Catalytic heaters are more energy-efficient than other electric heaters, and they can last longer, too. How long a catalytic heater lasts depends on how often it's used, the quality of the unit, and the quality of the catalyst. Most catalytic heaters last for around 5,000 hours of use, but some can last for up to 10,000 hours. It's important to note that the life of a catalytic heater may be shortened if it's not used regularly.