Electric vs Central Heating Radiators

If you are looking to update the radiators in your home, you may have been researching one of the most challenging decisions: electric vs central heating radiators. Without the right information, it can be confusing, so in this post, we answer some of the main questions we get about central heating radiators and electric radiators.

Which type of radiator is cheaper? What is the point of getting electric radiators? What styles are available in each collection? Let's help you decide which type of radiator is right for you and your home.

Electric vs Central Heating Radiators - Which Is More Cost-Effective?

The simple answer to this question is that gas is cheaper than electricity, so central heating radiators are technically cheaper to run than electric radiators. Electricity is generally 3-4 times more expensive than gas, costing around 15p per kWh to buy vs gas at 4p per kWh.

However, this comparison isn’t as straightforward as it seems, with many factors affecting the cost-effectiveness of your radiators.

Electric vs Central Heating Radiators - Energy Efficiency

Although gas is much cheaper than electricity, gas boilers are significantly less efficient. Even a brand-new gas boiler only runs at around 90% efficiency, declining over time. In comparison, an electric radiator converts 1 kWh of electricity into 1 BTU. BTU is the way heat is measured, The efficiency comparison between gas and electric can be complex, as it will largely depend on the efficiency and age of a gas boiler. The older your boiler is, the less efficient it will be in turning energy into heat.

What Happens If I Cannot Access Mains Gas?

For many, the decision is simple. Electric radiators are necessary because they cannot access mains gas. A census carried out by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) highlighted that around 4 million homes in the UK could not access a main gas supply. There are, of course, alternatives to electric heating such as biomass or LPG. However, electric heating is not quite as expensive as it may seem. Electric heating does not require filling with water so it does not need pipework. This could be extremely costly, running into tens of thousands of pounds in some cases.

Additionally, an electric radiator is more efficient, converting all of the electricity used into heat. Even where you are unable to access a main supply of gas, you can heat your home efficiently and cost-effectively.

An electric radiator is ideal for spaces that central heating doesn’t reach. For example, they are a very popular option for conservatories, garage conversions, extensions and even playhouses for children. Check out this blackboard feature radiator that would be the perfect addition to your child's playroom.

The cost of getting access to a main gas supply can vary greatly. How much you can expect to pay will depend on your location, and what type of home you have. High-rise flats, rural cottages, newly built houses and old tenements... there is so much that can affect the cost of betting ‘on the grid’. One of the biggest problems for some homes is gas pressure too, with high-rise flats often lacking in gas pressure. In these circumstances, electric radiators could be the perfect solution.

Which Radiator Is Right For Me: Central Heating Or Electric?

When it comes to deciding whether to get central heating or to use electric radiators, there is a lot to consider.

In an average UK home with central heating, it will take around an hour for the home to get up to the desired temperature. However, generally, homes can be heated much faster by using electric radiators, meaning that you will actually have the heating on for less time.

Similarly, with electric radiators, you can heat rooms individually. You do not need to turn on your central heating: you can simply turn on the electric radiator in the room you wish to heat. This is particularly useful for those who live alone, or where only some rooms in the house are generally cold. Even in a family home, is there any need to heat every room in the house? With electric radiators, you can isolate where you wish to keep warm - perfect for cosy evenings.

As a result, even though electricity is more expensive than gas, you could make back this cost in the energy you save, bringing your fuel costs down.

Moreover, it is far easier to install electric radiators in your property, than to install central heating radiators. In order to install central heating, you need a plumber to fit the pipework. This fitting can be expensive and disruptive to you and your family going about your life. Electric radiators have no pipework, you will not need to rip up any flooring and you will not be required to drain down the central heating system while the installation is taking place. You will, however, need an electrician. Generally, an electrician will have your radiators installed in a few hours with minimal disruption.

Electric radiators can also be exceptionally stylish. With many models, colours, and finishes to choose from, rather than being just a functional aspect of your home they can end up becoming a key design feature. Just look at this stunning stone radiator, sure to catch the attention of any visitor to your home. The right radiator can be a real conversation starter, and even be the jumping-off point for the decor of a space, entirely transforming the feel and look of any room.

If you are ready to upgrade your space using electric radiators, please get in touch with our team today, or check out our range of smart electric radiators, for that added touch of technology.

Contact Our Radiator Specialists

Here at Just Radiators, we are highly experienced in finding the right radiators for our clients. We not only recommend radiators that are cost-effective and energy-efficient, but we are sure you will be delighted by the elegant, stylish or modern designs we have on offer. No matter what room in your house you are looking to upgrade, we are confident we can find the right radiators to match your style ambitions. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your specific needs.

At just radiators we stock a wide range of radiators. From column radaitors to vertical radiators and compact radiators. We have it all. If you're looking for reliable at great prices then check out our radiators on sale.