Heating is an important component of any household. During the winter months, many consumers rely heavily on their heating systems to provide comfort and convenience. With rising energy prices, it is crucial to invest in heaters that perform well and help you save on energy costs. 

Two of the most popular heating options are gas and electric however only one of these is highly energy efficient. If you want to learn more about choosing the right heating system for your home, here is everything you need to know about electric and gas heating systems. 

Choosing Between Electric vs. Gas Heating System

To understand which heating unit performs the best, it is important to look at what electric and gas heating are and how they work. This will help you evaluate which system is more energy efficient than the other. 

What Are Electric Heating Systems?

Electric heaters or radiators represent the next generation of heating systems, offering better functionality and efficient energy use. These heaters are easy to install and are a highly heating solution. 

Electric heaters are also known to be very cost-effective compared to other heating solutions. If you don’t require large heaters, you can also find smaller portable electrical heater options that are also easy to install and use. This versatility makes electric heaters one of the most popular heating solutions. 

Electric heaters are also eco-friendly compared to other traditional heating systems, including central heating. These heaters are eco-friendly because they use electricity to operate instead of hot water. This quality also makes them highly efficient as little to no energy goes to waste. 

An electrical heating system also act as a modular heating system that works well for domestic properties. You can add multiple new heaters into your heating system with ease using an electric heater. This will allow you to control multiple heaters with one main hub. 

Each electric heater is built with a precision digital thermostat and several built-in power saving features that help you practice energy conservation. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about these units ruining the design aesthetic of your home as they come in various modern and sleek styles and finishes. 

When it comes to installation, electric heaters come with several benefits including quick and easy installation so you can start using them in no time. 

Unlike large gas heating system units, most electric heaters are portable and can be easily wall mounted for a more discreet installation. For specialised rooms, you can also find super slim designed heaters or electric heaters designed for high-ceilinged rooms. 

Some electric heaters are also compatible with home assistant devices such as Alexa and Google Home. This feature allows you to use the heating system completely hands-free. You can also use voice controls to activate the heaters or follow any commands. 

Electric heaters come in a variety of different sizes based on wattage. Therefore, there is an electric heater unit to fit every household’s needs. Depending on your home’s heating requirement, your energy consumption will fluctuate. 

Despite the higher wattage, electric heaters will help you save on energy costs as they do not rely on hot water or gas energy. 

How Do Electric Radiators Work?

Electric heaters work similarly to central heating systems; however, they don’t rely on a series of plumping systems to deliver heat. Electric heaters are standalone heating units that either use a thermal oil/fluid or a dry element that heats up and transfers warmth to the surrounding air. 

Most of the heat produced by electric heaters is created through a process called convection, also called the movement of warm air. A smaller portion of the energy is used as radiant heat. The heating process depends on the components that electric heaters use. 

Oil-Filled vs Dry Element Electric Radiators

In oil-filled electric heaters, an electrical heating component heats the reservoir of thermic oil inside the heater unit. This electrical heating element is fully submerged within the thermic oil, which allows the element to generate heat efficiently. 

Once the heater is turned on, the heating element heats the oil, which transfers the heat emission to a metal wall through convection. Once this process happens, the heat emission leaves the walls via conduction and finally into the surrounding through air convection and thermal radiation. 

The heating process works a little differently for wall-mounted electric heaters with a dry element. Dry element heaters come with a wire coil that acts as the main heat emitter in such heaters. This element is inserted into the base of the heater model. 

When the electric heater is supplied with an electrical current, the electrons join together and move through the narrow length of the wire element. This emission process creates friction and heat as the electrons move along the wire. 

When the wire heats the thermal liquid, the heat emission is transferred to the heater section, which then heats up a room through an air convection method. This is the main electrical process of most heaters. 

However, some electrical heaters might work a little differently. Regardless, most electric heaters use either a thermal liquid/oil or a dry element to heat up your home comfortably. 

Electrical heating is not only limited to electrical heaters. There are several other forms of electrical heating available on the market; however, it is important that you don’t get these confused with electrical heaters. 

Three of the most common alternatives for electrical heaters include blow/fan heaters, convection heaters, and infrared heaters. Blow heaters or fan heaters have a similar mechanical component as some electrical heaters. 

These heating solutions use an expired wire element to heat up the surrounding air. Once the air near the elements heats up, it is blown out into the room just like a regular fan. 

What Are Gas Heating Systems?

Gas heating systems are one of the most common types of heating systems along with electrical units. These heaters use natural gas to provide warmth to a building. Nowadays, you can find gas heating in a central heating system or a boiler unit. 

Forced Air Or Gas Central Heating System

Central gas heating systems or forced air gas heaters use a natural gas burner to heat the air and create warmth. This system is operated by moving cool air into the heating systems and bringing it to the heat exchanger that warms it up. 

The warm air is then pushed out by a fan or blower through the heater’s duct system. One of the biggest concerns about this heating system is carbon emissions. 

Without proper ventilation, consumers have a high risk of experiencing carbon emissions in their homes. The best way to avoid this hazard is by creating vents or chimney liners to redirect the emissions. 

Boiler Or Gas Water Heating Systems

Some gas heaters also use a boiler or water heating system to provide warmth to a building. The gas from the heater enters the boiler through two different processes: through an LPG bottle or by being connected to the mains. 

The hot water provided by the gas boiler is then pushed through the central heating system through the plumbing and pipes. Depending on the type of boiler you have, the water will either flow directly through or will be transferred and stored in a separate cylinder or water tank. 

To provide warmth to your building, the gas water heating system works like a circuit. The hot water is pushed from the boiler into a corresponding heater unit. The water is in constant or near-constant circulation between these two units when the heater is switched on. 

On some occasions, you may need to fill up the pressure in your heaters occasionally. Additionally, by the time the water passes through the heater, it will lose some of its heat however, once the water reaches the boiler the temperature is restored. 

As with the electric heaters, gas heating systems also have a thermostat which helps the temperature stay consistent however, these thermostats are often not as accurate as the electric units. 

What Are The Important Components In A Gas Boiler Heating System?

To understand the heating process in a gas boiler, you need to look at the specific components. Each of these elements works together to provide you with high-quality heating. Here are some of the most important components of a gas boiler heating system. 

• Valve: this allows the natural gas to enter the combustion chamber.
• Gas Burner: the burner works by heating the gas to produce heat for your home and hot water.
• Heat Exchanger: this component safely pushes heat into the water by passing through a pipe in the heated gas chamber. 
• Fan: the water in the boiler is pushed through this component into a serpent storage tank. 
• Waste Pipe: this component connects the boiler to an external ventilation source on your property. The waste pipe is required for safely releasing any by-products from the boiler including carbon monoxide and excess water vapour. 

Electric vs. Gas: Which Heating System Is More Energy Efficient?

When it comes to choosing the right heating system, it can be difficult to decide between these two popular options. Ultimately, electric heating systems are far more energy efficient than gas heaters and they reduce the risk of carbon poisoning. 

Even though the cost of electricity tends to be higher than gas, electric heaters make much more efficient and precise use of your energy, unlike gas heating systems. In addition, electric heaters come with various intuitive and energy saving features that help set them apart from gas heaters. 

Many modern electric heaters come with smart capabilities which allow better control over heating and energy consumption. With these heaters, you can create advanced settings that are not available in gas heating systems. 

Furthermore, many governments are placing a ban on gas boilers and heating systems in the upcoming years. In the UK, the housing authority has proposed plans to ban gas boilers in domestic properties starting in 2025. Due to these reasons, electric heating systems are an ideal choice for consumers. 

What Energy Saving Features Do Electric Radiators Come With?

When you think of electrical heating, you might think that all such heaters come with similar features; however, that is not true. Some heaters are more energy efficient and advanced than other heating solutions. 

Electric heaters are a great heating option for many consumers as they come with energy efficient features and provide better controllability. 

Electrical heaters are highly convenient as they offer consumers digital programming and precision thermostats. These features help you accurately manage your energy consumption and reduce heavy costs on your utility bills. 

With digital programming, electric heaters also allow you to set schedules and timers for your heating systems.

If you forget to turn your heating off when you leave your home or if you want it to become warmer at night, you set schedules to carry out these commands. You can schedule your electric heater to shut off automatically during the day and turn it back on during the night. 

You can also schedule an electric heater to heat up your home before you come back from work so that you will be welcomed by a warm and inviting environment. Digital programming gives you access to your heating systems, unlike any other heating solution. 

Wifi-Enabled Electric Heating Sytems

Some electric heaters also come with wifi connectivity so that you can manage your heat setting from anywhere. With wifi, you can also control all your heater systems from one single point of use, and you can do it through a smartphone or tablet.  

Wifi-enabled electric heaters come with a corresponding downloadable app that works as a remote control for your heating system. This app also gives you access to even more energy saving features such as energy consumption statistics to help you track and monitor your energy usage. 

You can use this data to make more energy efficient choices with your heating system. Apart from these features, many electric heaters are also built-in with several energy efficient functions. 

Some electric heaters come with geolocation capabilities alongside motion sensor technology to identify whether a room is occupied or not. This lets the heater know when to start heating up the room and when to stop working to avoid wasting heat. 

These motion sensors can also start heating up your home as soon as you enter a room. Geolocation allows more efficient control over your heating and ensures that no energy is wasted. You can also set up multi-zone heating with some electrical heaters.

If you have heaters in multiple rooms, you can control all the heaters from one central hub without having to set them up manually. You can program various settings depending on each room’s needs.    

What Are The Benefits Of Electric Heaters? 

Electric Radiators come with a wide variety of benefits that make them ideal for many different properties, including domestic and commercial buildings. Here are some important benefits of electric heaters.

Effective Heating Capacity

One of the biggest benefits of electric heaters is their effective heating capacity These heaters are far more efficient in their spread of heated air when compared to other heating solutions. As soon as you turn on this heater, they heat up the surrounding air, providing you with responsive warmth. 

Since most electric heaters have a quick heat-up time, you won’t have to wait long to bring a room up to your preferred temperature level. 

A significant portion of the heat produced by electric heaters is also used up as radiant heat, which gets absorbed by the surfaces in your room. Therefore, you are supplied with a level of heat that can be enjoyed even after the heater is switched off. 

Electric heaters are a great choice as they strike the optimal balance between fast results and energy efficient heating. With this heating solution, you can enjoy cost-effective warmth that is highly reliable. 

100% Efficient Heating Solution

We have mentioned this feature before, but it’s worth reiterating that electric heaters are 100% energy efficient. These heaters convert every single watt of electricity they draw from the wall sockets into usable heat, making this heating solution one of the most efficient on the market. 

Efficient heat energy means that nothing goes to waste, helping you save on energy costs as well as reducing heater operational costs. 

When paired alongside a renewable energy source such as solar or wind power, electric heaters become completely energy efficient. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly but efficient heating source, you can’t go wrong with electric heaters. 

Precise Temperature Control

Almost all electric heaters come with a digital thermostat that provides accurate and precise readings. With such thermostats, that is little fluctuation in temperature levels, so you don’t have to keep adjusting your heat to maintain an optimal temperature. 

With a precise thermostat, your heater’s temperature will always be as close as possible to your desired temperature level. Accurate thermostats are also important to maintain your heater’s efficiency. This type of thermostat ensures that there is little wasted in terms of heat energy. 

At Meteor Electrical, you can find heaters with 0.2 degrees of precision control, making them one of the most efficient heaters on the market. 

Multi-Zone Heating

Radiators that come equipped with a built-in thermostat, such as electric heaters, allow you to manage multiple heat settings in your home; if you have multiple electric heaters, you and create individual settings with one central electric heater. 

For example, you might want the heating to stay on longer in the living room but not in other areas of the house. You can create a heating zone to carry out this task. Multi-zone heating allows you to create temperature settings on a room-to-room basis. 

You can also create multiple schedules for more efficient use of your electrical heating. This feature allows you to reduce wasted heat energy on unused spaces, ultimately reducing your energy consumption. 

Easier Installation And Maintenance

When it comes to electric heaters, you don't have to go through a lot of hassle to install your heating unit. With these heaters, you don’t need to fit in a new boiler or extend your pipework; the installation process is quick and easy. 

Many electric heaters are so easy to install that you can even do it as a DIY process. DIY installation is more economical and much faster, so you can get the heater up and running in no time. This installation is ideal if you need heating quickly. 

Many electric heaters that allow DIY installation comes with help materials and instructions to make the installation process swift.   

Alternatively, there are some electric heaters that require a hardwired installation. This allows for seamless integration into your home, and it also gives a cleaner look to your heater, freeing up more space in your home. 

For a hardwired installation, it is recommended that you consult a professional before starting the process. There’s nothing worse than your heating breaking down in the middle of a very cold winter. 

With an electric heater, you don’t have to worry about this issue as they are maintenance-free. Electric heaters are highly reliable, so you won’t have to worry about sudden maintenance costs. This heating solution will provide comfortable warmth for a long time. 

No Harmful Gas Leaks

Electric heaters are incredibly safe, especially when compared to gas heating systems. The main reason why these heaters are so safe is that they use electricity to generate power instead of burning fuel to operate. Without any fuel, there is little to no risk of harmful gas leaks such as carbon monoxide. 

Additionally, many electric heaters are made with materials that do not overheat when operating, so you won’t have to worry about touching the heating unit when it is fully operational. These qualities make electric heaters a great option for any kind of property, including households. 

More Control Over Your Heating

An excellent heating system should provide not only comfortable warmth but also better management of your heating system. Electric heaters come with various features that help you gain better control over your heating. 

24/7 programming lets you set and create heating schedules to match your daily routine. You can also use this feature to reduce your heat energy consumption. Some electric heaters have an adaption start function that pre-heats your home according to your heating habits. 

Open window sensor in some electric heaters shuts down the heating in case a door or window is open, reducing heat wastage. These intuitive functions make it easier to control your heaters, and it also helps you customise your heating so that it fits your daily habits. 

Control Heating With Your Smartphone

For added convenience and controllability, some electric heaters come with smart qualities. These smart electric heaters have a downloadable app that lets you control your heating anywhere. 

You can also make adjustments and schedules with the app reducing the need for manual operation. Smart electric heaters with wifi provide even more control for your heating systems. With wifi connectivity, you can control your heating even when you are away from home. 

How To Choose The Best Electric Heating System?

Before you purchase an electric heating system, it is important to consider certain factors as these will help you narrow down your choice. Not all electric heaters are made the same, therefore, you must look for heaters that are extremely energy efficient and can work well on your property. 

Energy Efficiency 

While most electric heaters are 100% energy efficient, some heaters come with a wide variety of features that let you enjoy even more energy savings. For a more efficient model, consider heaters with an accurate thermostat on the body of the heater unit. 

The more accurate the thermostats, the most efficient your heating will be. An uneven thermostat will reduce the efficiency of your heater, and the heater will have to consume more energy to reach your desired temperature. A good thermostat will avoid any fluctuations in the temperature. 

The Size

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing an electric heater is its size. The size and wattage of a heater depend on the room in which it will be installed. Other factors that affect the size include the location of the property and the quality of your insulation. 

The size of electric heaters is determined by their wattage, which also indicates the maximum power output. If your required wattage is 1000W, you can heat your room using two 500W heaters. However, if you have to choose between a higher or lower wattage, it is best to go higher. 

Low-wattage heaters might not work as efficiently if you want to heat up a larger area. Electric heaters with a higher wattage might seem like they consume more energy. However, these heaters will actually help you save money in the long run. 

Such heaters will quickly provide you with comfortable warmth allowing you to cut back on the operational time. Apart from the wattage, you must also consider the physical size of the electric heater. 

For example, you might require a 1500W heater for your living; however, it might be better to go with two 750W models to make better use of the space. This will allow the heat to spread more evenly in a larger space. Also, consider the depth of the heater. 

Some rooms might require a slimmer model to about any intrusions, while others might work well with a bulkier option. However, it is important to note that almost all electric heaters are designed with a clean, modern look, so even larger models will seamlessly fit in with any property.  

Safety Features

If you are considering an electric heater, it is important to look for safety features as well. In general, electric heaters are far safer than gas heating systems, however, some electric heaters also provide additional support to ensure safe operation. 

Some electric heaters come with several safety features to ensure safe handling and operation. Safety settings are also important as they reduce the need for maintenance. Here are some important features to consider:

Enclosed Elements

All electric heaters should come with a fully enclosed heating element. This is important as it prevents the hot element from making contact with the air. If the heating element is out in the open air, you can experience wall blackening. 

You might spend a lot of time and money trying to repair wall damage; therefore, it is best to go with an electric heater with an enclosed element. 

Surface Temperature Control

All electric heaters must be fitted with a surface temperature limited to prevent burns. This component should also cut off the power to the electric heater when its surface temperature exceeds a certain limit. This feature is important as it prevents your heater unit from overheating. This is an important safety feature to consider if you have young children at home.

Warranty

Always purchase an electric heater with a warranty. In case there is a problem with your electric heater, a warranty acts as a guarantee that the heating unit will be replaced or fixed. The length of the warranty is a good indicator of its quality. 

Another thing to note is that many electrical heaters come with two separate warranties - one for the electronic and one for the body of the unit. 

You get separate warranties as the body of the heater tends to last longer than the electrical component. Also, separate warranties are a great way for manufacturers to provide long-lasting customer support.

Safety Compliance

When purchasing an electric heating system, make sure to look for safety compliance credentials. As with any other electrical appliance, look for the appropriate safety accreditation. 

Eco-Friendly Credentials

If sustainability is an important concern when purchasing an electric heater, it is important that you look for a model with eco-friendly credentials. Electric heating systems are far more environmentally friendly than gas heaters. 

One important eco-friendly credential of these heaters includes compatibility with renewable power sources. Almost all renewable power generates electricity; therefore, electric heaters are a great way to combine efficient heating with a sustainable power supply. 

You can use these heaters with solar panels, hydropower and wind turbines to improve your heating system’s eco-friendliness. Many manufacturers are taking electric heaters one step further when it comes to sustainability by using recycled materials. 

Many heaters are created using recycled aluminium and other sustainable materials that help the heating system become eco-friendly. Once your electrical heater is at the end of its operational life, some manufacturers allow you to recycle these models to build newer versions.   

Factor In The Ceiling Height

Electric heaters heat up a room through convected and radiated heat. The convection process provides heat by circulating warm air. This warm air rises up in a room and provides heating from the ceiling downwards. 

This process highlights that a room with a higher ceiling will take longer to benefit from comfortable warmth through convection. Therefore, you will need more powerful heaters to achieve a comfortable temperature level. 

What Are The Best Electric Heaters On The Market? 

There are several great options for electric heaters on the market; however, it can be hard to determine which heating unit comes with the best features. If you are in the market for high-quality electric heaters, visit Meteor Electrical. 

At Meteor, you can browse through the ATC Electrical line of electric heaters, providing consumers with highly efficient heater systems. These heaters also come with helpful tools such as wall brackets to help you wall mount the heater unit. Here are some of the best electric heaters that Meteor offers.  

1. iLifestyle 500W Electric Heater

This 500W electric heater is a great starting place if you want lower-wattage electric heaters. This heating system is part of the Lifestyle collection for ATC, which ensures high-quality products that are reliable and efficient. 

This heater's sleek modern design makes it perfect for multiple applications, including households, office spaces, etc. This heater comes with a high-quality thermic oil with a quick heat up and several features which improve energy efficiency.  

1. iLifestyle 750W Electric Heater

This 750W electric heater is slightly bigger than the 500W heater and is perfect in pairs or as a standalone heating unit. This heater unit has an easy-to-read LCD display that makes it easy to set programs for your heating. 

With the thermostats, you can clearly see all the settings for better efficiency. This heater comes with a 3-year warranty, which is CE-approved, which means that the ATC heater is safe for operation. 

1. iLifestyle 1000W Electric Heater

If you are looking for a mid-sized option in terms of electric heaters, the 1000W electric heater is a great option. This heater comes with all the benefits of the 500W heating unit but with a higher capacity. 

With wifi connectivity, you can access several features in this heater that will help you improve your energy efficiency. One of the important features includes open window/door technology that automatically shuts off the heating when there is no one in the room. 

1. iLifestyle 1800W Electric Heater

For larger areas, the 1800W iLifestyle electric heater is a great choice. This heater has a large energy capacity making it more suited for large spaces. However, even though this heater takes up more energy, you can still enjoy several energy saving benefits. 

As with other Lifestyle heaters, this electric heater also comes with wifi connectivity, allowing you to access several energy saving features, including open windows and adaptive start functions. 

This heater is also equipped with a large LCD which is easy to read, making programming and managing much quicker. For added benefits, this heater also comes with a thermic thermostat that is accurate to 0.2 degrees and is silent.

Final Takeaway

Having an excellent heating system is important for many consumers, however, it can be difficult to choose between a gas or electric heater. 

While gas heaters come with several benefits, electric heaters outperform them in terms of energy efficiency. Electric heaters are environmentally friendly making them an ideal choice for any consumer.