News | Useful Tips & Insights on Electric Heating

Secondary homes and holiday properties are an entirely different kettle of fish when it comes to heating because they’re used in such vastly different (and often unpredictable) ways. Where one property might be occupied for a few months during peak holiday season, another may be used the year round but for only a few days each week. They could be long or short-term holiday lets or even private holiday homes, so depending on how long they’re occupied for, it’s a good idea to weigh up which heating options are most applicable to your property before purchasing.   

Electric radiators are one of our most loyal and constant companions. They’re by our sides when times are tough and always the first to pick us up when we’re down with their warm and reassuring presence. While we won’t go so far as to say they’re man’s best friend, they’re definitely within your primary social circle, like a close neighbour or a smartphone voice assistant. Not everyone’s a seasoned electric radiator user and they can be quite the learning curve for anyone new to this type of heating system. We know everyone has to start somewhere so this guide is designed to deal with some of the most common questions surrounding electric radiators: the most enchanting and enigmatic of all the household appliances.

It’s no secret that any privately let property will need to have an EPC rating (Energy Performance Certificate) of E or above in order to comply with regulations. Whereas anything rated F or G is deemed unfit for purpose. This has far-reaching implications for anyone reliant on rent as a primary source of income and landlords across the country must ensure their properties ready in time for the deadline. Despite their importance, EPC ratings are not widely understood by the general public, which can lead to further confusion once property owners have received their assessment recommendations.

Modern electric radiators are lauded for their versatility when it comes to installation. Compared to extending a central heating system, fitting electric radiators is a breeze and won’t cost you a penny to install depending on what type of setup you choose. Some people opt to have their radiator act as a freestanding unit that they can move from room to room, whereas others prefer to wall mount their heaters for a permanent heating solution. Wall mounting is by far the most popular choice of the two but there’s a further consideration that needs to be made: do you wall mount your radiator DIY or go for a hardwired finish?

Is an unsightly cloud of black spots manifesting itself around your bathroom windows or ceiling? Has your wallpaper begun to peel, wilting as though it has lost the will to live? It may be that brownish or yellowish stains are growing above your skirting board? If any of this this rings true, it seems that your bathroom has been invaded by damp. Fear not, whilst it may currently be winning the battle, it has not yet won the war...

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.

I think it’s fair to say we all want to spend as little as possible on our utility bills. In the aftermath of the festive period, money is often at its tightest. On cold January evenings, the last thing you want to do is quibble over heating. Electric radiators, when used correctly, provide an opportunity for cheaper monthly bills. If you’re serious about saving, it’s time to ditch central heating, grab yourself an electric radiator, and follow our simple money-saving tips.

Nothing kills Christmas like pondering the extent of your excesses. The price of all that food, drink, and tinsel (not to mention the presents) can push your finances over the edge when you start factoring in bills too. Around this time of year, the lingering cold forces us to rely on our heating more than ever – providing festive, yet costly, warmth. While nobody wants to be nicknamed Ebenezer this Christmas, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to keep your heating bills low. Energy suppliers will tell you to turn your thermostat down, relatives will say put a jumper on – at Electric Radiators Direct, we’ve decided it’s time for some solid, practical advice. Follow our ten steps for economical heating and start saving today…

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.