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There are a range of different types of electric heaters available today. This means no matter what your circumstances are, the perfect heater for your home is out there. Here are the most common types of electric heater:

• Convector heaters - An electric element is used to create heat which leaves the heater in the form of warm air. These heaters produce heat quickly and quietly

• Panel heaters - Rather than blowing out warm air, panel heaters produce radiant energy rays. These rays move in straight lines and transform into radiant heat when they reach you or members of your family. They’re great for evenly heating a room and are available in space saving options

• Fan heaters - Air is sucked into electric fan heaters where it passes a heating element. The warmed air then is funnelled into your home. These heaters are energy efficient and quick to work

• Oil filled radiators - Oil is heated inside these radiators using electricity. This heat is then spread throughout the space. These electric heaters are efficient to run and have added features like timers and thermostatic control

What are the advantages of electric heaters?

If you’re struggling to stay warm at home and need a quick solution, choosing an electric heater is a great choice. The good news is that these heaters have a variety of benefits including:

• Safety - Electric heaters are safe to use as no gas is involved in the heating process

• Installation - While electric heaters can be fitted on a wall, this isn't essential. Compared to other heating systems, electric heaters are quick and easy to install

• Speed - These heaters are great for rapidly heating up your home

• Environmentally friendly - No fossil fuels are used, making these heaters a low emission option

What are the disadvantages of electric heaters?

Electric heaters have a number of advantages, however, they aren't perfect. For starters, electric heaters aren't designed as a long term heating solution unless you choose to install electric radiators. Other drawbacks to using electric heaters include:

• Running costs - Electricity is more expensive than gas with an average cost of 22.36p per kWh, while gas is priced at 5.48p per kWh (correct as of August 2024)

• Power cuts - While power cuts aren't common in the UK, large storms can cause a power outage. If this happens, you won't be able to use your electric heater

• Electricity usage - Using an electric heater won't be an issue as they don’t use a lot of power. However, if you choose to have electric radiators installed throughout your home, they can put a strain on your mains power supply. It’s worth checking if this will be an issue with an electrician before installation starts

If you’re using an electric heater, there are a few reasons why it could stop working. The most common electric heater issues include:

• Broken fan

• Broken thermostat

• Heater keeps switching itself off and on

• Total breakdown

• Bad odours

If you’re having issues with your electric heater, there are a few checks you can do to try and get it working again. These include:

• Making sure your heater is unobstructed to allow air flow

• Cleaning your heater’s air filters

• Checking whether your heater is properly plugged in

• Changing blown fuses

Remember to always disconnect your electric heater before making any changes or repairs to avoid injury. If there are wiring issues with your electric heater, stop using it immediately and get it repaired by an electrician for safety.

Can electric heaters be repaired?

Absolutely, many electric heaters can be repaired, meaning you won’t need to go out and buy a replacement. Most electrical issues should be repaired by a qualified electrician so you can be sure your heater is safe to use.

If you need to replace an old electric wall heater or are planning to install a new one, you may be wondering how much this will cost. Depending on the brand, size, capacity and type of wall heater you choose, this price will vary. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay an average of £500 for your new electric wall heater including installation.

For more prices and advice, please visit our electric wall heater installation cost guide.