Did you know that the energy tax on gas will rise to €0.72679 per m³ in 2026, while the average electricity price hovers around €0.25 per kWh? This shift forces entrepreneurs to take a critical look at their current climate control. Many organizations still struggle with high costs due to heating empty spaces or disruptive temperature differences in the workplace. Choosing electric office heating is therefore no longer just a sustainable ambition, but a necessary strategy for direct cost control and the well-being of your employees.
It is a familiar problem: one room feels chilly, while in another the thermostat is set unnecessarily high even when no one is present. In this article, you will discover how to heat your office space sustainably and cost-efficiently with modern electric solutions that seamlessly integrate with your daily practice. We will guide you through the benefits of smart convectors, the impact of the latest EPBD IV guidelines, and how to create a comfortable working environment with low-maintenance systems that also perfectly complement your office interior.
Key Points
- Discover why the fast warm-up time of modern systems is essential for office environments with fluctuating occupancy rates.
- Learn why convection heating is the most efficient choice for electric office heating to create an even climate without cold zones.
- Understand how to accurately align energy consumption with your actual office hours using smart technology and weekly schedules.
- Gain insight into the step-by-step plan to calculate the required capacity based on the volume and insulation value of your business premises.
- Explore the possibilities of aesthetically integrating heating into your interior with modern fronts made of glass, steel, or even paintable panels.
Why electric heating in the office is the new standard
The transition to gas-free office buildings is in full swing. Since the introduction of the EPBD IV directive in May 2026, the pressure on property owners to become more sustainable is greater than ever. Choosing electric office heating offers a direct solution without the need for extensive renovations to the building's infrastructure. Whereas traditional central heating systems rely on fossil fuels and complex piping networks, modern electric solutions make optimal use of available power capacity and the growing use of solar panels. To maximize the synergy between generation and consumption, companies can seek advice from specialists such as EEHD Erneuerbare Energien Handel und Distribution GmbH, an experienced partner in the field of photovoltaic systems and renewable energy.
One of the biggest advantages in a business environment is the low initial investment. Compared to the high purchase costs of central heat pump systems, the installation of electric convectors requires a fraction of the budget. In addition, these systems are virtually maintenance-free. No hydraulic maintenance is required, there is no annual boiler inspection, and there is no risk of leaks. This immediately saves on operational costs and the deployment of facilities staff, resulting in very favorable total cost of ownership over the entire lifespan.
The shift towards sustainable workplaces
Companies looking to reduce their ecological footprint find the most flexible partner in electricity. The principle of electric heating enables organizations to heat spaces individually and with extreme precision. By complying with strict ECODESIGN guidelines, modern systems guarantee that no energy is lost to unnecessary heating. Furthermore, the absence of piping offers enormous freedom in office layout. You are no longer tied to fixed connection points, which is essential in an era where flexible workspaces and modular office concepts are the norm.
Immediate comfort for employees
Productivity depends on a comfortable indoor climate. An office environment often experiences variable occupancy; meeting rooms sometimes stand empty for hours, while the open-plan office is fully utilized. Electric office heating responds lightning-fast to the demand for heat. Within minutes of switching it on, the room reaches the desired temperature, which is much more efficient than constantly heating an entire building using a slow central system.
In addition, the operation of our convectors is completely silent. In an environment where focus and concentration are paramount, ticking pipes or humming fans are an unwanted distraction. By opting for local heating, you create a stable climate per zone. This prevents the familiar arguments about the thermostat, as each department or room can determine its own comfort level without affecting the rest of the building.
Convection heating versus infrared: which works best in a work environment?
When furnishing a workplace, the question often arises whether to choose convection or infrared. Although both techniques utilize electricity, the way they provide comfort is fundamentally different. Space heating accounts for a significant portion of energy use in commercial buildings, meaning an ill-considered choice directly impacts monthly costs and staff satisfaction. Whereas infrared panels irradiate objects and people directly, a convector ensures even heating of the entire air mass in the room.
The combination of radiant heat and air heating in high-quality convectors offers the best of both worlds. You enjoy the direct proximity of a heat source, while the circulating air ensures that no cold zones develop under desks or behind cabinets. This balance is crucial for electric office heating, as employees move through the space throughout the day and expect a constant temperature everywhere.
The operation of a modern convector
A modern convector operates on the basis of natural air circulation. Cold air flows into the unit at the bottom, is heated by a specially designed element, and then rises gently. This creates a constant, gentle airflow that reaches every corner of the room. This is essential for an office environment, especially in buildings with high ceilings where heat tends to linger at the top. Our technology uses heating elements with a large surface area. As a result, the temperature of the element itself remains lower, which prevents dust particles from burning and air quality from deteriorating.
Infrared panels in practice
Infrared is often presented as an economical alternative, but it has clear limitations in an office environment. The radiation travels in a straight line. As soon as a desk, monitor, or partition stands between the source and the employee, the heating effect disappears immediately. This creates so-called cold shadows. Infrared is excellent as local supplementary heating for a specific, drafty spot, but as primary heating, it often falls short in a dynamic office. For these targeted applications, HeatXL infrared heating specialized systems, although you will experience direct heat on your skin while the rest of the room can remain cool.
Choosing the right technology determines the balance between consumption and well-being. A properly sized convector offers the stability needed for a productive workday. Curious which solution best suits your specific spaces? Then take a look at our smart convectors for optimal results. Unlike older systems, modern convectors have hardly any impact on humidity, which helps prevent fatigue and dry eyes among employees.
The role of smart technology in lowering energy costs
An advanced heating system is only as efficient as its control. While traditional systems often employ an all-or-nothing approach, modern technology offers the possibility of surgical precision. Scientific research into infrared heaters vs. convection heating demonstrates that thermal comfort is a complex interplay of various factors. In office practice, however, the actual efficiency of electric office heating determined by how accurately the system responds to the dynamics of the workday.
By connecting each convector to a central smartphone app, you gain complete control over the climate throughout the entire building. This goes far beyond a simple on-off button. You set up a detailed weekly schedule for each individual room that seamlessly aligns with office hours. Consider a scenario where the heating starts up slowly at 7:30 AM so the team begins in a comfortable environment at 8:30 AM, and the system automatically switches back to an energy-saving mode at 5:00 PM.
Smart sensors play a crucial role in preventing waste. Open-window detection, for example, recognizes a sudden drop in temperature when someone opens a window for ventilation. Instead of consuming extra energy to compensate for heat loss, the heater temporarily switches off. This prevents unnecessary costs at times when heat is literally escaping.
Zone heating for maximum efficiency
In many offices, spaces such as meeting rooms or project rooms are used only sporadically. It is a waste of resources to keep them at a high temperature all day long. With zone heating, you group heaters by department, floor, or room type in the app. With a single action, you activate the heating for the specific zone needed at that moment. This prevents the electric office heating from remaining on unintentionally during weekends or vacation periods, resulting in direct savings on the energy bill.
User-friendliness for facility managers
For facility managers, cloud-based control offers an unprecedented overview of multiple locations simultaneously. You no longer need to physically walk past every heater to check or adjust settings. Connection to the existing Wi-Fi network is smooth, meaning a large-scale installation takes very little time. Another practical advantage is the ability to block manual operation on the unit itself via the app. This prevents employees from manually turning the temperature to extreme levels, while ensuring central control over energy consumption.
This need for central control is also reflected in other business-critical processes. For the food processing industry, Clæver Systems specialized ERP software that ensures optimal control over trade and production.
How to calculate the required capacity for your office space
An accurate calculation is the basis for an energy-efficient workplace. An undersized system must constantly operate at full power without reaching the desired temperature. This leads to an uncomfortable climate and unnecessarily high wear and tear. When planning electric office heating, it is therefore essential to look beyond just the floor area. The actual heat requirement is determined by the total volume and the thermal envelope of the building.
To obtain a reliable result, follow these five steps:
- Step 1: Determine the volume of the room in cubic meters (m³) by multiplying the length, width, and height.
- Step 2: assess the insulation quality. A modern building with energy label A++ requires significantly less power than a historic building.
- Step 3: Identify thermal bridges and large windows, as glass loses more heat than an insulated wall.
- Step 4: select the required wattage per m³ based on the degree of insulation.
- Step 5: Distribute the total capacity across multiple units. Two 1000-watt heaters provide a much more even heat distribution than one 2000-watt unit.
Wattage guidelines per insulation level
For a well-insulated office with double glazing and modern wall insulation, you can assume approximately 25 to 30 watts per m³. In new-build properties meeting the strictest standards, this can even drop to 20 watts. However, older office buildings with single glazing or very high ceilings often require 40 to 50 watts per m³ to ensure comfort. It is advisable to always plan for a slight overcapacity. A convector that only needs to use 70 percent of its capacity to maintain the room temperature responds more quickly to fluctuations and is more efficient in the long run.
Placement for optimal performance
The position of the heater is at least as important as its output. The ideal location for a convector is directly under a window. This prevents cold drafts, the phenomenon where cold air sinks down the glass and flows across the floor into the office. The rising warm air from the convector immediately neutralizes this cold. Additionally, ensure sufficient free space around the unit—at least 10 centimeters on the sides and top—so that the natural airflow is not blocked by desks or cabinets. Freestanding options offer a solution for flexible workspaces, although wall mounting is always preferred for stable electric office heating.
Instantly calculate the capacity you need for your workplace and view our smart convectors for a sustainable, customized solution.
Sustainable heating solutions from BEHA for the professional market
When you invest in electric office heating, you are choosing a solution that is intended to last for decades. BEHA brings more than 100 years of Norwegian expertise to the Dutch workplace. This rich history has been translated into technological superiority specifically developed to perform under the most challenging conditions. Our systems meet the strictest European environmental standards and are designed with a focus on sustainability, making them a responsible choice for any modern commercial building.
Safety and reliability are central to our design. Every convector is equipped with advanced overheating protection. This is reassuring in an office environment where equipment is sometimes left running unattended for hours. Furthermore, for public spaces or shared open-plan offices, our heaters are equipped with a child lock. This prevents settings from being changed unintentionally, ensuring central control over energy consumption and temperature.
Design that matches your corporate identity
An often overlooked aspect of climate control is aesthetic integration. A heater must not only be functional but also contribute to a professional appearance. An electric heater with a steel front offers a timeless and robust look that blends seamlessly into a business interior. For spaces where a specific atmosphere is desired, our smart convectors with glass fronts offer a modern, luxurious finish.
Unique in the market is our solution for personalized interiors: the paintable fronts. With these, you can fully adapt the heating to the colors of your corporate identity or the specific shades of the office walls. The minimalist Norwegian design exudes tranquility and prevents visual clutter in the workplace. In this way, the heating becomes an integral part of the office interior instead of a disruptive element.
Why professionals choose BEHA
Choosing BEHA is choosing certainty. Our products are extensively tested in the cold climate of Norway, guaranteeing flawless operation during Dutch winters. For facility managers and installers, ease of use is a major plus. Thanks to the included wall brackets and clear instructions, installation is an efficient process that barely disrupts daily office operations.
We understand that large projects and wholesalers need more than just a product. Our expertise extends beyond delivery; we collaborate on the optimal design of electric office heating for entire buildings. Installers and project developers looking for a reliable wholesaler of electric heaters will find a partner in BEHA that not only supplies hardware but also offers certainty for large-scale projects. For specialist installation and technical maintenance in regions such as the Costa del Sol, we collaborate with experts like MountainKlima. The combination of a long lifespan, minimal maintenance costs, and a high-quality finish makes our solutions the preferred partner for the professional market.
Invest in a future-proof and comfortable working environment
The transition to a sustainable workplace requires smart choices that go beyond simply replacing a thermostat. By combining advanced technology with accurate capacity calculations, you transform office electric heating from a simple utility into a strategic tool for cost control. You save immediately on operational costs by eliminating unnecessary heating, while creating a stable climate in which employees feel comfortable and perform optimally.
BEHA supports your organization with over 100 years of Norwegian experience and innovative heating solutions that exude tranquility and quality. All our products are fully ECODESIGN certified, meaning they meet the strictest European energy efficiency requirements. To further bolster your investment, we offer a three-year warranty on all smart convectors. A smart, warm, and professional office is closer than you think.
Discover the full range of commercial heating on the BEHA website and choose the assurance of top Norwegian quality in the workplace.
Frequently asked questions about office heating
How much energy does an electric heater in the office consume on average?
The energy consumption of an electric office heater depends directly on the capacity of the unit and the insulation level of the room in question. A 1000-watt convector consumes 1 kWh per hour during continuous use, but in practice, the heater often operates for only a fraction of that time to maintain a stable temperature. By using smart weekly schedules and zone heating, you can specifically manage consumption and effectively avoid unnecessary costs during off-peak hours.
Is it possible to control multiple heaters simultaneously via an app?
Yes, with the BEHA app, you can centrally control and manage an unlimited number of heaters from a single device. You have the option to group units by floor, department, or specific project room, allowing you to adjust the temperature for an entire zone with a simple action. This offers facility managers unprecedented control over the indoor climate and helps realize significant savings on the building's total energy costs.
Can I use electric convectors as the main heating for my entire office?
Modern electric convectors are ideally suited as primary heating, especially in gas-free office buildings that meet modern insulation standards. They offer a constant and even heat distribution powerful enough to maintain a comfortable working environment even during extreme cold. It is crucial in this regard that the total capacity of the heaters is precisely matched to the volume of the rooms and the thermal properties of the building.
What is the difference between a cheap DIY store heater and a professional BEHA convector?
The fundamental difference lies in the quality of the heating element and the precision of the built-in electronic thermostat. While simple heaters often use filaments that burn dust and cause dry air, BEHA utilizes advanced elements with a large surface area. This results in a lower surface temperature, healthier air quality, and a much longer lifespan, which is necessary for the heavy use in a professional office environment.
How do I prevent employees from turning the thermostat up unnecessarily high?
You can easily prevent unwanted temperature adjustments by blocking the physical controls on the heater via the smartphone app. This child lock ensures that settings can only be changed by authorized persons with access to the central management system. This allows you to maintain full control over the energy-efficient settings of the electric office heating and prevents individual preferences from leading to an unexpectedly high energy bill.
Are electric heaters safe to leave on at night in an office building?
Yes, professional electric convectors are completely safe for continuous use, provided they are wall-mounted in accordance with regulations. The units are equipped with reliable overheating protection that immediately interrupts the power in the event of a blockage or malfunction. For optimal efficiency, we recommend setting a reduced energy-saving temperature at night so that the frost protection remains active without producing excessive heat.
How do I calculate how many watts I need for a 20 m² meeting room?
For a meeting room of 20 m² with a standard ceiling height of 2.5 meters, first calculate the volume, which in this case is 50 m³. With an average insulation value, you require approximately 30 watts per m³, which amounts to a total required power of 1500 watts. It is often advisable to distribute this power over two separate units of, for example, 750 watts to achieve better distribution of the warm airflow.
Do BEHA electric heaters meet current energy standards?
BEHA's heating solutions fully comply with the current European ECODESIGN guidelines for energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. These standards impose very strict requirements on the accuracy of temperature control, standby consumption, and the presence of smart features such as open-window detection. By choosing these certified systems, you invest in a future-proof solution that seamlessly aligns with the stricter sustainability requirements imposed on modern office buildings.
