Electric radiators are a simple and effective way to heat your home, yet many people don’t even consider them as an option. However, with many countries now restricting the use of gas and others phasing it out, electric heating is now a serious contender.
In this guide, we’re going to highlight all the reasons why electric radiators could be the perfect solution for keeping your living space cozy and warm.
What is an Electric Radiator?
An electric radiator is a heating appliance consisting of one or more heating elements within an outer metal casing. Due to the heat created by the element’s resistance, the area around it heats up, creating warmth in that area. These appliances are easy to install and use.
Easy Installation
One of the great things about electric radiators is that they come with all the parts you need for a quick setup. Once installed, they work independently using electricity from your mains supply or batteries; this provides a warm environment very quickly.
No extra wiring is required, so installation costs are kept low. And because it uses standard household current, it can be easily turned off and on as needed. Just plug it into any available socket.
Radiant Heat
Instead of heating the air around them, electric radiators create radiant heat, which is then transferred to the surrounding area, making it cozy and warm. Although this means that they are not suitable for all rooms in your house, they are highly effective for bedrooms and living areas, where you want warmth but not dry air or fluctuating temperatures.
Since there is no fan involved, this type of heater will provide a constant stream of heat rather than short bursts, so it maintains a comfortable temperature uniformly throughout the room.
Electricity costs are relatively low compared with forced hot-water central heating systems, so running costs won’t be too high either because you only need to run them when required. However, if left on constantly, they might cause damage to furniture, carpets, and other fabric, so you might want to switch them off when not in use.
Don’t forget though, that if your home isn’t properly insulated to begin with then you’re really not going to feel the benefit of any type of heating.
Advantages Of Electric Radiators
Fast heating
Electric heating prides itself on its speed of use. Radiators can heat your living space within minutes, unlike other methods, which might take hours, making them perfect for when you’re in a hurry or if the weather is freezing outside. They are great for those who need all the help they can get with their heating bills and those who want to feel warm as soon as they enter a room.
Safety
This type of heater doesn’t emit any fumes from burning fuel, and there’s no open flame either, so it’s safe to run around children and pets without having the risk of causing injury or fire.
There are also no worries about gas leaks, stale air, or dust escaping into the atmosphere.
Discreet
Electric heaters are compact and lightweight, so you can quickly move them around if necessary, plugging them in when needed then storing them away somewhere safe when they’re not being used.
Better for the Environment
With many governments introducing restrictions on the use of gas, electricity makes for an excellent alternative energy source. With no burning of fossil fuels, there’s no release of greenhouse gases, which has a positive effect on the environment and reduces long-term costs to the public purse.
No Risk of Overheating!
Unlike gas and oil-fired boilers, electric radiators do not produce dangerous carbon monoxide when operated correctly. They are therefore much safer to have in your home without any.
Versatile
Not all electric heaters are radiator style, but using them in this way will allow you to boost your existing central heating system if necessary, thanks to their ability to transfer warmth from one area to another. As a result, they can be used in conjunction with your central heating in winter, making it an excellent option for those that want an economical solution for both summer and winter use.
Mobility
Often portable means being lightweight, so being able to quickly move it from room to room is a standard feature.
Ease of use
Electric radiators only require a plug socket and a switch, so there’s no need for complicated installation or maintenance procedures.
Affordable
Although it will vary depending on the model you choose, electric heaters are usually cheaper than non-electric alternatives such as gas or oil heating systems, making them a cost-effective solution for your home heating needs.
Thermostatic control
A built-in thermostat allows you to choose the ideal temperature for your room and then maintains this setting by switching itself on and off as required, further saving you money on running costs.
Personal heating zone
If part of the house gets colder than other parts, as is common with very old houses or those with poor insulation, an electric radiator can be placed next to where it’s needed most, providing warmth quickly and effectively.
This makes them suitable for use in kitchens too, where they can take the chill out of a room within minutes after being switched on and prevent cold hands when handling cold food and drinks.
No Need for an Annual Service
Unlike gas central heating units, there is no need to pay for an annual service, saving you money in the long term. It’s also easier to find someone to check them for you without all the restrictions in place for gas engineers.
Disadvantages Of Electric Radiators
It would only be right of us to point out some of the disadvantages of using electric radiators. That way, you can make an informed decision for your home.
Limited heat output
Radiant heaters provide a concentrated source of warmth rather than a widespread one, so they are not suitable for rooms where everyone might gather together or large spaces that require additional heat.
They may be hot to touch. While older models were known to get very hot and could cause injury, modern electric radiators come with temperature control features that allow them to heat up only when in use, making them safe around children and pets and preventing damage to furniture and carpets if left on constantly.
Less effective in Summer
If using electric radiators during the summer months, they will only heat the area directly around them, so it might not be as effective as other heating methods.
Our Conclusion on Electric Radiators
Electric radiators are a cheap and efficient way to provide warmth for your home. They are perfect for bedrooms, living areas, or places that need personal heating, such as kitchens or bathrooms where you can’t rely on the central heating system to keep everyone warm.
Don’t forget that electric radiators might also soon be one of the most popular choices of heating for our homes!
Leave a Reply