Making the switch to electric heating
The benefits of electric heating
Low maintenance
Electric heating systems cost less to install than their gas counterparts, and often require very little maintenance. Panel heaters and storage heaters only need to be checked for safety around once every five years, though electric boilers - like oil and gas boilers - will require annual maintenance.
No water required
Because it doesn’t involve the flow of hot water, there’s no chance of burst pipes or leaks damaging your property if you opt for electric heating (with the exception of an electric boiler). It’s also much quieter, and eliminates other risks that come with gas heating such as carbon monoxide leaks.
Can heat one room at a time
With gas central heating, you’ll need to run the entire system even if you just want to turn on one radiator. But direct electric heating systems allow you to generate the exact amount of heat you need, and send it directly to the rooms you want. Having this level of control over your heating means you’ll save energy and money - these ‘smart’ controls often come integrated with new systems as standard.
Types of electric heating
Electric storage heaters
Electric storage heaters were introduced in the 1960s, though you can now buy more efficient modern versions with easy to use controls. They heat up overnight (when electricity is cheaper), store the heat in ceramic or clay bricks, and release it during the day. As a result, some storage heaters might go cold before they can regenerate heat, though others are better insulated and can retain heat for 24 hours.
Electric boilers
This type of boiler uses electricity to heat water - much like a giant kettle - and disperses it to your radiators to warm your home. They are much more efficient than oil and gas boilers, as 100% of the energy they use is turned into heat.
Electric radiators and panel heaters
Radiators and panel heaters are types of direct electric heating, which operate very efficiently to rapidly provide heat, and can heat one room at a time. All new electric heaters come with thermostats, temperature controllers, and fans. This type of heating is the cheapest to install, but can be more expensive to run, depending on how well-insulated your property is.
Electric underfloor heating
Electric underfloor heating can be great for keeping your bare feet warm, and can even replace radiators. Since it requires your floors to be taken up, installing this type of heating can be a hassle - though it’s less disruptive than underfloor heating that uses hot water.
Is an electric heating system right for you?
The biggest trade-off when it comes to heating your house with electricity is that - if you aren’t creating your own electricity through solar panels - your bills will be higher than if you used gas. Gas costs 7p/kWh compared to 27p/kWh for electricity, though remember to factor in the price of installation when assessing costs.
On the plus side, since the UK’s electricity is increasingly being generated by renewable sources, switching to an electric heating system can help you be more sustainable and do your bit for the planet.
However, if saving money is a priority, you can reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint at the same time by switching to a renewable heating system such as a heat pump. Otherwise, you can simply implement controls to help you cut down on energy wastage and start saving money.
A warm and energy-efficient home that’s cheaper to run is within your reach. Start by getting your Heatio Home Energy Score and get ready to learn how we can help you reap all the benefits renewable energy has to offer.
