Nearly every family in Britain now owns an electric radiator, which come with their own pluses and minuses compared to the gas radiators they’ve replaced. If you’re in the market for an electric radiator, you’ll want to know everything there is to know about them before making your purchase. This comprehensive guide will help you evaluate the different styles of radiators available, and how each one can best be used based on your own heating needs and personal tastes. By reading this guide, you’ll be able to make informed decisions when it comes to choosing your electric radiator.
- Size
Size isn’t everything when it comes to electric radiators, but it can have a significant impact on how efficient and effective your radiator is at heating your room. Although there are compact designs available for smaller rooms and apartments, most electric radiators are significantly larger than the gas models they’re replacing. While larger spaces will require larger radiators to be properly heated, it’s not always necessary to purchase the biggest models available.
- Material
While the majority of electric radiators are made of the same plastic used in the majority of portable appliances today, there are still models available in a wide variety of materials. You can easily choose from aluminum, ceramic, and even luxurious wood options, but all radiators will contain similar features and comparable energy efficiency. You’ll also be able to view the level of construction each radiator has received during its lifetime.
- Design
Electric radiators will typically come in a wide variety of styles, but the majority of models will include similar design elements or aesthetics. You’ll have the option to choose between cylinder-shaped designs, concentric circles, and even a mix of each design.
- Heating Capacity
The amount of heat a radiator can produce is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which is considerably less than the heat produced by gas radiators. Electric radiators are designed to be used in conjunction with central heating systems or other heat sources to ensure rooms are properly heated throughout the day.
- Cost
While electric radiators have become less expensive over the years due to improvements in technology, they’ll still cost more on average than traditional gas radiators. However, you’ll find that many of the benefits offered by electric radiators are more than worth the extra expense.
- Durability
Due to their heavier materials, electric radiators provide a great deal more durability than traditional gas models used for heating. You can expect your electric radiator to last for many years provided you carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
- Installation
While each radiator will come with a set of detailed installation instructions, electric radiators are incredibly easy to install by anyone who feels comfortable using tools and following directions provided by manufacturers.
- Effectiveness
Electric radiators are designed to allow individual rooms to be heated based on the amount of heat they’re producing. A poorly insulated room will generate almost no heat, and consequently won’t require as much heating as a room that generates a great deal more heat.
Electric radiators provide a convenient, affordable, and effective way to keep your home heated regardless of the weather. You’ll have access to a wide variety of sizes and designs available to meet your heating needs. And while electric radiators won’t heat as well as their gas counterparts, they’re still considerably more efficient than passive models used for heating small apartments.