Greenvision Energy

Why choose electric heating over gas central heating?

Did you know from 2025 it will be illegal to install a gas boiler in new build properties?

Overview

With ever advancing technology and so many options available to us, heating our homes and offices has never been more complicated. Currently, in the UK, most homes use conventional gas central heating, as this has always been seen as the cheapest option.  This may no longer be true as technological advances make electric heating options a much more viable and efficient solution. Electric heating has evolved to be an extremely energy-efficient alternative to gas and because of this, the market has seen a huge shift away from gas towards the renewable electric alternatives. 

Perception

Historically, electric heating has always been considered more expensive than gas. This is due, largely, to old inefficient storage heaters, old style panel heaters and electric bar fires. New smart storage heaters, such as Dimplex Quantum, smart clay core, oil filled and panel heaters have changed this perception. There are now, also, special tariffs which make running electric heating much more affordable. 

Environmental impact

Gas is a fossil fuel, which means  burning it to generate heat releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This is why heating is the biggest source of CO2 from most homes,  outweighing  any other CO2-emitting activities, such as driving or flying and makes heating our homes responsible for around 15% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Changing your home heating to electric can help reduce the impact of home heating on the environment. 

Legislation & Government objectives

Because of this, from 2025 new properties won’t be allowed to have gas boilers. And if we’re to help the UK reach its Net Zero carbon emissions target by 2050, older properties will need to eventually switch to electric heating or alternatives. The environmental impact of gas is a perfect reason to think about switching to electric heating or alternatives 

Technology

Recent technological advances have greatly impacted the electric heating market.  Gone are the days of a simple on/off switch and basic high/low temperature control. Nowadays, electric heaters boast abilities such as open window sensor functions, smart home abilities compatible with smart products like ALEXA and your smartphone, low surface temperature settings to protect from scalding, 7 day programmable capabilities, predictive warm-up times and eco settings to reduce the cost of heating your home.

Design

Narrow profile design and vertical units suit limited wall space, without losing the heat output of larger heaters on the market. Modern electric heaters are also available in different colours and even bespoke designs to blend in with any decor. At Greenvision, we believe that heating should be an integral part of your home, not just a practical and necessary accessory, and a way to transform your space into a comfortable and stylish area. That’s why we have introduced the new DESIGNLINE collection of designer radiators and towel rails. 

What’s the difference between gas and electric heating

TRV Controllable Radiator Valves 
Atlantic Galapagos Vertical Anthracite Electric Radiator

Gas Central Heating

Statistics show that over 8 million gas boilers are sold every year in the United Kingdom. Gas central heating systems normally consist of a single boiler whose primary function is to heat up water, which is then pumped around the home via heating pipes, which connect to the hot water taps and radiators. This principle has barely changed or seen any technological evolution since its development. In truth, it would be difficult to see how this very basic method could be made any more efficient than it already is. 

Electric heating

An electric heating system is made up of individual appliances which run independently on the system, each with their own thermostats and timers. Each unit has its own power supply fed directly from the wall. Heat is generated throughout your home using electricity rather than water. Electric heating gives a consistent and better quality of heat using natural air convection, which fills the room with warm air leaving no cold spots. Another benefit of electric heating is that it does not dry out the atmosphere, making a more comfortable environment. Electric heating has less temperature variation which means more enjoyable and consistent heat. Greenvision heaters have incredibly accurate thermostats; if you require 21c our electric heaters will maintain the desired room temperature without fluctuations. 

How do the gas and electric heating costs compare?

Gas is cheaper than electric in unit cost (k/wh). It is vital to look at the bigger picture; electric heating is maintenance free, better for the environment, easier to control the heat you actually need,  lower installation costs, no servicing costs, no risk of explosions, safety & noise. Smart tariffs mean that if you install the Dimplex Quantum smart and smart electric heating systems, with competitive E7 tariffs and smart tariffs, it may work out cheaper than gas over the lifetime of the products.

Dimplex Quantum Smart Storage Heater

Pros and cons of electric heating

Advantages of electric heating

  • A large variety of products are available, from slimline, vertical electric radiators to smart storage heaters.

  • Installation costs of an electric system are far lower than their gas equivalent. With no central boiler to install or piping to run or extend, an electric heating system will run simply off your current electrical supply to the home. Electric heaters will usually have a longer lifespan than a boiler, with no servicing required either. Greenvision’s products, for example, can run off a pre-installed 13A socket in your house and come complete with a 10-year warranty. 

  • Electric heating has evolved to be an extremely energy-efficient alternative to gas. It is because of this that the market has seen a huge shift away from gas towards the renewable electric alternative. This is supported by many critical factors: no carbon dioxide output, low maintenance costs (unlike a boiler), and lower installation costs.
     
  • Modern electric systems have smart heating controls, helping you manage your heating efficiently

Disadvantages of electric heating

  • Electricity unit prices are more expensive than gas.

  • Older storage heaters, manufactured before Jan 2018, can be less efficient and basic storage heater models can lead to overheated rooms and wasted energy. However, new smart storage heaters are more efficient and don’t overheat.
Rointe Electric Radiator

Pros and cons of gas heating

Advantages of gas heating

  • Cheaper cost per kwh. 

Disadvantages of gas heating

  • Gas boilers use fossil fuels, burning it for heat contributes to global warming and climate change

  • Under the government’s current plans, there’s a gas and oil boiler ban in newbuild homes from 2025 

  • Boilers need regular maintenance, generally on an annual basis from a Gas Safety engineer

  • Upgrading your boiler to a newer model can be expensive

  • Old and badly maintained systems can be dangerous and leak carbon monoxide
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Gas Boiler

What is the best electric heating option to replace by gas boiler with?

There are many different options and doing your research is important. Greenvision have over 12 years experience working in the electric market, so we are here to help.  

The Dimplex Quantum smart storage heaters are the most advanced storage heaters in the world and the best alternative to old, inefficient storage heaters. This fantastic energy-efficient storage heater is recommended by the Government to improve your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Due to its superior heat storage technology, the Dimplex Quantum is 27% cheaper to run than standard storage heaters and 47% cheaper to run than an electric convector.

Other benefits of the Dimplex Quantum

  • 47% cheaper to run than a convector heater. 
  • 27% cheaper to run than standard storage heaters. 
  • Fully programmable to fit your lifestyle using the simple LED display 
  • Thermostatically controlled – only releases heat when your home needs it, minimising costs. 
  • Attractive, state-of-the-art, compact design.
  • Boost option available when you need extra heat. 
  • Smart Wi-Fi models available – Control your heating from anywhere in the world via your smart phone with an app.
Dimplex Quantum Smart Storage Heater

Electric heating technology

High-precision electronic thermostat accurate to ±0.1˚C

Thanks to cutting edge technology all our radiators have high-precision electronic thermostats. This technology consists of a microprocessor and exclusive software which controls temperature variations to fractions of a degree.

Wi-Fi Controlled Heating

Wi-Fi compatible radiators give you the flexibility to control your heating from your smart phone, tablet or laptop via an app. You can schedule times and set different temperatures, in any room, making sure energy isn’t wasted. The app will also give you a view of your electricity consumption and information on how to save energy.

Adaptive start heating

With adaptive start functionality, your radiators will learn the optimum time to begin warming your rooms. There’s no need for you to guess when to preheat, your rooms will be at the right temperature by the start of the time they’re programmed to come on for.

Smart Self-Learning Technology

Our clever, self-learning electric radiators use an infrared sensor and smart technology to learn exactly how a room is used and your weekly routine. They’ll then intelligently programme themselves to provide a heating schedule to suit you. No need to spend any time programming them and energy savings too!

In built smart control function

The smart energy saving functionality on our radiators keeps your room warm when you’re in it and saves you energy when you’re not by automatically reducing the temperature of a room if it’s not occupied.

Pre-installed programmes

Pre-installed programming makes setting up your radiators quick and easy. You simply select the program that best suits your heating requirements. There are several programmes to suit most heating needs.

Open window detection

If a sudden drop in temperature is detected because of an open window, the radiator will switch to minimum heating, helping you to save energy and cost.

ASP (anti-dust) technology

Specially designed paint stops dust particles from sticking to the radiators and making them easier and quicker to clean.

Need help or a quote

Call: 0115 854 7498 / Email: sales@greenvisionenergy.co.uk / Complete our online form

Dimplex Quantum Smart Storage Heaters