Electric heating options for homes include electric radiators, panel heaters, storage heaters and electric underfloor heating. Each suits different rooms and tariffs, and none needs a gas supply. Watsons Electrical Hugglescote Ltd installs and repairs electrical heating in Hugglescote and can discuss which option suits your property.
At a glance
- Main types
- Electric radiators, panel heaters, storage heaters and underfloor heating
- Good for
- Homes without gas, single rooms, extensions and new builds
- Running cost
- Depends on insulation, how many rooms you heat and your tariff
- Installation
- Needs a suitable circuit and correct protection
- Building Regulations
- A new heating circuit is notifiable under Part P in England
What are the main types of electric heating?
There are four common types of fixed electric heating for homes. The table shows how each works and where it fits best.
| Type | How it works | Best suited to | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric radiators | Wall-mounted and wired to the mains, heating a sealed element | Single rooms or whole homes | Thermostat and timer control room by room |
| Panel heaters | Slim wall panels that warm the room quickly | Small rooms and extra heat | Often used alongside another heat source |
| Storage heaters | Store heat overnight and release it through the day | Homes on an off-peak tariff | Work best with a meter that supports off-peak charging |
| Electric underfloor heating | Heating elements laid under the floor finish | New builds and renovations | Needs access to the floor, so suits major building work |
Is electric heating a good choice for homes without gas?
Yes. Electric heating needs no gas supply, so it suits homes that are not connected to the gas network. Electric radiators also give precise control of each room's temperature, which makes them practical for single rooms, extensions and conversions.
How much does electric heating cost to run?
Running costs depend on the price you pay per unit of electricity, how well insulated the home is and how many rooms you heat. Electricity usually costs more per unit than gas, so the way you use the heating matters. These habits help keep costs down:
- Heat only the rooms you use, using room-by-room thermostats
- Use timers so heating switches on only when needed
- Improve insulation and draught-proofing before choosing heaters
- Match the heater type to your tariff, for example storage heaters with an off-peak tariff
What does electric heating installation involve?
Installation follows these steps:
- Discuss your requirements. Rooms, property type and how you want to control the heating.
- Choose the heating. Pick the type and size of heater for each room.
- Check the supply. Existing circuits are checked to confirm they can safely carry the load.
- Fit and connect. The heaters are correctly connected and safely installed.
- Test. The installation is tested before you use it.
A new circuit for a heater is notifiable under Part P in England. Our Part P guide explains what that means.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install an electric radiator myself?
Portable plug-in heaters need no installation. Fixed radiators wired to the mains should be fitted by a competent electrician, and a new circuit is notifiable work under Part P.
Do electric radiators need a plumber?
No. Electric radiators have no connection to a water system, so no plumbing is needed. They are wired to the electrical supply.
Do I need a special tariff for storage heaters?
Storage heaters work best on an off-peak tariff such as Economy 7, which needs a meter that supports it. Ask your energy supplier.
Can electric heating be controlled by a thermostat or timer?
Yes. Most fixed electric heaters have built-in thermostats and timers, and many can be set room by room.
Can electric heating be repaired?
Yes. An electrician can investigate the fault and repair or replace the heater where possible. In Hugglescote you can call 07359 854049.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: by Watsons Electrical Hugglescote Ltd. Questions about your own property? Call 07359 854049.