Top Health Reasons to Convert to Electric Heating Top Health Reasons to Convert to Electric Heating As autumn moves toward winter, and the temperatures drop, many of us are now turning up the thermostat. For many years, we’ve not thought too much about the fuel we’re burning. Just whether the boiler has been serviced, and then letting it heat our homes throughout the winter months. However, we’re now seeing a shift in the type of heating homeowners want to use. More and more people are looking for heating alternatives, and switching to all-electric heating systems. Not only is there a strong incentive to move away from fossil fuels, to help reverse climate change, but electric heating systems actually come with a range of other benefits. These include monthly savings – as electric heating is 100% energy efficient, no energy is wasted moving hot water through pipes. But just as importantly, electric heating is also far better for your health. Here are the top health reasons you should convert to electric heating: No combustion involved Unlike gas boilers, electric heating doesn’t rely on the burning of fuel to generate heat. Gas is highly flammable and if a boiler isn’t maintained properly, there’s a risk of gas leaks, fires or even an explosion. Indeed, this means that not only is your boiler a risk to your health and safety, but all gas appliances can be lethal. For this reason, gas boilers and appliances need to be serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. No risk of carbon monoxide poisoning A faulty gas appliance isn’t just a fire risk. When gas doesn’t burn properly, it creates carbon monoxide. This lethal gas is silent, has no odour and can build up over time without you realising. Symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide exposure include: Tension headacheTirednessNausea and vomitingDizzinessConfusionShortness of breathStomach pain Prolonged or acute exposure causes vision, memory and balance issues as well as loss of consciousness. Indeed, within minutes of high exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning can be lethal. As a result of this risk to health, homes with gas boilers and gas appliances must also have carbon monoxide monitors. Just like the appliances themselves, these need to regularly be checked as well. So the obvious benefit here is that there is zero risk of carbon monoxide poisoning with an all-electric heating system. No risk of water pipes bursting Unlike electric heating systems that plug directly into a power supply, gas heating systems rely on a series of water pipes to transport the heat energy from the boiler to radiators. However, in freezing temperatures the water in the pipes will freeze. As water freezes, it expands. This puts pressure on the pipes, causing them to fracture. As the water thaws, it leaks through the burst pipes, potentially causing a lot of damage within the home. This is bad for your health in so many ways. It’s not only stressful, it’s also expensive to fix and can ruin precious items that are irreplaceable. Water infiltration can also lead to a build-up of damp. This in itself is bad for your health, as it can cause respiratory problems, make asthma worse and exacerbate allergies. In contrast, with electric heating systems such as electric radiators and heaters, there’s no water being pumped around, just energy converted directly to heat within the home. Silent running Ah, the sound of silence. There’s a reason sound can be used for torture. Old gas boiler systems have many moving parts that can disturb the peace. These include creaking pipes, dripping water and clicking radiators. All of this noise pollution can actually be really bad for your mental health. It can also keep you awake at night, disturbing your sleep, which in itself is incredibly bad for your general health. However, electric systems are completely silent. Just switch it on, relax and bask in the luxurious ambient heat. Financial benefits lower stress levels Traditionally, electric heating systems were seen as less economical than gas boilers. However, modern electric radiators and heating systems have blown this myth out of the water. Firstly, electric heating systems such as electric radiators and heaters are far cheaper to install than a boiler-fed heating system. There’s no pipework, no flue and no planning considerations. All you need is a power point and you’re good to go. Secondly, as there are less moving parts, no danger of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, electric heating systems don’t require annual servicing. This means year-on-year you’ll make significant savings. Thirdly, with an electric heating system each unit runs independently of each other, so if one fails you don’t lose the heating in your whole house. Excellent warranties also mean that parts and units are quickly and easily replaced, as opposed to costly engineer visits and boiler repairs associated with gas systems. Finally, electric heating systems now come with state-of-the-art programming, innovative components and amazing thermal heating elements. This means that you’ll instantly have heat exactly where and when you need it. No more cold mornings or freezing evenings, waiting for the temperature to come up, which is far better for your health. Also – and most importantly – electric heat is 100% efficient. This means all of the energy you use is converted to heat, and your monthly bills will reflect this. Monthly outgoings are the biggest worries for homeowners, so having superior control of this will definitely give you peace of mind and lower stress levels within the household. We hope this article has helped you to understand the health benefits of converting to an electric heating system. As you can see, it’s definitely good for body, mind and soul. It will also ultimately be good for the environment, which is also key to a brighter, safer future for us all. If you’re in the middle of home renovations, are planning a new build or just switching from a gas boiler to an electric heating system then get in touch today. We have a fantastic range of products, including premium electric radiators and electric heaters that provide superior comfort, unrivalled programmability and excellent cost benefits. Whether you’re looking to heat one area or a whole home, we can help you move toward a greener, cleaner home heating system. Get in touch today on 01252 560770, or email us at enquiries@electricheatingexpert.co.uk to find out more.
