You may already have a fairly good idea of what you’re looking for if you’re going to purchase an electric radiator. Knowing what size or wattage you need beforehand is usually the first step to making your decision so all that’s left is to narrow down your list of possibilities to the product which will tick most, if not all, your boxes. There’s a lot of factors to think about when making a purchase and electric radiators can vary a great deal in style, complexity and ease-of-use. When you’re looking through electric radiator reviews, here are some of the main aspects you should be taking into consideration – it may even help to write down a list of keywords that could help you in your search.
Programming & Customisation
This is often high on the priority list and one of the big plus-points of using electric radiators as a heating solution. Even many budget models of electric radiator offer some customisable programming features which allow you to create a heating routine around your lifestyle. Accurate thermostats let users accurately zone their heating more effectively than using traditional gas central heating systems and when combined with programmers, this can be a much more cost effective method for home heating. It all really comes down to how sophisticated your programmer needs to be. If you doubt you’re going to change your schedule after it’s been programmed in, a budget product with more limited functionality will suffice. However, if you think you’ll need to change it often, you will be better served looking at models with the ability to store multiple schedules or include self-learning abilities.
Ease-of-Use
Carrying on from the previous point, usability can be a deal-breaker for some customers who need a system that’s as hassle free as possible. Even if you have a natural aptitude for programming appliances, the fact that you may have to crane over or kneel beside your radiator can be a little troublesome. Those with reduced movement may want to consider electric radiators with optional remote controls which allow you to program and adjust your radiator from the comfort of your chair. Remote controls can be especially useful if you intend to install a few radiators around the house as they will allow you to control multiple appliances and can reduce the time it takes to program each one individually. Programming radiators can be confusing and some may find it easier to purchase a smart system which will gradually learn your routine and create a heating schedule around your occupancy patterns. Users can enjoy a greater level of freedom with a self-programming system and, when used with optional wi-fi controls, you can manage your heating remotely from anywhere in the world.
Thermal Elements
As you’ve probably seen from other electric radiator reviews, the heating elements used in these types of appliance can vary and each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Thermal fluid heating elements are renowned as being one of the most economical options. Their excellent heat retention maintains the temperature of the radiator for longer and requires less power to get back up to the correct level of warmth. Where thermal liquid radiators can take a little longer to heat up, dry thermal aluminium elements provide a more rapid heat source. Dry elements offer more accurate temperature management due to quicker warm-up and cool-down times and can be preferable over liquid elements which can take longer for heat to dissipate if you get too warm. Look for dry stone elements if the room you’re going to heat is large, open-plan or has high ceilings. Dry stone is able to push out heat to a greater intensity compared to other radiator types, making dry stone radiators ideal for rooms that are usually difficult to heat. Not only do they provide a stronger heat source but dry stone elements are exceptional at retaining warmth.
Application in Room
To a degree, the room you intend to install your electric radiator in can dictate what kind you need to buy. As stated earlier, for harder to heat rooms that are large, draughty or open plan, your best bet is to choose a dry-stone element radiator. Its stronger heat output makes them ideal for use in places such as conservatories, offices, hallways, garages or any other large interior space that standard radiators would struggle to keep warm. When choosing an electric radiator to be installed in a bathroom, you will need to take into consideration the IP or Ingress Protection rating for your product of choice. It will need to be high enough to make it suitable for use for the zone you intend to install it in so always check individual product pages to ensure it will meet your needs before purchasing.
Home Interior Style
While it’s imperative that you match your electric radiator to best meet the needs of your room, style shouldn’t be disregarded. Keeping your electric heating in step with the rest of your existing system is the reason some customers opt for more old-style casings for their radiators. Fitting electric radiators doesn’t mean having to compromise on your home’s traditional feel as there are models available which are indistinguishable from their central heating counterparts. Equally, there are also plenty of styles that are much more contemporary and fashionable, providing your rooms with an avant-garde flair that won’t fail to grab visitor’s attention.
Fitting & Installation
Electric radiators provide the luxury of having much more flexibility in regard to installation, unlike traditional gas systems that can be laborious to move or alter. Wherever there’s a standard 13-amp plug and suitable available wall space, your electric radiator will be right at home and can be installed in a matter of minutes. All the radiators we offer are suitable for wall mounting, and many can also be fitted freestanding. If you’ve already decided that you want it as a more permanent heating solution, wall mounting can be done DIY or even hard-wired by an electrician for a more discreet finish. If portability is paramount, check to see whether your chosen model comes with feet as some are sold separately.
These are some of the main aspects you might need to mull over before you purchase an electric radiator. If it makes it easier, it may help to boil down your requirements to a few simple conditions: application, room type and usability. Consider how and where you’re going to use your heating. Will it be the main source of heat or supplemental? Will it be a permanent fixture or portable? Think about the room you’re going to heat and any special requirements you’ll need to take into consideration. How adaptable does your system need to be and what level of control do you need? Electric radiator reviews will give you a better idea of which models will suit your needs. Browse our range at Electric Radiators Direct, where our in-depth product pages will give you all the information you need to help you purchase your new heating system.