It can be so difficult trying to work out what the right type of heating for your home should be. With ever increasing energy costs through to the impact on the environment, there’s a lot to think about before you even start looking at the heaters themselves!

In this article, we’re going to take a look at electric radiators and help you to assess if they might be a great solution for your home.

What is an Electric Radiator?

An electric radiator is an appliance that, not too surprisingly, uses electricity to create heat. There are two key types. Firstly there are the models that have a metal frame, usually with fins or coils attached to it, and a wire mesh screen in front. Electricity passes through the wires in the screen, creating heat which radiates outwards. Then, there are the electric radiators that are filled with a thermodynamic fluid such as oil. When this is used with electricity, then it generates heat. 

Electric radiators come in many sizes and shapes, including freestanding models as well as wall-mounted versions.

What Types of Homes are Electric Radiators Suitable for?

Electric radiators are a popular choice for heating small to medium-sized spaces because they are relatively inexpensive to buy and operate, and can be easily installed almost anywhere. They also provide supplemental heat, meaning that they can be used along with other forms of heating such as central heating systems or space heaters. 

In cold weather climates, electric radiators are often used to keep bedrooms and other living spaces warm overnight when people are sleeping.

What are the Advantages of Electric Radiators?

There are many reasons why people might choose to install electric radiators in their home. Some benefits of using electric radiators include:

  • They are extremely efficient, since they convert 100% of the energy they use into heat, making them much more effective than traditional heating methods like convection or radiation.
  • Many people find that because of the high levels of efficiency that they make significant savings on their monthly energy bills.
  • Electric radiators are able to quickly and evenly heat up a room, which is ideal for those who want to create a warm environment quickly or need supplemental heat during colder months.
  • They do not require any installation and can be plugged directly into an outlet, making them very easy to use and set up.
  • There’s no need to bleed electric radiators so no need to worry about whether the pressure is too high or too low.
  • Electric radiators come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is easy to find one that will fit perfectly into your home's decor.
  • Unlike gas heaters there is no requirement for annual servicing by a qualified gas engineer.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Electric Radiators?

Deciding on the heating for your home is a big decision, so it’s important to consider the disadvantages as well as the advantages. Thankfully, for electric radiators, there really aren’t many downsides.

  • In the event of a power cut then you will be left with no heating in the home. If you go with electric radiators then it can be useful to have a portable gas heater as a back up if you tend to get frequent power issues.
  • Electricity can be an expensive fuel. However, this is much the same for all fuel types right now. It’s also important to consider that many governments are planning to phase out gas appliances in the future because of the damage it can cause to the environment
  • Electric radiators can be slow to heat a whole room. So once you get home and then turn them on, it might be a while before you really start to feel the temperature increase. One way around that is to have the electric radiators on a timer and have multiple radiators in each area. That way you can have them come on half an hour before you get home so that the whole house is warm when you walk through the door.

Why Should I Choose Electric Radiators?

There are many benefits of using electric radiators over other heating sources. Electric radiators are typically more efficient than other forms of heating, such as gas or oil heaters. They also produce less noise and pollution, making them a more environmentally-friendly option. 

Additionally, electric radiators can be controlled very easily to create the perfect level of warmth for your home, which is not always possible with other types of heaters.