Gas central heating is one of the most popular heating systems in the country, used in most homes across the UK. However, in the last few decades electric heating technology has developed at such a rate that energy efficient electric radiators now offer an economical alternative. Here are a few advantages electric radiators offer over gas central heating:
• Don’t need to switch on the whole system to heat a single room
• 100% efficient – all electricity used is turned into heat
• Highly accurate individual thermostats
• No unrepresentative central thermostat
• Control each room separately
• In-depth digital programming for each radiator
• No maintenance or plumbing work required
• Safer – no fuel burnt in your home
• No heat loss through boiler and pipesThe ability to accurately control temperatures room-by-room is one of the key advantages electric heating systems have over gas systems. Rather than heating your whole home to the same temperature, regardless of which rooms are being used, electric lets you pick and choose which rooms get heated and to what extent. Why heat your bedroom, hallway and kitchen to the same level when you just want to keep your lounge nice and toasty? Using electric heaters, you can program a specific heating schedule for every area of your home, fine-tuning your heating on a level that most central heating systems can’t provide. This trims down running costs, more accurately reflects how you use each space and makes sure that your rooms are perfectly heated when you come to use them – all while using the minimum amount of energy. Advancements in technology now allow some heaters to bridge the control gap between electric and central heating. WiFi compatible models let you make changes to individual heaters via your smartphone, as well as group them together so they can run to the same schedule.
Another core benefit to electric radiators is that their thermostats are built into the unit so you’re not relying on one central temperature measurement that’s unrepresentative of your entire property. In central heating systems, thermostats are typically located in the coldest area of the home (e.g. the hallway) to make sure that your heating doesn’t switch off too soon and leave your other rooms chilly. This isn’t exactly a sophisticated means of temperature management. Smaller rooms can become overheated and we’re all familiar with having to traipse around the house, turning radiators down in order to find the right balance of warmth. This is where the modularity of electric systems really shines. The digital thermostats in our radiators are accurate to within a fraction of a degree so that they monitor room temperatures with near perfect precision. Your rooms are never too hot or too cold – they’re always the exact temperature you’ve programmed into their schedule. All they do is occasionally switch on to top-up heat levels, then switch off again the moment they reach their target.
Electric heating systems in general are becoming more and more popular with property developers and landlords because of the ease of installation and low maintenance requirements. There are no hidden maintenance costs with electric heating: no gas checks, no monthly protection plans and no risk of carbon monoxide. Once installed, all they need is the occasional dust down to keep them running smoothly. There’s also none of the headache of extending pipework, which can be a huge expense in multi-storey rental properties.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to leave the heating on all day? ›
Ultimately then, the key to cost effective home
So, depending on the layout of your house and the type of heating system you have, leaving your heat on all day can significantly increase your energy bills. Turning off your heater, even just for a few hours a day, can help you save between 5%-15% on energy costs over the year.
Is it cheaper to have heating on low all day? ›Unless your house is very well insulated, keeping your heating on low all day is usually unnecessary and will cause your heating bills to soar. Instead, set your heating to come on in the morning before you get up and turn it off half an hour before you leave for work.
Is it cheaper to keep your house at constant temperature? ›Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.
How many hours a day should heating be on? ›During colder months, such as winter, heating systems are typically active for around 6 to 8 hours per day. In milder seasons, like spring and fall, the heating duration might be reduced to 2 to 4 hours per day.
Does turning the heating on and off cost more? ›Does turning the boiler on and off increase energy usage? No. Many people believe that they will save money on energy bills by keeping their boiler on constantly, rather than turning it off and on when needed. This is not the case.
Why you shouldn't leave heating on all day? ›The Energy Saving Trust says if you're keeping the heating on all day you're losing energy all day, so it's better to heat your home only when you need it. You can also apply for a Cold Weather Payment to help when temperatures fall to freezing, a Warm Home Discount or a Winter Fuel Payment to minimise your bills.
How cold is too cold for house? ›When deciding what temperature to set your thermostat to, avoid going below 63 degrees. Temperatures below 63 degrees Fahrenheit can cause mold and mildew growth or increase allergens.
How can I keep my heat bill low? ›- Caulk and weather strip. ...
- Insulate your attic. ...
- Change your air filter. ...
- Get your heating system inspected. ...
- Install a programmable thermostat. ...
- Set your thermostat at 70 degrees or lower. ...
- Let the sun heat your house. ...
- Sign up for budget billing.
It says that keeping your heating on all day uses more fuel and so is more costly. Typically, the most energy-efficient approach is to use a central heating timer to make sure your home is heated when you need it.
What is the healthiest temperature to keep your house? ›
Most people can agree that a healthy range will go from 20 – 24 degrees Celsius (68 – 76 degrees Fahrenheit). Depending on a number of other factors, you may prefer one temperature over another. For example, many people like to set their thermostat to something a little warmer during the winter.
What is the cheapest temperature to keep your house in winter? ›You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.
What temperature should I keep my house at to save money? ›Or better yet, “What is the most energy saving temperature to set my thermostat at?” According to ENERGYSTAR.gov, the ideal home temperature should be between 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best temperature to leave heating on? ›In practice, you should be heating your home based on the age and health of your household. The WHO suggests 20 degrees as the ideal temperature for the old, young or unwell. For healthy adults, you should heat your home to a room temperature that feels comfortable.
Is it cheaper to leave your heating on all the time? ›What the experts say. Our most trustworthy port of call for all things energy-efficiency, the Energy Saving Trust confirms that leaving your heating on all day in order to save money is a myth. According to them, having your heating on only when you need it is always best.
How much does it cost to put heating on for 1 hour? ›How much does it cost to run gas central heating per hour? If you're connected to mains gas, you're looking at a cost of around 7p per kilowatt-hour. This means that if you have a 24 kW boiler, you can expect to pay around £1.68 per hour to run it on mains gas. Information correct as of the October 2023 price cap.
Does cutting your heat on and off cost more? ›Thermostat Settings and Your Heating Bill
Does turning the heat on and off raise the bill each month? The answer is no. Adjusting your thermostat to lower settings when you're not home or when you're asleep can actually lead to significant heating bill savings.
It's More Advisable to Turn the Heat Down, Not Off
Install an automatic thermostat so you don't have to manually adjust the temperature every day. When you turn off the heat in your home during the winter, your home loses heat faster.
As gas is generally cheaper than electricity – and modern gas boilers are more energy-efficient than their older counterparts – gas central heating systems are often the most cost-effective solution for heating your home. This is especially true when compared to electric heaters alone (read our gas vs.