Stove, panel, split or fan heater: which system consumes less energy to heat the house?

The cold is here to stay , and with it, a constant dilemma in every Argentine home: What is the most efficient and economical heating system ? Following the price increases for gas and electricity , along with new restrictions on accessing subsidies , choosing the right heating system can lead to significant monthly savings .

In this scenario, panels, fan heaters, hot/cold split air conditioners, and heaters burst onto the winter scene with their advantages and disadvantages, without neglecting energy efficiency and, in many cases, environmental sustainability.

Air conditioners with a cooling/heating function have become increasingly common because they can perform dual functions year-round . Models that use inverter technology are the most recommended, as they better regulate energy use and can reduce electricity consumption by up to 40% compared to traditional units.

A 2,600-refrigeration unit has an average monthly consumption of 75 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Its energy efficiency is high, especially if it has a class A (green) label, and it is recommended to keep it set at 20 degrees to avoid excessive consumption.

The higher the temperature, the more energy is required: it is estimated that for every degree the thermostat is raised, energy demand increases by between 7 and 9%.

There are other options in 3200W, 5300W and 6700W versions, such as TCL's new Gentle Cool line, which allows you to achieve a stable temperature with up to 65% savings in electricity consumption compared to fixed compressor equipment.

Another notable option is the LG Dual Inverter – ArtCool 3500W , a high-end unit with Dual Inverter technology that regulates motor speed and power, avoiding startup peaks, maintaining a constant temperature, and using only the necessary energy. Its dual-rotor compressor allows for more stable and quieter operation, even during power surges.

The system includes protective filters that eliminate dust , pet hair, bacteria, and odors in just 60 minutes, thanks to a built-in ionizer. It also features a self-cleaning function, night comfort mode, and Smart ThinQ, which allows you to remotely control the unit from a smartphone, adjust the temperature, perform diagnostics, and manage filter maintenance.

These units are designed to withstand harsh electrical conditions, with reinforced circuit boards that tolerate drops as low as 115V and spikes as high as 330V , ensuring safe and long-lasting operation. Power consumption is 0.975 kilowatts per hour, which represents an approximate cost of $99 to produce 3,000 kcal/h.

Although it requires professional installation, its great advantage is that it can be used for both heating in winter and cooling in summer, turning that initial investment into a year-round thermal system. This not only simplifies but also optimizes the initial investment by having a single system to regulate the home's temperature year-round.

These devices range in price from $500,000 to $1,250,000, depending on their power and technology.

Electric panels are one of the most sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. They don't have a fan, so they heat by natural convection. They consume just 0.6 kWh per hour , making them one of the most economical options. In comparison, they consume three times less energy than a fan heater and almost half as much as an air conditioner in heating mode.

Plus, they don't require complex installation: they can be hung or used freestanding. Some models can even be controlled from a cell phone via Wi-Fi. Their high efficiency and quiet operation make them ideal for bedrooms or well-insulated medium-sized spaces.

Heating panels range in price from $150,000 to $300,000 pesos and can save up to 70% on your electricity bill if used efficiently. They are sold by leading brands such as Atma, Liliana, Peabody, and EcoSol.

The fan heater is one of the most popular appliances due to its affordable price, portability, and ease of use. However, it's also the most energy-intensive : its consumption ranges between 1,500 and 2,000 watts per hour (i.e., 1.5 to 2 kWh), which translates into a high bill if used for extended periods.

Its main advantage is that it heats up quickly and can be useful for small spaces or specific situations, such as in the bathroom before a shower. However , it is not recommended to leave it on for long periods of time or use it as your primary heating system.

The average price starts at $50,000, making it a tempting option for the short term, although expensive if used frequently. Most have a minimum power of 1000W and a maximum of 2000W, so it's estimated they can consume between 1 and 2kWh per hour of continuous use.

Unlike a fan heater, an electric convector is a device that has internal resistors that reach temperature when the device is connected to the power supply.

It does not have a fan to spread the heat , but the air passes through the resistors, exits through the vents naturally and, through its radiation system, generates heat that allows it to heat a room or small environment.

By having a thermostat to select the desired temperature, it can consume around 1,000 or 2,000 watts, depending on the need registered by the sensor.

There are options on the market that feature digital Wi-Fi control and a touch panel, such as the Liliana NEOHEAT , which allows for a completely personalized experience. It has three smart modes —Comfort, ECO, and Antifrost—that automatically adjust based on the room temperature, and advanced features such as weekly programming via the app, open window detection, and a child lock.

Within this popular segment, they include a wide variety of models: halogen, quartz, ceramic, or the most modern ones with tangential turbines . They generally consume between 800 and 2,000 watts per hour and have average efficiency.

Its main advantage is its versatility and the incorporation of technology that helps optimize its use, such as automatic thermostats, timers, or the Autohot system, which allows you to program on and off times to reduce consumption.

The average price starts at $45,000, and some models, such as tower heaters with a burning log visual effect, also add a stylish touch to the home.

Additionally, there are versions designed for outdoor use, such as balconies or patios, which include water and dust resistance (IP34), remote control, LED display, and various wall or ceiling mounting options.

Another growing option within this segment is wood pellet electronic stoves . These products—solid biofuels obtained from processed forest residues—are the primary source of energy and operate by convection of hot air through specially arranged vents.

In this case, the system is controlled by an electronic board that regulates the engines and combustion to quickly reach the desired temperature.

Manufacturers claim that power consumption is usually very low, although this depends on the model. There are models with only 100 watts, and their pellet consumption varies between 0.4 and 1.2 kg per hour. They have a 14 kg tank capacity, giving them a long runtime. Meanwhile, their heating output reaches 9,500 kcal/h, enough to heat spaces up to 110 square meters.

Unlike the more common and 100% electric ones, their price usually exceeds one million pesos.

The Argentine Chamber of Electronic, Electromechanical, and Lighting Industries (CADIEEL) warns that the most important thing when installing electrical equipment in the home is to have a professional check the condition of the installations . Poor infrastructure can lead to overloads, power outages, and even fires.

According to data from the Association for the Promotion of Electrical Safety (APSE), 40% of home fires are due to electrical faults, and 14% of deaths from home accidents are related to electrical problems . In many cases, the cause is obsolete installations or the use of unauthorized or uncertified products.

CADIEEL specialists recommend, among other things, avoiding the use of power strips or multiple extension cords to connect heaters, unless they are certified with current limiters, and purchasing electrical materials only from specialized stores.

In the event of abnormal operation of a device, stop using it immediately and consult a technician.

On the other hand, the electrical installation must have well-insulated and well-maintained cables . In this sense, not plugging more than one high-consumption device into the same outlet can make a difference.

If a fire occurs due to an electrical fault, do not attempt to extinguish it with water . Instead, it is essential to use a class ABC or C fire extinguisher and, if possible, turn off the power at the main switchboard before evacuating the area.