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Electric heating now forms a vital component of heating systems as it is common and popular in the United Kingdom. The increase in global demand for natural gas and the subsequent market price fluctuations have only rendered necessary the exploration of cheap sources of energy.
This makes electric heating, including other forms of low-carbon heating, far more dominant over high-carbon heating methods. On the other hand, the cost of electricity needs to be reduced significantly if electric heating systems take a stand as a feasible means. Most of the electric power is produced using natural and renewable resources which means its price influences its wholesale price thus making it expensive to run electric heaters.
The cost of electricity could be slashed with a nationwide upscaling of renewable energy sources and the right government policy. Thus, there can be quite understandable reluctance of some when they are faced with heat pump costs.
This article will provide you with a basic understanding of electric heating – what types are there, how much will it cost you, and whether or not it will suit your home. This article is helpful whether you need an electric heater right now or one in the distant future.
Electric Heating System
An electric heating system is therefore a heating system that uses electricity as its chief form of power. They are very effective and there are numerous products available that make it easier for all types of homes, large and small with different energy usage needs to find something suitable for them. Main electrical heating appliances, including electric boilers, are installed in households devoid of access to the gas network, particularly in one and two-flats and smaller dwellings.
The main advantage of such heat sources as electric heating is that they do not emit any CO2 during their operation. Replacing fossil fuel-based power stations with renewable generation capacity would introduce a renewable energy market that helps reduce the cost of living impacts, level out energy prices, and underline the decarbonisation of our heat.
Types of Electric Heating Systems
There are various types of electric heating systems for you to consider, these include:
- Electric boilers
- Electric underfloor heating
- Infrared panels
- Electric storage heaters
- Air source heat pumps
Every size of home is provided with a suitable electric heating system among these choices. In the following section, we have explained in details how such systems operate, their advantages, disadvantages, and their applicability at home.
This is to help you avoid wasting energy and thus money when you have identified your approximate energy requirements and the kind of heating system you need. Well, that is where a professional electric heating installer will come in handy.
Electric Boilers
Electric boilers use internal electric elements to heat water by passing it through a solenoid. It in turn is used for heating and domestic water through your central heating or even under the Floor Heating system.
Direct electric boilers heat mains water only when there is a need which makes it suitable for instant use. Electric storage boilers generate heat that is used to heat water which is then stored in a hot water cylinder or stored internally for future use. Dry core storage works similarly, but rather than storing heat schematically, it stores heat in bricks which is then released to heat water.
Electric Boiler Costs
Electric boiler options | Price range |
Budget models | £900-£1,200 |
Mid-range models | £1,200-£2,500 |
Premium models | £2,500-£4,500 |
The Economy 7 or 10 tariffs are available with electric storage boilers. These let you heat the water during the night, or other periods of the day when tarification level is cheaper. UK Government has launched the Eco4 scheme in which they are providing free boiler grants at no cost. They provide these grants to those who meet the criteria of Eco4 eligibility.
Pros of Electric Boilers | Cons of Electric Boilers |
Highly efficient: 99-100% efficiency rate. | Not suitable for large homes: Typically limited to small homes with heating outputs up to 24kW. |
Requires very little maintenance: No need for annual gas safety checks. | High running costs: Electricity can be nearly five times as expensive as gas. |
Flexible installation: No flue or condensate pipe required. | |
Saves space in the home: Direct electric boilers take up minimal space. | |
Renewable energy compatible: Works well with solar PV or solar thermal systems for hot water. |
Electric underfloor heating
Underfloor radiant heating electricity is incorporated into the floor in the form of wiring or heating mats. Generally, underfloor heating is installed in only one area, the bathroom more often, and is not used to warm the entire home.
Electric under floor heating can be used to replace conventional central heating radiators and the amount of heat that is emitted can be controlled with various thermostats which should enable you to oversee the costs.
Pros of Underfloor Heating | Cons of Electric Underfloor Heating |
Easy installation: Less disruptive and takes up less space than wet systems. | Expensive to install: Installation can be more disruptive compared to other electric heating systems. |
Efficient heat-up times: Warms up quicker than wet underfloor heating. | Higher running costs: Heating an entire property can be costly. |
More control: Operates at lower minimum temperatures than central heating radiators. | Insulation required: Must have floor insulation for efficiency. |
Efficient heat distribution: Provides even heat compared to radiators. | Heat only: Does not provide domestic hot water. |
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Electric Storage Heaters
Electric storage heaters are widely the most used electric heaters in the United Kingdom. Electricity is used to produce heat which is then accumulated within the heaters, or internally mostly within large clay bricks at the center of heaters.
The heat is then accumulated in a reservoir and released to a room as and when required such a design. Some of the more intricate heaters have a fan which helps to warm a room quicker. The heat output is variable by using the different types of heating controls that include programmers whereby one can set the room temperature at certain periods that are most favorable. These heaters work on heat and once this heat is utilized they have to be re-charged.
Similar to storage boilers, storage heaters can also optimise on cheap tariff through the Economy 7 and 10 tariffs. That said, most homes won’t fault you for charging your heater during the night time.
Pros of Electric Storage Heaters | Cons of Electric Storage Heaters |
Cheaper tariff rates: Economy 7/10 rates allow savings on energy costs. | Run out of heat: Risk of depleting stored heat before evening use. |
Extra control: Input and output controls help regulate energy use for heat storage and emission. | High running costs: Nearly five times more expensive than conventional heating, even with lower tariffs. |
Advanced control settings: The modern “boost” function ensures you won’t run out of heat. | Energy intensive: Using the “boost” function can significantly increase costs. |
Reduced heat loss: Modern heaters feature advanced heat retention technology. |
Air Source Heat Pumps
An ASHP moves heat from the external environment to the internal environment of a building with the help of a reversing valve. Direct air-to-air heat pumps use air conditioning to heat the air while air-to-water heat pumps offer domestic hot water and central heating in addition to heated air. They can also be used as a cooling system during one of the hottest seasons of the year.
Air-to-water systems normally consist of an outside and an inside unit. Some also include a hot water cylinder so that you can be able to store hot water for use. ASHP’s are characterized by low CO2 emission and high efficiency but their efficiency fluctuates seasonally. However, some will still run at as low temperatures as -25 °C.
Pros of an Air Source Heat Pump | Cons of an Air Source Heat Pump |
Highly efficient: Efficiency rates of up to 400%. | High installation costs: Installation can be expensive without government grants. |
Combines with existing systems: Provides heating and cooling; can be integrated with central heating, underfloor heating, and solar power. | Insulation required: Works ineffectively without adequate insulation. |
Long lifespan: Can last 20-25 years. | Regular maintenance: Requires yearly maintenance; twice a year if providing cooling. |
Government grants available: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers £6,000 off installation costs. | |
Suitable for large properties: Can meet the heating and hot water needs of larger homes with high energy demands. |
How Much Do Electric Heating Systems Cost?
The average charges for each of these categories of electric heating are shown below. These estimates use the cost of supply and installation of an average three-bed house (where relevant) and are inclusive of VAT.
Electric heating system | Average price range (inc. installation) |
Electric boilers | £1,000 – £2,600 |
Electric underfloor heating (inc. infrared) | £40 – £90 per m² |
Infrared panels (inc. designer) | £120 – £600 per panel |
Electric storage heaters (new) | £800 – £2,000 |
Air source heat pumps | £12,000 to £17,000 |
Ground source heat pumps | £16,000 to £25,000 |
Once electric heaters are installed, they are almost maintenance-free.” They do not need an annual service like gas boilers and that means you will be saving about £80 – £120 per year.
Heat pumps might cost a lot of money for the servicing and repairs of could go up to £150 totals are sometimes reached. Air source systems will need a professional maintenance check at least annually, or bi-annually if the system is also used for cooling. On the other hand, ground source systems will only demand periodic checks that could take between 3-5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
It may be difficult to say what is the best electric heating system since it greatly depends on the home’s size and requirements, air source heat pumps are perfect for large spaces.
It might be more costly to use electricity for heating than gas but by using the Economy 7 tariffs can bring the costs down considerably.
Many electrical heaters are low maintenance and therefore do not demand frequent safety checks like the gas systems.
Indeed, electric heating systems can be connected with a renewable energy source such as solar panels, and hence can be considered as environment-friendly appliances.
