Understanding Electric Radiator Running Costs: What You Need to Know

Electric radiators are known for their convenience, efficiency, and ease of installation. They are a popular choice for many homes and offices.

However, you may be wondering about their running cost, especially when compared to other heating methods such as gas central heating. When it comes to running costs of electric radiators, there are several factors to consider. This includes information such as the radiator’s wattage, the room size and insulation quality. Electricity tariffs and usage patterns also contribute. Each factor can impact the overall cost of using electric radiators in your home.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors that influence electric radiator running costs. We’ll also help you optimise your heating choices for both comfort and energy efficiency. 

Are electric radiators cost effective?

As they don’t require pipework, electric radiators can be more affordable to install than central heating radiators. You won’t need a plumber to install the radiator, although you will need a professional electrician.

Other factors can influence the cost of running an electric radiator, such as the electricity tariff and the thermostat setting. How often you use the radiator will also affect the cost: an electric radiator that is working continuously will cost more than one you only turn on occasionally.

The insulation of the room can affect how effectively a radiator can run. Rooms that have high heat loss will cause the radiator to work harder, which will push up the running cost.

Luckily, there are many ways you can maximise heating for rooms with heat loss. This includes careful furniture placement to help the heat circulate properly and balancing radiator placement for even heat distribution. You may also want to consider the best radiator style for each room. For example, towel rail radiators are a good option for a bathroom, while vertical radiators are a good option for kitchens as they take up less wall space.

If you’re unsure about which radiator to choose, you can calculate the estimated cost of running an electric radiator through a simple calculation. Simply work out:

Radiator output (kW) x hours in use) x pence per Kw hour = daily cost of
radiator 

Why is an electric radiator a good option for your bathroom?

When you go into a chilly bathroom on a winter’s morning, it’s nice to have the option to quickly warm it up. One of the major benefits of electric radiators is they can be heated independently from the rest of the house. This is especially useful in transitional seasons, such as autumn or spring, when you may not want to turn on all radiators but want to warm up the bathroom.

There are many space-saving options when it comes to electric radiators. We offer electric vertical radiatorsand electric column radiators that will help save valuable floor space while adding a stylish touch to the room. We also offer sleek electric coloured radiators that are both classy and efficient.

Since electric radiators don’t require connection to the central heating system, they are much easier to install. They only need access to a power supply and can be hardwired into the wall.

If you’re worried about the safety of electric radiators in the bathroom, don’t be. Electric radiators typically have splash-proof features and appropriate IP ratings to ensure they can safely handle humid conditions. Electric radiators and towel rails are waterproof and don’t have external sockets, which drastically reduces the risk too. 

Are electric radiators expensive to run?

Some people consider electric radiators more expensive to run than other heating systems, like gas central heating. This is due to the higher cost of electricity compared to gas. However, their actual running costs depend on several key factors, which can help make them a cost-effective option when managed properly.

Here at Stelrad, we have a range of energy efficient electric radiators that can help you save money. These radiators conduct heat well, will warm the room quickly and use less energy than more traditional models.

Electric radiators with smart controls are an easy way to optimise energy use. You can set the radiator to heat the room only when it’s necessary, which will automatically reduce your heating costs. There’s no need to keep the radiator on constantly: you can programme the radiator to turn on when you’re heading home or when the evening starts turning cold.

Larger rooms require more energy to heat them, so running costs can be higher. However, for small spaces like bathrooms or home offices, electric radiators can be very efficient. They can also make good additions to smaller rooms that aren’t connected to the central heating system, such as garages or extensions.

Reducing running costs of your electric radiator

Before you get an electric radiator, there are a few things you can do to help improve its efficiency. Make sure the windows and doors of the room are well insulated to minimise heat loss. For example, you may want to consider getting double glazing if you haven’t already.

You can use our handy heat loss calculator to help calculate how much heat could be escaping and to find suitable radiators for the room. Some radiator styles are better suited to well-insulated rooms, whereas others can cope with the added demand of rooms with higher heat loss.

How much do electric radiators cost to run?

There are several factors that influence the cost of an electric radiator, including the wattage of the radiator, size of the room and how often you have the radiator running. The higher the wattage, the more electricity you will use and the more you will pay. However, well-insulated rooms will retain heat better, meaning your radiator won’t need to run as often, which will reduce the cost.

You can also reduce running costs by lowering the temperature by a few degrees to reduce energy consumption. Using timers and thermostats can also give you more control over your energy use.

It’s helpful to use a heat loss calculator and calculate the potential cost of running the radiator (based on its output and how long it will be on) before you decide which radiator to buy. You can contact us and talk to our friendly team if you’d like advice on which radiator may be best for you.