Electric heating: Your guide to a warm and gas-free home

March 23, 2026 , by Warmteshop Infrared heating, 20 min read

What if you turned up the thermostat this winter without immediately looking worriedly at rising gas prices? More and more Flemings are discovering that modern electric heating is the key to a carefree and c…

What if you turned up the thermostat this winter without immediately looking worriedly at rising gas prices? More and more Flemings are discovering that modern electric heating is the key to a carefree and comfortable home. We all recognize the frustration of those bulky, dusty radiators that not only spoil your interior but also cause unpleasant, dry air in the house. You are looking for a solution that is not only functional but also actively contributes to a healthy and aesthetically pleasing indoor climate for your family.

In this guide, you will discover how to elevate your living comfort with innovative infrared technology while lowering your energy bill by up to 30 percent. You will learn how to stylishly say goodbye to gas without compromising on that lovely, natural warmth you are accustomed to from the sun. We dive into the world of energy-efficient panels, maintenance-free systems, and the practical steps toward a future-proof home that seamlessly aligns with your personal interior design preferences.

What is electric heating in 2026 and why is it the future?

The year 2026 marks a crucial turning point in the way we heat our homes in Belgium and the Netherlands. While gas was the standard for decades, climate targets and rising network costs are forcing us to fundamentally reconsider. In Flanders, the obligation to install hybrid heat pumps in new builds has been in effect since 2023, but by 2026 we will see that the market for fully electric heating has matured. We are switching en masse because the infrastructure for fossil fuels is simply becoming too expensive and too damaging to our environment. The transition to a gas-free home is no longer a vision of the future; it is the reality of today that ensures a healthy and carbon-neutral living environment.

To understand the core of this technology, it is useful to look at the technical basis. What is electric heating in the most modern sense? It is much more than just plugging something into a socket. It involves an intelligent ecosystem where electrical energy is converted into comfortable heat with an efficiency of nearly 100%. In 2026, we are talking about systems that seamlessly integrate with your smart energy meter and respond to variable electricity rates. These modern systems offer an unprecedented level of security and an indoor climate free from dust circulation or dry air, which is essential for your health and well-being.

Infrared vs. Convection: Which electric heater suits you?

You are faced with a choice that will determine your daily comfort for years to come. Do you opt for familiar air circulation or the innovative power of radiant heating? The difference between these two forms of electric heating is fundamental to your living experience and your energy bill. With convection, everything revolves around heating the air. A radiator draws in cold air, heats it up, and allows the warm air to rise. This creates a constant airflow that often takes 15 to 20 minutes to make a room truly comfortable. The disadvantage is that the heat accumulates mainly at the ceiling, while your feet remain cold.

Infrared heating works on a completely different principle. It does not heat the air, but radiates heat directly to objects and people in the room. You can compare this to the feeling of the sun on your skin during a clear winter day. Although the outside air is cold, you feel the direct warmth of the sun's rays. Because objects such as furniture, walls, and floors absorb this heat and release it slowly, the temperature in the room remains much more stable. According to experts in the efficiency and consumption of electric heating, this direct transfer is often more efficient because no energy is lost moving air masses.

For your health, choosing infrared is often a breath of fresh air. Convection heat causes a constant circulation of dust, pollen, and dust mites. Infrared panels are static and do not move air, which is a blessing for your respiratory system and people with allergies. Moreover, radiant heat helps keep walls dry. This reduces the risk of mold formation by as much as 30% in damp areas such as the bathroom. You create a healthier indoor climate that feels not only warm but also pure.

The power of direct radiant heat

Infrared panels transform your walls and floors into an active heat source. Instead of cold surfaces drawing heat from your body, these elements return a comfortable feeling. This prevents that typical draft in the house and ensures even heat distribution. It feels immediately comfortable, even if the thermostat is set two degrees lower than with a traditional radiator. That's smart, because every degree lower saves you an average of 6% on your energy consumption without compromising on comfort.

When do you still choose convection?

Although radiant heat is superior in living and working spaces, convection electric radiators still have their place. They are useful in rooms where you only stay for a very short time, such as a small storage room or a guest room that is rarely used. Sometimes a hybrid solution is the best way forward. You then combine the rapid air heating of a small convector with the deep, healthy heat of IR panels for optimal results. A fair comparison shows that for most families, infrared is the winner in terms of well-being, design, and long-term consumption.

Smart applications: Electric heating in every room

Your home is much more than a collection of walls; it is a place where every room has its own function and atmosphere. Whether you are converting the chilly attic into a guest room or transforming the damp basement into a hobby space, electric heating offers the flexibility that traditional systems often lack. Because no demolition work is required for pipes, you can install a fully functional system that provides immediate comfort within 2 hours. In a modern home office, a panel on the wall or under the desk provides targeted heat precisely when you are working. This allows the thermostat in the rest of the house to be set 2 degrees lower, resulting in immediate savings on the energy bill without sacrificing comfort.

Luxury and comfort in the bathroom

The bathroom is the place where immediate comfort is a priority. With an infrared mirror, you will never again be bothered by a foggy surface after showering, even at 80% humidity. This is because the mirror heats the materials in the room instead of the air. Combine this with a towel dryer for that luxurious hotel experience where your towel always feels dry and warm. For the ultimate wellness experience, choose an infrared Sunshower . This technology stimulates blood circulation and relieves muscle pain while you shower, guaranteeing a healthy start to your day.

Stylish warmth in the living spaces

In the living space, you don't want bulky radiators that spoil your interior. living room heating can blend seamlessly into your decor or even be a work of art in itself. Think of a heating panel printed with a high-quality photo or a minimalist glass panel. Ceiling heating is a smart choice for a sleek interior; the radiation reaches the floor unimpeded, ensuring an even temperature distribution without dust floating around the room. In the kitchen, we often see functional chalkboard panels that display both your shopping list and heat the space. These innovations closely align with experts' vision of the future of heating , where efficiency and aesthetics go hand in hand in a gas-free home.

Enjoy the outdoors with electric patio heaters

Your garden or balcony becomes a full-fledged extension of your home with a powerful patio heater . The great advantage of electric models is that they reach full power within seconds. You have the choice between short-wave heaters, which warm the skin directly and are insensitive to wind, or long-wave heaters for sheltered areas such as a veranda. Modern design models in matte black or anodized aluminum match your garden furniture perfectly. With the right setup, you extend the outdoor season by at least 3 to 4 months a year, so you can comfortably enjoy a good glass of wine outside even on a crisp autumn evening.

Using electric heating in specific rooms ensures a smart distribution of your energy consumption. You only heat where you are, which fits in with a sustainable lifestyle. Whether it concerns the bathroom, the living room, or the terrace, there is always a solution that suits your personal living preferences and interior style.

Efficiency and consumption: What does electric heating really cost?

The choice of a new heating system often starts with the price list, but the real savings lie in the total costs over fifteen years. A traditional gas boiler requires an investment of 4,500 to 6,000 euros, excluding the installation of pipes and radiators. If you opt for electric heating in the form of infrared panels, start-up costs are often 40% lower. Moreover, you save immediately on recurring expenses. While a central heating boiler requires an annual statutory inspection and maintenance service averaging 150 euros, infrared systems have no moving parts or fluids. This maintenance-free nature yields a pure saving of 1,500 euros over a period of ten years.

The efficiency of electric heating is optimized when you stop unnecessarily heating empty spaces. In the average Flemish home, the heating in the bedroom or hobby room is often on even when no one is there. By switching to zone heating, you only heat the place where you are currently staying. This reduces your energy needs by an average of 25% to 30% compared to a central system that tries to keep the entire house warm.

Calculate your required power

For a comfortable indoor climate, the correct calculation is essential. In a well-insulated home (energy label A or B), you need an average of 25 to 30 Watts per cubic meter. In older homes with less insulation, this rises to 40 or 50 Watts. We often advise overdimensioning the capacity by 10%. This sounds counterintuitive regarding your consumption, but a panel with extra capacity reaches the desired temperature faster and then switches off. With a smart thermostat on your smartphone, you manage this heat down to the degree, ensuring you never consume a kilowatt-hour too much.

Electric heating and solar panels

The combination with solar panels makes the calculation even more attractive in 2026. Now that the net metering system has disappeared, everything revolves around maximizing your self-consumption. By having your panels directly power your electric heating , you convert excess solar energy into thermal storage in your walls and floors. The payback period for a combined system with solar panels and infrared heating is currently between 7 and 9 years. In an energy-neutral home, you effectively heat for free during the sunny hours, which drastically reduces your monthly energy bill.

Why choose Warmteshop for your electric heating?

For over 18 years, Warmteshop has been at the forefront as a pioneer in the world of infrared technology. We understand that switching to electric heating is a significant decision for your home and your wallet. That is why we leverage our years of expertise to help you make the right choice. With a focus on sustainability and aesthetics, we offer solutions that are not only functional but also blend seamlessly into your interior. Over the past two decades, we have transformed thousands of homes into gas-free, comfortable living environments.

Quality is our top priority. We work exclusively with renowned brands such as Ecaros and Alkari. These manufacturers are known for their high-quality finish and long lifespan. Whether you choose a sleek white panel or an eye-catcher in the living room, you can count on a warranty that gives you peace of mind. Our systems are designed to last for decades without compromising efficiency. This makes it a safe investment for the future of your home.

Expert, tailored advice

Every home is different. A terraced house from 1960 requires a completely different approach than a modern new-build apartment with high insulation values. Therefore, a standard solution never works optimally for your unique living situation. At Warmteshop, we look at the specific heating needs per room, the available surface area, and your personal preferences. We take the time for a thorough heat loss calculation so that you never consume too much energy.

Are you curious how other customers experience our approach? Discover our installation reviews from satisfied homeowners who have already taken the step towards a healthier indoor climate. Would you prefer us to assess the situation at your home? Make use of our service: we will visit you free of charge for tailored advice. This way, you know exactly where you stand before making an investment.

Visit a showroom in your area

You have to feel the warmth to truly understand it. In our more than 30 showrooms spread across the Benelux, you can experience the pleasant radiant heat of electric heating for yourself. Visit us in Roeselare or Oud Gastel, for example, and be surprised by the diverse design options. Our collection goes far beyond standard panels. Think of elegant glass panels for the bathroom or unique picture heating that instantly gives your interior a personal touch.

In the showroom, our heating specialists are ready to answer all your questions. We explain how best to position the panels for maximum efficiency. You gain immediate insight into the technical possibilities and the various thermostats that allow you to accurately regulate the temperature in each room. This personal contact forms the basis of a worry-free transition to a modern way of heating.

At Warmteshop, we go beyond simply selling a product. We offer complete peace of mind from A to Z. This process begins with the initial calculation of the required capacity and continues through to professional installation by our own technicians. We ensure that everything is neatly concealed and ready for immediate use. This allows you to immediately enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home without having to work with cables or tools yourself. Switch to the heat of the future today and experience the comfort of our sustainable solutions.

Choose a future full of comfort and design

The transition to a gas-free home by 2026 starts with a smart choice for your interior and your wallet. By switching to electric heating via infrared panels, you opt for direct radiant heat that warms objects rather than just the air. This ensures a constant, pleasant temperature and prevents unnecessary energy loss. Our design panels prove that sustainability can be beautiful, whether it concerns a functional mirror in the bathroom or a stylish glass panel in the hallway.

At Warmteshop, we build on 18 years of expertise to realize your ideal indoor climate. We understand that every space requires a different approach. That is why our advisors in more than 30 physical showrooms are ready to create a tailor-made plan with you. With us, you always receive honest insight into consumption and the best placement for maximum efficiency. Turn your home into a warm place where technology and aesthetics come together effortlessly.

Request your free, no-obligation consultation at Warmteshop now and discover how you can save smartly on your energy costs.

Frequently asked questions about electric heating

Is electric heating more expensive than gas heating?

Electric heating is often more economical to run than gas if you have solar panels or heat specifically the areas where you are actually present. While a gas condensing boiler achieves an efficiency of a maximum of 96 percent, infrared panels convert 100 percent of the energy into heat. By heating only the living zones instead of the entire home, you save up to 30 percent on your monthly energy bill. Furthermore, installation costs are 50 percent lower because you do not need expensive piping or demolition work.

Can I heat my entire home with only infrared panels?

You can heat your entire home comfortably and efficiently with infrared panels, provided your home's insulation value meets modern standards. In homes with an EPC value below 150, infrared functions as a fully-fledged main system that provides every room with a constant, pleasant temperature. You experience a healthy warmth that heats walls and objects directly rather than the air. This prevents annoying dust circulation and ensures a very even heat distribution from the floor to the ceiling.

How many infrared panels do I need per room?

The number of panels required depends on the room size and the degree of insulation, with an average output of 25 to 100 Watts per square meter. For example, for a 10-square-meter bathroom, you need approximately 1,000 Watts to quickly reach a comfortable temperature while showering. In a well-insulated living room, 30 Watts per square meter is often sufficient for a stable climate. Our advisors would be happy to make an exact calculation so that you never consume unnecessary energy for your specific living situation.

Is infrared radiation dangerous to health?

Infrared radiation is absolutely safe and even beneficial to your health because it provides exactly the same kind of safe heat as the sun. Long-wave C radiation (IR-C) does not penetrate deep into the skin and gently stimulates blood circulation in your body. Because no air movement occurs as with traditional radiators, pollen and dust mites do not remain suspended in the air. This makes electric infrared heating the ideal solution for people with allergies or sensitive airways.

Can I install electric heating myself?

You can easily install most infrared panels yourself using the included mounting brackets and a nearby standard power outlet. Hanging a panel on the wall or ceiling takes only 15 to 20 minutes per unit on average. For a sleek finish where the cables are concealed within the wall, we recommend hiring a certified electrician. This ensures the stylish design of your interior remains fully intact while you enjoy direct, sustainable heat.

What is the difference between a convector and an infrared panel?

The biggest difference is that a convector heats the air, whereas an infrared panel directly heats the objects and people in the room. Warm air always rises to the ceiling, which is why you often suffer from cold feet with a convector. Infrared radiation, on the other hand, stores heat in the walls and the floor, resulting in a much more constant and natural temperature sensation. As a result, the room feels just as warm at 19 degrees Celsius as it does at 21 degrees with traditional convection heating.

Does electric heating work well in a poorly insulated house?

In a poorly insulated house, electric heating works best as zone heating to heat specific areas, such as your seating area or desk, in a very targeted manner. In homes with single glazing or poor wall insulation, warm air escapes rapidly through cracks, but infrared radiation remains directly perceptible to your body regardless of the air temperature. Although consumption is logically higher in a drafty house, infrared prevents you from having to heat an entire room unnecessarily all day long. However, for optimal efficiency, good insulation remains the best foundation.

Do I need a special electrical connection for electric heating?

For most infrared systems, you do not need special three-phase power; a standard 230V connection, which is present in every home, is sufficient. However, when making a complete switch to infrared throughout your entire home, it is advisable to check whether your fuse box offers sufficient capacity for the total wattage. A standard 16-amp fuse can support up to 3680 watts of panels, which in most cases is more than enough for two to three rooms simultaneously. During a no-obligation home visit, our specialists would be happy to assess the technical capabilities of your fuse box with you.

Tags

electric heating

• Share with:
• WhatsApp
• Part
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• E-mail