Is It Safe to Leave Electric Radiators to Run All Night?

Last updated: June 2023

With cold and longer nights now back in our lives, there’s no doubt you’ll be thinking about the best ways to ensure the house is kept warm, especially on a morning. After all, who wants to wake up to freezing temperatures? Leaving your radiators on overnight is a sure-fire way to guarantee that a toasty temperature remains in your home ready for you in the morning. If you’re wondering if it’s safe to do this, then we’re here to deliver the answer by explaining when you should and shouldn’t leave your electric radiators to run all night.

Are electric radiators safe?

In short, electric radiators are very safe. They’re extensively tested against a number of strict regulations, guaranteeing their safety in a variety of locations. Let’s run down some features that make them rank so highly in the safety department…

Electric radiator safety features

Smart control

Schedule your heating with 24/7 programming and manage your radiators from anywhere in the world with WiFi app control. Smart programming capabilities make leaving your heating on by accident is a thing of the past. Take a look at our smart electric radiators to find out more. 

IP ratings

IP ratings advise on where you can and cannot install electric radiators, especially when it comes to bathrooms. For example, the Ecostrad Ecowärme is IP20 rated meaning it is not protected from the ingress of water and therefore not suitable for bathroom installation. However, other electric radiators such as the Ecostrad Ascoli iQ, come with an IPX5 rating, which means it can be fitted in zone 3 of any bathroom. Take a look at our blog on this topic for more information.

Robust warranties

A marker of quality, any electric radiator with a significant warranty is testament to its high level of safety. The Haverland RC Wave comes with a lifetime warranty on the radiator body and a wide range of Ecostrad electric radiators come with a 10 year warranty. 

CE Markings

All our electric radiators are CE marked, meaning they conform to all the EU safety tests that make them suitable for sale.

Low surface temperature

Some radiators allow you to limit their surface temperature to a touch-safe level, making them ideal for NHS properties and homes with young or vulnerable children

Overheat protection

Any electric radiator with overheat protection will cut power well before your radiator is able to reach an unsafe level.

When is it safe to leave electric radiators on all night?

Whether it’s for safety or energy-efficiency, we are constantly being told not to leave electric devices on overnight and you may think electric radiators are the same. When used correctly, electric radiators are completely safe and have been designed as direct replacements for central heating. So, as long as your electric radiators are fixed to the wall with no obstructions, you can in fact leave them on overnight. Just make sure that they are not covered by any curtains or clothing as this can lead to overheating.

One of the best features of our electric radiators is their precision thermostats. They regulate the temperature in any room, so once your radiator has reached your desired heat level, it will stop drawing power from the wall until that heat needs topping up again. This way, even if you do want your radiators on at night, they won’t be switched on the entire time, just when the temperature starts to drop. So, you can go to bed and wake up with the same comfort level every day of the week, with the knowledge that you are totally safe to do so.

When is it not safe?

Although fixed radiators can be used overnight, freestanding electric radiators can pose a risk if left unattended, as they can be knocked over. As such, it is not recommended to leave them running throughout the night. Imagine leaving your radiator on all night to keep your pet warm and they accidentally push the appliance over - it's best to avoid such risks altogether by not leaving your free-standing electric radiators on overnight.

Efficient electric radiators

For those who are environmentally conscious, you may not want your electric radiators to provide heat all night, but still want to be warm and comfortable first thing in the morning. Well, you’re in luck as our electric radiators come with a range of energy saving features that also help to ensure you get the right amount of heat at the right time of day.

Energy-saving control

  • 24/7 programming: set a heating schedule that matches your lifestyle and individual routine, so your heating only ever comes on when you need it. This is perfect if you want your heating to switch on or off at certain times throughout the night.
  • Adaptive start: this handy feature begins warming your spaces in advance to maintain your desired temperature at the start of their schedule. This means your room is warm for the time you’re hopping out of bed - not switching on from cold at that time.
  • WiFi controlled electric radiators: allowing you to control your heating from the comfort of your chair or bed, these clever units make adjusting your radiators’ settings through your smartphone or tablet a dream.

How to install electric radiators 

If your needs suit overnight heating, it is worth considering wall mounted installation. You can wall mount electric radiators yourself with straightforward DIY installation, so you don’t have to pay a professional, saving on costs. Our flagship product, the Ecostrad iQ Ceramic comes with its own fittings, template, cable and plug to make installation as easy as possible. With WiFi control, 24/7 programming and adaptive start in tow, the iQ Ceramic is designed to be a direct switch for a central heated radiator, and as such, can be left on overnight with zero worries.

Watch our video to find out how easy it is to install an electric radiators >

Running electric radiators overnight 

Don’t lose sleep over it - if your electric radiator is wall mounted and unobstructed, it can be left on overnight. Modern units, with their myriad of safety features, make waking up in a warm room possible, and with energy-saving features like adaptive start and 24/7 programming, your carbon footprint doesn’t need to take a hit. Just remember, portable electric radiators should never be used for overnight heating, and you should always switch your unit off when it’s not in use.

Key learnings

  • If your electric radiator is securely fixed to a wall and unobstructed (no curtains or clothes dangling over them) they are fine to be left on overnight.

  • If your electric radiator is freestanding or portable, it should never be left on overnight.

  • Electric radiators with energy-saving functions like 24/7 programming and WiFi control are a eco-conscious way of making sure you wake up to a warm room.

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