Is It Time For An Electric Radiator?
Welcome to another rip-roaring blog from the heating experts here at Only Radiators. This time we’re focusing on the very best electric radiators, one of home heating’s hottest trends right now!
Electric radiators were once only for those with the largest budgets. Yet developments in technology and energy efficiency mean that kitting out your home with the best electric heating system may now be well worth a look.
That’s why we’re diving into the pros and cons of modern electric radiators. So that you can decide, once and for all – is it time for an electric radiator?
What Are The Types of Electric Radiator?
We can separate electric radiators into four main categories, though the first three of these categories aren’t really what we’re looking for:
- Portable Fan Heaters: An electric element and fan unite to provide quick and directional localised heat. Not quite an electric radiator but we’ll soon get there.
- Oil-filled Portable Electric Radiators: As it says on the tin – filled with oil and can be easily moved around the home. Works just the same as a traditional wet radiator (you can also now get oil-filled wall mounted electric radiators) but let’s go one better…
- Storage Heaters: Now, these electric storage radiators are technically wall mounted electric radiators. However, they heat up overnight and distribute heat once full. They are undoubtedly a great intro to the world of electric heating. Yet their lack of control keeps them from our list of favourites, leading us nicely to…
The Modern Electric Radiator!
Forget about the best electric heaters or best plug in radiators and concern yourself simply with the best electric radiator . The range is ever increasing and what was once an empty market is now filled with excellent options!
You can use an electric towel radiator to spruce up your bathroom, employ vertical electric radiators to suit each of your hallway nooks, invest in a couple of electric panel radiators to fit your landing or, of course, delve into a range of electric designer radiators as stylish as they are functional.
Our personal favourites are slimline electric radiators due to their space-saving shape and frankly stunning, simple design. We looked into these in a previous post – A Complete Guide to Slimline Electric Radiators – so follow that link to discover more about this excellent subcategory of wall mounted electric radiators!
How Good Are Electric Radiators?
There's a number of key areas in which electric radiators offer a distinct advantage (or at least a new approach).
At Only Radiators when we recommend a type of product, we really mean it. It’s no different when it comes to electric radiators so let’s break it down…
Technologic!
Smartphones, home automation, robots, space tourism… and electric radiators.
We exist in a highly advanced technological age. The ever-increasing functionality of electric radiators is yet another byproduct of our species’ tendency to advance.
Electric radiators are futuristic and frankly cool, boasting funky digital displays and smartphone syncing potential. If you’re partial to the sensation of the modern, connected home then electric radiators are a no-brainer.
Accuracy!
No more twiddling the thermostat to “somewhere between 18 and 20” with electric heating systems. Program your electric radiator to highly specific heats, with decimal places and everything! It’s quite a trip and for some of us, the novelty still hasn’t worn off!
Control!
How economical are electric radiators? Well, they provide heat where and when you need it. Doing away with waiting as the boiler heats up radiators on the far side of your home.
This means far less wastage than with your traditional wet units. So prepare to lower your energy bills and impress your family with your energy efficient electric radiators!
The Only Choice for Conservatories!
An electric radiator for conservatory heating is by far the ultimate choice, as covered in our previous blog post, Conservatory Heaters in Winter: Underfloor, Radiator or Trench? In this classic Only Radiators post we unearthed just why electric radiators are the most efficient electric heating addition to these rooms.
Simply put – no plumbing required, no wasted heating bills, and plenty of attractive choices when planning your décor!
As you can see, it’s not so much a question of whether or not to switch but when and with how many units?
But if you need more convincing, let’s delve deeper…
Why Choose Electric Heating Over Central Heating?
At the end of the day, both electric and wet radiators are there to keep you and your loved ones as toasty as you like. But beyond that is where the differences arise…
At Only Radiators we don’t like to leave any stone unturned. That’s why in promoting electric heating systems right now we must also consider the traditional alternative.
Convenience: We don't expect many of you to want to change your whole central heating system for an electric one, and we probably wouldn't condone it either. However, we do think that using an electric radiator in a couple of rooms where your pipework might not extend to is a brilliant solution to a common problem.
Popping an electric radiator into a garage or conservatory amongst other places is certainly worth considering.
Efficiency: Are electric radiators cheaper than gas? Wet systems can lose a lot of juice. As they'll heat the water and then pump said water around the house. So essentially, leaving you colder for longer. However if you work it just right, they certainly can be cheaper!
Thermostats: While with a wet system you traditionally have a single home thermostat, electric radiators with thermostats are standalone units and this means you can have as many thermostats around the house as you have electric radiators, making for far more accurate and focused heating!
Noise: An often-overlooked aspect of choosing a wet or electric heating system is the noise it makes. Funny how purchasing just one electric radiator can make that once-reassuring gurgle of the central heating as it powers up sound more like some unwelcome ghoul smashing about between the walls! If you want to lower the ambient volume of your home, electric is your best bet.
Depreciation: Efficient from start to finish, the electric radiator may put some plumbers out of business and that’s the cold, hard truth. The question of ‘how to fix an electric radiator?’ may well never be uttered as they are far more resilient than your average wet radiator. No maintenance, no running costs, no depreciation – just dependable performance.
Environmental Impact: Central heating produces emissions and increasingly decreasing the use of fossil fuels is becoming progressively important. Electric radiators can be powered by renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines to truly reduce your carbon footprint.
We all have to do our bit to preserve the planet and electric radiators are another way to get this done!
Our Range of Electric Radiators
Whether you need small electric radiators, the best plug in radiators or huge modern electric radiators to heat the very biggest of rooms, our expansive online store features a range of electric designer radiators and electric panel radiators. Why not head over that way and give them a peep?
For now, let's take a look at some of our greatest hits below.
Should I Try An Electric Radiator?
In a nutshell, yes! They're a fantastic way to heat parts of your home with efficient electric heating, with careful placement - minimising your energy bills. Offering greater cost control, reliable long-term heat and improved eco-friendliness aswell.
We hope that’s the answer you came to in our quick yet complete run-down on electric radiators, as that’s what we believe ourselves!
Whatever you decide to do – whether you’re wondering ‘what size electric radiators do I need?’ or ‘which electric radiators are the most efficient?’ – we’re always on call to provide our expert advice every step of the way.
