Dawn Williams

The inner workings of our home appliances are a wonderful mystery that we never question, and as long as they do the job, why would we? It’s not as if you need an electrical diagram of your toaster in order to use it. However, the more curious of us might enjoy learning every last detail about our products. Electric oil-filled radiators are some of the most energy-efficient heaters out there but just how do they work? They might be self-explanatory for some but you’d be surprised at the misconceptions that still surround this form of heating appliance. That’s why we’re getting up close and personal with oil-filled radiators to reveal what makes them tick.

Looking for an economical electric heater can seem like an impossible quest at times because we’re all searching for that mythical one product that is all things to all people: the cheapest, the most economical, the best looking, the most versatile, and so on. If it was really so simple, we’d all be using the same heater by the same brand; so, as you can see, this kind of thinking can needlessly complicate the process of selection. The truth is the vast majority of modern electric heaters are exceptionally economical to run – especially considering the new energy efficiency regulations waiting to come into force in January – but it all depends on how and where they’re used. If you want a comparison on how economical our different types of electric heaters are, read on.

Our heating systems can say a lot about our personalities and way of life. You may prefer the orderly structure of a programmable system if you’re a creature of habit, or you might have a devil-may-care, spontaneous lifestyle better suited to an adaptable smart appliance. Electric heating systems will always be able to provide warmth to suit your own personal routine (or lack thereof), but if you’re unfamiliar with the types of heaters on offer, it’s not always easy to narrow down your choice. For those who need a little extra advice, all you need to do is take a quick look at our quiz to guide you to the perfect solution.

Where would we be without our trusty room heaters? Handy in a pinch when our central heating suddenly conks out and reliable as a zoned heater for everyday use. Room heaters come in all shapes and sizes but therein lies the problem – there’s a lot of different products out there which all claim to do the same job. ‘Room heating’ is quite a vague phrase and we all have different requirements for warming our home, so it’s to be expected that some heaters just won’t make the cut. So, what should you be looking out for when you come to buy a room heater?

It’s easy to take heating for granted in the developed world. We rarely give it a second thought unless we have to go without it, and at times we can forget just how lucky we are to have our own dedicated source of home heating. Why not spare a thought for all the enterprising individuals throughout history who strove to provide us with these modern conveniences we would struggle to live without? In the 19^th century, engineers and inventors were fascinated by electricity and could see that it had far reaching potential to change our lives for the better. One of the many applications they foresaw for electricity was to provide convenient and reliable heat for the home. It’s from these humble beginnings that modern electric heaters were conceived.

Electric heating has had a bad reputation in the past for being costly and ineffective, and unfortunately, it’s a misconception which has persisted even to this day. Many is the time a potential tenant will turn their nose up at a flat with a solely electric heat source, but this is often because they’re presented with old, antiquated appliances that are sorely in need of an update. Modern electric heaters couldn’t be more different – they’re streets ahead of gas in terms of efficiency, control, style and safety, which is why they are increasingly popular with property developers. You may not realise it, but electric heating could actually be a bonus when looking for a flat. Here’s why…

Choosing between gas and electric has always presented a quandary for landlords. This is truer now than it’s ever been, with savvy tenants increasingly listing the choice of heating system as a key consideration when browsing rental properties. Of course, tenant satisfaction often comes at an increase in expenditure, so it’s important to find a heating solution that strikes the right balance between quality and affordability. If you’re a landlord in a similar predicament, electric radiators may be just the solution you’re looking for!

Last time, we looked at how to get the most out of your conservatory during winter and how best to keep it warm and cosy enough for use even during the colder months. In part two, we will be tackling condensation – the other main frustration of conservatory use during this time of year. This is a common problem in conservatories and you should never turn your back on it if it occurs persistently. Get control over your conservatory by understanding the causes of condensation and how you can reduce its occurrence.

Throughout winter, conservatories in the UK frequently become ‘no-go areas’ due to their high rate of heat loss, their doors often remaining sadly shut for the most part of the season. This is a great shame on a number of levels: not only have you spent a lot of money building this lovely additional room to your property, but you’re also missing out on a time when your garden can look particularly picturesque covered in snow and frost. The main barrier for enjoying your conservatory during winter is the difficulty in keeping it warm, but what can you do to improve its heat retention?