Electric radiators – the facts uncovered

As electric radiators continue their rise in popularity, Richard Brown, Managing Director of Electrorad, dispels the myths and outlines the benefits they bring to uncover just exactly why they are a number one heating solution.

Due to changes in legislation, ease of fit and more properties now being built on non-gas plots, electric radiators are fast becoming a first choice when looking for heating solutions. With no messy pipe work required, no yearly maintenance and such flexibility of control, it’s clear to see why.

However, when homeowners and contractors are looking for a radiator solution that best meets their needs, they are faced with a world of contradictory information, bamboozling figures, terms like nominal power and effective power, and statements implying that some electric radiators only need to be on for 15 minutes in an hour to create the warmth needed.

When deciding which models to stock and which to recommend to contractors, it can be a minefield. So, it’s important to understand the actual benefits that electric radiators can bring. But, before we can do this, we need to dispel one of the largest myths currently within the marketplace. “Are there any differences in energy use or running costs?” The simple answer is NO!

Scientific fact

Due to the laws of physics relating to thermodynamics and specifically electrical resistance heating, we can categorically state and guarantee that any electric radiator currently in the marketplace will use exactly the same energy and cost exactly the same to run, if heating in a like-for-like situation with identical rooms and tariffs. This isn’t fiction, or based on complicated words or numbers – it’s scientific fact. The electric elements’ conversion of energy to heat is 100% efficient. Other materials in the design or build of the radiators cannot change this, they cannot “make more heat”, they can only transfer it in slightly different ways.

The government has a standard relating to energy efficiency called ‘SAP’. If we use SAP to calculate running costs and energy use, the result is the same for all products. The government’s calculations and documentation shows that the running cost and energy use of all electric radiators to be exactly the same in terms of efficiency. So, where does that leave you when recommending the right electric radiator to contractors?

Well, if your customers are looking for an upgrade from night storage heaters to a system that’s better looking, that offers more control and that comes with comprehensive guarantees – then electric radiators offer the perfect solution with instant heat, extremely accurate thermostatic control and 24/7 programming; ensuring energy use is kept to a minimum and comfort levels are high.

Increased controllability: No more guessing the weather like with storage heaters. Say goodbye to being too warm in the mornings and too cold in the evenings, electric radiators offer a wide range of control options to suit both lifestyle and budget. From a simple dial control on the radiator that controls the room temperature – to a digital electronic thermostat with 24/7 programming, and even Wi-Fi/app control options; there are multiple models to choose from. Some also feature built in radio frequency receivers for whole house control and can offer connection via Wi-Fi, enabling separate programming of each radiator from wherever the homeowner is, via a smartphone, tablet or PC.

Good looks: No more bulky heaters or ones that burn dust and leave hideous brown marks on walls. Electric radiators look more like traditional gas central heating radiators than ever before and provide the same quality and type of heating. There’s a wealth of sizes and designs available to suit every room and with 300mm height models available, they are also ideal for conservatory walls and even lofts.

Efficiency: Unlike storage heaters, electric radiators use only the heat and energy required, so there are no losses to pay for. They offer excellent control of energy, as each radiator can be controlled independently to only produce heat to the level required and at the time needed for its own room; enabling the home to be heated to match the homeowner’s lifestyle.

Options

With the growing demand for electric radiators, it’s important to ensure you have a healthy range of options to offer your customers. However, when recommending one electric radiator over another, it can only ever be about lifestyle, looks and control, as they are the only differentials. All running costs will be exactly the same, regardless of which radiator you recommend.

If you are overwhelmed with all the various options, or simply want more guidance on electric radiators in general, be sure to align yourself to a manufacturer who has the expertise and experience to assist with ongoing training and product updates. The future of electric heating is here to stay.

www.electrorad.co.uk