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How to install a panel heater

Heater installed on wall and plugged in ready to use

Overview

Panel heaters are a great way to heat up your home during the colder months. They’re a form of electric heater that can be easily mounted onto a wall and they come in many different shapes and sizes. Panel heaters are slim, easy to install and quick to heat, making them a popular choice for smaller spaces like a guest room or a bathroom.

Investing in a panel heater is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a stylish and simple way to heat their home. If you’re looking to install a panel heater, check out this easy step-by-step guide.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs, gloves and mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Choose the location for your panel heater

    Before drilling into any walls, you’ll need to select a suitable position for your panel heater. Choose an open wall that’s not too close to any existing shelving, curtains, or bedding, so that the panel heater will be able to release heat safely and effectively into the room. A good rule of thumb is to allow for 30cm clearance below and above your heater.
    Team member measuring the room out with a measuring tape
  2. 2

    Use a stud finder

    You’ll want to attach your panel heater to a stud (the wooden foundation behind the plaster in your wall) so that it is secure. To locate a stud, use a stud finder. During this process, you’ll need to check your wall for any existing wires so that you don’t screw or drill into them. A stud finder can help with this.

    Alternatively, if there is no stud to drill into, you can install plaster plugs instead.

    Stud finder used to look for a stud on the wall
  3. 3

    Mark the position

    Once you’ve located your studs or installed your plaster plugs, hold your panel heater up to the area and mark the position on the wall using a pencil.

    For a clean and even finish, use a spirit level to ensure the line you’ve drawn is level. If the bubble on your spirit level is centred between the lines on the tube, you’re good to go!

    Position marked on the wall with a pencil
  4. 4

    Screw in the brackets

    Using a screwdriver, carefully screw the panel heater bracket into the wall on the areas that you’ve marked. Once done, take your panel heater and attach it to the bracket, making sure that everything is in place.

    Brackets are screwed in to hold the heater
  5. 5

    Plug it in

    Once you’ve attached your panel heater to the bracket, all that’s left to do is plug your heater into the power-point and switch it on.

    You can easily adjust the temperature of your panel heater to suit your preference, which makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit more control or prefer separate rooms to have different temperatures. Many panel heaters also allow you to set timers for when you would like the heater automatically switched on and off, as well as child-lock functionalities.

    Heater is placed and plugged in safely 
  6. 6

    Ready to warm up this winter?

    Check out our wide range of panel heaters to suit your home.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.