02/07/2026 22:05 - Actualidad
On July 2, 2026, the General Directorate of Schools in Mendoza—a major province in western Argentina famous for its wine—suspended in-person classes due to a polar wave. The extreme weather brought snow, winds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph), and sub-zero temperatures reaching -5°C (23°F). This scenario encourages families to spend more time indoors, turning electric heating into the main driver of household energy consumption.
Faced with this situation, choosing the right heating system is crucial so comfort does not become a financial headache at the end of the month. According to estimates by Edesur (a major electricity distributor in Buenos Aires and its surroundings), the impact on the electricity bill varies greatly depending on the appliance's power, its technology, and environmental usage conditions.
To better understand consumption, it is key to know that it is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), a unit representing the energy used by a 1,000-watt device for one hour. Here is how the different heaters on the market compare:
| Appliance | Consumption (kWh/hour) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Fan Heater (Caloventor) | 2.00 kWh | Immediate heating, but the most expensive if used for long periods. |
| Quartz Heater | 1.20 kWh | Ideal for small spaces and short times. Loses efficiency over long periods. |
| Air Conditioner (Heat mode at 20°C / 68°F) | 1.10 kWh | Mid-to-high level. Inverter technology improves efficiency, but consumption rises if the temperature is set higher. |
| Electric Radiator | 0.96 kWh | Balanced option for medium rooms. Spending can be controlled with thermostats. |
| Heating Panels | 0.60 kWh | The most efficient on the market. Does not generate dust and allows for fixed or mobile mounting. |
Heating panels stand out as the star of energy saving, allowing users to reduce consumption by up to 70% compared to more intensive alternatives like the electric fan heater. With a power output of around 600 watts, they are perfect for heating small to medium spaces steadily and quietly.
Besides their low impact on the electricity bill, their installation is very simple and requires no technical assistance, making them an accessible and practical alternative for any home.
Source: iProfesional
Alfredo S. Quiroga
