What are electric heaters and how do they work?
In comparison to gas central heating, portable electric heaters use the mains power to provide warmth. Various electric solutions are available to heat your home without relying on fossil fuels like coal, gas, or oil.
Heat is generated by passing electricity through an electrical resistance inside the heater. In order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, heat energy is transferred from the element to the core and then to the casing.
A wide range of electric heating options is available for hire here at HSS, including electric boilers, air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, electric radiators, infrared heaters, modern storage heaters and more.
The pros and cons of electric heaters
Historically, electric radiators were regarded as inefficient. However, innovations in technology ensure that contemporary models are extremely energy efficient with some models including advanced features to maximise efficiency.
Today's electric radiators are capable of heating rooms up to 150 square metres in size and can be used for both space heating and domestic hot water systems.
Pros
1. Cheap and effective: If you only need to heat one or two rooms in your home, electric radiators can be cost-effective. In comparison to other heating methods like gas, oil, or biomass, electric heating is significantly easier and cheaper to install. Installation of pipes and lifting of flooring is not required. Electric heaters can often be plugged in without having to be wired.
2. Smart features: Modern electric heaters include a range of smart features to maximise usage. Some features include flexible programming for automated heat whenever it suits you best and energy monitors to give you visibility of energy consumption and save costs.
3. Safety: Electric heaters do not produce carbon monoxide like gas heaters do and are generally cleaner for the environment. They are also safer to use indoors, as they do not require a venting system or a pilot light, which can be dangerous if improperly maintained or operated.
Cons
1. Can be inefficient: Electric heaters are a great option for heating small spaces, but they can be less efficient for whole-building heating. Electric heaters use a lot more energy than gas or oil furnaces, and they don't provide the same kind of continuous heat that you get from other types of heating.
2. Energy costs: In the UK, electricity costs more than three times the cost of gas. This means that you could end up paying more on energy bills if you rely on electric heaters too often.
3. Time-consuming: Most electric heaters take a significant amount of time to power up and begin heating a room, this can consume more energy than central heating which quite quickly begins to radiate heat.
Electric heaters vs central heating: Which is best?
Electric heaters are cheaper to buy upfront, while gas heaters are cheaper to run. There are many variables to consider in order to work out the most cost-effective option, but in most cases, the price of electricity is a lot higher than the price of gas. So if you only use your heater a few times during the winter months, then electric may be the better choice. If you are looking to heat a large space that is occupied regularly, then gas central heating might be more economical.
However, as energy prices increase and more homeowners and businesses look for ways to save money, combining central heating systems with supplementary or backup heating from plug-in radiators could be the best way to keep energy costs low.
Regardless of the type of heater you choose to purchase or hire, the best way to ensure you are getting an energy-efficient option is to search for the following:
- Make sure your appliance has a high energy star rating
- Make sure the appliance you choose is the right size for the space you want to heat
- Choose an appliance with multiple controls for easy heat control
Hire high-quality heating for your home or site here at HSS
HSS Hire is here to provide you with the best heating solutions when the cold weather hits. Occasionally, the best option for supplementary heat in the home or temporary on-site heat in the workplace is hiring equipment.
We offer a range of heaters that are suitable for any space and purpose, including small portable radiators right up to large industrial fan heaters and air handlers, which are great for larger industrial spaces.
If you require a heater for a marquee event, patio warmth, or an outdoor party, you’ll find efficient heating on our site. We also provide direct and indirect fuel heaters which are ideal when you need large volumes of heat as well as radiant heaters which create intense, localised heat.
We offer a range of boilers that can be installed on-site in just a few hours, giving you peace of mind that your guests or visitors will be able to enjoy hot drinks and washing facilities.
We understand that sometimes short-term solutions are required, which is why we offer flexible rental agreements that can be tailored to meet your needs. From providing emergency hire through to full bespoke project design, our team is ready to assist with any heating requirements you have.