For a long time, gas was the preferred method for heating homes. However, with advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on sustainability, many consumers are now opting for electrical heating solutions. According to a report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately 37% of American households used electricity as their main heating source in 2020, a number that continues to rise annually source. These modern heating systems are not only efficient but also produce lasting heat and offer several eco-friendly benefits. Whether you're looking to learn more about your electric heater or considering making the switch, read on to discover the five key benefits of electrical heating solutions.

What Is Electrical Heating?

Before we discuss the benefits, let's clarify what electrical heating is. Electric heaters or radiators represent the next generation of heating systems. They offer better functionality and energy efficiency, are easy to install, and can work well in various locations.

Electric heaters are very cost-effective compared to other heating solutions. If you don’t require large heaters, you can also find smaller portable electric heater options that are easy to install and use. This versatility makes electric heaters one of the most popular heating solutions. Moreover, they are eco-friendly compared to traditional systems like central heating, as they use electricity instead of hot water, ensuring little to no energy waste.

An electrical heating system acts as a modular heating system suitable for domestic properties. You can easily add multiple new heaters to your system, controlling them all from one main hub. Each electric heater is equipped with a precision digital thermostat and built-in power-saving features, helping you practise energy conservation. Plus, these units come in modern and sleek styles, blending seamlessly with your home’s design aesthetic.

Credit: The Engineering Mindset

Additional Resources on Energy-Efficient Electric Heating Solutions

1. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) – Residential Energy Consumption Survey: This survey provides comprehensive data on energy use in American households, including the prevalence of electric heating systems.
2. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – Heating and Cooling: The DOE offers in-depth information on various heating technologies, including the benefits and efficiencies of electric heating solutions. 
3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: This page from the EPA covers the environmental benefits of energy-efficient electric heating solutions.

What Are The Five Benefits of Electrical Heating Solutions?

When it comes to choosing the best heating solutions, not many options can beat electric heating. Energy-efficient electric heaters are among the most reliable and versatile heating systems available today. Beyond their efficiency, electric radiators offer numerous benefits. Here’s a look at their five most incredible benefits.

1. Energy Efficient

If you’re choosing an appliance, there is no better benefit than complete energy efficiency. Electric heating solutions are 100% energy efficient, converting every single watt of electricity they draw from your power source into usable heat. This makes electric heating one of the most efficient solutions on the market. Efficient heating means nothing goes to waste, helping you save on energy costs and reduce operational expenses.

Electric heating can become even more sustainable when paired with renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. If you’re looking for an excellent, environmentally friendly heating source, you can’t go wrong with an electric heater.

One of our popular ranges of electrical heaters is the Almeria Digital Panel Heaters. Watch the video below for more info:

2. Excellent Thermal Retention

If you find yourself keeping your heater switched on for long periods just to stay warm, it’s time to switch your system. Electrical heating solutions are known for their excellent thermal retention abilities, maintaining heat energy hours after being switched off. These radiators use specialised thermal fluid or oil within the unit to warm up your home. When this liquid heats up, the heat is transferred out of the unit and into the room, warming the surrounding air.

Heat retention ensures you make the best possible use of energy. Since electrical radiators are better at retaining heat, you need less energy to increase the temperature in your living space. Even after you switch off the radiator, the unit will continue to heat the room. This is because the thermal oil is designed to cool slowly, retaining heat.

Some electric radiators, such as the oil-filled ones available at Meteor Electrical, are even more efficient. Their thermal oil has a quick heat-up time, further reducing operation time and energy consumption.

3. Low Running Costs

Many consumers switch to energy-efficient electric heating solutions to save on running costs. Energy-efficient products use energy in the best way possible while avoiding waste. Electrical radiators are an excellent example of a product that provides convenience without driving up energy costs. Since many homeowners rely heavily on heating appliances during winter, investing in efficient electric radiators helps you save on running costs without compromising heat quality.

These radiators allow better control of your heating system so you can create the ideal environment for your home. The highly accurate thermostats in electrical radiators only produce the amount of heat you require, avoiding overheating and unnecessary energy waste. Efficiency equals low running costs, making electric radiators a cost-effective choice.

4. Easy Installation And Maintenance

Aside from helping you with energy costs, these radiators are highly convenient in many more ways. Since electric heaters are often portable, you can expect much easier installation and maintenance. With these heating systems, you don’t need to fit a new boiler or extend your pipework, making the installation process quick and easy.

Many electric heating solutions are so easy to install that you can even do it yourself. DIY installation is far more economical and faster, allowing you to start using the heater without delay. However, for a hardwired installation, such as underfloor heating systems, it's best to consult a professional.

Apart from easier installation, electric heating systems also require minimal maintenance. Unlike other heaters, they don’t bleed fluid, lose pressure, or build up sediment. The only maintenance required is keeping them clean, ensuring they remain operational for a long time.

5. Safe And Secure

Since heaters are such a major part of your household appliance system, you need to make sure they are safe. Electric heating systems are generally much safer than gas heaters as they don’t burn fuel to create heat, reducing hazards such as explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric heaters also don’t rely on water-filled pipes, reducing the risk of damage from burst pipes or leaks.

Gas heaters are also far noisier because of the hot water running through the pipes. Most gas systems emit a sound like a kettle boiling water, which can be a nuisance and a warning sign of issues like limescale or sludge buildup. Fortunately, you never have to experience this with electric heating systems.

Ecological Heating

A good heating system should be safe for you and the environment. Most electric heaters are designed according to the new Lot20 compliance regulations, ensuring minimal environmental impact. While gas might be a clean fossil fuel, it’s still the largest contributor to the UK’s greenhouse emissions. With many companies setting climate targets, gas-powered heaters may become obsolete in the future, making electric heating a cleaner and safer alternative.

In conclusion, electric heating solutions offer a range of benefits from energy efficiency and excellent thermal retention to low running costs, easy installation, and enhanced safety. Whether you’re upgrading your current system or looking for a new heating solution, electric heaters provide a modern, efficient, and sustainable option for your home.

How Do Electric Heaters Work?

Now that you know all the amazing benefits of an electric heating system, you might be wondering how exactly they achieve this. Let’s take a closer look at the heating process in these systems to understand just how efficient they are.

The biggest difference between gas heaters and electric heaters is that the latter doesn’t rely on pipes to generate heat. Electric heaters are standalone units that either use a thermal oil/fluid or a dry element that heats up and transfers warmth to the surrounding air. Most of the heat produced by electric heaters is created through a process called convection, referring to the movement of warm air. A smaller portion of this energy is used as radiant heat. The actual heating process depends on the components these electric heating systems use. Let’s examine these two types.

Oil-Filled vs Dry Element Electric Heaters

In an oil-filled heater, a separate electrical component heats the reservoir of thermic oil inside the heater unit. This element is fully submerged within the thermic oil, which allows the element to generate heat efficiently. Once the heater is turned on, the element heats the oil, which transfers the heat emission to a metal wall through convection. The heat emission then leaves the walls via conduction and finally into the surrounding area through air convection and thermal radiation.

The process works a little differently for wall-mounted electric heaters with a dry element. Dry element heaters come with a wire coil that acts as the main heat emitter. This element is inserted into the base of the heater model. When the electric heater is supplied with an electrical current, the electrons move through the narrow length of the wire element, creating friction and heat. The wire heats the thermal liquid, which then transfers the heat emission to the radiator, heating up a room through an air convection method. This is the main electrical process of most heaters.

Several other forms of electrical heating are available on the market; however, it’s important not to confuse these with electrical heaters. Three common alternatives include blow/fan heaters, convection heaters, and infrared heaters. Blow or fan heaters have a mechanical component similar to some electrical heaters. These solutions heat up the surrounding air using an exposed wire element. Once the air near the elements heats up, it is blown out into the room just like a regular fan.

Credit: Home Caprice

What Are The Best Electrical Heating Solutions?

If you’re ready to make the switch to electrical heating, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. With so many options, it’s hard to know which one works best for you. At Meteor Electrical, you can browse through the ATC range of electric heaters. These systems provide excellent heating without driving up your energy costs. Here are some of the best electric heaters Meteor Electrical has to offer:

1. iLifestyle 500W Electric Heater: This 500W electric heater is a great starting place if you want lower-wattage electric heaters. Part of the Lifestyle collection for ATC it ensures high-quality products that are reliable and efficient. This heater's sleek modern design makes it perfect for multiple applications, including households and office spaces. It comes with high-quality thermic oil with a quick heat-up and several features that improve energy efficiency.
2. iLifestyle 750W Electric Heater: This 750W electric heater is slightly bigger than the 500W heater and is perfect in pairs or as a standalone heating unit. It has an easy-to-read LCD display that makes it easy to set programs for your heating. With the thermostats, you can clearly see all the settings for better efficiency. This heater comes with a 3-year warranty and is CE-approved, meaning it is safe for operation.

Conclusion

Electrical heating solutions offer a myriad of benefits that make them an excellent choice for modern homes. Their energy efficiency, excellent thermal retention, low running costs, easy installation, and enhanced safety make them stand out from traditional heating methods. Whether you opt for oil-filled or dry-element electric heaters, you’ll enjoy a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly heating solution. With the added convenience of smart features and versatile designs, electric heaters can seamlessly integrate into any home environment. If you're looking to upgrade your heating system, explore the range of electric heaters at Meteor Electrical to find the perfect fit for your needs and start enjoying a warmer, more energy-efficient home.

FAQs

1. What are the main benefits of electric heating solutions? 

Electric heating solutions offer energy efficiency, easy installation, low running costs, excellent thermal retention, and enhanced safety.

2. How do electric heaters work? 

Electric heaters either use a thermal oil/fluid or a dry element to generate heat, which is then transferred to the surrounding air through convection.

3. Are electric heaters cost-effective? 

Yes, electric heaters are cost-effective due to their high energy efficiency and low running costs. They convert nearly all the electricity they use into heat.

4. Can electric heaters be installed easily? 

Yes, electric heaters are generally easy to install. Many models are portable and can be wall-mounted, with some even suitable for DIY installation.

5. Are electric heaters safe to use? 

Yes, electric heaters are safe. They do not burn fuel, reducing risks such as explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. They also do not rely on water-filled pipes, minimising the risk of leaks.