Electric Heating in East Lothian (8)

Electric heating is becoming increasingly popular across the UK thanks to its efficiency, safety, and environmental benefits.

Whether you’re looking to install a new electric heating system, upgrade from gas, or book a service, finding a qualified electric heating engineer in East Lothian is simple with Checkatrade.

Understanding electric heating systems

Electric heating uses electricity to generate warmth for your home through radiators, boilers, or underfloor systems. Common types include:

• Electric boilers: ideal for central heating and hot water, similar to traditional gas boilers but powered by electricity
• Electric storage heaters: store heat during off-peak hours and release it throughout the day
• Electric underfloor heating: provides consistent, even warmth from the ground up, perfect for modern homes and bathrooms

Each option offers unique benefits depending on your property type, energy tariff, and lifestyle.

Benefits of switching to electric heating

There are several compelling reasons to switch to electric heating, including:

• Safety: No gas combustion or carbon monoxide risk
• Lower installation cost: Typically cheaper to install than gas systems
• Low maintenance: Fewer moving parts and no annual safety certification required
• Eco-friendly: Produces no on-site emissions and can be powered by renewable energy such as solar or wind
• Efficiency: Electric heating is close to 100% efficient at the point of use, meaning virtually no energy is wasted

Considering switching from gas to electric? Our gas vs electric heating cost guide explains how the two systems compare.

Electric heating costs

The overall cost of installing or running an electric heating system depends on your home's size, insulation, and system type.

Electric heating installation costs: average around £3,790, but this can vary depending on whether you’re replacing an old system or fitting new radiators.

Running costs: electricity is currently more expensive per unit than gas, but improved efficiency and the option to use cheaper night-time tariffs (like Economy 7) can help balance this out.

Our central heating installation cost guide has more details.

Maintaining your electric heating system

Although electric heating doesn’t require an annual gas safety check, regular servicing is still a good idea.

A qualified electric heating engineer can inspect wiring, elements, and thermostats to ensure your system runs efficiently.

A typical electric heating service cost normally falls between £70 and £110, depending on the system type and location.

Should I repair or replace my electric heating system?

Electric heating systems generally last longer than gas boilers and require fewer repairs.

However, if your system stops working efficiently, it’s worth assessing whether a repair or full replacement is more cost-effective.

Consider replacing your electric heating system if:

• The system is more than 15 years old
• Spare parts are difficult to source
• Energy bills have noticeably increased
• Repairs are frequent or costly

Tips for hiring an electric heating engineer in East Lothian

When choosing an electric heating engineer near you, check the following to ensure you hire right:

• Check qualifications and experience: Make sure the engineer has relevant electrical and heating certifications
• Read reviews on Checkatrade to see feedback from real customers
• Ask about pricing upfront: Request a clear breakdown of costs for installation, servicing, or repairs to avoid unexpected fees
• Compare a selection of quotes: Getting multiple quotes can help you find a fair price and understand what’s included in each service
• Confirm availability: For urgent heating issues, ask about response times and whether they offer emergency call-outs

For tradespeople committed to quality and a job done right, search for electric heating engineers in East Lothian with Checkatrade.