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Electric heating has changed dramatically over the last few years, but many homeowners still have outdated ideas about how electric radiators work.
For a long time, electric heating had a reputation for being expensive, inefficient, and unsuitable for heating an entire home. While some older electric heating systems did struggle with these issues, modern ELKATHERM® electric radiators are very different.
Advances in thermostat technology, controls, and radiator design mean that electric heating is now a practical and comfortable option for many homes.
We often speak to homeowners who are surprised by how far electric heating has come. Here are some of the most common electric radiator myths, and the truth behind them.
One of the biggest misconceptions about electric heating is that it will automatically lead to higher energy bills.
The reality is more complicated.
All electric radiators convert electricity into heat extremely efficiently at the point of use. The important factors are: how much heat your home needs, how well your heating system is controlled, and whether you are heating rooms unnecessarily.
Older electric heating systems, such as outdated night storage heaters, can often feel inefficient because they offer limited control. They may release heat when you don’t need it, and leave rooms cold when you do.
Modern ELKATHERM® electric radiators are designed differently. These high quality systems use accurate thermostatic controls, allowing you to heat rooms individually and maintain a comfortable temperature without wasting energy.
A well designed ELKATHERM® electric heating system is a much better solution than simply replacing old heaters with another outdated system.
This is a common mistake homeowners make. While all electric radiators use electricity to create heat, the way they deliver that heat and how accurately they control temperature can vary significantly.
A basic electric radiator from a DIY store is not the same as a professionally designed ELKATHERM® electric heating system.
The difference comes down to factors including build quality, heat output, controls, thermostat accuracy, and how well the radiator distributes heat around a room.
Premium ELKATHERM® electric radiators are designed to provide consistent comfort, rather than simply switching on and off.
Choosing the correct radiator size for each room is also important. An undersized radiator will struggle to maintain a constant temperature, while an oversized radiator may waste energy.
Storage heaters were once a popular heating solution, because Economy 7 electricity tariffs allowed homeowners to charge them overnight at a cheaper rate. However, many older storage heaters are now inefficient and outdated.
They can store heat when electricity is cheaper, but release it according to their own limitations, rather than when you actually need heating. This can mean rooms become too warm in the day, and too cold in the evening.
ELKATHERM® electric radiators allow much more control. You can heat each room when required, adjust temperatures easily, and avoid heating empty spaces. For many homeowners replacing old storage heaters, the improved comfort and control is just as important as reducing energy waste.
Many people still believe that gas heating is the only realistic way to heat a home efficiently. This is no longer true.
Electric heating technology has evolved, and many homes can benefit from completely moving away from gas.
ELKATHERM® electric radiators are particularly suitable for properties where installing a wet central heating system would be difficult or expensive, including older homes, flats, extensions, and properties without an existing gas supply.
When combined with renewable energy such as solar PV, ELKATHERM® electric heating can become an even more attractive option by allowing homeowners to use their own generated electricity.
Another common misconception is that electric radiators are only suitable as a top-up heating solution.
The truth is that a correctly designed ELKATHERM® electric heating system can comfortably heat an entire property.
When you book a free home survey, every room you want to heat is assessed based on its size, insulation levels, windows, and heat requirements. Once the correct radiator output is chosen, electric radiators can provide reliable heating throughout the home.
We design systems around the property rather than simply replacing existing heaters.
Many homeowners believe that switching the heating completely off whenever they leave a room or go out is always the cheapest option. While avoiding unnecessary heating is important, constantly allowing rooms to become very cold can sometimes mean your heating system has to work harder to bring temperatures back up.
ELKATHERM® electric radiators feature modern thermostatic controls that allow you to maintain a steady temperature and reduce unnecessary heating, without creating large temperature swings. Their smart controls and zoning can help make sure that you only heat the areas of your home you are using.
Older storage heaters often give people the impression that electric heating takes a long time to respond. Modern ELKATHERM® electric heaters are much more responsive. Unlike night storage heaters, which charge and release heat based on stored energy, ELKATHERM® radiators can provide heat whenever you need it.
This makes them ideal for homeowners who want more control over their heating.
Electricity generation has changed significantly, with renewable energy making up an increasing part of the energy mix.
Electric heating can also work very well alongside solar panels and battery storage. Instead of relying entirely on energy from the grid, homeowners can use their own generated electricity to power their ELKATHERM® heating system.
For many properties, moving away from fossil fuel heating is an important step towards reducing carbon emissions.
Older electric heating systems often had basic controls, which contributed to the idea that electric heating was difficult to manage. Modern ELKATHERM® systems are very different.
Individual room controls, accurate thermostats, and smart heating options allow homeowners to set temperatures, create schedules, and manage energy use much more effectively.
This means you can keep bedrooms comfortable without overheating living spaces, and avoid wasting energy on rooms that aren’t being uses.
Some homeowners see electric radiators as a short-term fix, rather than a long-term heating solution. ELKATHERM® electric heating systems provide a permanent solution, perfect for homes without gas, properties undergoing renovation, or homeowners looking for an energy-efficient heating system
Electric heating is no longer the same as it was decades ago. Our electric radiators provide better control, improved comfort, and greater flexibility than many older systems.
If you’re replacing storage heaters, looking for an alternative to gas, or simply want a more controllable heating system, it’s worth exploring what HeatElectric can offer.
We install high quality electric heating systems, designed around your home and your heating requirements. Get in touch today to arrange a free home survey, and find out how ELKATHERM® electric radiators could work for you.
