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In recent years, electric heating has become increasingly popular in the UK. The cost of living crisis, combined with the desire to live more sustainably, has pushed many households to seek out more affordable and reliable energy choices.
The government are also bringing in a gas boiler ban – which means there’s never been a better time to make the move to electric heating. But what are the benefits?
The benefits of electric heating
Electric heating can be a cost-effective way to heat your home – but it’s also better for the environment than fossil fuel systems, such as gas or oil boilers. Unlike gas or oil-fueled heating, electric heating systems give out zero carbon emissions if they’re powered by renewable electricity. They also pose next to no risk to human health or safety.
Plus, because there are no moving parts in electrical central heating systems, there’s a reduced chance of it breaking down and needing to pay for repairs. There’s also the fact that many electric heating systems offer a greater level of control and heat distribution around the home.
However, it’s one thing to consider moving to electric heating and another to know exactly which system is right for you. With so many different options available, it can be tricky to know which ones are the most efficient or suited to your home. So, to help out, we’ve partnered with Fischer, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of electric heating.
With more than 75 years of manufacturing expertise under their belt, Fischer has become as widely known for the quality of their award-winning products as for their pioneering outlook on low-carbon electric heating. Their experience has taught them that decarbonising heating can’t be achieved with a one-size-fits-all approach, and individual needs and circumstances should always be considered.
So, if you’re not sure which electric heating system might be right for you, we’ve got you covered. Here are the most efficient forms of electric heating in 2024 – and if you’re unsure which might be best for you, it’s worth taking advantage of Fischer’s free heating survey.
Electric radiators
Electric radiators are the most convenient form of heating. Many electric heating systems don’t run from a central boiler, like gas or oil central heating systems, but from separate heaters in each room. These are simple to install and give you the added benefit of having room-by-room control, and being able to warm different areas of the house at different times effectively.
Plus, because there are so many different types of electric radiator, it can be easier to find a style that’s suited to the specific decor in each room. Electric radiators can be wall-mounted, free-standing, or on castors, and most can simply be plugged into a socket or fused to the wall. And, if they make use of solar energy generation and storage, they’re usually more affordable too.
Most electric radiators give out radiant heat, which delivers heat directly to a home’s floor, walls, and ceiling, sinking deep beneath the surface. Radiant heat is a natural, comforting form of warmth that lasts longer than convection, which heats the air and is affected by air movement.
However, Fischer’s electric radiators give out a combination of radiant, conducted, and convected heat, which is the most efficient form of heating. These electric radiators don’t only heat the room effectively but also can store heat. The thicker the core of the radiator, the better the heat retention is – and Fischer’s electric heaters have a unique 40mm chamotte clay core.
To find out more, check out Fischer’s electric HeatCore radiators.
Electric boilers
If you already have a gas boiler in your home, installing an electric boiler is the easiest way to move to electric heating. Electric central heating systems can be made up of an electric boiler and electric radiators, but you can also simply swap your existing gas boiler for an electric one while keeping your current wet radiators (or underfloor heating).
Electric boilers use electricity to heat water, rather like a kettle, and they’re usually quick and easy to install. Unlike gas boilers, they don’t need to be fixed on an outside wall as there’s no flue or gas pipe, and they’re smaller and quieter too. Because they don’t require combustion fuel, they’re also safer, as well as being more efficient and eco-friendly – and, if you have a small home, they save space too.
There are different types of electric boilers, for example, heat-only, combi, combi boilers with cylinders, etc. The right boiler will depend on your current set-up and what you’re looking for; if you already have an electric water heater, it makes sense to choose a heating-only boiler to go alongside it. If you want an all-in-one solution for heating and hot water, your best option is a duo boiler with an in-built tank.
You can find out more about Fischer’s different types of electric boilers below.
Electric heat pumps
Electric heat pumps are devices that use electricity to move heat from one place to another. They can heat or cool your home by absorbing heat from the air, ground or water.
Air-source heat pumps (ASHP) are also one of the newer forms of electric heating. They’re up to 400% more efficient than low-carbon heating systems, and can be combined with pre-existing systems like central heating, underfloor heating, and solar power. They also have a long lifespan (20-25 years), are eco-friendly, and are eligible for the government Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.
ASHPs usually include an outdoor and an indoor unit, so they’re well-suited to large properties with high energy demands. However, while they’re efficient, many aren’t suitable for lots of properties, as for heat pumps to achieve their potential, your home needs to be well-insulated. An ASHP works by capturing heat from outside and moving it into your home. It then generates more warmth by compressing the heat in a refrigerant.
The problem is that, because the UK gets very cold in winter and the ASHP is inducting cool air, it will need to boost the temperature via a supplementary element. This means that you’ll be relying on a form of electrical heating again – but because you’re using air heating in the first place, things become more complex and expensive, reducing the benefit of having an ASHP.
However, Fischer’s hybrid heat pump integrates an ASHP with your existing gas boiler, allowing the heat pump to provide the vast majority of winter heating efficiently and reliably. On the coldest winter days, the gas boiler is utilised for extra heat, ensuring that your home stays warm and cosy while still cutting carbon emissions.
Electric water heaters
And finally, there are electric water heaters. When it comes to electric heating, there are lots of benefits of keeping your water heating separate from your room heating – and one of the most popular options is an air-source water heater that’s used alongside electric radiators.
Air-source water heaters work in a similar way to air-source heat pumps, and the installation is quick and easy. You can install water heaters in lofts, airing cupboards, utility rooms or garages, although if you have a flat as opposed to a house, water heaters aren’t usually suitable.
If you’re short of space in your home, you might want to think about a tankless electric water heater, like Fischer’s Aquafficient. This water heater uses a single heating element and patented thermal storage technology, generating hot water from stored heat energy, and providing your home with hot water without storing large volumes of water in bulky tanks.
Electric water heaters are much greener than fuel-powered water heaters, and considerably more efficient too. Plus, because they use electricity rather than combustion fuel, they’re also safer. If you’re curious about the difference an Aquafficient can make to your home – and finances – you might want to read this case study.
Final thoughts…
If you’d like to save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, then moving to electric heating could be the way to go. Not only are gas boilers noisy and bulky, but they also burn fossil fuels, and are so damaging to the planet that the government has banned gas boilers in all new build properties from 2025, and is looking to completely ban gas boilers in the next decade.
There are different ways you can move to electric heating, from installing independent eco-friendly electric heaters to replacing your current gas system with an electric boiler. While the best heating system for you will depend on your property and current system, the important thing to remember is that electric heating converts 100% of the energy it consumes into heat, making it incredibly efficient.
However, external factors, like how well-insulated your property is or how big or small it is, can affect the overall efficiency of electric heating. Therefore, it can be helpful to get an expert opinion to discuss which heating solutions are most compatible with your home.
If you’d like to help contribute towards a cleaner, electric future, and like the idea of efficient, cost-effective, and controllable heating, why not head over to Fischer to book your free heating survey today?
Do you have electric heating? Or are you thinking about going electric? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.