How Do Electric Radiators Work? A Simplified Guide to Modern Heating Systems

Electric radiators are gaining popularity as a more convenient alternative to traditional central heating systems. They’re easy to install, less demanding to maintain, and, when sized correctly, they give you the heat you need. But, how do they work?

Understanding how electric radiators work can help you determine if they’re suitable for your home. This guide gives you all the info you need. We’ll talk you through how efficient these radiators can be when they’re properly sized for your room with the right heat output rating.

What Are Electric Radiators?

Electric radiators are standalone heaters that use electricity to produce heat energy, which warms up rooms. These contemporary heating appliances are convenient and environmentally friendly. Unlike central heating equipment, whose heating mechanism is carried through a network of pipes, you can install smart electric radiators in rooms that have no access to the central heating system to generate localised heat in desired places.

One of the main advantages of electric radiators is their potential for eco-friendliness, when powered by sustainable energy sources (such as solar, wind, etc.) They also provide an easy solution to heating rooms or smaller houses, without the need for a complex central heating system.

They’re 100% efficient in converting electrical energy into heat. However, keep in mind that this won’t automatically lower heating bills, especially in the UK, as electricity is currently more expensive than gas.

How Electric Radiators Generate Heat

Electric radiators are filled with either dry heating elements or a heating element and thermal fluid, which convert electrical energy into heat energy and transfer the warmth into the surrounding air. Here's how it works:

1. Electricity Flows Through the Heating Element: When you connect the radiator to your household’s electricity supply and switch it on, electricity flows through a conductor usually made of metal. The conductor, which has high resistance, heats up when electricity flows through it, bringing warmth into the room.
2. The Heat is Generated: When the heating element heats the fluid up, heat is dispersed throughout the radiator, which radiates thermal energy, and transfers to the surrounding space.
3. Heat Distribution: Electric radiators operate on two primary methods of heating a room: radiant heat and convection heat. Radiant heat warms objects directly in a room, generating a warm and cosy feeling, while convection heat circulates the air, warming the entire space.

Electric radiators heat the room directly and immediately without waiting for a boiler or furnace to heat up. Consider upgrading to a modern heating solution with our electric radiators, which come in minimalist to high-end designs ideal for any room.

Electric Radiator Types

When selecting an electric radiator, consider the type that best suits your purpose. Some of the most widely used types include:

• Panel Heaters: These are slim, flat heaters that warm the surrounding air. Panel heaters are perfect for instantaneous localised heating in a range of different spaces, from living rooms to offices. Their slim appearance easily complements modern interior designs.
• Storage Heaters: These radiators conserve heat using ceramic or clay bricks within the unit to provide warmth during the day. Night storage heaters are more energy-efficient when used with off-peak electricity, but consider your tariff and heating needs before choosing this type.
• Smart Electric Radiators: These are equipped with advanced and innovative features, such as smart heating controls and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to adjust room temperatures from your smartphone app remotely. Such radiators are the perfect type if you’re looking for instant heating and convenience.
• Electric Towel Rails: These provide heating alongside towel-drying capability. Electric towel rails, mainly used in bathrooms, give you consistent heat and ensure you always have dry towels. They are a stylish addition to any bathroom, especially with custom finishes (like our brushed brass electric towel rail or black) to match your décor.

Electric Radiators – Are They Energy Efficient?

Electric radiators, especially smart radiators, are known for their efficiency in transferring electrical energy into heat. While electric radiators are 100% efficient in this, their overall energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness vary based on how effectively they heat up a room. 

Electric radiators have an automatic cutoff when the internal temperature of the radiator reaches a certain point: 70 degrees C. If the heating element is too big for the radiator, the temperature override will kick in. This means you will never get the full power out of the radiator, and your radiator won’t effectively heat up the room.

At UK Radiators, our electric radiators are supplied with heating elements where the heat output of the radiator at 70 degrees is greater than the wattage of the element. This ensures that what you see in terms of element wattage is what you get in heat output from the radiator.

The Benefits of Using Electric Radiators

Electric radiators have a range of benefits:

• Eco-Friendly: Since electricity can be generated by renewable energy sources like solar power, this means they can be more sustainable than traditional gas boilers.
• Convenience: The electric heating element is used independently of the central heating system, which means you can use an electric radiator when the central heating system is not in use. (For example, in the spring and summer months, or on rainy days.)
• Smart Features: With the advancement of smart home heating, new electric radiators come with Wi-Fi connectivity, meaning that you can control your radiator remotely using a smartphone or smart speaker.
• Design Flexibility: Radiators come in a range of stylish designs that fit any home, from straight ladder rails to designer electric towel radiators that complement high-end decor.
• Safety: Many modern radiators come with overheat protection and programmable thermostats for safe and efficient operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Electric Radiators Use a Lot of Electricity?

Electric radiators do consume electricity during use. However, you can reduce your electricity consumption by ensuring that your electric radiator is sized correctly based on the heat loss of the space, as this will give you the adequate heat you need to keep your room warm.

Furthermore, many electric radiators are designed with smart controls that help minimise energy usage. These features allow you to set schedules, so the heating comes on and goes off when you need it to. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Electric Radiators?

Pros:

1. Immediate Set Up: Unlike traditional radiators, electric heating works without water, avoiding the need for complex pipework that complicates installation.
2. No Harmful Emissions: Electric radiators don't produce any harmful emissions, making them an eco-friendly heating solution.
3. Smart Controls: All contemporary radiators have built-in smart controls, enabling you to quickly and conveniently control the temperature remotely for ultimate comfort and convenience.
4. Versatility: They're available in many designs and sizes to fit almost any room layout.

Cons:

1. Running Costs: In the UK, electricity is more expensive than gas. And although electric radiators are highly efficient in converting electricity to heat energy, they can still increase your bills. Undersized radiators can lead to high running costs, as they won’t be able to heat the space properly. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you have the right-sized electric radiator for your room.

Do Electric Radiators Need Water?

Electric radiators must be filled to operate. At UK Radiators, our radiators are filled with a combination of thermal fluid and water. Once filled, they are sealed, which means they don’t need to be connected to pipework. This simplifies the installation process as there's no need for plumbing or water-based hardware.

Can I Sleep with an Electric Radiator On?

Yes, you can leave an electric radiator on overnight. Many modern electric heaters have built-in safety features, such as overheat protection and automatic shut-off features, which means they won't overheat during the night. 

Additionally, smart controls enable you to set heating schedules, allowing the radiator to turn off when your room reaches your desired temperature.

So, How Do Electric Radiators Work?

Electric radiators work as a simple, eco-friendly, and convenient alternative to traditional central heating. With easy installation, instant heat capabilities, and a wide choice of designs and features, electric radiators can be used in any home.

If you're looking for an easy-to-install modern heating solution, electric radiators can provide year-round comfort without the effort. Get them from leading brands like UK Radiators and enjoy warmth you can trust.