Heating: Everything You Need to Know to Make the Right Choice

Principles of operation, energy sources, and available technologies — let us guide you step by step.

Changing or installing a heating system is not a decision to be taken lightly. Beyond the purchase cost, the chosen solution directly impacts your daily comfort, energy consumption, and therefore heating bills — not to mention your ecological footprint.

Before settling on a specific piece of equipment, it is important to understand how heat is produced, transferred, and distributed in a living space. Three key concepts help clarify the picture: thermal principles, energy sources, and heat distribution technologies.

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The Three Main Thermal Principles

A heating system can deliver warmth through three fundamental physical methods:

• Convection. The most common principle: cold air is heated upon contact with a warm element, rises, and creates vertical air movement in the room. This method quickly increases temperature but can cause significant fluctuations and dry air, sometimes leading to discomfort.

• Radiation. Here, heat is transmitted as infrared waves, similar to sunlight. Objects, walls, and people absorb this heat, resulting in a soft, even, and stable feeling of warmth. This principle is used in many inertia heaters and radiant panels.

• Storage (or thermal inertia). A material with high heat capacity stores heat (for example, during off-peak hours) and gradually releases it over time. This approach smooths out consumption and maintains a stable, comfortable temperature — one of the cornerstones of modern thermal efficiency.
  

Main Energy Sources

Every heating system relies on one or more sources of energy. The most common include:

• Electricity. Clean at the point of use, easy to regulate, and suitable for a wide range of heaters, particularly inertia and radiant models. When paired with smart systems, it allows fine-tuned, room-by-room control.

• Natural gas. Widely used in France, especially with condensing boilers. However, from an ecological standpoint, its long-term outlook is less sustainable.

• Wood (logs or pellets). An economical and renewable option, increasingly popular thanks to stoves and biomass boilers.

• Heat pumps. Extracting energy from the air or ground, they are considered one of the most efficient solutions for heating homes while reducing carbon impact.

• Hybrid or solar systems. Often used in combination with other solutions to maximize efficiency and incorporate renewable energy.

  
  

Modern Electric Radiators

In the past, electric radiators were criticized for their inefficiency, but the last twenty years have seen a true technological revolution.

Today’s models — especially smart inertia and radiant radiators — combine thermal comfort, stylish design, and precise regulation. Thanks to innovative materials (cast iron, aluminum, ceramics, reinforced concrete), they provide stable, even heat without drying the air or creating unpleasant drafts.

Fogo Pedra 1000W

When paired with programmable thermostats or remote-control systems, these radiators can reduce consumption by up to 30% compared to older convectors. They now represent a reliable, flexible, and durable alternative, especially in well-insulated homes.

Key Criteria to Consider When Choosing

Before making your final decision, keep in mind several factors:

• Surface area and insulation of the home. In a well-insulated space, a less energy-demanding system is sufficient. In poorly insulated homes, a more powerful and responsive solution may be necessary.

• Budget (purchase + operation). Consider the total cost: both the upfront investment and long-term expenses.

• Level of comfort. Some people prefer rapid heating, while others value gentle, consistent warmth.

• Technical constraints. Type of installation, available space, electrical capacity, or regulatory limits (such as in apartment buildings).

• Available subsidies. Certain energy-efficient renovations may qualify for financial support.

  
  

A Technical Choice — but Above All, a Strategic One

Choosing a heating system is more than just a purchase: it’s a long-term investment in your comfort, your quality of life, and your energy performance. Understanding the basic principles helps you select a solution that is tailored, sustainable, and adaptable — in line with today’s environmental challenges.

At Fogo, we design next-generation electric radiators that combine the best of inertia and radiant technologies. Engineered to deliver maximum comfort with minimal consumption, they blend seamlessly into any interior — making everyday life simpler, healthier, and warmer.