Electric Heating in KT3 (223)

Electric heating is a heating system that runs off electricity rather than other fuel types. This includes but isn’t limited to underfloor heating, electric storage heating or electric boilers. Different types of electric heating can be found in homes throughout the UK and many homeowners prefer this to traditional gas heating systems.

Electric heating works by converting electricity into heat. This is usually done using a heating element that reaches a high temperature, diffusing heat through your home. In the case of electric boilers, the heating element is used to warm up water. The water is then used to heat your home or to create hot water for your bathrooms and kitchen.

If you’re considering switching from a gas heating system, you may be wondering what the benefits of electric heating are. The good news is that there are several advantages of electric heating systems, including:

• Safety - Electric heating is often considered safer than gas heating as there are no dangerous fumes produced

• Cost - Generally, electric heating systems are less expensive to install than gas heating systems

• Environmentally friendly - Using electricity to heat your home means less damage to the environment. This is because no carbon dioxide is produced by an electric heating system. You can even power your electric heating using renewable energy sources like solar panels

• Low maintenance - Electric heating needs less maintenance than gas heating and servicing isn't essential

How efficient is electric heating?

Another benefit of electric heating is its efficiency. Unlike gas heating, which is generally 50% efficient, electric heating can be 100% efficient, reducing wasted energy.

Generally, electric heating systems are cheaper to install than gas heating systems, however when it comes to running costs, gas systems are cheaper.

To learn more about how gas and electric heating compare to each other, check out our gas vs electric heating cost guide.

Gas central heating systems need annual maintenance to make sure they’re safe to use, but there’s no requirement to get your electric heating serviced. However, there are benefits to getting a regular electric heating service.

For starters, having your system serviced is a great way of making sure it’s running as efficiently as possible. As well as this, a service will also check for any developing issues that are often cheaper to fix before they get worse. Finally, a regular service can help to extend the lifespan of your electric heating system.

As a rough guide you can expect to pay between £70 - £110 for your electric heating service. You can find more information in our boiler service cost guide.

The amount you pay for electric heating installation will vary based on a few key factors. These include:

• Size of home - Larger homes will need bigger electric heating systems which are generally more expensive than small heating systems

• Current set up - Depending on your current heating set up, the price of switching to electric heating will vary. For example, switching like for like is a lot cheaper than installing an entirely different system

• Number of radiators - The more radiators that are needed to heat your home, the more you’ll pay

• Make and model of system - Different heating systems will be priced differently

• Type of electric heating system - Whether you choose underfloor heating, an electric boiler or another option will affect the amount you pay

Electric heating cost

The above variables should help when it comes to budgeting for your new heating system. As a rough guide, the average electric heating cost is £3,790, although this will vary. For more prices and information, check out our central heating installation cost guide.

One of the benefits of choosing an electric heating system over gas is the reduction in repairs needed. As electric systems have less moving parts, electric heating repairs aren't often required. However, if your electric heating stops working, you may be wondering whether it's better to pay for electric heating repairs or a replacement system.

Ask yourself:

• Is your boiler still in warranty? If it is, you may not need to pay for repairs yourself

• Is your boiler quite new but outside warranty? Making repairs is generally the better choice

• Is your boiler old? Older boilers can be very expensive to fix and getting parts can be tricky. In this case, a replacement may be the better option

• Is your boiler badly damaged? Extensive damage may be more expensive to repair than buying a new boiler