Whether your choice is floor, wall or ceiling panels, they are heated in one of three ways: water pipes, electric elements or air channels embedded in the panel. Of these three, air is seldom used, leaving electric circuits and water pipes (or channels) as the most prevalent. Electric panels have electricity as their sole utility, are quite simple in construction and generally have a lower 'up-front' cost. Water, on the other hand, can be heated by almost any utility be it natural gas, propane, oil, wood, solar, or electricity, and is quite versatile. Your choice will probably hinge on the energy costs of the available utility and the size of the project.