How Much Does an Electric Radiator Cost to Run?

INTRODUCTION

This, along with our attempts to reduce the energy that we all use to help to lessen our carbon footprints and lower our impact on the environment, means that we are all looking for ways to reduce our energy usage and heating costs.

Although there is plenty that governments and businesses can do, there is also a lot that we can do as families and individuals. And reducing our energy use at home is one of these things – especially our central heating.

One of the best ways that you can do this without needing to sit in a freezing cold house is to use electrical heating instead of the more traditional oil or gas central heating. Electrical heating creates less wastage as it heats up (and down) straight away and can be used in conjunction with other technology – such as smart technology – to ensure a more efficient heating system.

CALCULATING ELECTRIC RADIATOR COSTS

If you are thinking about getting an electric radiator system, you might wish to try to calculate how much it will cost to run your heating system. Although it is nigh on impossible to predict exactly how much it will cost, you can carry out a basic calculation to get a rough idea of the cost per radiator. The calculation is as follows:

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

If, for example, you have an 800W radiator in a room, are going to use it for 7 hours, and you are paying 16p per kW hour.

The calculation would be:

0.8kW x 7 x 16 = 89.6p per day (for that radiator)

It is worth remembering that with an electric radiator system (especially if you fit a smart radiator system), there will almost certainly be other ways that you can save money. If your home is insulated, you will be able to turn your heating off earlier, holding the heat inside the room, and a smart system can help you to only heat the spaces in your home that you wish to when you wish to.

Smart radiators can also learn about your routines and habits and then make sure that you are warm when you need to be, and that the house is not being warmed when it does not need to be.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ELECTRIC RADIATOR COSTS

When you are looking to reduce your house heating costs as much as possible – or if you are thinking about getting an electric radiator, it is important to be aware of some of the factors that can influence the cost of running your electric radiators. These can be used to explain differing costs, and, in some cases, lead to changes that can help to bring these costs down.

House Location

One of the biggest impacts that you can have on the heat of your house and, consequently the cost of heating it with an electric radiator is the location of the house. The more that it is open to the elements, the colder it is likely to be. This is why it is recommended that you insulate the cavities in the walls of your property if possible, helping to protect it from the elements. In fact, insulating the walls is recommended regardless of the location of your property due to its energy-saving (and money-saving) credentials.

Likewise, if you live in a mid-terraced house, for example, you will benefit from the residual heat from the houses that are located on either side of you. Although you are unable to insulate these walls, you will effectively be insulated on each side by the houses that are there. You should also consider insulating your roof and floors, if possible, to restrict the heat from leaving the house easily.

Room Size

It goes without saying that the larger the room, the more air that there is to heat, and the more the electric radiator will need to work in order to heat the room. You should also bear in mind that hot air rises, so more heat will be required if you have high ceilings or an open-planned room.

Smaller, more compact rooms are much easier to heat as it has less space to move to.

Here at Heat Electric we have a variety of electric radiator choices, so you can be sure to find the right size for your room!

Personal Preference

One of the biggest factors that influence the amount that it should cost to heat a room is a personal preference. The heat that you keep the room at should be enough for you to feel comfortable and able to function properly. That does not mean that you should put extra layers on in the winter to help to keep your energy bills down, but you also must ensure that your room is adequately heated to keep you healthy.

It is recommended that you aim to keep living rooms at a temperature of about 19°C, if possible, to keep you warm enough and healthy.

One of the benefits of using smart electrical radiators is that you can isolate individual ones within the property, enabling you to have the heating on only in the places where you are. This means that you can turn the heat off in the bedrooms during the day, or the kitchen overnight so that you are not wasting any money.

EFFICIENT ELECTRIC RADIATORS WITH HEAT ELECTRIC

Here at Heat Electric, we have a range of different efficient electric radiators for you to choose from. Our excellent ELKATHERM® range covers standard radiators, compact radiators, ultra-compact radiators, tall radiators, and dual core radiators. They are all highly efficient, easy to control, and look great in any home.

If you are considering getting just one electric radiator, several, or, indeed, getting electric radiators throughout your home, why not get in touch with our team here today? We are ready and waiting to discuss your needs and help you to save as much energy and money as possible in your home.