Category: Electric Heating

If you’re looking to renovate your flat, or just replace an old costly gas boiler, then now’s the time to look at installing electric radiators. Electric heating systems for flats are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and landlords, and here are a few reasons why:

It’s Cheaper to Install

• connected to mains gas can be really expensive; even if the gas supply is already in place, installation fees for the average boiler, radiators and pipework can reach upwards of £5,000. It will also be incredibly messy and invasive, as the pipework needs to run throughout the property and the location of the boiler itself can be unsightly. Within a block of flats or a converted property there will also be constraints on how much autonomy you have to make decisions, and you’ll need to be mindful of how the work affects other occupiers. In comparison, electric radiators can easily be installed anywhere, with minimal disruption. It’s essentially a DIY job, you just mount the radiator onto a wall (fixings are supplied with each radiator) and plug it into a normal power socket. In addition, no registered gas engineers are required, so the costs can be kept to a minimum.

Maintenance-free

• boiler requires annual servicing. Given that landlords need to give notice to tenants of any inspection and are legally obliged to provide tenants with a copy of the safety check within 28 days, an electric heating system is far easier to manage in a rental property. Even if you own the property, you won’t have to worry about the annual servicing, which in itself can be costly.

Warranty for Peace of Mind

• you order your radiators from a reliable supplier, they’ll come with a guarantee. Depending on the radiators purchased, this can be anything from 10 to 30 years, something that gives great peace of mind to landlords and home owners alike. No annual service plan, or constant parts required to fix an unreliable gas boiler. You’ll know you’re covered for the warranty period, so if anything does break there aren’t any hidden costs associated with a repair.

Reliability and Functionality

• the radiators run independently of each other, if one develops a fault, the rest of the property will still be heated. All you’ll need to do is repair or replace the individual radiator, without the risk of plunging the whole property into freezing temperatures in the middle of winter. Furthermore, they’re silent so cause minimal noise disruption and are quick to heat up and cool down, as they don’t rely on hot water being pumped throughout the property.

Control Room Temperatures Individually

• many of us with gas boilers have the thermostat in the hallway? Given that this is the coolest part of the property, and controls whether the boiler is on or off, all rooms get heated equally, even those that are unoccupied. Also, warmer rooms such as the kitchen can become too hot, and unless you have individual controls on each radiator it’s difficult to control the precise heat in each room (and even with a valve, it can be very imprecise and difficult to manage). With electric radiators, each radiator has its own thermostatic sensor, and each works independently from the other units, allowing you to easily control the temperature required in each living space.

Portability

• standing electric heaters may not look as sleek as fitted units, but these are great short-term solutions. As they simply need to be plugged in, you can move them anywhere that’s draughty or within a property that has an inadequate heating system.

No Risk to Health

• gas central heating comes with the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if the gas doesn’t burn fully. As a result, it’s imperative not only to undertake annual servicing but also to install carbon monoxide monitors. These themselves will need to be regularly checked, and the batteries replaced. They also have a service life of 7-10 years so will need to be replaced at some point, incurring additional costs.

Control your Bills

• most electric radiators come with 24/7 programming, you can create a daily or weekly schedule for your heating and avoid heating the property – or individual rooms – when it’s unoccupied. This keeps your bills down and also makes sure your property will be nice and warm when you need it to be. If you also have a smart meter, you can easily monitor your usage, keeping control of your monthly budget and avoiding any nasty surprises in the post!

You’ll be Looking After the Planet

• electricity to heat homes was in the past seen as costly and inefficient. However, given the pressures on the environment from burning fossil fuels and the advent of renewable energy sources, using electricity to heat homes is not only cost-effective but also in terms of climate change, the responsible thing to do.

Renewable Energy is the Future

• links to the point above, but we can’t stress it enough. Renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind farms, as well as renewable biomass plants all now feed into the national grid. Indeed, in the third quarter of 2019, a new green energy record was set as renewables contributed to 40% of the electricity used in homes and businesses in the UK. Importantly, for the first time ever this overtook the energy provided by fossil fuels; all of which points us in the right direction to achieve a zero-carbon future. Over time, as these sources become more and more reliable, we’ll see energy bills go down and feel more comfortable using electricity to heat our homes.

 

We hope that’s given you a good taster of why you should switch to an electric heating system. Here at Electric Heating Expert, we have extensive experience of fitting the best energy-efficient systems. We always tailor our approach depending on our client’s needs and budget and are happy to offer help and advice to make sure you get the best heating system installed in your home or rental property. If you’d like to know more, contact us today on 01252 560770 or email us at enquiries@electricheatingexpert.co.uk.

If you’ve just moved into an older property then you might have inherited an electric heating system that uses night storage heaters. Created in the 60’s and popular throughout the 70’s, night storage heaters are essentially sealed metal boxes that contain a heated brick core. They were developed to work on an Economy 7 tariff, which is a two-tariff metered system – more expensive during the ‘on peak’ day period, and cheaper ‘off peak’ at night. The storage heaters have two settings – one for charging, to warm the heaters throughout the ‘off peak’ night period, and another for output, where heat is released into the property during the day. However, not only are these heaters ugly to look at, they’re also incredibly inefficient, so many homeowners look to upgrade to modern, efficient electric radiators.

If you’re thinking of replacing your storage heaters with modern electric radiators, but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve put together this post to help guide you through the process:

The Problem with Night Storage Heaters

Many of our customers come to us looking to upgrade from night storage heaters; here are the chief complaints and drawbacks about using a night storage system:

1. Inflexible Heating
For those who work 9-5, having the majority of the heat released during the day isn’t ideal. While the house might be warm in the morning, given that heat rises, by the end of the day the majority of the warmth will have dissipated through the roof, meaning you’ll come home to a cold house.
2. Inefficient and Lack of Control
Night storage heaters lack control, they can’t be programmed to react to temperature changes and won’t release a lot of heat come the evenings, at the time you need it most. Furthermore, they will also be cold at night, and will only release the energy stored from the nightly charging period, so if for some reason they don’t come on the night before, or you forget to switch them on, you won’t get any heat the next morning.
3. Prohibitive Cost
Although drawing on power at cheaper times of the day, storage heaters will cost a fortune if you need to boost the heat during the day or evening, as they will then run on an inflated tariff.
4. Unattractive Design
They’re not attractive to look at – they tend to be large and look incongruous in today’s sleek, modern settings.

Why Electric Radiators are Superior

Modern electric radiators are superior in so many ways, and fit with today’s energy climate where people can easily switch tariffs – and suppliers – in a competitive market.

Here are a few reasons you should consider upgrading your electric heating system:

1. Superior Control and Function
Modern radiators are thermostatically controlled, and each radiator runs independently. This means that you set the temperature for rooms on an individual basis. The heat will be there for you just when you need it, where you need it, flexing around your daily schedule and budget. Furthermore, when temperatures plummet and you need a boost of heat, it’s there for you, immediately.
2. Improved Safety Profile
Storage heaters can be very hot at the beginning of the day, and the heat can’t be turned down, making them a potential hazard. In addition, older versions (those manufactured before 1974) may contain asbestos, which has been linked to lung disorders and cancer. With electric radiators, you’ll have a safe, enclosed unit that can be switched on and off with ease.
3. Pleasing Aesthetic
There are so many sleek, modern radiators out there – in a wide variety of eye-catching styles and colours – so you’ll easily find one that fits with the design and style of your home, as well as your budget. Electric radiators are also available in a variety of sizes, so you can select the best model for every room, and the heat output required.
4. Cost Effective
As stated above, each radiator is individually controlled so you can switch off the heating in empty rooms and turn down the heating in less-used rooms. By being able to pre-programme the time you need the rooms to be heated, you’ll not waste money and energy heating rooms that are empty during the day, and will also have warmth exactly when you need it. They really are the ultimate heating system when it comes to flexible control, stylish looks and amazing energy efficiency.

How to Make the Change

Although wall mounted electric radiators are easy to install, you’ll need the help of an electrician if you want to remove storage heaters. This is because the on peak and off peak circuits will need to be removed and rewired, and the power sockets converted to plug sockets for the new electric radiators.

Also, bear in mind that night storage heaters are heavy, and full of bricks, so be ready to dispose of the old units. Either look for a local tip that will accept the materials, or hire a skip. If the storage heaters contain asbestos, they’ll need to be removed under expert guidance to prevent asbestos fibres being released into the air.

Finally, you’ll need to switch from the Economy 7 tariff to a new standard rate electricity tariff. Look around for the best deals, and think about fixing your rates to ensure your bills aren’t adversely affected by fluctuating energy prices. Your home will need a new meter, these are usually offered by the new energy supplier, and you can even think about installing a smart meter, to really keep track of your energy usage.

If you’d like to know more, then contact us for expert guidance on how to upgrade your electric heating system from tired and dated storage heaters to highly efficient and uber-stylish electric radiators. Contact us today on 01252 560770 or email us at enquiries@electricheatingexpert.co.uk and let us guide you to the best heating system for your home, style and budget.

If your household is already home to a legacy heater system , then chances are you are probably already familiar with the Economy 7 tariff. Although Economy 7 is designed to make electric heating more affordable by being used in conjunction with night time heat storage systems, many find this system to be inconvenient to use.

Unfortunately, this tariff is vulnerable to sudden inflation caused by the use of alternative electrical heating appliances which aren’t best suited to this particular tariff.

How does Economy 7 work?

This particular tariff is designed to be used in homes that aren’t fitted with the standard gas central heating system, as it allows the occupants to benefit from a cheaper form of electricity at certain times of the day (usually night-time) and for a duration of up to 7 hours hence the term Economy 7. The most obvious indicator that your household is fitted with an Economy 7 heating system, is that there will confusingly be two metres for you to read from. One is for daytime or peak hours and the other is for night time or off-peak heating. The system will automatically switch between the two, allowing you to change the amount that you are paying for your energy bills.  Many people report how difficult this makes it to keep track of how much electrictiy you are using.

Why was Economy 7 Introduced?

Demand for electricity naturally declines overnight when everyone tends to go to sleep and the household shuts down for the night. Economy 7 was introduced to encourage individuals to take advantage of the electricity that was produced by power stations, allowing legacy heaters to charge up and release the built-up energy throughout the course of the day.  However, many users report how extortionate the daytime tariff can be.

Are you using Night Time Legacy Heaters?

If you are using night time legacy heaters and you aren’t already on the Economy 7 tariff, then you are almost certainly paying over the odds for your electricity. However, if you are already on the Economy 7 tariff it may also be worth checking if you could not benefit from using a far more economical tariff for daytime usage.

Have you just Moved House?

If you have just moved into a new property or are exploring potential homes, there are a few telltale signs that will enable you to ascertain whether or not said property uses an outdated Economy 7 tariff.
• Does the property have two readers? Generally speaking Economy 7 households will have two readers.
• Look at your previous bills – there should be two rates listed on your bill if you have Economy 7 in your household. A MPAN (metre point access number) may also be listed on your bill. This will begin with 02 if you are on the Economy 7 tariff.
• If in doubt – ask us here at Electric Heating Expert for advice .

I have Economy 7. Now what?

• Unfortunately on Economy 7 you will be charged more for your energy consumption between the hours of 7am and 11pm meaning that your bills will rise if this is when you use electricity

• Don’t sign up for the Economy 7 tariff if you and your family rely on other sources of heating such as electric radiators, electric towel rails and infrared panels, as you won’t benefit.

• If your household uses heating predominately during daylight hours, then your energy consumption costs will be significantly higher during peak times with Economy 7 when costs rise, so it is worth asking an expert about a different tariff.

If you are looking to switch from legacy heaters to an affordable alternative or would like to learn more about the newer tariffs, then why not contact our team of experts today on 01252 560770.

Fall Back in Love with Electric Heating

With the clocks going back and temperatures already falling, most of us have already switched on our heating for the foreseeable future and have resigned ourselves to the fact that our electricity bills will be significantly higher as a direct consequence.

But what if we could all find an electric heater that is versatile, economically efficient, modern, aesthetically pleasing to the eye and perhaps most important of all – actually effective when it comes to heating larger open plan spaces within our household?

Thanks to our team of experts at Electric Heating Experts we have devised a full comprehensive guide to help you and your family or business decide on what type of heating solution is best for you.

Vantage Electric Radiator

• A full 10-Year warranty included as standard.
• The open window sensor ensures that you save on unnecessary heating costs, by automatically switching off when an open window or door is detected.
• Fast heat-up option for when you need it most and a gradual heat release for consistent heating during the colder months.
• 24/7 programming to help you reduce your energy consumption when you need to save on your bills.

Economiser Electric Radiator

• Heat retaining fireclay cores for longer lasting heat retention, helping to keep you and your family warmer for longer.
• A full 30-year warranty period of your radiator for complete peace of mind.
• 24/7 programming for complete flexibility.
• Low height models available for windows fitted with lower window sills.

Modus Towel Rail

• Comes with its own hand remote for complete control.
• Its stylish and compact design makes it great for smaller spaces such as a downstairs toilet.
• Comes with energy-saving functions and its own eco setting.

EcoPanelXT Panel Heater

• 5 year warranty comes as standard on this stylish panel heater (Body, core and elements).
• Silent operation for a peaceful ambience.
• Discreet controls are hidden away on the top for ease of control.
• Waste is minimised thanks to the proportional thermostatic controls.
• Adaptive start function enables you to enjoy more flexibility when it comes to heating your home.

Economical Electricity

Unsurprisingly, electric radiators still prove to be a popular choice amongst many consumers and with much of our range coming in at less than £300 per device; you too can take advantage of some our fantastic offers. Moreover, by investing in an electric radiator you may be able to help cut your energy bills, which in turn will help you to save money either for further home improvements or perhaps even a spot of Christmas shopping.

Energy Saving Accessories

• Smart Hub WiFi Gateway – This little device enables you and your loved ones to have complete control over your electric radiator with a simple tap on your smartphone. Simply plug the device into your router for real-time adjustment.
• Steel castors – whilst these little gems aren’t actually energy saving in the own right, they do enable you to move your electric heating device from one room to another, simply attach these powder-coated steel castors for a safe free-standing, mobile heating solution. Great if you have a conservatory, study or spare room that requires some additional heating.

What is the Best Option for me?

Whilst today’s modern heating solutions will often come with 24/7 programming as standard, other features can help you to cut costs further. Our smart WiFi hub is a great example of this as it enables you complete flexibility and can be added on at a later date. In addition, to our fantastic selection of heating accessories solutions, our Vantage range also includes a built-in sensor that automatically detects when a window or door has been left open.

Personalised Service

At Electric Heating Experts we promised to provide advice and guidance, whilst enabling you to make an informed choice and will never force you to make a purchase. We are confident that you will love our range, but why not contact us for a quote and to discuss your requirements?

If there is one question that always crops up, then it’s how much do electric radiators cost to run? In an ideal world, we would be able to give one figure for the exact running costs of a heating appliance for everyone, but the simple truth of the matter is that we can’t. This is because there are many different factors that will influence the final cost of your household electricity bill. Some of which we have covered below:

What Factors Can Have an Impact on My Electricity Bill?

1. How big is the room which you wish to heat? Naturally, the larger the room, the greater the amount of energy you will use and therefore your bill will reflect this.
2. How old is your house? Unless you have already made changes to an older property, then your household may lack sufficient insulation and thus be less energy efficient.
3. What are your individual requirements? Everyone is different and we will all have different comfort levels when it comes to heating our homes. Of course, the more people that there are in our household, the more we are likely to use a greater level of electricity throughout the house, as we may be in different rooms at any one time.
4. How exposed is your property to the natural elements? In the cocoon that is your home, it can feel like you are protected from harsh winds, torrential downpours, and cold storms. But how exposed our homes are to the elements, can have an impact on how much our radiators have to work to keep us and our families warm. Terraced homes with houses either side of them will naturally be able to retain heat for longer, as it will benefit from a higher level of residual heat. A fully detached home, however, will be exposed from more sides and consequently won’t be able to benefit from residual heat. This is especially true for north-facing properties which are especially prone to harsher winds.
5. Time of year – In the Summer you will most likely use a lot less electricity and heating because the weather tends to be warmer.

Calculating Your Electricity Bill

Taking all of the above points into consideration, you can still do a simple calculation to help you gain a better insight into what the potential running costs of an electric radiator may be for you. This basic calculation is:

(Radiator output (kW) x hours in use) x pence per kW hour = daily cost of radiator (p)

It is important to note that this calculation doesn’t allow for daily variables to be taken into consideration, and should only be used as a rough estimate. Another factor that will influence how much electricity you use will be how long you are home, as you won’t be using the heating whilst out at work, school or away on holiday.

Do You Want to Control Your Heating?

If you are concerned about the rising costs of heating, then you can take control of your heating remotely from the comfort of your sofa or whilst out and about, by installing a smart hub WiFi gateway for £162.00. This app will enable you to programme your radiator via an app which allows real-time adjustment. Moreover, our radiators feature built in sensors which will automatically detect when a window has been left open, ensuring that power is cut off to help reduce energy consumption when it is no longer required.

Do you have a few more questions about electric radiators? Why not drop us a comment below? Our team of experts can also be contacted directly via our live chat or at enquiries@electricheatingexpert.co.uk

 

Dual Purpose Heating Solutions

Radiators really are a dual purpose appliance, whilst they primarily act as a much needed source of warmth and heating in the winter months, they can also serve as an iconic piece within our household interior and may even help to create an altogether unique ambience, by simply painting a cast –iron design in a bold colour.

However, if you are the proud owner of an electric radiator, then creating an iconic focal point can prove to be an entirely new challenge. Fancy painting your appliance? Think again, as the paint may leak into the wiring causing a potentially hazardous situation. As for covering the device altogether, well this may have an undesirable impact on the thermostat.

Thinking of hiding your radiator behind the sofa? Of course, this is entirely your own prerogative and one which you are of course entitled to do. However, as any good interior designer will tell you, the only problem with this, is that you block off the heat source and consequently will almost certainly waste money, as no doubt you will find yourself turning up the temperature to help counteract the drop in temperature, particularly in those colder months when temperatures will plummet.

Heating Hideaways – How Do I Hide My Electric Radiator?

So how do you hide that electric radiator? Well, at electric heating expert, we offer two top ranges from Italy and Germany. Here are some options which you may wish to consider should you happen to decide to purchase a Vantage or Economiser radiator.

Discreet Designs – Dare to Bare

You need not worry about ghastly yellow panels or cracking with the Vantage electric radiator, as unlike other aluminium radiators within the electrical industry, the Vantage comes without the standard cheap plastic end panels and fascia. Instead, the Vantage design comes with powder-coated aluminium to ensure a discreet design that will fit perfectly into your modern home. White washed walls or a light grey would complement the look nicely for a fresh feel.

Modern Moments

Alternatively, you may wish to move your radiator around with a moment’s notice. Thanks to our Economiser, you can slide your radiator behind that sofa or move it into another room altogether. All you have to do is simply fit a pair of steel castors to the base of your radiator and you will automatically have yourself a safe, free-standing mobile heating solution.

Space Saving

If space is a pressing issue in your home, then you may wish to consider a compact vertical design that can even be placed close to water sources, perhaps in your bathroom. Our Modus electric towel rail is ideal for this, as it offers a stylish and practical solution.

Of course, there are many other ways you can disguise your electric radiator, some of which include the following:
• Place shelves directly above a radiator to help draw the eyes up and away from the heating appliance. This is a great solution as it doesn’t obstruct the radiator, offers a practical storage solution, doesn’t require any additional amendments for disguising an electrical radiator and is a fairly inexpensive option.
• Open fronted cabinets are another safe and stylish idea if you want to hide your radiator without affecting its efficiency. Make sure that you are still able to gain easy access to the control panel. Alternatively, if you have a smart hub WiFi gateway, then you will still be able to control your radiator with a press of a button from your mobile phone app.

Share your vision with us…

Do you have any better ideas for hiding your radiator? Why not share them with us in the comments below? Remember, we are always on hand if you feel that you would like to ask our team of experts any questions or need help turning your vision into reality.

Warm Towels Guaranteed.

Bathroom Heaters are an essential part of any bathroom; especially if you enjoy wrapping yourself up in a super soft warm towel after a long leisurely soak in the tub. But before dismissing the idea of adopting an electric heater within your spa like bathroom, hear what some of our experts have to say on our range of electric radiators, and why they may actually be a fantastic alternative to standard gas radiators.

Electricity and Water don’t mix!

From a young age we are taught about the dangers of mixing water with electricity, our natural instincts let us know that unless we want to endure a nasty electric shock, then we should stay well clear.

Electric Heaters are the Future.

However, when it comes to radiators, electric heaters can actually prove to be a sustainable alternative to other options, such as gas radiators or panel heaters. Of course, if you are considering adopting an electric heater for your bathroom, then one crucial factor that you should think about is the IP rating of your preferred radiator.

What are IP Ratings?

IP Ratings refer to a combination of two factors, the first digit outlines how much protection the radiator has against solid objects, and the second digit refers to protection against liquids, such as water.

Naturally the higher the number, the greater the level of protection offered. In terms of water, all of our designs offer a minimum IP Rating of 3 which offers protection against water spray from a 60-degree angle. If you want to guarantee additional protection from water splashing from all angles, then we would recommend our Vantage radiator or Modus electric towel rail as they come with an IP Rating of 4. The Modus electric towel rail also offers protection against a solid object that is greater than 1.0mm such as a thin strap making it the perfect choice for families with younger ones. With prices from around £240.00 for a 400W design, you can afford to upgrade your heating without compromising on quality.

Straight Forward DIY Installation.

Unlike other electric radiators, our electric radiators are easy to install and come with DIY instructions as standard, along with all the necessary fixtures and fittings. Whilst there is no need to pay out for an expensive electrician, we are more than happy to assist you and will offer any advice that you may require. We do recommend, as a general rule, that all electrical radiators should be located a minimum of 60 cm away from a bathtub, sink or shower. Moreover, whilst the IEE Wiring Regulations state you can technically place a device with an IP rating of 4 in Zone 1 of a bathroom, we wouldn’t recommend placing it directly above your bathtub or shower as this could prove to be very tricky.

What’s the best electric radiator for my bathroom?

This will depend on the requirements of you, your family and your household. However, the Modus towel heater rail enables you to dry your towels safely whilst minimising the risk of damp developing. Moreover, unlike electric radiators, our towel rail can be fixed higher up on the wall which offers greater flexibility when it comes to its overall placement, making it a great choice for small bathrooms.

How do I locate your IP Ratings?

You can find the IP ratings for all of our range under each individual device in the technical section. If you are unsure as to which range to go for, or need more information on IP Ratings, the installation process or have some general concerns about placing an electric radiator or towel rail in your bathroom, then why not contact us on 01252 560770 or drop us an email at enquiries@electricheatingexpert.co.uk