Drop-in panel electric ceiling heaters install in 2 ft. x 2 ft. or 2 ft. x 4 ft. drop ceilings. They have built-in T-bar suspension clips for mounting, and they can also be recess- or surface-mounted on hard ceiling surfaces with a required mounting frame. They use radiant heating to transfer heat to people and objects instead of the ambient air. They don't have a fan or moving parts, so they're quieter than other types of heaters. These heaters free up floor and wall space to provide spot heating in small areas. They require a remote wall-mounted thermostat.

Recessed and drop-in panel electric ceiling heaters can be recess-mounted or installed in 2 ft. x 2 ft. drop ceilings. They can also be mounted in permanent ceiling applications with a required trim ring. They use fan-forced air to provide spot heating in small areas with limited floor and wall space. They require a thermostat to control heat settings.