There’s no doubt that electric radiators have improved leaps and bounds over the last decade. Technology has advanced, and while our TV’s have gotten bigger and our computer processors more powerful, heating technology has also enjoyed a leap into the modern era. But are electric radiators really as efficient as some companies are saying?
It’s perhaps best to start by stating that, regardless of this article, it’s always best to make a decision based on your individual needs and circumstances. An electric radiator installation may benefit one household more than another, and vice versa. But if you’re here reading this then you’ve at least got an interest in their efficiency, so let’s get to it.
The greatest improvement we’ve seen to them in recent years has been the thermostat by a long way. While the methods of heat delivery have also improved, such as thermal elements and thermal gel for example, the thermostat is the key to energy efficiency. Technology these days has allowed us to fit radiators with extremely advanced thermostats – some with an accuracy that has to be seen to be believed.
We all know the basic principle of a thermostat, but how does that influence running costs? That’s the question on everyone’s lips as they consider purchasing an electric radiator. Allow me to explain with the following example:
Imagine you’ve got an electric radiator mounted to your wall, switched on and set to 21 degrees Celsius. When the room warms up to 21.5 degrees, the thermostat will tell the radiator to switch off. When the temperature then gradually cools down (which will take a while if you’ve got good insulation), and reaches 20.5, the thermostat will then tell the radiator to ‘click’ back on and top the heat up, and so on and so forth. In the this manner, it’s easy to picture the radiator only actually drawing power or entering ‘consumption mode’ around about 20 mins of every hour when it’s on. Naturally, this will vary from radiator to radiator, but the technology is there and a decent set up will help you maximise your energy saving in this way.
A gas central heating system works on the same principle, but with a much larger margin for error and across the entire household, whereas an electric radiator can take control of an individual room and operate on much tighter temperature instructions. In this way, it’s safe to conclude that they are indeed as efficient as people are making out, providing they are used correctly with an energy saving mentality.