Central heating radiators, (otherwise known as gas radiators), are commonly used in the UK. However, gas has begun to wane in popularity; due to more focus on energy efficiency and to reduce use of fossil fuels. Electric radiators are being installed in new-builds and more people are aiming to move away from boiler systems that require regular maintenance.
The Lux Heat Flat is a popular central heating radiator due to its low cost and range of size options.
What is Better, Gas or Electric Heating?
Here at Designer Radiators Direct, we do mainly stock gas-powered radiators and central heating towel radiators. So you're probably expecting us to side with central heating. But in all honesty, electric radiators are on par with central heating radiators, having great heat outputs, energy efficiency and low prices. Especially now with modern technology constantly improving them.
So when it comes to the question “ what is better?” There is no straight answer. Some people would benefit more from central heating radiators while others would benefit from electric radiators.
Below we will talk more in detail about central heating radiators and electric radiators, have a read and see which would work best for you.
Dual Fuel Radiators
If you can’t decide if you’d prefer electric radiators or central heating radiators, then why not have a look at our dual fuel radiators.
Dual fuel radiators have the ability to use both central heating and electricity. So if you’d like to heat your whole property in winter, you can use central heating. And then for summer change your radiator to electric to heat a specific room. They are the best of both worlds and if you're struggling to decide, they can be the perfect solution.
Many of our central heating radiators and electric radiators can be converted into a dual fuel radiator by adding an electric heating element and T-piece or you can use one of our handy conversion kits like our dual-fuel conversion kit to make it a little easier. But be aware; that you can’t do this on all radiators and it is more common with towel radiators and horizontal radiators.
Radiator Installation
Electric radiators vs central heating radiators is a battle that many are facing as they look to heat their space. But most will already have the latter installed, and having it removed and changed is a hefty job.
For those in large properties with little to no budget, it's often a case of 'better the devil you know'. Investing in a more energy-efficient boiler rather than a whole system refit.
If a property isn't already connected to a gas system, the installation of electric heaters can be quick, cheap and easy as there's no plumbing or hidden pipework to be taken into consideration.
Electric radiators and electric towel radiators can be simply mounted and plugged into your wall near a plug socket. (Note that a professional electrician will need to do this.) The benefit of this is that electric radiators can be installed almost anywhere in your home or office. As long as it's near a socket, you're good to go.
Whereas if you were to install central heating, or even add a new central heating radiator in a new location, you’d have to take up your flooring and skirting boards to add pipes, ensure it's set up right and then install the central heating radiators. This makes central heating radiators expensive to first install and quite a hassle for an extra one or two radiators. But the expense is only for if you don't currently have pipework in your property and the room you are looking to install it. If you do have the pipework already then central heating radiators are quick and easy to install.
The Carisa Notus is an electric radiator with a sleek design and impressive modern functions.
Energy Efficiency & Power
It's fairly common knowledge that gas central heating isn't as eco-friendly as electric systems, but are electric radiator heaters efficient themselves?
Certainly, the range of electric heaters Designer Radiators Direct stocks are nearing 100% energy efficiency, but you may be surprised to hear that the most modern boilers hover around the 80%-90% mark. So there's no longer quite as much in it as many expect.
Central heating radiators are on the whole, warmer and have a bigger energy output than most electric heaters. This doesn't mean electric radiators are lacking though. In fact, electric radiators have a quicker heat-up time, so though they might not be as hot, you’ll have warmth sooner. Technology is moving on in both industries quickly and so heating performance is improving all the time, so again it's what you prefer. Electric radiators can help save money due to their quicker heat-up times, but as central heating radiators get hotter these will still give you a warm room just as quickly.
One reason why designer electric radiators are popular is the fact you don’t have to switch on all radiators in your property if you are looking at heating one room.
For example; If you wanted to put the heating on in just your living room, with electric radiators you’d simply switch on the radiator in your living room. Whereas if you were to have central heating, you’d have to put the boiler on, and adjust every radiator so only the living room radiator is switched on. So this makes the energy efficiency of electric radiators brilliant when used correctly.
This may sound like a negative for the central heating radiator. But if you were to heat all rooms in your property, central heating radiators would be easier as you just switch on the boiler. But with electric radiators, you’d have to go into every room and switch them on. So it's a tie for these radiators when it comes to this.
How To Know The BTU Required To Heat Your Space
While we are on the subject of energy efficiency and power there is one other thing to remember. The heat output needed to heat your space. Though we do have a wide range of radiators, not all will be suitable for your room. So to help you find an effective radiator that is suitable for your room size please use our BTU/WATT calculator. This free and easy-to-use calculator works out the Btu / Wattage required for your space and then filters down recommended radiators that could effectively heat that space. This is a crucial step to take before purchasing any radiator. All you need for the Btu calculator is measurements of your room and a few other details including the type of room and the type of windows you have.
The Ultraheat A-Line Electric Radiator features Wi-Fi adaptability, requires minimal maintenance & is easy to install.
Radiator Maintenance
Maintenance is a big factor for many in decision making around central heating installations. Gas central heating requires an annual boiler maintenance check by a certified Gas Safe engineer, whereas an electric system requires none (unless an issue arises, in which case you'd need to seek the advice of a specialist engineer).
Aside from annual services, gas boilers should be replaced every 15-20 years; a time period in which you shouldn't need to intervene with your electric heating system at all.
However, landlords of properties renting to others may have legal obligations for the upkeep and safety of electric heating systems. This should be looked into prior to anyone moving into the property.
Controllability
Many people when installing a radiator want easy and simple control over their heating. This is where electric radiators thrive.
However, with central heating radiators, you do have a choice between manual valves or thermostatic radiator valves for more precise heating.
Many of our electric radiators come with an electric heating element and a digital screen which shows exactly what heat setting your radiator is on and the temperature of your room. Not only that, they have easy settings and timers so you can adjust to the times you’d like your radiator on. Another benefit of electric radiators is that many can be controlled with remote controls, so you don’t have to actually get up to adjust the heating or switch it off. Or they can be controlled via Wi-Fi, in the case that you're out and about, and would like a warm room for your return, you can install the mobile app and control your heating from your phone.
Central heating radiators don’t offer you this. Instead, you have to adjust the timers on your boiler manually. (This will work for all radiators rather than just one.) And if you're out, you can’t adjust the temperatures or timer settings until you get back.
The Lux Heat Oxford Central Heating Radiator is a popular choice due to its high heat outputs and ornate design.
Is Electric Heating Cheaper Than Gas Heating?
Weighing up electric vs gas heating costs is often done incorrectly by those considering their options. Although gas heating has additional maintenance and installation costs, gas is a lower running cost for everyday use than electricity, which has seen an increase in rates from all major providers over the last few years.
Therefore when considering if electric heating is cheaper than gas, it's important to include all costs, and not just the monthly bills you can expect to incur as a result of having the radiators on. One thing that can really help with the price of electricity, and your electric radiators are solar panels. Though we understand these can be a luxury only a few can afford, when installed the price of your electric radiators can become unmatched.
It also depends on how you use your radiators. If you use all radiators in your property, then gas central heating might work better. But if you live alone or only really use specific radiators, then electric radiators might benefit you more.
Take into consideration how, and when you use your radiators. Work out if you think electric radiators or central heating radiators would work better for you. It really just depends on the specific household.
We have a great guide that helps you work out how much an electric radiator would cost you per hour. The example shown in the guide will change depending on your heating supplier, the hours the electric radiator would be used and other factors. Take a look to see if an electric radiator would be more cost-effective for you.
Design And Style
Now we’ve established that one isn’t that better than the other, it's time to focus on design.
Central heating radiators come in a wider range of designs, sizes and finishes. Including a huge selection of towel radiators too. From column radiators and traditional radiators for a vintage look, to modern radiators and vertical radiators for a more contemporary household. For added function, we also stock a range of luxurious mirror radiators.
It doesn't mean electric radiators are lacking in design or style. We also have a wide range of electric radiators available in a choice of styles; like our sleek electric vertical radiators in panel designs or unique finishes, and a range of horizontal electric radiators for a classic look. Not only that but at Designer Radiators Direct, you have a wide selection of designer electric towel radiators to choose from too.
Can't Find What You're Looking For?
If you are struggling with a radiator then take a look at our full range of designer radiators and towel radiators. Or for electric, visit our electric radiator page and our electric towel radiators to see a wider range we have available.
Looking for a bargain? then don’t miss our brilliant radiator sale. We have a range of designer radiators for sale and electric radiators on our sales page.
Contact us today if you have any questions or need some advice, our award-winning customer service team is here to help and support you every step of the way!
