For cost reasons, electric heating is a more expensive way to heat
From a purely economic perspective, electric radiators are one of the worst ways to heat the house. Our website had made oneCost Comparison of Different Ways to Heat a Home. Electric heating is more expensive than oil and natural gas. And by electric radiators we don't mean heat pumps, just pure electric radiant heaters.
The situation is different when it comes to CO2 emissions. Whether or not electric heating is good for CO2 emissions depends on where you live. This is because where you live determines the source and carbon intensity of electricity.
When it comes to emissions, when it comes to electric heat, it depends on where you live.
Living in a Scandinavian country means your electricity is more likely to come from nuclear, hydroelectric and geothermal sources, all of which are low carbon. Living in South Africa means your electricity is more likely to be oil-based and carbon-intensive. So using an electric radiator in the first country is less polluting than using an electric radiator in the second. For a quantitative comparison, we have also covered those on this page.best locations for low carbon energy sources.
so in shortnext toheat pumps, the answer isNO, Electric radiators are not energy efficient. However, they are carbon efficient if you live in the right place! To validate and make your decision, you need to know the average CO2 emissions of your network in grams of CO2 per kWh of energy generated. If the CO2 emissions from your electricity are lower than an alternative like natural gas, then it's okay to switch.
In the US, switching to electric heat would result in a higher bill than natural gas or using a heat pump. Their prices depend on where you live. Scenario 1 – If you end up paying less for cleaner electricity, that's a no-brainer and you need to change. Scenario 2: If you pay more for clean electricity, you pay the "first green“. The green premium threshold is a personal preference. 3, if you pay less for dirtier electricity, express your preference not to pay the green premium. 4, the last scenario is to pay more for dirtier electricity, no one would do that, right?
What are electric radiators?
Electric radiators are aSpace heating typeIt uses electricity to generate heat. Unlike traditional space heaters that use gas or oil, electric radiators are 100% efficient, meaning that all the energy used is converted to heat.
Electric radiators are becoming increasingly popular for heating homes and businesses, but what makes them so energy efficient? Simply put, electric radiators are designed to maximize the use of electrical energy, minimize heat loss, and maximize comfort. For example, many models featurethermostatic controlsthat allow the user to program the optimum temperature for their space. When the set temperature is reached, the heater will automatically shut off, avoiding energy waste.
Besides,advanced thermal imaging technologyit is often used in the construction of electric radiators. This ensures that the heat generated by the radiator is distributed evenly, further reducing energy waste. As such, electric radiators can offer an extremely efficient and cost-effective way to heat any space.
Here are 7 types of electric radiators
Electric radiators come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them a versatile heating solution for any space. Here are seven of the most effective and efficient electric heaters:
1. Radiant heater
Radiant heaters work by emitting infrared radiation, which is then absorbed by objects in the room, causing them to heat up. Heheating typeit is very efficient since it does not depend on convection to distribute heat throughout the room.
2. Heating panel
They work by heating a metal plate, which then radiates the heat into the room. This type of heating is also very efficient because air does not have to circulate to distribute the heat.
3. Oil filled radiators
Oil radiators are filled with a special oil that retains heat for a long time. Once the radiator has been turned off, the oil will continue to radiate heat into the room, providing a consistent and constant source of heat.
4. Infrared heater
Infrared heaters work similar to radiant heaters, but use infrared waves instead of radiation to heat objects in the room. These waves are invisible to the naked eye, but are very effective in heating the objects they come into contact with.
5. Storage heaters
Storage heaters are designed to store energy overnight when electricity prices are lower and then release that stored energy during the day when prices are higher. This makes them an extremely economical way to heat your home, as you can take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity rates.
6. Fan Assisted Storage Heaters
As the name suggests, fan-assisted storage heaters have a built-in fan that helps circulate stored heat around the room, making it even more efficient at distributing heat throughout your home.
7. Underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is an extremely efficient way to heat your home, as it circulates warm air around the room without relying on convection currents. This means very little energy is wasted as all the heat is distributed evenly throughout the room. Underfloor heating is also very gentle on your feet, as there is no risk of burns on hot surfaces.
Advantages of electric radiators
Electric heaters are a great optionHeat your home in an energy efficient way. These are some of the advantages of electric radiators:
1. Electric radiators do not require venting, unlike gas or oil heaters which require venting to the outside. This means that you can place electric radiators anywhere in your home without worrying about ventilation problems. Venting complicates installation by requiring piping outside of the house. Ventilation pipes are subject to regulations and technical requirements.
2. Electric heaters are safer than other heating methods as there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels and is dangerous if inhaled.
3. Electric radiators are a low maintenance option as they do not require yearly maintenance like oil heaters. Natural gas heaters are also typically fairly low maintenance. All you have to do is keep the cooler clean and dust free and it will last for many years.
Disadvantages of low consumption electric radiators
As people look for ways to reduce their energy consumption and costs, energy efficient electric radiators are becoming more and more popular. However, before you make the switch, there are a few issues to be aware of with these radiators.
1. They cost more to run than non-electric radiators or heat pumps.
2. They occasionally generate an annoying hum. This is usually due to incorrect installation or loose connections, but it can still be a nuisance.
3. Radiant heat may take longer to heat up than traditional radiators. This can be a problem on cold mornings when trying to get warm in a hurry.
4. They generate quite a bit of heat on their own, which can make them uncomfortable to touch. This is not usually a problem when the radiator is installed high against a wall, but it can be a problem when the radiator is installed at ground level. But radiant heaters that feel warm can also run on natural gas and other heating devices.
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Electric radiators are an option to heat a house. They have a number of advantages over conventional natural gas or oil combustion. These advantages are being displaced by better natural gas products and heat pump technologies.
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FAQs
Which is the most energy efficient electric radiator? ›
For maximum efficiency, look out for ceramic radiators which are able to produce much more radiant heat. As ceramic has excellent thermal properties, these radiators offer up to 50% of their warmth as infrared heat.
Is an electric radiator energy efficient? ›Electric radiators are 100% efficient at point of use. This means that every Joule of energy you pay for is converted to heat which helps to save energy and reduce running costs. If you compare this to wet (hydronic) radiators, that's an improvement of 20-40%.
What are the most eco friendly electric radiators? ›- Milano Aruba electric. ...
- Milano Alpha electric. ...
- Milano Riso electric.
At point of use, electric radiators are carbon neutral. In other words, they do not produce carbon dioxide or other pollutants. When used with green electricity generated from sustainable energy sources, they offer one of the few genuinely carbon free heating systems on the planet.
What is a cheaper alternative to electric radiators? ›There are many cheap electric ways to heat a room, with infrared heating likely being the most inexpensive. However, gas central heating is still the most affordable way to heat a room. And although it might not be as efficient, the fact that it's so much cheaper than electricity makes it a better option.
Is it cheaper to heat one room with electric radiator? ›However heating an entire home with an electric heater by having one in each room will be far more expensive, and you'd be better off using the central heating and turning radiators in empty rooms off at the valve.
Is it cheaper to leave electric radiators on all the time? ›According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth. They're clear that having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money.
What is the most efficient electric heat for a house? ›If you're looking for the most efficient electric heating systems, it makes sense to start with furnaces. As you may or may not know, furnaces are some of the most popular heating systems among homeowners. These units are known for providing fast heat — but they're also widely championed for their energy efficiency.
What is the biggest disadvantage to having electric heat in a home? ›The disadvantages of electric heating encompass slower heating times and higher energy bills over time. For instance, an electric furnace can take a significant amount of time to power the included heating element and adequately warm the air within a home.
What are alternatives to electric radiators? ›These are underfloor heating, infrared heating, convection heaters, radiant ceiling panels, air source heat pumps and hydronic systems. Underfloor heating is a type of radiant heating that produces warmth by circulating warm water through pipes on the floor.
Can solar panels power electric radiators? ›
The energy generated from solar panels can be paired with any electric appliance in your home, and this includes electric radiators.
Which electric heater uses the least electricity? ›Infrared quartz model space heaters will be the most energy efficient. Other types of space heaters that are less efficient include ceramic models, oil-filled radiators, and convection models.
What is the greenest electric heater? ›The greenest option for eco heating systems is either a water source heat pump (which takes heat from a large body of water) with a heat battery, or a ground source heat pump. These pumps operate with equal efficiency night and day.
What is the most environmentally friendly form of heating? ›Geothermal Heating – An Efficient & Green Solution
According to Energy Star reports, geothermal heating is the most environmentally friendly and efficient way to heat your home.
German-made goods are synonymous with efficiency and quality because they're held up to the absolute highest standard of manufacture.
What is the cheapest most efficient way to heat a house? ›Natural gas is likely to prove the cheapest way to heat a home if you have this heating option available to you where you live. Although prices have risen, natural gas is the least costly form of space heating. This is followed by electricity, propane, and heating oil, from the next cheapest to the most expensive.
What is the cheapest way to heat a room with electricity? ›The cheapest way to get a quick blast of heat in a room
In that case, an electric heater is a good option to give you heat temporarily. Electric heaters consist of oil heaters and fan heaters. If you are investing in an electric heater, be mindful of how powerful it is and how much it costs to run.
Space heaters cost about 20 cents per hour to operate, give or take, which is a whole lot cheaper than central heat for a home of almost any size. Bigger homes and those in colder climates cost even more to heat, and the net savings you'll see using a space heater is even greater.
Is it worth installing electric radiators? ›The main advantage of electric radiators is that they have no moving parts. This means there's less to go wrong; therefore, they will need less maintenance – no bleeding, no balancing, and no flushing. The cost of installing electric radiators is a lot less than the cost of installing gas central heating.
How much does it cost to have an electric radiator on all day? ›The formula is as follows:
For example, if you use an electric radiator with an output of 900W for 10 hours every day, multiply 0.9kW by 10 to get a cost of 9kW/h. If the tariff is charged at 14p per kW/h, you then multiply 9 by 14 to get a daily running cost of 126p.
Which type of heater is cheapest to run? ›
Conclusion. So, after looking at the different types of electric heaters available, due to its lower power-output, halogen heaters are the cheapest electric heaters to run.
Does turning radiators off save on bills? ›It's true that turning off radiators in unused rooms will likely save energy. However, it may not reduce your heating bills and might actually increase them! Why? Because your energy consumption and heating bills don't always match up as you'd expect.
How long do electric radiators last? ›How long do electric radiators last? Compared to fan heaters that are cheaply manufactured to reduce cost, electric radiators are durable, reliable and of high quality. They also have no moving parts so they're expected to last around 15 years if well taken care of.
Are electric radiator heaters more efficient than space heaters? ›Electric radiators are more efficient than electric panel heaters because 1/3 of their warmth is produced through radiation which bypasses the air to warm people, objects and surfaces directly.
Is it cheaper to heat one room with an electric heater or the whole house with central heating? ›A spokesperson for the Energy Helpline replies: Overall, for heating the same space, using an electric heater is more than twice as expensive as using central heating.
How do I keep my house warm with electric heat? ›- Install a programmable thermostat. ...
- Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked. ...
- Add a door draft stopper. ...
- Insulate windows with plastic film or bubble wrap. ...
- Seal your windows. ...
- Open curtains on a sunny day. ...
- Put your ceiling fan on reverse. ...
- Keep interior doors open.
- Most energy-efficient way to heat a home using electricity.
- Heat pumps can reduce your heating costs by up to 50%
- Effective for both heating and cooling your home.
Electric furnaces are more expensive to operate than other electric resistance systems because of their duct heat losses and the extra energy required to distribute the heated air throughout your home (which is common for any heating system that uses ducts for distribution).
What is better than radiators? ›Underfloor heating is more efficient than radiators because both systems run at much lower temperatures.
What to look for when buying an electric radiator? ›- What size do I need?
- How energy efficient are they?
- Does my ceiling height matter?
- What are the different types of electric radiator?
- What are the fitting options?
- How are they installed and do they need any maintenance?
- Will it look good in my home?
- What safety features do I need?
Can you put an electric radiator anywhere? ›
Deciding where to place your wall mounted electric radiator is largely down to the quality of your insulation. If you have a well-insulated room with double-glazed windows, you will most likely be able to position your radiator anywhere within the room space and still have it work effectively.
Can you heat a house with electric radiators? ›Electric radiators are installed and connected to your mains electrical system by a qualified electrician and your solar panels, via the inverter, will generate the electricity to power them and heat your home.
Is there a heater that runs on solar power? ›Solar Infra Systems is one of the most popular solar space heater manufacturers. Their portable interior/exterior heater has a small solar panel that can be mounted to an exterior wall, on a window, or placed on an accompanying stand.
Can electric radiators be plugged in? ›Yes. You can hang an electric radiator nearby a standard plug socket and connect it as you would with any electrical device. That said, though, we would recommend designer electric radiators be connected via a fused spur and by a qualified electrician, as this ensures better safety and performance.
Are there any electric heaters that are energy efficient? ›Electric infrared heaters are highly energy-efficient and work by converting electricity to radiant heat to warm the surrounding objects in the room. Electric infrared heaters warm spaces by converting energy to radiant heat.
Are oil filled radiators cheaper to run? ›Oil filled radiators are more economical to run because they retain heat longer and power demand through the temperature control is called upon less frequently. Electric heaters heat only the room you are in and not the entire house, providing extra heat only where required and helping to optimise energy consumption.
What is the highest efficiency heater? ›Geothermal systems provide the most efficient type of heating. They can cut heating bills by up to 70%. Like other types of heat pumps, they're also very safe and environmentally friendly to operate.
What is the cleanest way to heat your house? ›Geothermal Heating. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cites geothermal heating as the most environmentally friendly and efficient among other sustainable heat sources. Generally, a geothermal heating system functions by using warm, underground temperatures to heat your place.
What is the healthiest heating system for a house? ›A hydronic heating system is a healthier, cleaner, and more comfortable way to heat your home. There really is a healthier way to heat your home without sacrificing comfort or energy-efficiency. Contact Slant/Fin today and learn how you can start breathing easier and living more comfortably.
What is the least polluting home heating system? ›Masonry Heater
Although they use wood, they are more environmentally friendly than traditional wood stoves and produce less pollution. Due to how slowly they burn and the trapped heat, these heaters produce more heat than other heaters that use wood.
What are the most energy efficient electric radiators? ›
The best low energy electric radiators are infrared. Besides their energy efficiency, they're also pretty versatile in size.
Which electric radiators are more efficient? ›Electric radiators
This provides a lasting background warmth, so even if you do keep moving from room to room, you won't lose as much heat from air movement. For maximum efficiency, look out for ceramic radiators which are able to produce much more radiant heat.
Modern wall mounted electric radiators are energy-efficient and easy to control. They could save you money while reducing your carbon footprint.
What is the most efficient radiator use? ›Central heating radiators
These radiators have the highest heat output and greatest heating efficiency of all plumbed radiator styles, making them a popular choice in many homes.
Electric heaters are 100% efficient at point of use as they convert every watt of electricity taken from the wall into usable heat, meaning there's zero waste. In this sense, all electric heaters do in fact have the same efficiency.
Which portable electric heater is most energy efficient? ›Dr Infrared 1,500-Watt Portable Space Heater: Best Infrared Space Heater. This model is considered by many to be the best space heater overall in terms of energy efficiency. Infrared space heaters heat up very quickly, cutting down on energy use. They also automatically shut off if people aren't sensed in the room.
What is the most sustainable radiator? ›Dual fuel radiators are more eco-friendly and offer you a lot more flexibility and control than standard ones.
What is the most economical radiator temp? ›For a modern combi boiler, the radiator heating temperature should be set for a flow temperature of between 60 and 70°C. Any higher than this and the boiler won't enter condensing mode and be at its optimum efficiency and performance.
Are radiators more efficient than space heaters? ›Electric radiators are more efficient than electric panel heaters because 1/3 of their warmth is produced through radiation which bypasses the air to warm people, objects and surfaces directly.
Are electric radiators better than electric heaters? ›Electric Radiators are much more efficient than electric heaters, as they provide a uniform heat and are less noisy. They are also better for large rooms, as they provide a more even temperature.
How efficient is the Dimplex electric radiator? ›
Is 100% efficient at the point of use – every unit that you pay for becomes heat.
What is the cheapest way to heat a house? ›Natural gas is likely to prove the cheapest way to heat a home if you have this heating option available to you where you live. Although prices have risen, natural gas is the least costly form of space heating. This is followed by electricity, propane, and heating oil, from the next cheapest to the most expensive.
What is the most efficient electric heat option? ›Ground Source Heat Pumps
If you want to know what type of electric heater is most energy efficient, don't overlook ground-source heat pumps. Sometimes called “geothermal” heat pumps, these systems are often referred to as the most efficient out of the bunch.
Radiant heaters emit infrared radiation that directly heats objects and people within their line of sight, and are a more efficient choice when you will be in a room for only a few hours and can stay within the line of sight of the heater.