It is a fact that central gas heating has been replaced by electric radiators, largely due to their ease of use and efficiency. The benefits of these heaters are numerous and extend beyond the obvious one (they don’t use any fuel), though it may be difficult for those with central gas heating to appreciate them without experiencing this option for themselves. Electric radiators offer several important features over central gas heating, such as:
More efficient operation – even when it is set at its highest setting, an electric radiator produces half the carbon dioxide release than a traditional boiling water heater. Electric radiators, therefore, reduce a building’s carbon footprint and the heating bills associated with it.
Easier to clean – Unlike gas boilers and water heaters, which can quickly break, an electric radiator is much more reliable. Furthermore, as it has no moving parts, it is also much easier to clean.
Humidistat – This function allows the user to control when the heater turns on for automatic operation or for manually turning it off. Although not all manufacturers provide this feature, many do so for a small additional fee.
No fuel dependence – An electric radiator produces heat using electricity alone, leaving no fuel consumption to worry about at all.
Hygienic usage – As the heater does not produce any smoke, there is no need to worry about its usage being unsanitary.
An electric radiator is nothing like a traditional heater, though it bears many similarities. Its parts are usually made of plastic, making the temperature rise much more gradually and smoother than that of an oil-filled heater. Like a traditional heater, it can also be purchased in various sizes (from small blocks to large units), but there are other differences as well. For example, while most heaters have only one temperature setting (e.g. 90 to 95 ), electric radiators often have a range of temperatures ranging from 21 to 65 , which makes them excellent options for those who need to regulate the temperature of air conditioning and heating systems.
The size of an electric radiator also differs from a traditional heater. While they take up less space than oil-filled heaters and boilers, it is still important to follow proper spacing guidelines when installing such heaters, as their size and shape make them visible from all angles. They are also similarly heavy as traditional boilers, though they can be lifted by one person if necessary.
The benefits of electric radiators are not limited to the heating of water, and they also provide an excellent option for heating other substances as well. These substances include:
How much of these benefits people actually realize is not clear, though. This may be because most people do not have a heater at home. Even when they do, many do not realize how much better it is to purchase and use one over their existing method of heating. In another study conducted on American university students, students were unable to identify which mode of central heating was more efficient (i.e., gas and electric). Furthermore, the majority of these students stated that they would prefer to see their heating systems replaced in favour of boilers or electric radiators.