A Guide to the Best Electric Radiators
If you’re looking for an alternative to central heating, an electric heating solution is a great option. They do however, both come with their advantages and disadvantages, and we will discuss these in detail. Keep reading if you want to find out more about the best electric heating options for your home.
What’s the Difference Between Electric Heaters and Electric Radiators?
Did you know there’s a difference between electric heaters and electric radiators? Don’t worry if you didn’t, as we explain everything below.
Electric radiators can be similar, especially in design, to that of a standard central heating radiator, other than the main difference of running on electricity and not a gas supply. Therefore, they’re the perfect choice for homes that don’t have access to gas central heating. Electric radiators also tend to be oil-filled helping to release heat gradually and some can even be controlled by your smartphone.
Electric heaters, however, mainly use heating elements such as a coil or ceramic plates to conduct heat. You can also find a wide selection of electric fan heaters, all wonderful portable options and perfect for small rooms.
How To Choose the Best Electric Radiator for Your Needs
Choosing a new electric radiator can be a difficult task, especially if you’ve never had one before. We'll discuss the main considerations for choosing a new electric radiator, including the size of the radiator you need, design, efficiency, and even the positives and negatives of smart electric radiators. Keep reading to find out more.
Radiator Design
One of the main considerations when choosing a new electric radiator or heater is the design. Do you want a heating solution that’s really going to stand out and catch the eye of your guests, or something simple to keep your home warm and toasty?
With plenty of options available for all needs, from standard white panel designs to stylish vertical designer radiators, there’s something for every décor.
What Size Radiator Do You Need?
Knowing what size radiator you need can be difficult as there are many factors to consider. For example, whether you’re looking at a wall-mounted or freestanding option, the physical space and heating needs should be considered for that specific room.
If you have chosen an electric radiator in opposition to an electric heater, you can calculate the heat output needed for your room using our helpful BTU calculator. This will give you a good idea of the radiator size needed, allowing you to choose a radiator that can provide the best heat output for your needs. It’s important not to get a radiator that’s too big or too small for the room as this can harm the efficiency of the radiator and provide a heat output that’s either too low or too high.
When choosing an electric radiator or heater you also need to consider the positioning of your radiator in relation to your electrical sockets and wiring.
This is also where it will make a difference if you have chosen a portable electric heater that can be plugged into an existing power socket or an electric radiator that will need to be wired into the mains connection.
If in any doubt, we recommend contacting a professional electrician who will be able to consult on your circumstances.
Ease of Installation
Ease and cost of installation are big factors to consider when choosing a new radiator. If you’re looking for something quick and easy to install, a portable electric heater such as a fan heater is a good option, allowing you to move it wherever you need it.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more permanent or for a specific room in your home, there are plenty of options such as plinth heaters, ideal for kitchens, and smart electric radiators, perfect for any room, even the bathroom. However, these options will take more time to install and you will likely need to call in a heating professional or electrician to fit these for you.
Are Smart Radiators Worth It?
Smart electric radiators are a great addition to any home, allowing you to easily control your radiators, but are they worth it?
If you’re looking for a heating solution that can be controlled via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, then yes, a smart radiator is a great option. Not only do you have the ability to control each smart radiator individually, saving energy in rooms that you don’t use, but also introducing a highly energy-efficient heating system to your home.
Energy Efficiency
Many electric radiators are highly energy efficient with clever timing functions, allowing you to heat your home only when necessary. However, due to the constant changes in the costs of electricity, low energy costs with an electric radiator can’t always be guaranteed.
Range of Electric Radiators
If you’ve decided an electric radiator or heater is the best heating solution for your needs, there are plenty of options, no matter your needs or budget. Keep reading to learn about the different electric options available.
Fan Heaters
Fan heaters are a fantastic option if you’re looking for a portable electric heating solution. Perfect for smaller rooms, fan heaters generally include thermostatic controls, and you can even get smart options, allowing you to control your heater from your smartphone. You can even set timers and schedules, allowing you to turn the heater on only when needed.
What’s more, some fan heaters can even be used as a cooling fan in warm weather too, making them a perfect multifunctional heating and cooling solution for smaller rooms in your home.
Smart Electric Radiators
If you’re looking for a smart solution to electric heating, a smart electric radiator is a great option. Working similarly to a standard electric radiator, a smart radiator will be wired into a plug or spur and likely be oil-filled for high heat transfer.
There are also a few additions to be considered with a smart electric radiator, for example, the ability to control your radiator via your smartphone. This allows you to choose timer settings for your heating, making it ideal for a busy family lifestyle. Some smart electric radiators even come with a 7-day timer function, allowing you to choose different heating settings for each day of the week.
What’s more, you’ll find smart electric radiators available in a variety of stylish designs, not just classic white panel options. From contemporary vertical options to gorgeous copper models, there are plenty of options to create a stand-out feature in your home, if that’s what you desire.
Electric Radiators
Standard oil-filled electric radiators are a great option for homes without access to a gas supply. Electric radiators can provide the same heating capacity as standard radiators but with potentially exciting additional features.
Most electric radiators let you pre-set heating options, allowing you to select the correct settings for your needs. Some also feature clever energy-saving features such as open window detection, helping you to save on your energy bills.
Gone are the days of boring old electric panel radiators. Modern electric radiators are available in a wide range of styles and colours as well as vertical models, making it easy to choose the best design for your home.
Storage Heaters
Storage heaters have been around for many years, meaning there are a huge variety of models out there. From standard manual options providing less control over your heating to more modern options allowing you greater control over the settings.
If you’re not happy with your existing storage heaters or find that you either have an over or under-heated room, it may be time for an upgrade.
Plinth Heaters
A plinth heater might be ideal if you’re looking for a kitchen heating solution that doesn’t take up much space. Fitting discreetly under your kitchen units, a plinth heater takes up minimal space, whilst still providing a quick and high heat output.
How Do I Install My Electric Radiator?
Installation of your electric radiator will depend on the type you have chosen. For example, some will need hard wiring in, and others simply need a free plug socket to get them up and running. Keep reading to find out how to fit your choice of electric radiator.
If you have chosen a portable electric heater, in most cases, these can be set up anywhere with a standard electrical socket and will simply need plugging in. However, please always check the instruction manual first and consult a qualified electrician if unsure.
On the other hand, if you have purchased an electric radiator, this will likely need mounting to the wall and depending on its positioning, some rewiring may be needed. Therefore, it’s always best to contact a fully qualified electrician when installing a new electric radiator.
Explore Our Variety of Electric Radiators Today
At Plumbworld, we sell a variety of electric radiators and electric heaters from stand-out designer options to portable fan heaters, helping to provide an electric heating solution for all budgets and needs. Visit our website today to view our full range of electric heating options.
If you found this post useful, you might also like - Choosing the Best Radiator for Your Home – How to Fit & Replace a Radiator - A Guide to Bathroom Heating.
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