Why 2026 Is the Year to Switch to Electric Heating
Quick answer: Switching to electric heating with ceramic bioconvectors makes sense if you want to get rid of your dependence on central gas heating, control costs room by room, and have a system that's easy to power from a generator or UPS during power outages. ECOTEPLO panels deliver up to three units of heat per unit of electricity consumed thanks to combining infrared and convection heating, need no permits, and can be installed yourself in an hour.
Centralized gas heating has been the "standard" choice for Ukrainian apartments for years, but its cost and dependence on outside supply are pushing more and more people to look for an alternative. Electric heating with ceramic panels is one of the few options that gives full control over costs without requiring major renovations in the apartment.
How are ECOTEPLO bioconvectors built?
The panel combines two heating elements: a ceramic plate responsible for thermal and infrared heating, and an X-shaped aluminum heating element that warms the air through convection. More powerful models can heat up to 4 liters of air per second thanks to the shape of the heating element, which increases the heat-exchange area without increasing power consumption.
Is the infrared radiation from ceramic panels harmful?
Short infrared waves, which can penetrate deep into tissue, are what can harm the body. A ceramic surface emits long waves, which warm only the surface of the skin — it's the same spectrum the Sun emits. So spending extended time near a running panel poses no risk, unlike open halogen or quartz heaters.
How much does switching to electric heating cost compared to gas?
| Parameter | Gas heating | Electric (bioconvectors) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Project, approval, connection — expensive | Purchase and mount on wall/stand — no permits |
| Cost control | Shared meter, hard to split by room | Thermostat for each room individually |
| Autonomy | Depends on network pressure and power for automation | Can be powered by a UPS thanks to low consumption |
| Service life | 10-15 years with maintenance | 15-25 years without special maintenance |
How to install a ceramic panel yourself?
- Choose an installation method — wall mounting or a stand for floor placement.
- Calculate the required power for your room's area (roughly 80-100 W/m²).
- Install the brackets or stand according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Connect the panel to the mains, optionally through a Wi-Fi thermostat for automatic control.
What makes the savings possible?
Infrared rays heat objects and surfaces in the room rather than the air, so heat lingers longer after the unit is switched off — in practice a panel runs 5-8 hours a day, not continuously, while maintaining a comfortable temperature. A thermostat accurate to 1°C prevents the unit from switching on more often than needed, which is what drives the main savings.
What does experience show for switching to electric heating in 2026?
Customers switching an apartment from gas heating to ECOTEPLO panels most often start with one or two rooms — the bedroom and living room — and only later expand the system to the whole apartment, after evaluating the real costs for the first month. This gradual transition lets you compare bills directly, without risking the whole budget at once. Read more about how the technology works in the article what is a bioconvector.
Sources and useful links
The thermal regime requirements for residential premises are set by DBN V.2.5-67:2013. See the technical specifications and model lineup in ECOTEPLO's electric heating radiators section.
If you still have doubts about switching to electric heating, start by calculating the power needed for your room and compare the estimated monthly bill with your current gas costs. In most cases the difference becomes clear already in the first heating season.
-
Can you switch to electric heating completely in an apartment without gas?
Yes, many apartment owners switch entirely to ceramic panels, keeping gas only for the stove or giving it up altogether.
-
How many panels are needed for a 50 m² apartment?
Roughly one panel per living room, with power sized for that specific area — usually 3-4 panels for a standard two-room apartment.
-
Can a bioconvector be installed without a professional?
Yes, wall or floor mounting requires only basic tools and the manufacturer's instructions — no special permits or professional installer are needed.
-
Can the panel be powered from a generator?
Yes, thanks to their relatively low consumption, ceramic panels work well with household generators and UPS units of sufficient power.
-
How quickly does the panel heat a room?
The first noticeable warmth appears within a few minutes, while fully heating the room depends on its area and starting temperature.
-
Do you need to replace the wiring before installing electric heating?
Not always — it depends on the condition of the existing wiring and the total power of the planned appliances, which is worth checking before buying the equipment.
-
Is electric heating more economical than gas in 2026?
With the right power sizing and a thermostat, electric heating is often more economical than gas for individual rooms and small apartments.
-
Can a bioconvector be combined with underfloor heating?
Yes, this is a common combination: underfloor heating provides baseline comfort, while the panel gives fast extra warmth when needed.
