarily; you control the climate per room with utmost precision.

Step-by-step plan for Wi-Fi installation

Connecting the heater to your home network is designed with simplicity in mind. Once the heater is switched on, the BEHA app often recognizes the device immediately via Bluetooth to establish the Wi-Fi connection. You can then create different zones, such as the living room, bedroom, or home office, and manage them independently in one clear dashboard. Would you like to know how to complete this process flawlessly, step by step? Then check out our detailed instructions for setting up a convector heater with Wi-Fi.

Safety and reliability of digital thermostats

At BEHA reliability lies in the smallest details of the electronics. Our digital thermostats are accurate to the degree, guaranteeing a stable climate without the annoying temperature fluctuations seen with mechanical thermostats. For families with young children, safety is ensured by a built-in child lock and advanced overheat protection. Even in the event of a power outage, you don't have to worry about your settings. The smart electronics remember your programs, so the heater immediately resumes the correct schedule as soon as the power is restored.

Discover our smart convectors with glass fronts for a combination of this advanced technology and a sleek, modern design that fits into any interior.

Discover the Norwegian quality of BEHA convectors

When you choose BEHA, you choose a rich history dating back to 1917. With over a hundred years of experience, this Norwegian family business has grown into an authority in the field of electric heating. The products are still designed and manufactured in Norway, a country where winters are extreme and unforgiving. This environment serves as the ultimate test lab for every heater that leaves the factory. If a convector can withstand the icy cold of the north, you can be sure that your living room in the Netherlands or Belgium will always remain behawarm, regardless of the weather conditions outside.

The strength of the Norwegian philosophy lies in the combination of robust engineering and understated design. At BEHA , you have a choice of various front panels to suit your personal taste and the requirements of the room. For a classic and indestructible look, choose a steel front. However, if you are looking for a modern, luxurious look for a sleek living room, the variants with a glass front offer a refined finish that immediately contributes to the aesthetics of your home. Both options are built with the same high-quality electronics, guaranteeing safe and quiet operation.

Design that suits your style

One of the biggest stumbling blocks when furnishing a home is often radiators that don't match the wall color. BEHA has developed a unique solution for this. With a paintable radiator , you make the heater virtually invisible in your interior. You can simply paint the front panel in exactly the same color as your wall, allowing the heater to blend completely into its surroundings. Would you prefer to retain the industrial charm of metal? Then check out our extensive information on an electric heater with a steel front for a timeless choice.

Why professionals choose BEHA

Not only consumers, but also architects and project developers rely on the reliability of our systems. The simple installation and maintenance-free nature make it a favorite choice for commercial applications, from office buildings to holiday parks. Professionals particularly appreciate the stability of the digital thermostats and the long warranty conditions that come with a true quality product. Are you looking for solutions for a larger project? Then discover the possibilities of commercial electric heating and experience how Norwegian reliability contributes to responsible and sustainable business operations.

Switch to the heating of the future

It is clear that modern electric heating is a full-fledged and aesthetic alternative to traditional systems. You have discovered how the Norwegian technology from BEHA, rooted in a history dating back to 1917, ensures a reliable and stable indoor climate. By choosing smart convectors that meet the strictest ECODESIGN requirements, you invest in a solution that not only increases your living comfort but also keeps your energy costs manageable through precise Wi-Fi control.

Whether you opt for the luxurious look of glass or the unique integration of a paintable radiator, you bring home quality built for the toughest conditions. The ease of installation and the absence of annual maintenance make the path to a gas-free home more accessible than ever. With this, you are optimally prepared for a sustainable future where comfort and design come together seamlessly.

View the full BEHA range and find your ideal heating

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is electric heating more expensive than gas heating?

In terms of direct consumption, electricity may seem more expensive, but due to rising gas taxes and the complete absence of maintenance costs, the difference is smaller than you think. When using smart convectors that only heat when necessary, you save significantly on unnecessary consumption. In combination with a well-insulated home and solar panels, electric heating is often even the most cost-effective choice for the long term, without the high investment of a heat pump.

How many watts do I need to heat a room electrically?

On average, you need between 60 and 100 watts per square meter for a comfortable result. In a modern, well-insulated home, 60 to 70 watts per square meter is often sufficient, while an older house with less insulation will likely require closer to 100 watts. It is essential to calculate this per room so that you choose heaters with the correct power output. This prevents an appliance from having to constantly operate at full power to heat the room.

Can I install an electric heater myself?

Yes, the installation of our convectors is designed entirely for DIYers. You do not need a certified installer or plumber; a drill and a screwdriver are usually sufficient. You mount the wall bracket, click the heater into place, and plug it into the socket. Within fifteen minutes, your new heating system is operational. This saves not only time but also significant installation costs that you would incur with traditional central heating systems due to the required man-hours.

Are BEHA heaters safe for use in the bathroom?

Many of our models are equipped with an IP24 certification, which means they are splash-proof and can be safely installed in damp areas. However, it is important to strictly follow the applicable safety regulations regarding zone classification in bathrooms. Due to the fast warm-up time of a convector, it is the ideal solution for heating a bathroom only during your morning routine, effectively preventing unnecessary energy consumption in this often small and damp space.

What is the advantage of a paintable radiator?

The biggest advantage is that the radiator becomes completely invisible in your interior. You no longer have to be bothered by a white rectangle on a colored wall; you simply paint the front panel the same color as your wall. This offers an aesthetic freedom that you simply won't find with traditional radiators. It is the perfect solution for design enthusiasts who want the benefits of modern technology but do not want to compromise on their interior style.

Do I need a special app for Wi-Fi control?

You use the free BEHA app to make optimal use of all the functions of your smart heaters. Via this application, you can easily connect multiple heaters to your home network and divide them into different zones, such as the living room or bedrooms. You can set detailed weekly schedules and have complete control over the temperature in your home from anywhere in the world. The app is intuitively designed, so you can get started with smart heating immediately without any technical knowledge.

Do BEHA heaters meet the ECODESIGN requirements?

Absolutely, all our modern convectors comply with the strictest European ECODESIGN guidelines for energy efficiency. This means that the heaters are equipped as standard with energy-saving features such as an accurate electronic thermostat, a weekly timer, and open-window detection. These technologies are mandatory to maximize energy efficiency and minimize the impact on the environment. By choosing a certified product from BEHA, you can be sure that you are buying a device that is ready for the future.

Can I combine my electric heating with solar panels?

Yes, this is actually one of the most effective ways to lower your total energy costs. By using your self-generated electricity directly for your electric heating, you become less dependent on the electricity grid and fluctuating prices. Especially in light of the changing net metering rules, using solar energy directly in your own home is the smartest strategy. Your heater thus acts as a direct destination for your green energy on cold, sunny winter days.