Troubleshooting an Electric Hot Water Heater

Electric heaters are an essential part of your home. When the hot water heater goes wrong it can paralyse your life. This is a problem that cannot wait. There is nothing stopping you from troubleshooting the heater at home, though. We are going to look at some of the most common water heater problems and go through what they mean for you. You can also visit our site to find out more about this.

No Hot Water : The most common reason hot water stops appearing is a tripped circuit breaker. In this case, all you need to do is replace the circuit breaker, which does not necessarily have to be done by a professional. If the circuit breaker is fine, you have to look at the possibility that the limit switch, heating element or thermostat has broken down. Since you cannot test for this unless you are a professional, you will need to call an engineer.

Hot Water Giving Out : Second to no hot water is the hot water not staying on long enough. This is nearly always caused by a thermostat breaking down or a heating element. The only other explanation is loose wiring. If wiring has come loose, you will need to put it back in order to restore the flow of hot water. Again, this is something you will need to call a professional for.

Reheating Times : If your water heater is taking too long to reheat, it could take a while for your electric radiators to reach the desired temperature. Check the thermostat first. It is not uncommon for people to simply forget to turn the thermostat. If there is an actual problem with it, it’s often to do with the lower thermostat. Older water heaters may be slow because of a build-up of sediment at the bottom of the tank. 

You can clean your tank at home, though, so search for an online guide.

Hot Water : If you have turned the thermostat down and you are still getting water at boiling temperatures, the chances are the thermostat has completely malfunctioned or it has notset. You can solve this problem by yourself, but it is nearly always better to call in a professional.

Black Water : When you start to get colour discolouration, this is a sign that the anode has dissolved or there is a build-up of elements within the water tank. The water heater anode is essential for preventing rusting. If it has to do with your anode, it means the water heater has started to rust. This can often mean a complete water heater replacement.

Strange Odours : If you have started to notice that your tank has started to smell funny, this is due to bacteria within. Flushing the tank will help to reduce the strength of the odour. Another option is to replace the anode rod with a different metal. If you have to replace the anode rod, see a professional about it immediately. As already mentioned above, feel free to flush the tank yourself. Only call someone else to do it if you lack confidence.

Signs that Your Boiler Needs a Powerflush

The powerflush is a procedure performed on boilers to remove sludge and slurry from within. Not powerflushing a boiler reduces its efficiency and can eventually cause it to breakdown completely. This is why you need to act when you spot the signs. Of course, you first need to know what you should look for. Let uslook at some of the signs your boiler needs a powerflush. This is not an exhaustive list, but should be enough to give you an idea of when you might need to order a powerflush. You can also visit our site to find out more about this.

Noise from the Boiler : If your boiler is rumbling away more than normal, this could be a sign that your boiler requires a powerflush. A boiler will typically make more noise when it has to work harder. It also makes sounds when there are obstructions in the pipes, such as a bit of rust has fallen off or there is too much sludge inside. We know this because after a powerflush you will usually discover that the amount of noise has decreased, if it has not disappeared completely.

Water Discolouration : When you bleed your radiators, you will always notice some dirt in the water. What you should never see is water that has gone completely brown, or even black. This is a sign that there has been a significant amount of build-up in the pipes. You releasing the radiator’s valves has allowed some of that slurry to leak out of the system. If you are noticing more than a normal amount of solid matter leaking out when you’re bleeding electric radiators, this is also a sign that you need a powerflush.

Slow Warming : Powerflushing is designed to remove any obstructions within the central heating system. Obstructions increase the amount of time it takes for the temperature to rise. The boiler also has to work harder to reach this temperature because it has been hampered by the debris inside. You tend to notice that everything seems to be slowing down over a long period. If you are noticing over the course of six months that it is taking longer and longer for your house to reach your desired temperature, the chances are you need a powerflush.

What Do these Signs Mean? : You do have to be careful when diagnosing a problem in electric boilers. All of these symptoms are shared with other issues. It could be a case of your boiler has reached the end of a lifespan and a powerflush will not do a great deal for it. If this werewhat is wrong, you would replace the boiler instead. Another problem may be a broken part and nothing else.

In short, the problems could be down to anything from a significant issue to a minor repair. You never know until you call in a professional. This is why we always recommend getting in touch with a professional heating engineer with experience in both diagnosing problems with central heating systems and performing power flushes. They will be able to diagnose the problem and determine the best course of action for you.

Advantages of Solar Panels for Electric-Powered Households

Solar panels are an ideal option for a home that powers itself with electricity. It is a fantastic way of doing your part for the environment and cutting down on your electric bills. If you want to power your electric heaters using this option, though, you need to make sure this is the right option for you. With the help of Electric Heating Supplies, we are going to go through some of the reasons why more and more people are gathering electricity through the power of the sun.

Maintenance Issues : After you have had them installed, there is no reason why you should have to carry out any maintenance yourself. Solar panels have no moving parts and make no noise. They are essentially just slabs you attach to the top of your house. That’s it. In the long-term, you will only ever pay for the cost of installing solar panelling in the first place. You will never have to pay for costly repairs because of parts breaking down.

No CO2 Emissions : Carbon dioxide is the most prominent of the greenhouse gases. We have all heard the campaigns where we’re told to cut down on our energy usage and turn the heat down. When we power our electric radiators using solar panels, we do not have to worry about this. Solar panels are non-polluting and never cause any damage to the environment. They are entirely carbon neutral. Of course, you will not be able to operate exclusively using solar energy, but this will help to reduce your carbon footprint. If you care about the environment, this is all the reassurance you need.

Saving on Energy Bills : The main reason solar panels have become popular is the savings made on your energy bills. Nobody knows exactly how much these can save because every home in the UK has differing levels of sun exposure. The mass consensus is they can save hundreds of pounds every year. Moreover, you don’t have to consume a lot of energy to really take advantage of these savings. You can sell the energy you generate back to the National Grid. This happens automatically and it means even if you do not use any energy on heating, like in the summer, you are still making money and saving money.

Not as Expensive to Install : There was a time where only the richest households could afford solar panels. This was at a time where nobody took these energy saving measures as seriously as they should. Following years of intensive study, we now know how important they are. Although they remain quite expensive to install, the UK government has a range of grants available to encourage people to install them. This takes the amount of time needed to recoup the initial investment down from about 25 years to less than ten years. Anything after this is pure profit, so this really is a long-term investment.

In addition,it is only going to get better as technology improves. There are significant differences in the earning potential of solar panels between the technology of today and the technology of just a few years ago.

The Disadvantages of Combi Boilers and Why You Should not Worry About Them

The combi boiler is the most popular of the various types of electric boilers in the UK, with over 70% of households now sporting one. Whenever someone talks about them, though, they also want to know about the disadvantages associated with them. We would be telling a lie if they did not exist. Despite the fact they have their share of cons, you do not need to worry about them. In this article, we have gone through the main reasons why these disadvantages are not really a problem. You can also visit our site to find out more about this subject.

The Mains Pressure : The combi boiler will always run using the mains pressure. For it to work effectively, it needs to have good mains pressure. This is why an installer will have to test the mains pressure before they can go ahead with the installation. Although this may seem like a disadvantage straight away, the fact is the vast majority of homes in the UK have enough mains pressure to support these boilers. This is why over 70% of homes already have them installed.

Running Multiple Hot Water Implements : One drawback is you cannot run multiple showers or baths at the same time without dropping the water pressure. This may be a problem for excessively large families with multiple bathrooms; the truth is this is an extreme minority of people. It is possible to run a bath and a shower at the same time, but you cannot run multiple bathrooms at the same time. For the majority of people, this will not be a problem and most families who are affected find they can easily work around it. The increase in efficiency is far more beneficial than being able to run three baths at the same time.

Immersion Heaters aren’t Compatible : Immersion heaters are not compatible with these boilers because there is no hot water tank. This means you cannot have it as a failover option should the boiler fail. Whilst this is a problem, your electric radiators are unlikely to breakdown anytime soon. This is because combi boilers are the most efficient and reliable boilers ever created. Furthermore, most families have decided they would rather get rid of the hot water tank, which takes up a huge amount of space, in exchange for something that will only ever have any problems once every few years.

So What Is The Problem? : When we look at the chief disadvantages associated with combi boilers, we can see that the pros far outweigh the cons. The issue with many of these disadvantages is they only apply to an extreme minority of people in the UK. Most people will be unaffected by them. The fact is the combi boiler is a revolution. It hasgot rid of the bulky cylinders and hot water tanks associated with more archaic heating systems. This means they take up less space. In addition, these heating options are designed to last. You can expect a brand new boiler to last up to fifteen years before they need replacing. This is something no other heating system can match.

What You Need to Consider When Buying a Solar Power System

Solar power systems are a long-term investment. They can make running electric radiators cheaper and even turn a profit through selling extra energy back to the UK’s National Grid. All solar energy systems and all providers were not made equal. You have to consider a number of factors when buying any solar power system. Let uslook at some of the things you need to consider. You can also click here to find out more about this.

Think of the Warranty : You already know that you have to get a warranty that covers a substantial period. Generally, you should be looking for a warranty that covers a 20 or a 25-year period. However,there is a catch. Look at the history and reputability of the electric radiators company. If the company goes bust before the warranty period ends, your warranty is irrelevant and you could be left stuck with costly repair bills.

What Do People Say? : If you already know someone who has installed solar panels on their homes, it is time to ask them for a recommendation. The easiest way to find the best service provider for you is to use what people already rave about. It is also worth going online to see what people are saying about specific companies and installers.

Think of the Price : Be realistic when it comes to price. Solar panels are affordable, but you are not going to find something incredibly cheap. The price may seem tough to take in the beginning, but this is a long-term investment. You are going to make your money back over the course of many years. When you consider the price, compare it to what other companies are offering. If it is substantially lower than you expect, the chances are the panels are made from low-quality materials. Look for an average price, rather than the cheapest one you can find.

Certified Panels : Always look for equipment certifications. These are evidence that the panels have been tested independently. The vast majority of reputable companies will happily show you any certifications they have upon asking. If the certification is dubious, or there is not one available, look somewhere else.

Solar Inverter Efficiency : Your solar inverter is the little box that converts the DC electricity generated by the solar panels to the AC currents your appliances run on. This is a significant part of the system and its efficiency directly affects how long it is going to take you to make the money back. Check the efficiency of the inverter and ask for real evidence of its results. In general, you can look at the brand name on the inverter for confirmation that it is good or bad. Some companies have been making components for decades. These are the brand names you want stamped on the side. Be wary of companies that have only been open for a few years.

Follow these tips and there is no reason why you will not get the best solar heating system available on the market right now for your home!

How to Remove Electric Radiators to Decorate

Every so often,we will decide to give our homes a makeover. The problem is those radiators are in the way. You cannot decorate around them without causing some damage. No, instead, you are going to have to remove them and put them into storage until you're done.

Although this sounds like a daunting job, removing electric radiators is not particularly difficult. Let uslook at how you should go about removing radiators to decorate. Visit our site to find out more about this.

What Do You Need : It does not take any specialist equipment to get started, nor do you need to be qualified. Make sure you have:

- some rags 

- a jug 

- a bucket 

- a screwdriver 

- a spanner.

Drain the Water : With all electric and vertical radiators, you need to start by draining the water from the radiator. Roll back the floor covering first because the water within will be dirty. Keep any pets out of the room, as this water can be toxic if ingested.

Start by shutting off both valves. If you cannot turn them by hand, you may need to use an adjustable spanner. Monitor how many turns it takes to close the valves because you will need to use the same number of turns later on to reopen them.

Remove from the Brackets : Unscrew the cap nut that keeps the valve attached to the radiator's adapter. Put the jug under the joint and slowly open the bleed valve. The water should slowly begin to drain into the jug. Once you have filled the jug, put the water into the bucket. Do this until there's no more water left inside. This indicates you have fully drained the radiator.

Now with the other valve you need to unscrew the cap nut. The radiator should be able to be lifted away from the wall. Make sure you drain any remaining water first. If you havedone this, remove the radiator from the wall completely. You may need to unscrew the brackets separately, if you are decorating this particular wall.

Replace the Radiator : So you've finished decorating and you need to replace the radiator again. Again, this does not require any specialist skills and anyone can do it in under an hour.

Start by putting the brackets back into their correct locations. Hang the radiator on the brackets again and tighten the cap nuts to both valves again. Make sure the bleed valve is closed and reopen all the radiator valves using the number of turns you had when you closed them.

Now you need to bleed the air from the radiator. Do this in the same way as you bled the water when you removed the radiator in the first place. At this point, you are free to turn on the heating again.

Check to see if everything is working correctly. If it isn't, think about where you could have gone wrong. In the event you cannot discover any problems, inspect the radiator for any signs of damage. It may have been damaged whilst it was in storage. Still not working? Call in the professionals and get them to help.

Smart Ways you can Increase the Efficiency of your Electric Radiators this Winter

Efficiency means everything when it comes to home heating solutions. Whether you are talking about panel heaters or space heaters, efficiency means lower bills and better green credentials. Even if you are unwilling to alter your current heating solution, there are ways you can boost efficiency. What we are going to teach you in this article is a number of smart ways you can make your electric radiators do more for less.

Use a Thermostat : Always use a thermostat to control the temperature. This ensures that the radiator never goes above a certain temperature. You do not want to allow it to work as much as it wants;otherwise,it is heating the room unnecessarily. A thermostat caps how hard it can work, and therefore how much energy it can waste.

It’s all in the Boiler : Make sure you have your boiler serviced at least every two-three years for newer boilers and every year for older boilers. You want to make sure your boiler is running at an optimal rate because it all affects how good your radiators are.

Boiler problems means your boilers are working harder to sustain the temperature you want from your vertical radiators. Make sure you replace your current boiler after about fifteen years.

Consider Insulation : It requires a significant investment on your part, but insulating your home can reduce the need to switch on your radiators. In the dead of winter, an hour with the radiators on can keep you going for the entire evening. Modern insulation is designed to trap heat inside and increase the amount of time it takes to dissipate out of your home.

Insulation is also something the UK government aims to promote. They want to make sure that every home is insulated for the sake of the environment. If you live in certain areas, you could find either a grant or a low-interest loan to have your home insulated.

In the long-term, this can save you hundreds of pounds on your heating bills.

Switch On…for a While : Sometimes we have to acknowledge much of the inefficiency comes from our actions. One area where people often waste energy is in how long they switch the heaters on for. The fact is too many people are turning on radiators only to leave them on, even when they hit the correct temperatures.

Today, we no longer need to worry about this. High-end radiators can be programmed to switch on and switch off again for a certain amount of time. For example, you could set your radiators to turn on for the first hour after you finish work. The heat left by this hour will last for most of the night, enabling you to become more efficient.

Upgrade! : If your heating system is old, now is the time to upgrade. It is not just the fact your system is old and is losing efficiency. It is the fact there are better alternatives already on the market. Look at what is available to you and see if it’s cost-effective for you to purchase something new.

Preparing for Installation Day at Home - Heaters Boilers and Everything Else

The day is almost here. You are about to have new electric radiators installed, along with a new boiler. It is a big day and it is going to mean a significant amount of disruption in your home, with engineers taking up most of the space. This is where preparation comes in handy. If you are going to have installers in your home all day, you need to go about matters in the right way to avoid any problems.

So what do you need to prepare for before the engineers come through the door?

Access Points : You will already have had a consultation with an engineer. That means you will know where the various parts of your new heating system will be. Make the lives of the engineers easier by making sure they have easy access to these points.

Okay, you will not know if they will need to move furniture out of the way to install pipes, but you can clear the primary access points.

Please remember that the engineers are there to put your heaters in. They are not there to offer a clearing service. You will make life far easier if you have already done this part of the job for them.

Booking a Day off Work ; Most people will have someone in the house with the engineers whilst they work. It gives them peace of mind. It is unnerving to have complete strangers in the house, no matter which reputable company they happen to come from.

Furthermore, it is easier for the engineers. If they have a question about your house, they can ask you. They do not have to stop work to try to get in touch with you elsewhere. The project will go much faster if you are available to help them at the scene.

Space Outside : Installing panel heaters and other heating implements is rarely a case of taking the parts out of a box and bolting them together. Engineers will have to cut wood, metal, and other materials to create the tailor-made heating system you are looking for.

One way to prepare for their arrival is to give them a space where they can work. It does not have to be anything fancy. Go outside and create a space for them on the garden path. They only need a limited amount of space to work.

It’s always better to make an outdoor space available. This will reduce the amount of cleaning inside your home come the end of the job.

Contingency Plan : There are always little problems hiding away when installing any electric combi boiler and heater. You never know when you might have to negotiate a tricky part of the house, or something goes wrong and an engineer cannot make it that day. Prepare for the worst by taking an extra day off work and having free days after the original project end time.

By doing this, you will not have to readjust your schedule suddenly if something unexpected does arise.

Overall, preparation does not have to be difficult. It just involves being mindful of what heating engineers require to work efficiently.

How Should You Size Your Electric Radiator

Electric radiators are convection heaters, which, by their very nature, heat the air around them. The problem is the radiator might not have the power to heat the air, since it’s too small, or it’s too big and using too much power. To keep your energy bills down and maximise efficiency, you must have the correct size radiator.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the heat loss of a room. They only take into account the size. And this is where knowing radiators are convection heaters comes in handy.

In this article, we will discuss how you should go about sizing your electric radiator.

Fact Finding Mission : To start with, you need to find out a number of key pieces of information about the room you want to heat. The type of radiator does not matter when making these calculations, so you don’t need to change anything if you’re using vertical radiators.

Find out the following:

- square footage 

- ceiling height 

- any insulation in the walls 

- the number of windows 

- the number of fireplaces.

You should use this information online. There are plenty of calculators to help you discover the amount of heat loss in a room. This will ultimately determine the best radiator for you.

For the most accurate results, take these calculations to a professional installer. They will be able to recommend a number of radiators that work for you.

Features and Type : Now you have an estimate about the right sizes of radiator suitable for your room, you need to choose the features. The features you pick can determine how efficient your radiator is.

To start with, your radiator must have a thermostat control. This ensures your radiator only heats as much as it needs to for reaching the desired temperature. Without a thermostat control, it will continue to heat the room, and therefore waste energy.

Other features you should consider depend on the needs of your home, such as safety devices, wheels, and handles for transportation.

Type of Radiator : You may have to purchase a different electric heating boiler system depending on the type of radiator. An electric radiator is a general term used to describe a series of different radiators. There are multiple types you have to consider.

When sizing your electric radiator, you have to consider the following radiator types:

- portable –these tend to be attached to wheels and may not have the same level of power 

- wall-mounted radiators, which are the most common types 

- baseboard 

- wall inset.

Radiator Output : The radiator’s output must be determined by converting the wattage of the model to something called British Thermal Units (BTU). You have to convert wattage to this unit because this number takes into account the results gained through intensive room-based testing.

There are a number of free online conversion tools online to help you with this. By using BTUs, you can determine the type of radiator that will have enough power and efficiency after the heat loss of your room is taken into account.

In some cases, you may also discover it is more viable to purchase multiple smaller radiators for larger rooms.

Why You Should Consider Replacing Older Electric Radiators

Electric radiators can easily last for a couple of decades and more if you take good care of them. There comes a time, though, where you have to consider whether it is worth investing in newer ones. Sometimes, keeping an older model of radiator in good health can actually lead to you losing money in the long-term.

In this guide, we will look at some of the reasons why you might want to consider replacing an older electric radiator.

Energy Savings : Newer models will always be more efficient than their older counterparts will. You can begin by measuring the British Thermal Units (BTUs) of an older radiator and comparing it to a newer one. You will always find you will save money, if the radiator you already have is old enough.

Compare the savings against how much it would cost to purchase new radiators. How long is it going to take you to recoup your investment?

If it takes five or six years to get that money back, for example, it is probably worth looking at newer radiators. Thankfully, you will usually make some savings in initial installation costs as well. It is not uncommon to see companies offering free installation right now.

Newer and Better Features : All new models of radiator will have a thermostat attached. Even the cheaper models will have these features. This was notnormally the case up to about ten years ago. It iscrucial to have a feature like a thermostat, or you will be wasting more money than you need to on your heating bills.

You also might discover many of the newer features are more convenient for you. Your needs could have changed since you had your last radiators installed, and the newer models could fulfil these needs to a far greater degree.

More in Maintenance : You will discover older vertical radiators breaking down as these get older. This will happen on a more frequent basis until they shut down completely. In the end, keeping an older model going could actually cost you more in on-going maintenance than replacing it entirely.

If you find your home’s heating system requiring essential maintenance on an annual basis, it is time to accept you need a replacement. Maintenance is costly and can drain any savings you make from your energy bills.

Choosing a New Radiator : Always talk to a professional before settling on a new radiator. They can help you choose the best radiator for your room. We believe it also ensures you are notmissing a better model elsewhere. If you’ve already picked one you like, you might have missed out on something better you’ve never heard of.

Visit our site to find out more about the various radiators on offer. You need to spend a few weeks looking into the options available to you. Some will give you better savings but are not as durable in the long-term, whereas some are more convenient to use and give you more control over the temperature of a room.

Choosing a new radiator is not a decision to take lightly!

How to Repair an Electric Radiator When the Heat Disappears

Electric radiators are amongst the most reliable heating implements in the world. They rarely break and it’s only when they lose out in efficiency to newer models that they need replacing. One of the most common complaints when something does go wrong is a lack of heat. It is also one of the most difficult problems to diagnose. The problem is that no heat can be caused by a variety of issues. It is not as easy as simply spotting the problem and fixing it in a few minutes.

In this article, we will give you an in-depth look into what can cause the heat to disappear and how you should go about fixing it.

What Causes a Lack of Heat? : Electric radiators often lose their ability to produce heat for a number of reasons. Most of the time, you can put the problem down to the following things:

- loose or disconnected wires 

- tripped circuit breakers 

- blown fuses 

- wrong thermostat setting 

- defective heating element 

- obstructed airflow.

As you can see, there are many potential problems and many potential repair options. Unless you are a professional, we always recommend contacting the experts at Electric Heating Supplies (EHS) for help with it. You do not want to cause further damage through a botched repair.

The Easy Fix : To start with, look at the thermostat setting. You’d be surprised at how many people call out a repairperson when the only problem is they have not had the thermostat switched on. Make sure you have not made this common mistake.

Another easy fix is with disconnected wires. These wires connect the unit to the central system. It might be a case of the wires simply coming loose. Turn off the heating system and power, and put the wires back in. It doesn’t take an expert to be able to do this.

Electrical Problems : In the case of a tripped circuit breaker, you have to reset the circuit breaker. To do this, you will have to find your electrical service panel, which could be under the stairs. You’ll see that one of the switches is now in the ‘Off’ position. Switch it back on again to solve the problem. If it keeps tripping, this represents a deeper electrical problem, for which you will have to call a professional to sort out.

A blown fuse sometimes goes hand in hand with a tripped circuit breaker. You will need to replace the fuse with the right one. Unless you know about the appropriate fuse, call someone to help you.

Defects and Positioning : Electrical heaters work by drawing air into the heating element. If there are any obstructions, you can starve it of the air it needs. Make sure curtains and other nearby objects are not obstructing the openings in the radiator. It might be a matter of simply removing the obstruction.

If none of the above works, you could have a defective heating element. You will need to replace the heating element, which is a big job and requires the touch of a professional.

Why Should You Get Professional Help When Choosing Panel Heaters?

Choosing how to heat your home is a big decision. You can choose from a range of vertical radiators and panel heaters. There's nothing to prevent you from having multiple types of heat in your home. If you have decided a panel radiant heater is best for you, stop right there.

Don't make the mistake of picking the first model you see and having it installed. Prior to making a purchasing decision, you should consult the help of a professional. If you purchase your heaters from a reputable dealer, you should have access to an expert on the subject.

Here are some of the reasons why it's worth consulting an expert on panel radiant heaters.

Fire Hazards : Radiant heaters act like campfires. The heat radiates outwards and heats whatever is around it. Electric radiators will heat the air. Radiant heaters have a heightened risk of a fire. This depends on the layout of your home and where you decide to put the panel itself.

A professional will be able to show you where the fire hazards are and where you should install your heater. You also have to beware of other hazards, such as moisture. Experts can help you to understand the risks and what you need to take into consideration.

The Size : There are so many different sizes of panel. You want to purchase a heater that keeps your energy bills down and gives you maximum efficiency. Making the wrong decision can stop you from making significant savings on your energy bills. The size of your heater will depend on a range of factors, including:

- where you install the heater

- the size of the room

- the type of insulation within the room.

You also have to take into account your personal needs and expectations. For example, if you live in the Highlands of Scotland, where temperatures are often cooler, you'd need something more powerful.

A professional who knows your area will be able to give you a better idea of what heater will work best for you.

How Much Do You Want to Spend? : In-house customer service experts are trained to give customers the best deal. By talking to a professional, you can make sure you are getting the best deal. They will be able to give you a list of models that suit your budget.

They can also take into account the costs of installation, which is a cost so many customers forget.

Is it Right for You? : You might think getting one of these heaters is the right decision for you. It might not be the case, though. You might make more savings by choosing a different type of heater. Always keep an open mind as to what type of heater you require to fulfil your needs.

A professional does not have to cost you a penny. You can speak to the retailer and they will be able to help you. Whilst it does not cost you anything but time, picking the right heater can mean the difference between thousands in savings in the long-term.

The Homeowner's Guide to Panel Heaters

Panel heaters are a relatively new addition to people's homes. Most people are more familiar with electric radiators. It is becoming an increasingly viable option to have one of these heaters in your home, though.

These offer a number of benefits, including ease of installation, their size, and their ability to heat your home in the most efficient way possible. Let's take a look at what these heaters are and where you can commonly find them.

How Do They Heat Your Home? : Another name for them is the radiant panel heater. They gain this name because of how they transfer heat. Infrared waves are used to transfer radiant heat to the air. It heats the air and turns a cold room into a warm room.

Since they heat the air, they work best in rooms where there are a minimal number of openings. If doors and windows are opening and closing all the time, this can curb its efficiency.

What are the Main Benefits of these Heaters? : There are multiple reasons why a homeowner might decide to choose a radiant panel heater over a conventional radiator with electric combi boiler. They are lighter than radiators and smaller. They take up less space. In the case of a radiator, you will have to dedicate a significant portion of wall space to it.

These heaters and electric radiators are literally a small panel. They fit seamlessly into the room. Furthermore, their size makes them easier to be mounted.

One of the main advantages they have over radiators is the direction of the heat. Radiators can only heat in a single direction. Panels have no restrictions on the direction they can send heat. This, obviously, enables them to be more effective at heating a room.

If maintenance isn't your speciality, you will not have to worry about age-related decreases in performance. These heaters do not decline as they age. The only time you'll have to worry about maintenance is when they break completely.

Where are they Used? : You won't just find them in the home. The fact they're so thin makes them highly useful in a range of industries. It's not uncommon to find them in industries like food processing and any industry that involves preparation of materials. They can be found almost anywhere, due to how adept they are at water evaporation and space heating.

In the home, heaters like this tend to come into their own in the bathroom. Bathrooms often cannot support radiators because of their bulk. If you have a small bathroom, this heater could be your only option.

Consider the Weaknesses : Radiant heaters also have a number of weaknesses. For a start, they cannot be in any environment where moisture tends to build up. They are not waterproof. For this reason, they have to be grounded sufficiently or they can become a risk to humans.

Another weakness is how flammable they are. Any area where flammable substances are used should not have one of these heaters in the vicinity.

Apart from these considerations, anyone who installs one of these heaters will be pleased with both their efficiency and durability.

How to Make Sure Your Electric Heater Doesn't Waste Energy

It's common to find homes with electric heaters and radiators. These are ideal for keeping you warm during the winter. Heaters have come under fire for not being energy efficient, though. With all the concern over carbon emissions and going green, energy inefficiency is something you want to avoid.

Heaters can waste energy if used in an incorrect manner. In this article, we will discuss how you can make sure your electric radiators and heaters are as energy efficient as possible.

Thermostats : A thermostat is more than a device designed to tell the heater how much power it needs to use. Thermostats keep the room's air at that specific temperature. Many cheap, low-end heaters that do not incorporate thermostats will continue to heat the room, even when it reaches the desired temperature.

Always shell out for a heater with a thermostat. Once the room reaches a certain temperature, the heater will automatically stop, and therefore save energy.

The Right Size Heater : Let's say you want to look at a range of vertical radiators to heat a room within your home or business. This heater must be of the right size to sufficiently heat your room. The wrong size heater can lead to huge amounts of electricity being wasted.

For example, if a large room has just a small heater at one end of the room then it is never going to reach your desired temperature. It does not have enough power to hit the temperature you set on the thermostat. This means it is going to struggle on for hours, wasting immense amounts of electricity.

A heater that is too large will use too much electricity in getting to your desired temperature. This isn't an exact science. Ask your supplier for some guidance on the right size heater for your room.

Heating Location : Heaters need to have correct positioning to make them as efficient as possible. A heater that sits near an outside wall will spend more time and energy heating up the cold air coming in from the outside.

Make sure it is pointed towards an interior wall. The stream of heat should reach the centre of the room to ensure it is not wasting all its energy trying to heat up an exterior wall.

If you pointed a heater directly at the outside wall, it would take longer for the room to reach your desired temperature. In other words, the heater will have to work for longer and use up more energy than needed.

Get it Fixed! : The problem with heaters is these are often put into storage when the spring comes around and forgotten about until it's cold again. This means people often forget about essential maintenance.

As a heater gets older, it tends to become inefficient. It needs to use more energy to maintain an optimal level of performance. You should inspect your heater after each winter period to make sure it does not require any attention from a professional.

Proper maintenance will ultimately help you to save money on your energy bills in the long-term.

How Should You Size Your Electric Radiator?

Electric radiators are convection heaters, which, by their very nature, heat the air around them. The problem is the radiator might not have the power to heat the air, since it's too small, or it's too big and using too much power. To keep your energy bills down and maximise efficiency, you must have the correct size radiator.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the heat loss of a room. They only take into account the size. And this is where knowing radiators are convection heaters comes in handy.

In this article, we will discuss how you should go about sizing your electric radiator.

Fact Finding Mission : To start with, you need to find out a number of key pieces of information about the room you want to heat. The type of radiator does not matter when making these calculations, so you don't need to change anything if you're using vertical radiators.

Find out the following:

• square footage
• ceiling height
• any insulation in the walls
• the number of windows
• the number of fireplaces.

You should use this information online. There are plenty of calculators to help you discover the amount of heat loss in a room. This will ultimately determine the best radiator for you.

For the most accurate results, take these calculations to a professional installer. They will be able to recommend a number of radiators that work for you.

Features and Type : Now you have an estimate about the right sizes of radiator suitable for your room, you need to choose the features. The features you pick can determine how efficient your radiator is.

To start with, your radiator must have a thermostat control. This ensures your radiator only heats as much as it needs to for reaching the desired temperature. Without a thermostat control, it will continue to heat the room, and therefore waste energy.

Other features you should consider depend on the needs of your home, such as safety devices, wheels, and handles for transportation.

Type of Radiator : You may have to purchase a different electric heating boiler system depending on the type of radiator. An electric radiator is a general term used to describe a series of different radiators. There are multiple types you have to consider.

When sizing your electric radiator, you have to consider the following radiator types:

• portable –these tend to be attached to wheels and may not have the same level of power>
• wall-mounted radiators, which are the most common types
• baseboard
• wall inset.

Electric Radiators Output : The radiator's output must be determined by converting the wattage of the model to something called British Thermal Units (BTU). You have to convert wattage to this unit because this number takes into account the results gained through intensive room-based testing.

There are a number of free online conversion tools online to help you with this. By using BTUs, you can determine the type of radiator that will have enough power and efficiency after the heat loss of your room is taken into account.

In some cases, you may also discover it is more viable to purchase multiple smaller radiators for larger rooms.

Four Ways That Electric Radiators Are Better Than Storage Heaters

Electric radiators are the most advanced and efficient heating solution on the market; however, a lot of people are still wary about purchasing them. Why? Because of the bad name given to electric heating by storage heaters. 

Though they are both powered in the same way, electric radiators and storage heaters have very little in common. The new, state-of-the-art, products are better than their predecessors in every way. Here are four examples that prove this is the case.

1. They're Designed Better : Old storage heaters are not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing of products, nor are they particularly streamline. These bulky units are far from ideal where floor space is at a premium and look incredibly dated when sitting next to the surrounding modern furniture. Fortunately, electric radiators are designed with looks in mind and are sleek and elegant when mounted on a wall or castors. Thanks to innovative products such as vertical radiators, advanced heaters can be installed in small rooms and dwellings without taking up any floor space.

2. They're Cheaper to Operate : Storage heaters are designed to charge during the night when electricity is cheaper and emit heat during the day. The problem with this is that it affects other household appliances such as the fridge/freezer and television, making them more expensive to run. While they have storage properties, electric radiators do not need to be charged up overnight and can be operated as and when you need them, taking just 30-minutes to reach full temperature.

3. Heating Can Be Controlled : Unlike storage heaters which rely on you predicting the weather in order to get the right heat for the next day, electric radiators can be fully controlled via built-in thermostats. This means a comfortable level of heat can be achieved every time.

4. Bricks are Now Tiles : Storage heaters contain bricks that are designed to keep heat that is generated in and recycle it when the electricity has been switched off. Unfortunately, there is no control over heat and bricks tend to leak without any long-lasting effect on the surrounding area. EHS electric radiators come with patented Magmatic Heat Retention Tiles, which are designed to minimise energy use and running costs.

For more reasons whyelectric radiators are the home heating solution of the future visit our site today.

EHS is the UK's leading supplier of electric heating solutions, offering electric radiators, vertical radiators, combi boilers and more.

The Futures Bright - The Futures Electric

With the growing problem of global warming and the damage carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are causing to the ozone layer, a long term plan is being implemented to move the UK towards a low carbon heat future, a future with panel heaters and electric radiators at the forefront of home heating. 

Eliminating Greenhouse Gas Emissions : Once upon a time, the primary source for heat production was wood. This was eventually surpassed by coal during the industrial revolution, which was soon followed by oil and gas. Today, gas is by far the dominant fuel, producing around 80% of all heat used in the UK – in homes, commercial buildings and industrial processes. Unfortunately, the production of gas is incredibly damaging to the environment, which in turn makes it dangerous to society, health, and the economy.

A global temperature rise of just a 2'C will cause untold damage to the planet, which is why greenhouse gases must be eliminated. As detailed in the 2008 Climate Change Act, the UK aims to reduce carbon emissions by at least 80%, first from buildings and then from industrial processes.

Electric Heating : Central to the government's plan of creating low carbon households is renewable heat – heat provided by renewable energy sources. Thanks to advancements in solar, wind and wave technologies in particular, the spotlight has been fixed very firmly on electric heating.

Electric radiators, vertical radiators, and panel heaters have been receiving high praise for some time from users for their excellent efficiency, ease of installation and versatility, but it is their role in a low carbon future has had people exploring the benefits.

Electric heating powered by renewable energy, however, is not only critical in lowering the UK's collective carbon footprint creating an eco-friendly future; it presents financial benefits to users.

While electricity is more expensive per kilowatt than gas (for now), panel heaters and electric radiators offer greater control over heating. With homes better insulated than ever before, the ability to better tailor radiators to your temperature preferences and heat up rooms quicker means there are significant savings to be had on energy bills.

Through renewable energy, electric radiators and panel heaters will play a key role in our future, reversing the damage caused by reliance on gas.

EHS is an electric heating supplier based in Blantyre, Scotland. The company specialises in panel heaters and electric radiators for efficient home heating.

How Electric Heating Can Help Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Carbon emissions, greenhouse gases and global warming – three terms that we have become accustomed to hearing on a daily basis, in the press and from various politicians and industry experts on the television. These terms are, of course, not thrown around without reason. Through our collective reliance on fossil fuels, we are doing significant damage to the ozone layer and, subsequently, the planet – damage that cannot be allowed to continue.

Around 36% of the UK's energy is used to heat space and hot water in our buildings and fossil fuels are used to supply virtually all of it. It's no surprise then that the government is keen for homeowners to consider methods that can reduce how much gas we use and lower our carbon footprints; most notably cavity wall of loft insulation and energy efficient double glazing. As good as these installations are in helping reduce the amount of heat that escapes from a property, eliminating carbon emissions in the long term requires a move away from traditional central heating entirely. This is where electric heating is becoming increasing important.

Renewable Energy

While most of the electricity we use still comes from the burning of fossil fuels, the UK's commitment to reducing carbon emissions by at least 80% by 2050 means great strides are being made in renewable energy. Solar, wind, hydro, and wave technologies will eventually provide the most, if not all, of the electricity used in Britain, and electrically powered heating will become the norm.

Electric radiators are not just an investment for the future, however; they are already the most advanced and efficient heating products on the market. Unlike wet system radiators, electric heaters offer 100% efficiency and they can be fully controlled via built-in thermostatic controls. They are simple to install (wall mounted or freestanding), require no maintenance and provide the heat you need whenever, and wherever, you need it. In addition to this, space saving solutions such as vertical radiators allows electric heating to be utilised in every type of dwelling.

With a combination of increased renewable energy production and electric radiators, home heating in the future can be totally carbon free, helping sustain a healthy planet for future generations.

To find out more about electric heating and how it can help lower your carbon footprint, visit Electric-HeatingSupplies.co.uk.

Electric-HeatingSupplies.co.uk is the UK's leading provider of electric radiators and vertical radiators, providing efficient heating solutions nationwide.

Electric Radiators - Central Heating for Homes without Gas

For the majority of homes in the UK, connection to a gas supply and central heating is something that is taken for granted. However, there are over 4 million people across Britain that do not have access to the gas grid and many more that rely upon temporary dwellings such as caravans and holiday homes on occasions during the year. 

So, without gas how do you set about heating your property? One option is to hire, or buy gas fires; however, these are expensive, bulky and require you to have a gas bottle inside your home – something that many people are not comfortable with. Another downside to this solution is their inability to deliver a traditional radiator experience. A much better alternative is to invest in electric heating and there several reasons why.

Efficient Heating

Electric heating is the most efficient type of home heating on the market – offering 100% efficiency, with every penny spent being converted into heat.

It is also fully controllable. Electric radiators come fitted with thermostatic controls allowing each heater to be adjusted according to specific temperature requirements. Radiators fitted with advanced TDI controls provide the additional benefit letting users place heaters on a timer, switching on an off around your needs.

Space Saving Heating

One of the greatest benefits of EHS products, whether it’s an electric heating boiler or vertical radiators, is their space saving capabilities. Boilers such as the SlimJim are designed to provide a heating solution where space is at a premium, while radiators come in a range of sizes and configurations, with wall mounted and freestanding options ensuring better management of space.

Fuss-Free Heating

Apart from the aforementioned benefits, what makes electric heating so appealing is its simplicity. Installation of electric radiators is as easy as pushing a plug into a wall socket and boilers possess no flue or cylinder, making fitting fast and straightforward.

All products are maintenance free – no pipework, no bleeding and no annual gas safety checks – just safe, clean heating. Because of these benefits, an electric heating system will last 50% longer than a gas system.

In the past living in an area without a gas supply was regarded as a disadvantage; however, thanks to electric heating it can now be seen as a benefit.

EHS is a leading supplier of electric heating for homes and businesses, specialising in the provision of vertical radiators and electric radiators.

Electric Radiators Take Your Comfort to a Whole New Level

There have been some great advancements in heating technology in the last couple of decades, and one of the upshots of this is that there are now more reasons than ever to choose electric radiators. The priority with this type of product will usually be efficiency combined with affordability and electricity scores well on both these counts – it also comes with plenty of other advantages over other systems for heating your home. The amount of choice you get in regards to style is also impressive with electric radiators – just checkout the EHS online showroom if you are not convinced. 

Improved Efficiency with Electric Radiators
If you are looking for an efficient way to heat your home, how does 100 per cent efficiency sound? One of the problems with radiators powered by oil and gas in your home is that a lot of the heat is wasted but, with electric radiators, you get to benefit from all the warmth produced. This will end up saving you money because it means you need to use less energy overall.

Electric Radiators are Easy to Install and Maintain

Traditional radiators need to be hooked up by pipes to your central heating system, so a lot of work can be involved with having them installed. You have none of this hassle with most electric radiators. You usually only have to remove these from the packaging and just plug them into the nearest electrical socket. The fact that they are not connected to pipes means that you can move them from room to room easily andyoudo not have to leave them behind should you later decide to move to a new property.

Electric Radiators are the Future

The future is bright for Electric-heatingsupplies.co.uk because there is an increasing demand for electrical heating. The cost of carbon-based fuels is almost certainly going to keep rising in the future as these resources become harder to source. Electricity is the future because it does not rely on just one type of fuel for all power stations, which means you are not relying on carbon-fuels to be delivered to your home.

More Control with Electric Radiators

Getting the temperature just right in your home will be much easier using an electric radiator. Because each radiator is a standalone device, it means you can easily control each room independently. There are also some exciting new technological innovations such as smart phone apps that mean you can control the heater no matter where you happen to be – even on your way home from work.