Electric Radiator Guide
We have compiled a wide range of information about electric radiators to hopefully answer all your questions
- About Electric Radiators
- FAQs
- Tech Jargon Explained
Overview of Electric Heating
Welcome to Greenvision Energy’s Electric heating guide. Everything you need to know about electric heating.
The government has announced that by 2025, all new homes will be banned from installing gas and oil boilers and will instead be heated by low-carbon alternatives.
The ban is part of a UK action plan to reach carbon net zero by 2050. The Government is looking at phasing out fossil fuels, as they are bad for the environment, and replacing them with green solutions such as wind and solar. There has never been a better time to consider replacing gas central heating with electric, which primarily depends on your property type and how well insulated it is.
Now is the perfect time to be looking at alternatives to gas and oil. Electric heating can be incredibly expensive to run if you don’t choose the right heating system for your needs. There are many benefits to electric heating and the technology to allow you to heat your home more efficiently than ever. This guide will help you find the best system for your needs and the environment.
Key Features Of Our Electric Radiators
High-precision electronic thermostat accurate
With the software to control temperature variations to fractions of a degree. Less temperature variation means less energy used
Pre-set Heating Schedules
Pre-installed programming makes setting up your radiators quick and easy. You simply select the program that best suits your heating requirements.
Wi-Fi –Alexa & Google
With the flexibility to control your heating from your smartphone, tablet or laptop via an app, which can also give you a view of consumption and suggest ways to save energy
Human presence detection
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.
Open Window Detection
To switch the radiator to minimum heating, and help save energy and cost, if it detects a sudden drop in temperature because of an open window.
Surface Temperature Limiter
Low surface temperature radiators (LTS) are designed to comply with the NHS Guidelines. With a maximum surface temperature of 43°C. They are perfect for care homes, nursery schools and hospitals.
Self Learning Thermostat & Timer
Uses an infrared sensor and smart technology to learn exactly how a room is used and your weekly routine so that your radiators can programme themselves to provide a heating schedule to suit you.
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.
ASP (anti-dust) technology
Specially designed paint stops dust particles from sticking to the radiators and making them easier and quicker to clean.
What are the different types of electric heating?
Direct-acting heaters
Panel heaters, convector heaters, fan heaters, electric radiators and radiant heaters all fall into this category. They use standard rate electricity and provide fairly constant heat when switched on. They are 100% efficient at point of use and are ideal for rooms that only need heating for short periods, although in compact, well insulated properties they can be used as a complete heating system.
Off-peak/Storage Heaters
Storage heaters are usually wall-mounted and look a bit like a radiator. They work by drawing electricity overnight, storing it as heat in clay or ceramic bricks which is then released the following day. These heaters are designed to be used on an Economy 7 tariff which charges a lower rate for the electricity you use from 12.00am-7.00am. But on this tariff the electricity you use during the day will be more expensive.
What are the different types of electric heaters?
Smart Storage Heaters
As the name implies, these are a “smart” version of the traditional storage heater. Whilst they work in broadly the same way, the clay or ceramic bricks are encased in a highly insulated compartment which allows the stored heat to be released at pre-set times and temperatures. This means smart storage heaters can still take advantage of Economy 7 tariffs but provide much more flexible usage.
Oil Filled
There are many different types of oil-filled heaters including radiators and column heaters. Although filled with oil, they are electrically heated and don’t actually involve burning any oil. All Greenvision’s oil-filled radiators have thermostats, smart timers and controls. They use a mix of radiant and convected heat so are ideal in rooms where you need constant warmth.
Ceramic/ Clay Core Radiators
Unlike storage heaters, these clay core radiators can be used day or night. Fireclay heat plates in the centre of the radiator contain a low wattage heating element. When the element heats up it transfers heat to the fireclay and then in turn to the radiant surface of the radiator. All this makes the ceramic & clay core radiator highly efficient and controllable.
Panel Convector Heaters
Panel convector heaters use standard rate electricity and provide fairly constant heat when switched on. They are 100% efficient at point of use and are ideal for rooms that only need heating for short periods, although in compact, well insulated properties they can be used as a complete heating system.
Infrared Heating
When sun rays reach an object they heat it from the inside, leaving it warm without heating the air around it. Infrared heating works the same way by directly heating walls, floors, & objects in a room – these objects then release that heat into the surrounding environment. Infrared heaters are the most energy efficient alternative to gas, oil and electric heating systems – perfect for reducing your fuel bills!
Low Surface Temperature Radiators
Low surface temperature radiators (LTS) are designed to comply with the NHS Guidelines. With a maximum surface temperature of 43°C. They are perfect for care homes, nursery schools and hospitals where a standard heater isn’t practical or safe and would reach a higher surface temperature.
Understanding kwh and running costs
When buying electric radiators the key factor is the accuracy of the thermostat, the quality of the components and how well the radiator has been designed to distribute heat. Greenvision heating’s state-of-the-art low consumption electric radiators have a unique, patented operating system ‘optimiser energy plus’ which controls temperature variations to fractions of a degree. Less temperature variation means less energy used. They are made from high quality components – 100% ALUMINIUM designed & manufactured to give you the best in efficiency, heat distribution, controllability and style.
Kilowatt hours – Energy companies sell electricity in kilowatt-hours. The average cost is 15p per kilowatt-hour.
Kilowatts – equipment / appliances have a kilowatt rating which determines how much power they use (e.g the 2 kilowatt fan heater with no thermostat). All electrical appliances have their kilowatt rating/power consumption displayed on them.
To calculate the running cost of a 2 kilowatt fan heater with no thermostat for:
1 hour (2 kilowatt x 15p 1 kilowatt-hours = 30p)
Our KI0330RAD radiator would only use 330watts, the equivalent of running 3 x 100watt light bulbs for one hour. Once the room is up to temperature (19-21c) GVH’s radiator is only consuming 132 watts (just over 1 x 100watt light bulb.)
Our largest radiators e.g Rointe Kyros KI16000RAD uses 1600 watts and will heat a room up to 50-60 cubic metres (a good sized lounge) using less energy than a small fan heater. At 19-21c it only consumes 640watts (just over 6 x 100watt light bulbs running for one hour)
To put this into perspective, Greenvision Energy’s radiators use 84% less energy than a fan heater, so buying a cheap fan heater is not the best option. Also, you get a 10 year guarantee with our radiators giving you complete peace of mind.
What makes a good electric heating system?
A good heating system should be efficient and cost effective and, in the current climate, good for the environment. So, what are the benefits of an electric heating system?
- Flexibility
Electric radiators offer great flexibility because they can be used anywhere in the home, including as part of garage and loft conversions. - Energy-saving features
Modern electric radiators come with a range of energy-saving features that help to curb your energy usage and cut down your heating bills, keeping you warm while preventing wasted energy. - Simple and low-cost installation
Electric heating is easier and significantly cheaper to install than other heating methods like gas, oil, or biomass. There are no pipes to install, and no flooring to lift. In fact, many electric heaters can simply be plugged in – no wiring necessary.
If you’re installing central heating from scratch – in an extension or a new house, for example – it’s the perfect time to choose electric central heating and future-proof your home. Did you know that the average cost of installing traditional central heating in a 3-bed house is £3000-£4000? With no boiler or trades needed, and good electric radiators starting from as little as £149, you can immediately see the savings to be made.
Modern electric radiators have an Intelligent Control System that works on a room-by-room basis, unlike traditional central heating with one central thermostat controlling all radiators. You set the desired temperature of your room, and the time of day you’d like your heating to come on. The radiator uses just enough energy to achieve the right level of heat, then lowers its heat output to maintain the correct temperature. With your heating monitored on a room-by-room basis, you’ll never waste energy on a room that’s already warm, or a room you don’t want to heat at certain times of the day. This can result in considerable savings over traditional central heating. - Cost savings
If a home has adequate insulation installed and modern, efficient electric heaters, then electric heating can still be perfectly efficient for some homes. On the right tariff and with the right setting programmed, electric radiators can be cheap to install, run, and maintain. The efficiency of all modern electric heating is excellent, with almost 100 per cent of electrical energy converted to heat. - Choice of styles
Electric heating design has evolved in recent years to bring you, as a consumer, a great choice of stylish electric radiators, towel rails, and controllers. From traditional to contemporary styles, there’s something for every taste and every room. - No maintenance worries
With very few moving parts and no connected boiler, electric radiators need very little maintenance and don’t need to be serviced annually, saving you money and hassle. - Automation
Modern electronic controls on electric radiators allow you to set a thermostat so that the heater switches off when it has reached a specific temperature.
Understanding Different Tarrifs
Tariffs for your electricity can be a tricky thing to get your head around. More than 50% of the population pay too much for their electricity. Switching tariffs can be quick and simple. We have saved customers over £200 per year, just in 15 minutes, by contacting their provider and switching them from a standard to a fixed rate tariff.
We can also save you money by replacing your pre-payment meter, as you could be paying up to 15% more for your electricity! Providing there is no debt on your meter, replacing your pre-payment meter to a standard meter is usually no extra cost.
It is important to understand the tariff options when looking into changing your heating system. You need to make sure you match the most cost effective tariff to the type of heating system you need. You need to make it work for you!
Economy 7 (Domestic economy) smart meter tariff
With Economy 7 tariff you get one meter which has two rates. One rate records all energy used during the day, and the other rate records energy used overnight.
The Economy 7 tariff gives you seven hours of cheaper electricity overnight. This is ideal if you have storage heaters, which charge at night.
Standard tariff
Standard tariffs can be cheap, but they can change based on market prices. This can be great when energy prices are going down but prices will rise if the cost of fuel goes up.
Standard tariff Fixed Rate
Fixed rates help you keep control of your budget, and the rates you'll pay will probably be lower than those of the standard tariff. It is good to note, however, that it is the cost of each unit of power that is fixed. If you start using more power than usual, your bills will go up but additional power used will be charged at the fixed rate. Fixed rate tariffs are designed to protect you from energy price rises.
Economy 7 (Domestic economy) tariff
With Economy 7 tariff you get two meters. One meter records all energy used during the day, and the other meter rate records energy used overnight. The Economy 7 tariff gives you seven hours of cheaper electricity overnight. From standard tariffs to fixed-rate deals, there are hundreds of Economy 7 options to choose from, so make sure you shop around!
Economy 10
The Economy 10 tariff works in a similar way to the Economy 7 tariff. It gives you an extra three hours of cheap electricity, usually in the middle of the afternoon. It is designed for electric radiators rather than storage heaters. It gives you 10 hours of cheap rate electricity during a 24 hour period at certain times.
Total Living Control
Total Living Control is for Scottish homes that are highly energy-efficient, and have all-electric heating systems. It offers 8 hours of cheaper, off-peak energy, split across three times each day.
Things I should consider before buying electric heating
It is important to understand the benefits of electric heating fully before committing to changing your system. It is not just a matter of cost but also energy efficiency, which can have a big impact on the long term running costs of your home heating system.
It is essential to choose the right size radiators for your room. Radiators which are too small to heat your space will work inefficiently and will leave you cold. Call us on 0115 854 7498 or email sales@greenvisionenergy.co.uk if you need help.
Electric heating is incredibly versatile as it can be used for both air and water products. Moreover, with a whopping 64.7% of the energy used in EU households going towards heating, it is more important than ever to ensure your system is energy-efficient
The latest developments in electric heaters include effective and fast components, new innovative thermal elements and amazing, state-of-the-art programming.
Gas has been the standard method of heating our homes for a long time and felt to be the cheapest way of heating a property. Around 8 million gas boilers are sold every year in the UK.
A gas system is made up of a single boiler used to heat up water and then pump it through pipes to radiators around the property. It also provides hot water to the kitchen and bathrooms. Our gas systems have seen very little evolution over the years, whereas electric heaters have evolved, and continue to do so, into an advanced alternative, with all the benefits of old storage heaters but none of the disadvantages.
This shift away from gas is gaining momentum and is supported by a number of important factors:
- Legislation: all new homes should meet a minimum EPC level C.
- Value: gas heating installation expenses are much higher than electric and tend not to last as long on average.
- Technology: technological advances in electric heating are increasing, which is leading to more affordability
- Ecology: we are all more aware of the need for clean and economical heating systems that are sustainable.
Electric heating is much easier to install than gas, requires no maintenance and lasts for up to 50% longer than most gas boilers. Add this to the fact that it is 100% efficient, as it converts all the electricity you use into heat, electric heating wins over gas heating by a huge margin.
Things I should consider if I am a Landlord or housing association before installing electric heating.
As a landlord or housing association, you are required to have an EPC rating for your property of C or better, which means the heating system needs to be extremely energy efficient. In older properties this can be hard to achieve with standard gas central heating. The efficiency of electric heating, along with reduced installation and maintenance costs, means it is the perfect solution for your property.
In new properties,from 2025, you will no longer be able to install gas central heating, so it makes sense to pre-empt these new regulations and look at electric heating now.
What should I replace my old storage heaters with?
What you replace your existing storage heaters with is dependent on a number of factors. You need to consider your lifestyle, the tariff you are on and the size of the areas to be heated. There are many options available to you.
Smart storage heaters take advantage of low rate off peak electricity like a traditional storage heater but it can release its stored heat at pre-set times and temperatures. This is possible because the stored heat (the bricks) are encased in a highly insulated compartment. A sophisticated self-learning algorithm is able to decide on how long to charge the storage heater for depending on your lifestyle, weather conditions and your pre-set times & temperatures.
In new properties from 2025, you will no longer be able to install gas central heating, so it makes sense to pre-empt these new regulations and look at electric heating now.
What sort of company should I consider for installation of my electric heating system?
You should always check that any installer has the correct and up to date certification for installing electric heating systems and are approved installers for the product being installed.
All Greenvision’s engineers are fully qualified and NICEIC or NAPIT registered. We also install a lot of our heating systems for EDF Energy. We can handle the whole process from advising on the best system for your needs, through to ordering and installing your system including removal and disposal of your old system.
Frequently asked questions about electric heating
Whilst gas is currently available at cheaper rates than electricity, electric radiators can still work out cheaper to run than gas central heating or storage heaters because they are extremely energy efficient and offer precision heating control.
Electric radiators allow you to control the heating in each room of your house separately. With programming available on all of our radiators you can set up a heating schedule for each room individually to meet the heating needs of the room. If you temporarily don’t use a room, you can set this on a lower setting to come on less frequently. With full control over each electric radiator, you are able to slim down your heating bills.
To heat your room effectively you will need to choose radiators with a high enough wattage to efficiently heat the space. To calculate the wattage call Greenvision on 0115 854 7498.
You will then need to choose a radiator or combination of radiators which add up to the required wattage. If your wattage calculation is on the borderline between two sizes we always recommend choosing the larger radiator. Under-specifying your heating will either leave you cold or will overwork your radiators, wasting energy and shortening their lifespans. Larger radiators will simply spend less time switched on, saving you money whilst maintaining comfortable temperatures.
We do not recommend electric radiators for bathroom installation. This is because there is the temptation to hang towels over the appliance to dry, which can obstruct ventilation on the heater and cause a hazard. In most bathrooms, electric towel rails provide a more practical option, making better use of the space. They give you somewhere to hang your towels while also keeping the room toasty warm.
There are many factors to consider around the running cost of electric heating.
- Lifestyle
- Insulation levels
- Weather conditions
- Correct sizing of the electric radiator
- The quality of the radiator
- Room temperatures required
- The energy tariff selected for your home
Electric heating systems are maintenance free, requires no servicing and typically lasts longer than gas central heating.Gas central heating is one of the most popular heating systems in the country, used in the majority of homes across the UK. However, in the last few decades electric heating technology has developed at such a rate that energy efficient electric radiators now offer an economical alternative. Innovative new thermal elements, fast and effective electrical components and state-of-the-art heating control features allow you to trim down your energy usage like never before – giving you the potential to significantly reduce your heating costs. For more help reducing your energy costs call 0115 854 7498 or email sales@greenvisionenergy.co.uk
Electric heating is easier and significantly cheaper to install than other heating methods like gas, oil, or biomass. There are no pipes to install, and no flooring to lift. In fact, many electric heaters can simply be plugged in – no wiring is necessary.
With electric heating there is no need to change your tariff or meter if you have a smart meter, but it would be beneficial to look at alternative tariffs to ensure that you are on the right one for your needs. If you don’t have a smart meter you may need to change your meter. Greenvision can help advise on this matter.
Again, this is dependent on the type of property and your needs for heating. If you the are a landlord or housing association, you must ensure that the EPC rating for your property meets the minimum regulations of at least a C rating.
If you are replacing a combi boiler with electric heating, you will need to install a new hot water tank. This will store your water and provide better pressure.
Electric heating is not connected through pipes and there is no boiler installation required, so disruption is kept to a minimum. In fact, some electric heaters can simply be plugged in! With minimum disruption, installation should also be a lot quicker than installing a gas heating system.
The IP (ingress protection) rating is used to measure the effectiveness of a radiator’s enclosure to protect against dust, liquids and any other particles getting inside the equipment and prevent deterioration of the outer material. This is especially important in areas where electric heaters are likely to come into contact with water, such as bathrooms.
We believe that heating should be an integral part of your home, not just for practical reasons but to transform your space into a comfortable and stylish area. That’s why we have radiators and towel rails in different colours.
The best place to fit your radiators is usually wherever makes you feel most comfortable. If you have the right size and number of radiators, your radiators should keep the room warm no matter where they’re placed – but you might be more conscious of window draughts if your favourite chair is near a window with no radiator, for example. There are only two, fairly common-sense rules that you should always follow when placing your electric radiators:
Do not place your radiators behind obstructions such as sofas, tables or long curtains. The radiators will not be able to radiate heat into the room if their surfaces are covered. If you’re heating a larger room that requires more than one radiator, try and space your radiators evenly along the walls. This will ensure an even distribution of heat.
Electric radiators boast some of the fastest heat-up times on the market. Unlike storage heaters, which must be charged up overnight, and unlike central heating radiators, which must wait for water to be heated and sent upstairs through the pipes, electric radiators start heating up from the moment they are switched on.
Need help or a quote
Call: 0115 854 7498 / Email: sales@greenvisionenergy.co.uk / Complete our online form
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