Are Electric Radiators Efficient?

Electric radiators are ultra-efficient because they convert 100% of the energy they use into heat. Their efficiency is also largely due to the amount of radiant heat they produce, as well as their in-built energy-saving features. We’re covering all the main questions about radiator efficiency in this blog, so if you want to know what makes them stand out from the crowd, let’s get right into it…

How energy-efficient are electric radiators?

As we mentioned above, electric radiators are 100% efficient at point of use because all of the power they draw from the wall is converted into heat – not a single watt is wasted. They’re far more effective at converting their power into heat than fuel burning systems, like gas or oil, which lose energy during the combustion process. But point of use is just one instance where efficiency can be measured. We also have to take into account the process of how this electricity is generated in the first place. Currently, a proportion of the electricity in the grid is generated by burning fossil fuels, which means that a lot of our mains power doesn’t come through completely efficient means. However, more and more is now being created from renewable sources like wind, solar and tidal. If we continue to invest in renewables, electric radiators will only become more efficient over time and they’ll also be the greener choice for heating properties.

 

“not a single watt is wasted”

What makes electric radiators efficient?

Part of the reason electric radiators are so efficient as a heating system is because they come with automatic energy saving features, which reduce power consumption without you having to poke around with the settings. These features make sure that your heating takes care of itself and, in turn, takes care of you more effectively in the long run. 

Here are some of the most common automatic features offered by electric radiators that save you money:

  • Digital thermostats
  • Daily and weekly programming
  • Open window detection
  • Adaptive start

Out of all of these features, the most important ones are digital thermostats and weekly programmers, which come built into each unit. These thermostats are accurate to a fraction of a degree so they monitor your room temperature with a keen eye and prevent it from getting too hot or too cold. So, when your space reaches the right temperature, the heater switches off instantly to stop it from wasting energy. Programmers work alongside the thermostat and let you choose times and temperatures for your heating throughout the week so you can decide exactly when your radiators will be using energy. A weekly programmer allows you to schedule your heating around your lifestyle and is an essential way to make sure your electric radiators are operating efficiently. 

 

“radiant heat is what makes electric radiators more efficient than convection heaters”

Why are electric radiators more efficient than other electric heaters?

Technically speaking, all electric heating systems are at least 100% efficient at point of use so why are some products considered more efficient than others? If they all use power the same way, surely we would have homes full to the brim with cheap portable fan heaters, merrily whirring away in the background to quickly bring rooms up to temperature. Yet we know instinctively that portable heaters shouldn’t be used for whole home heating – why is this?

The answer is in how electric radiators heat. They produce roughly two-thirds of their warmth by heating the surrounding air and the remaining third via radiation. This radiant heat is what makes electric radiators more efficient than convection heaters because radiation isn’t blown away by draughts. It’s absorbed into the surroundings to create a lasting warmth that products like fan heaters and panel heaters can’t match. Just think about how many times you come and go from your rooms – every time you open and close a door, that warm air is escaping into the corridor. Convection heaters will have to work harder to top-up your room’s heat levels if it’s draughty – which is why they tend to have higher wattages to compensate – whereas electric radiators will easily cope if there’s a little bit of heat loss. Their radiant heat sticks around for longer and keeps your rooms nicely heated even if there is the occasional through draught.

 

“we recommend looking for products that come with the most energy saving features”

Which are your most efficient electric radiators?

All of our electric radiators are designed to be exceptionally energy efficient and they’re also Lot 20 compliant, which means they conform to the highest standards set out by EU legislation. Whichever product you choose, you’re going to be investing in a high-quality product that’s going to keep your running costs as low as it can. But, if you’re looking for the absolute crème de la crème, we recommend looking for products that come with the most energy saving features.

WiFi controlled radiators

Smart radiators with WiFi connectivity are a great way to maximise the efficiency of your heating because they give you total control wherever you go. By installing an app to your phone or tablet, you can program your heaters with greater precision and even access features like usage statistics to see exactly how you’re using your energy. This can open up a whole new level of control because you can monitor which heaters in your system are using the most power and identify any wasteful habits in the process. WiFi heating control also means you can adjust your heating from anywhere in the world, so if you forget to turn your heating down as you leave the house, it’s not a huge issue. Just reach for your phone when you arrive at work and change your settings however you see fit.

High-heat retention radiators

Ceramic radiators are superb if you want a system that provides lasting heat with a slow cool down time. Instead of the 2:1 ratio of convection and radiant heat provided by most radiators, a ceramic radiator will produce a 50/50 split of each to provide a longer lasting warmth. They’re able to do this because their composite ceramic stone plates have outstanding thermal properties and retain and emit heat more effectively than other appliances. They’re definitely on the heavy side so may not be suitable for all walls but they’re a fantastic option if you want more efficiency without any extra effort.


Energy-efficient electric radiators for every home

If you’re looking for an efficient heater for any part of your property, you’ve come to the right place. We have a wealth of attractive and easy to install solutions no matter whether you need a bathroom radiator or a quiet electric heater for a bedroom. Take a look at our energy-efficient electric radiators to find inspiration, or if you need some advice on what product would best suit your space, don’t hesitate to get in contact with our sales team who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.


Key takeaways

  • Electric radiators are 100% efficient at point of use as they convert every watt of electricity into usable heat with zero waste. 
  • One of the best ways to improve energy efficiency is by programming your heating through are precise digital thermostats, weekly programming, open window detection, smart control and more. 
  • Electric radiators are more efficient than electric panel heaters because 1/3 of their warmth is produced through radiation which bypasses the air to warm people, objects and surfaces directly. 
  • WiFi controlled electric radiators offer greater scope to manage your energy usage and ceramic radiators supply slower cool down times, retaining heat even after switch off. 

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