Category: Electric Heating

German Electric Heating – Do I need a home survey?

Though a visit from a professional may seem reassuring before you commit to a new electric radiator system, it may not be what you think...

 

 

Let's get straight to the point: With no boiler, pipework, flue, or gas connection, a home survey is never necessary for an electric heating system. If you do allow a representative to visit, be sure to ask for a price list first, or risk a shocking quote.

 

Some electric heating suppliers insist on a home survey. They don’t advertise their prices, and won’t even let you see a price list. In not disclosing any pricing, they can visit your home, and see how much you may be able to pay.

 

Unfortunately this practice is now common in some electric heating companies that sell German-built electric radiators. It’s something that we will never do.

 

What is creatively termed as a “home survey” or “engineer’s visit” usually serves only as a sales tool. The person who visits you will be better equipped with direct selling techniques, than heating expertise. Their primary concern will be to achieve the highest possible price. Prices generally range from £800 to £2,500 per radiator.

 

All you need is a tape measure

 

If you would like a great value and high-quality electric heating system – without any pressurizing salesmen, all that you need is a tape measure.

Simply let us know your room sizes – either by clicking on “Get a quote” and entering your details, or by giving us a call. If you prefer, you can also order online.

 

An “incorrectly-sized” radiator cannot cost more to use

 

Any thermostatically-controlled radiator with more wattage than is required, will simply draw less power. One that is too small may struggle to raise the room temperature, however we specify from our range of sizes with a margin to ensure that this never happens.

We want to help you choose the best system for your requirements, offer you advice on the best energy tariffs, and give you our very best price – first time.  What’s more, we guarantee that the electric radiators that we specify will be suitable for your rooms.

 

German electric radiators are not built to order

 

Some suppliers advise that the lead-time for delivery is long and it is claimed that the radiators are built to order. This can then necessitate a contract of sale which once signed, can be hard to cancel - especially if the manufacture of those "built-to-order" radiators has already started.

Our radiators are all held in stock at our warehouse. Usually we can deliver to your door within 24 hours.

 

Installation does not have to carried out by a specialist

 

The beauty of electric heating in general, is the ease of installation. As there's no plumbing involved, you can install wherever there's a plug socket. If there isn't one nearby, an electrician can help. Mounting an electric radiator to the wall is quick and simple. Though some German electric heating suppliers insist on installing their products, it is not a job that requires any specialist tools or knowledge.

We can recommend an approved installer in your area of you require one, though you are also welcome to choose your own, or do it yourself. Usually a local handyman or electrician will offer the most cost-effective service, should you need it.

 

Check out the brilliant Economiser Range of German-built electric radiators

 

Understanding Your Energy Bills

piggy bank and scarf on a radiatorApril 1st 2019 is just around the corner meaning that for most of us, inflation and energy bills will continue to rise. This year has already seen some of the top six energy suppliers, such as EDF Energy, increase their energy tariffs despite the cap imposed by regulators.

Whilst the norm used to be simply switching suppliers or looking for a cheaper quote online, unfortunately, with the threat of a no deal Brexit on the horizon, daily expenses such as our food shopping and medication could increase considerably and choices could be dramatically reduced. Our energy bills will become even more of a pressing issue for us!

What affects the cost of my energy bills?

Normally, energy suppliers will compete against each other, helping to drive down the costs of our energy bills but with wholesale prices increasing and global demand at an all-time high, energy providers now have to pass the costs onto the consumer to help reduce the impact it has on their businesses.

Energy sources such as gas are imported meaning that suppliers have to compete on a global scale and with high-demand and a low supply of gas, wholesalers have the upper hand when it comes to imposing costs on the suppliers.

Fortunately, industry experts have introduced a cap on energy providers that help to reduce the costs, which are ultimately passed onto us but the top 6 are only just shy of this cap.

Many other issues affect the cost of your energy, such as:

  • Laws imposed by the UK government mean that suppliers have to reduce emissions and implement renewable energy options.
  • Maintenance costs – this relates to the energy network and any pipes that may require repairs or replacements. Naturally, an increase in demand will place more pressure on the energy supplier’s resources.
  • Energy caps placed on suppliers by Ofgem.
  • VAT – Value Added Tax is added on to energy bills.

How can I reduce my energy bills?

A well-insulated home will help to minimise the amount of heating that is required for your household. If you are on limited income, it may be worth checking out grants and schemes that may be available to you to help improve your insulation or simply provide you with special payment plans. More information can be obtained from the Energy Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 (England and Wales).

Check out our post on heating hacks for 2019 which contains tips on how to reduce your energy consumption.

  • Compare energy tariffs, prices and quotes on a comparison website such as moneysupermarket.com.
  • Contact your supplier or check their website to see if they can beat an existing quote.
  • Check if you are entitled to a rebate or discount under the Warm Home Discount scheme, which provides financial assistance to those who are of pensionable age, have severe health issues, are on a low income or are disabled.
  • If you receive a state pension then check if you are entitled to a winter fuel payment ranging from £100 to £300.
  • Consider switching up your payment method as some suppliers offer a discount if you pay by Direct Debit.

More information can be found on the Ofgem website.

How can Electric Heating Expert help me?

  • Our Economiser radiator range automatically shuts down if it senses a window or door is open.
  • The Economiser provides full flexibility, a wide choice of sizes and is more economical for smaller spaces such as conservatories.
  • We share monthly tips to help you reduce your energy consumption, keep you informed and offer advice over on our blog.
  • Our experts provide a personalised service with no obligation to buy.

 

Start saving today with Electric Heating Experts.

Give us a call on 01252 560770 or drop us an email at enquiries@electricheatingexpert.co.uk.

Is Electric Heating Right for My Conservatory?

conservatoryThe wonderful thing about having a conservatory attached to your house is it allows the sun to come streaming in and provides a separate space where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, all whilst watching the world go by, flowers burst into full bloom and, of course, watch the seasons change day by day.

Unfortunately, conservatories can also mean additional heating costs, especially in the colder winter months. So, if you are looking for a suitable heating solution that will enable you to enjoy flexible heating that adapts to your surroundings and even reduces your electricity bills, our electrical heating experts may have the answer.

Economise with the Economiser

The Economiser electric radiator is a German built ceramic and steel radiator and is one of the best in our range. Some of the many benefits of this particular option include the following:

  • A 30-year warranty is included with all of our Economiser radiators giving you full peace of mind.
  • 24/7 programming provides the flexibility that you desire when it comes to heating your conservatory throughout the changing seasons.
  • Easy installation enables you to access heating in minutes.
  • Automatically senses when a door or window is open (with the window sensor setting) which will dramatically help to cut costs as it will ensure that the radiator shuts off when this occurs.
  • Low height models are available meaning they can be installed directly below a low windowsill. This is especially useful in a small space such as that within a conservatory.
  • The Smart Hub WiFi option provides access via your smartphone, meaning you can heat up your home before you arrive back from a day’s work or an exceptional frosty walk in the country.
  • Our range includes a wide variety of sizes and wattage subject to room dimensions, which ensures that you get the most suitable radiator. If you are unsure then we are happy to help assist you online.

These are just a small list of some of the many benefits to investing in one of our Economiser electric radiators. For the full list check out the range here where you can also read our customer reviews to see what they have to say.

Reasons to consider an electric radiator for your conservatory

Are you still unsure about whether investing in an electric radiator is right for you? Here are some of the reasons why it may not only be suitable but also a good way for you to reduce your overall energy consumption.

  • Thanks to their unique design, high glass ceilings and exterior walls, conservatories typically release heat much faster than other rooms within your house. This is also still the case even if you have already invested in double glazing throughout.
  • Electric radiators don’t require complicated plumbing or a trained professional to install.
  • Their size means that they take up a minimal amount of space.
  • They are much more cost-effective as energy is naturally converted into heat at a much faster rate.
  • Underfloor heating will take a lot longer to heat the room up and is far more disruptive when it comes to the installation process, not to mention extremely costly if you have already had your floor laid.

Finally

Of course, there are a whole host of options available to you which include air conditioning, gas central heating, trench heating and many more. If you would like to speak to one of our dedicated experts, then we are more than happy to assist you with any queries you may have and with no obligation to make a purchase.

Spring Cleaning with Electric Heating Expert

spring cleaning productsMarch 20th 2018 officially marks the start of Spring, that wonderful time when tulips, daffodils and bluebells adorn our British countryside, the sun shines down on us and of course, the clocks go forward, ultimately helping to put a little extra spring in our step.

If you are thinking of doing a little spring cleaning, then here are some tips from our experts at Electric Heating Expert, who have also included some great advice on how you can take care of your electric heater.

Get Organised

Before starting, make sure you have a to-do list and any cleaning products that you may require. Start upstairs until you gradually work your way down. By breaking it up room by room, it will be less daunting and enable you to ensure that nothing gets missed.

The KonMari Method

If you are lucky enough to have Netflix then chances are you have already discovered Marie Kondo and her famous videos that cover topics such as folding your clothing so it stands up vertically, this is a great way of maximising space in your drawers and makes it much easier to see what you have. Any unused items can then be donated to a local charity shop or recycled at a nearby facility.

Bare Necessities

We have all heard it before, a bedroom should be clutter and technology free to help maximise our chance of a peaceful night’s sleep. A great way to do this is to place a basket by your bed with a book, hand cream, reading glasses or those little things that you like to use for a pre-bedtime pamper.

Flip That Mattress

Most good mattresses will have a lifespan of approximately 8 years depending on how well you look after them. By flipping it every few months, you can even out the pressure that is placed on your bed springs which in turn will lead to a longer lifespan for your mattress and ensure that you get a good night’s sleep.

Electrifying

Keeping your electric radiator clean will not only ensure that your heating bill is kept to a minimum, but it will also help to maximise the lifespan of your radiator. The great thing about our range of Vantage and Economiser radiators is that they have many benefits unlike conventional storage heaters such as:

  • They can easily be detached from your wall for cleaning purposes or should you wish to redecorate your house.
  • They do not burn dust particles or leave black marks on your wall as the traditional storage heaters can.
  • The wide vents on our range provide easy access for dusting.
  • The powder coating on our range helps to prevent discolouration or yellowing.
  • You can find more tips on how to save money on your heating bill here.

Useful Extras

  • Get rid of stray pet hairs with a rubber glove or a lint roller.
  • A toothbrush and toothpaste can be used to remove stains in your fridge. Odours can then be eliminated with a lemon cut in half and placed on the top and bottom shelves.
  • Clean your appliances – cooker (bicarbonate soda), dishwasher (baking soda), microwaves can be cleaned by placing a cup of warm water in and then gently scraping off dirt with a brush.
  • Your washing machine can also be cleaned by running it on a hot wash with some white vinegar placed inside to get rid of smells, built up mildew and limescale.
  • White vinegar is also great for descaling your kettle by leaving it overnight filled with half water and half white wine vinegar. Simply rinse in the morning and make sure you have done this thoroughly before making a cup of tea.

Have you started your spring cleaning yet?

Electric vs. Gas Radiators

thermostat with piggy bank on radiatorAre you struggling to solve the debate between which is better – Gas or electric? Today our Electric Heating Experts based in Fleet are going to help you finally decide which the most suitable option for you is.

Naturally, we are pro electric as it is proven to be cheaper, offers easier installation, doesn’t require access to a chimney and is great at heating up smaller spaces such as a home study or bedroom.

However, it isn’t as simple as saying that one option is better. There are many factors that will determine which is more economical, efficient and cost-effective for you. So, before you commit to an electric radiator, here are some things to think about prior to making an investment.

Maintenance Costs

As mentioned earlier, gas radiators can be significantly cheaper to run and are particularly good at heating up larger open spaces. However, the initial costs and installation process can be more troublesome. Some things to consider include:

• Boiler Installation can cost in the region of £2,500 to £3,000 on average depending on where you are based in the UK.
• Boilers and gas central heating will require checks on a periodic basis.

Flexibility

• Electric radiators can be switched off and offer greater flexibility.
• Electric heaters have cheaper installation costs associated with them and can be purchased from the Electrical Heating Experts from as little as £276.00.
• Devices can be installed within minutes.
• No pipes to worry about meaning our radiators can be located in most areas of the house.
• Our EHE radiators are more energy efficient than standard storage heaters.
• A great option if you don’t have access to a chimney.

Insulation

• The running costs of your electric heater will be significantly cheaper if your property already benefits from good insulation as this will reduce the overall heat loss.
• If you don’t require long- term heating then electric heating is ideal as it can be switched off when you are at work or away for long periods of time.
• By following the tips from our previous heating hacks post you can improve the overall insulation of your home without necessarily incurring additional costs and these tips can benefit you even if you have gas radiators.

The bottom line...

At Electric Heating Expert we will never push you to make a purchase, insist on home surveys or state that our radiators are the best option for you, we will simply provide the facts to help you make an informed decision and ensure that we are on hand to answer any queries that you may have. In addition, to providing you with our expertise, we provide easy installation instructions for you to follow should you decide to purchase from our range.

If you have a large home, access to a chimney and already have a decent boiler installed then gas heating may well be the best option for you. However, that doesn’t mean an electric heater should be dismissed for your conservatory or garage.

Alternatively, electric radiators shouldn’t be dismissed if you require heating in your bathroom or suffer from skin conditions such as eczema as our range minimises the drying effect and thus improving your home environment.

More information can be found under our FAQ section on our website or, alternatively, please give us a call today on 01252 560770 or email us at enquiries@electricheatingexpert.co.uk

Heating Hacks for 2019

feet warming near the fireplace

Has the New Year left you feeling the pinch? No, we aren’t talking about your waistline, rather your purse strings! January is always a struggle, for most of us, especially when it comes to reading your bank statement. It is only natural that keeping your home warm is a luxury that we often neglect to factor into our monthly outgoings throughout the festive period but what if you could heat your home for less? No bubble wrap or foil required. Here are some of our top tips on how you can keep your house warm for less this year.

Sweet Dreams

Ensure that you have the appropriate tog rating for your duvet during the colder months. Many department stores will have a guide on the side of the packaging and even have samples for you to feel and look at before making a purchase.

Have wooden flooring? Why not consider laying down a few rugs by your bedside? Another great way to save money is to invest in some cute cosy blankets that can be used either on top of your regular bedding or as a way to snuggle up on the sofa with the heating on low. As for those Christmas socks, now is the time to wear them and generally put on a few extra layers.

Think Smart

A great way to monitor and reduce your energy consumption usage is to consider installing a smart meter in your home. Luckily for you, if you live in the UK then you can get one of these free of charge between now and 2020. Why not consult your energy provider about their role out plan and you could start saving today.

Savvy Shopping

Consider shopping around for the best deal by using an online site such as comparethemarket.com or Uswitch which will provide you with some of the best deals suited to you and your home. You could save yourself £100’s.

Interior Design

Don’t worry you don’t need to completely renovate your living room, but by leaving those curtains open during those sunny Winter days and simply relocating that sofa away from your radiator, you could create a warmer home without spending a single penny. If you have a fireplace then you could also consider a balloon to trap warm air from escaping our through your chimney, this can then be deflated and removed when you want to have a fire.

Insulate to Accumulate

You have heard it time and time again, but insulation is the best way to retain heat, from loft insulation, double glazed windows and under-floor heating, but of course, these can all be costly so another much cheaper option is to close doors and avoid draughts by using a draught excluder.

Radiate Heat

Our electric heaters offer a fully programmable control system, lower operational costs as well as flexibility which will enable you to either heat your home or office and rest easy knowing you have one of the best from their categories. All of our Vantage radiators come with a 30-year warranty as standard, with prices starting from less than £300 whilst our Italian built design comes with a 10-year warranty and offers silent operation from less than £400. As well as saving money you will no longer have to worry about bleeding your radiators in preparation for the colder months.

Call us on 01252 560770 for more information.

Alternatively, why not complete our 2-minute self-survey online for a quick quote from one of our experts.

Winter Sunshine

If all else fails, then book yourself a Winter sun break with all of that money that you are bound to save using the tricks above.

Happy New Year from us all at Electric Heating Expert!

Steve Donovan

After being quoted £5,800 to heat 2 rooms by an alternative company, I found similar heating for 3 rooms with Electric Heating Expert for just over £1,200. Excellent product, easy to install and nice warm rooms with professional advice over the phone and no hard sell tactics. Thank you and a very happy customer.

14 November 2018

John Ringham

The economiser radiators are well made and great value for money. Service was excellent and ability to discuss requirements and best sizes was great.

20 March 2018

Christine Mulinder

I bought a Vantage radiator as my flat is all electric. I wanted something that was modern in design and energy efficient that would be easy for me to install without having to pay for an engineer. The room is only a small bedroom but the Vantage 600w radiator pumps out heat and allows me to use it on a low setting, saving electricity. The thermostatic timer is excellent meaning I only have heat when I want it at a temperature that is suitable for the climate. I was able to ‘plug and go’ and hang the radiator with just a couple of easy install brackets. In summary it surpassed my expectations for cost effectiveness and modern ergonomic design. Electric Heating Expert website was clear and the ordering process and delivery were just what they said it would be. Thanks EHE!

1 October 2018

Denise Wilcox

Bought the largest size radiator for our well insulated outbuilding. Best price that we could find on the internet, exceed expectations as radiator was available for delivery by the carrier a day earlier than expected. 20 mins to install and with 3 pin plug no electrician required (bonus!). Understanding the programming guide took a while longer… We are now tracking the running cost but it seems to be cost effective so far. Would happily recommend product and service to anyone considering a purchase.

6 December 2017