Have you switched your heating on with the rest of Britain?
If you’ve been reaching for the thermostat dial recently, you’re not alone. Research from Tado shows that when the outdoor temperature drops to 14oC, we Brits start to think about making our homes cosy[1].
This means that October is the month when the UK begins to shiver and across the country, heating systems are being switched on. Among those surveyed for the research, approximately 95% had switched on their heating for the first time since the summer, by the second week of October.
For the majority of homes this means turning on the central heating. However, there are approximately 4 million UK homes without access to the mains gas grid[2]. And from 2025 gas boilers will be banned altogether from new homes in a bid to tackle carbon emissions[3]. So, the spotlight is on alternative solutions. For those that do rely on gas, you may be looking to upgrade or install new heating systems for areas in the home that aren’t supplied by the main central heating.
Garage and loft conversions, conservatories and outbuildings have all become popular in the UK. For the most part, these spaces need a separate heating solution for the colder months – and electric heating is often the preferred option.
There are many different types of electric heating (see our blogs on the differences between panel heaters, electric radiators and storage heaters). Wall-mounted electric radiators offer several benefits over other options. Let’s take a closer look at how they work:
Dual power
Wall-mounted electric radiators optimise the combined physics of radiated and convection heating. This means that they harness the power of radiated heating and the efficiency of the convection process.
Learning from the sun
Radiated heat works in the same way as the sun’s glow heats the earth. It provides strong, uninterrupted beams of heat. This is the way that traditional panel heaters function. However, just as on earth, the further away that people are from the radiated heat source, the more chilly they will feel. The equator will always be warmer than Antarctica, just as the person sitting closest to the panel heater will be the one who basks in the glow.
Relying entirely upon radiated heat therefore means that many homes must have their thermostat turned up high to compensate. This is hard work for the heater, and is also a drain on fuel.
Going with the flow
Instead of simply beaming out heat like a radiator, convection works in harmony with the natural flows of air.
By harnessing circular heating and cooling motions, warmth streams effortlessly around the home. Just like water boiling in a kettle, the convection mechanism means that energy is transferred to the atmosphere, where it moves evenly.
The best of both
Electric heaters use the dual approach to take the best from both. The radiated heat provides the source, whilst the convection transfers it to every corner of the space.
This is a highly efficient method of distributing warmth. It means that the ambient temperature is even, predictable, and neatly controlled. Achieving a comfortable indoor ambiance throughout the room is both effortless and energy efficient.
To learn more about the benefits of electric radiators read our post: Three benefits of oil-filled radiators
