4 Tips to Making Your Solar Panels Last

Solar panels are a fantastic way of generating energy to power electric boilers. They are a clean energy source that is great for the environment. If you install them, you will eventually find yourself making money each year by selling any excess electricity you generate back to the National Grid under the government’s green energy scheme. If you want to prolong your solar panels and make them as efficient as possible, read these four tips from Electric Heating Supplies.

1. Clean Them Up : If you leave in a dusty area, you will have to clean your solar panels. If the sun has a less unobstructed area to deal with, you are not going to generate the energy amounts you’re looking for. In desert areas and near construction sites, you may have to clean them every few weeks. Most people can get away with every other month. They are easy to clean. Aim the hose at them and go nuts!

2. Get Rid of Any Shading : Whenever an installer turns up to review your home, they will check for any areas of shading. Shading may be caused by tall trees and any nearby buildings. If possible, get rid of any shading. Small trees grow into big trees. If foliage has managed to cast a shadow over your solar panels, remove it immediately.

3. Monitor the Green Light : Although solar panels work with your electric boiler without you needing to keep track of what is going on, you do need to step in every so often. This does not have to be anything technical. Simply check the green light to make sure it is still on. If it’s flashing or has gone off completely, it means something has gone wrong and you’ll need to act to keep generating energy. Call in a professional. You have to remember that most solar panel systems come with a huge warranty. In some cases, you can expect to benefit from a 25-year warranty. This means you will not have to pay a penny to get a qualified expert to look at them.

4. Track Your Results ; If you want to spot problems early, make sure you take down your results each day. Write how much energy you have generated in a list. Add in a small note if it was a particularly overcast day. In the beginning, these results will not mean much, but in the long-term, you’ll be able to compare your results. If you start to notice some of your results are lower than usual, it could indicate one of your solar panels has been damaged. Furthermore, any repairperson that comes over to look at your solar panels will benefit from seeing your results. It will confirm to them that the panels are not running how they should.

Overall, making the most of your solar panel system does not have to take a lot of effort. As long as you have a few minutes to set aside each day, you can stick to this guide. By following these four steps, you will be able to generate green energy for years without any problems!

Carbon Monoxide - The Main Danger of Faulty Boilers

Boilers, whether these are electric or gas, have risks associated with them. When the problems of a boiler are ignored, it can become downright dangerous to be in the same building as them. Although we would like to think the biggest threat of an electric heating boiler is the fact it might explode, this is not the case. Exploding boilers are comparatively rare.

What you have to watch out for is carbon monoxide poisoning. Otherwise known as the silent killer, carbon monoxide is a gas produced by all faulty boilers. In this article, we are going to discuss carbon monoxide – how to notice it, and what you should do about it.

What is Carbon Monoxide? : Carbon monoxide is a gas that can be emitted by any boiler running off fossil fuels. This makes practically every household in the UK capable of emitting carbon monoxide. Electric boilers when they give off carbon monoxide are a danger to human health. It only takes a few hours of exposure to suffer permanent damage.

The problem with the gas is you cannot see it and you cannot smell it. You have to search for other signs, including the symptoms in humans.

Is Your Boiler at Risk? : Electric heaters in your home can put you at risk of carbon monoxide exposure. There are no concrete signs as to when you have been exposed to it until you start to notice symptoms in yourself.

What you can do is search for any signs that your boiler is faulty. There are a number of key signs of faulty boilers. Let uslook at the primary ones:

1.The flame is not blue. It is orange or yellow at all times.

2.There are stains above the fuel burning applications. This might also manifest itself as a covering of soot.

3.Any wood or coal fires in your home take ages to burn or they go out frequently.

4.You find it almost impossible to light a fire.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning : When you begin to notice symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, this is the time to seek urgent medical help. It also means you need to turn off the boiler at the mains and call a professional. Your energy provider will have a number you can call, and they will send out an emergency engineer.

These are some of the main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: tiredness, nausea, chest pains, drowsiness, headaches, and dizziness.

Preventing a Build-Up : All boilers must have enough ventilation to function. You need to make sure the flues are not leaking and the chimneys are swept on a regular basis. Poor ventilation can exasperate these problems and lead to human health hazards.

Take note, it is the responsibility of the household to make sure their boiler is well maintained. In rented accommodation, this is the responsibility of the landlord. Complain at the first instance if you believe the boiler requires servicing. If your landlord refuses to help, you have the ability to sue them for negligence. A poorly maintained boiler is a major offense and must be taken seriously.

5 Clever Ways of Increasing the Efficiency of Your Home Boiler

Your boiler is the source of your energy bills. The more efficiently it works the less you can expect to pay. The problem is that many people are not aware of the simple maintenance techniques that can save them hundreds of pounds every year. Electric Heating Supplies is here to help guide you through the little things you can do to save money.

1.Check Your Boiler Yearly : Annual inspections by a qualified engineer are not a superfluous expense. On the contrary, they can spot the issues you have missed. You as an unqualified individual can only notice a faulty boiler when there are obvious external signs. An annual inspection will involve delving deep into the boiler’s mechanisms to discover if anything has gone wrong.

Solving problems as early as possible both saves on repair costs and prevents you from paying more on your energy bills in the short-term.

2.Clear the Air Ducts : The air ducts in your home become dirtier over time. This eventually leads to clogging, which reduces the airflow. To combat this, appliances like air conditioning systems and electric heating boilers have to work harder to reach the same level of efficiency. Your boiler is working harder to produce the same results.

Get into the habit of cleaning out the air ducts each year. This will prevent any significant diminishing of the airflow.

3.Installing an Electric Ignition System : The electronic ignition system makes the old-fashioned pilot light obsolete. It means the boiler does not have to burn all the time. It will cost more in the short-term to install, but it will save in the long-term because your boiler will only work when it absolutely has to.

4.Check the Seals : The seals open up what should be a closed system and helps to diminish the effectiveness of a boiler. Usually, the seals are the first things to encounter issues on a boiler. The seals around the home boiler should not allow for any cracks of leaks. If you spot any of these problems, call an engineer immediately. It is a simple repair thatwill not cost a lot of money. Leaving cracked seals can lead to breakages in the long run.

5.A New Heating System : Getting new vertical radiators and a new boiler tends to be a last resort. Boilers older than fifteen years should always be candidates for replacement. There are usually far more efficient models on the market by this point. The cost of installing a new boiler will be outweighed by the savings you can make on your energy bills.

When you decide to purchase a new heating system, get the help of an engineer. They will be able to assess your needs and provide you with some recommendations on the best boiler for you.

In some areas of the UK, you can even get access to grants that will pay for a portion of the installation costs. The UK government considers it in its best interest to support more efficient heating options, so you can take advantage of this.

What Should You Tell Your Engineer When Installing a New Boiler?

Before you have a new electric heating boiler installed, an engineer has to come to your home. He or she will need to see where you want the boiler installed and how everything is going to work. They will also let you know about the various features you can have and your specific needs.

It is a part of the process and you need to be ready for it. Your engineer will also ask you a number of questions, so they can make sure they get everything right. Here are some of the things you need to tell your engineer when installing a new boiler.

The Location : You will need to determine the location for a new boiler. Newer boilers using a condensing system will cause a plume of steam to be released. If this is in the wrong location outside, it can be a nuisance for both you and your neighbours. This is why many people do not have the outlet in the same location.

Your engineer will be able to look at the current location and determine whether an electric combi boiler would be best placed having an outlet located elsewhere.

Demands and Lifestyle : Consider what your boiler will need to do. For example, multi-bathroom households could have two showers running at the same time. How well does your current boiler deal with such demands? Most households will have to think about whether you can have multiple hot water taps on at the same time, for example.

Your engineer will be able to tell you more about how a new boiler might cope with these same demands. Remember, you do not have to settle on a specific model just yet.

What are Your Future Plans? : Are you planning on any further renovations in the process? This will affect the type of boiler that’s right for you.

A household planning a loft conversion may not be able to install a regular boiler because it may require loft space. The loft space will be the place that the expansion and feed tanks will be located. Houses with converted lofts, therefore, can only use system and combi boilers.

Electric Heating Boiler recommend planning your future renovations a few years in advance because a boiler is a significant investment. You do not want to have to change your boiler type a year or so after installation.

The Budget ; Every single type of boiler will have a different price tag. Your engineer will ask about your budget to present you with your best choices. It is pointless showing you every possible model if you cannot afford half of them.

They will also provide you with additional information relating to installation costs and future maintenance.

Expectations : Finally, you need to tell them about your expectations for your new boiler. Do you want something that simply heats your house or are you looking to invest in a new boiler simply to reduce your energy bills?

By telling your engineer about what you expect from your new boiler, they can help point you in the direction of the boiler that is right for you.

What Are The Differences Between Convection And Radiant Heaters?

Convection and radiant heaters are both heating types you might find working alongside an electric combi boiler. Not many people know the difference between convection and a radiant heater. It is important to understand this because it will influence your choice of heater in the long-term.

The primary difference comes in how the heater transfers heat. Before we begin, we will discuss the main difference in how they heat the air.

Convection heaters concentrate on transferring energy into the air itself. Radiant heaters will transfer heat to nearby objects.

How Convection Heaters Work : Radiators are the most common examples of convection heaters. They are the most common types of heater found within the modern home.

The convection heater will begin by blowing cold air across its heating implement within. The heat is absorbed into the air. The now warm air is blown out of the heater and into the room. It essentially means the cold air in the room is being replaced by new warm air.

The air is blown across the heating element by way of an internal fan. This warm air is circulated around the room, which changes the average temperature. It continues until the correct temperature has been reached, as dictated by the thermostat. After this is done, the heating element shuts off until the temperature drops again.

How Radiant Heaters Work : Radiant heaters heat objects instead of the air. The most common type of radiant heater is the panel heater. Panel heaters are often found in bathrooms where bulkier radiators would not be viable. They tend to work best in small spaces where it isn't necessary to raise the entire temperature of a room.

The crucial difference here is air is radiated out of the heater,much like a small campfire. Anything around the heater is warmed up.

Although the average panel heater is new, the concept of a radiant heater is not. This is why you have to avoid using older models. Many of these are unsafe due to the heating elements being exposed. House fires are often caused by radiant heaters that were manufactured long before safety standards were brought in.

Does One Have the Advantage Over the Other? : Before you begin hunting for electric heating supplies, you will have considered whether one type of heater is inherently better than the other is. The answer is not really. They each have advantages and disadvantages that you have to take into account.

For larger rooms where you need to heat a big area, you would choose a convection heater. Radiant heaters would not have the strength to heat an entire room by transferring heat to objects. Smaller rooms where radiators are too bulky or it isn't necessary to heat the air will benefit more from a radiant heater.

Businesses and households will often be found using a combination of both types of heater. Carefully consider your needs prior to settling on one or the other. It might be worth talking to a professional first. You might just find both types of heater work for you!

Have You Considered the Difference Electric Boilers Could Make to Your Home?

Keeping your home comfortably warm during the colder months can really eat into your budget, which is why it makes sense to choose something that is economical as well as efficient. Electric boilers benefit from a number of advantages over oil and gas boilers, which is what makes them such a worthy choice for your home. 

The Surprising Efficiency of Electric Boilers

Electric boilers benefit from extensive research and development, and one of the outcomes of this is that they are incredibly efficient. Many units are able to provide one hundred percent efficiency, which means you would need to use less energy to keep your home warm, thus saving you money. One of the other nice things about this system is that it can pump water around your home to produce a constant heat that is the same everywhere. Electric boilers also come in all shapes and sizes, and this means you can make the most efficient use of space in your home (click here to check out some of the available options).

Safety Features of an Electric Heating Boiler

An electric heating boiler would be much safer than other types of boiler as well. You do not have to worry about escaping gas or fumes because there isn’t any. This type of unit benefits from multiple fail-safe measures so you are not going to have to worry about it exploding on you. In fact, this type of boiler is put together so well that it is likely to last you a lot longer than other types of boiler (averaging about 15 years as compared to 10 with other boilers).

Changing to Electric Boilers Doesn’t Have to Be a Hassle

If the thing that is putting you off switching to an electric heating boiler is the idea of the switch involving a lot off hassle, you may be relieved to hear how easy this system can be to install. Electric boilers can be easily connected to your existing wet system – there is no need for a flue, or pipes to an external fuel tank, and no messing around with gas pipes. This system can be up and running with minimal fuss (some can be installed in as little as 15 minutes) and once it is installed, there will be hardly any maintenance involved.

Electric Heating Supplies is a trusted provider of electric boilers as well as other electric heating boiler products for homes in the UK.

Vertical Radiators are Compact and Stylish

Radiators are often viewed as almost like an obstacle when it comes to decorating the home. It is common to see these hidden behind sofas or other furniture. It does not have to be this way though. One of the advantages of electric vertical radiators is that these can be a very stylish addition to your home – just check out some of the possible designs on the EHS website. There are options that are not only going to flatter the décor in the room but can also be one of the main attractions. 

The Many Benefits of Vertical Radiators

It is not only style that makes vertical radiators stick out as an obvious choice for increasing the comfort level in your home. If you only have a limited amount of floor space to work with, you will find that the compact shape of this type of heating system makes it ideal. This also means that you can get to enjoy some heat in those parts of the home where it would have been hard to fit in a traditional radiator – for example, a tiny bathroom. Most rooms will have enough height for this type of option, so it really can be the perfect solution. There is no hassle with installing this sort of product because it just uses electricity.

One of the other nice benefits of vertical radiators is that you can expect to enjoy more heat from this type of system. Not only do they heat up fast, but also the fact that they are vertical means that it is less likely that the heat will be blocked by furniture. You would have so much extra heat that you will have no problem drying your towels in-between showers – the vertical shape of this product makes it perfect for this job.

Using vertical radiators can save you money. This is because you are only going to be heating up the part of the home you need warm – this will be cheaper than turning on the central heating. The fact that this product can heat up a room so fast also means that you do not really have to have it on in advance of your arrival. If you are also interested in saving money on your central heating, you will definitely want to consider installing electric boilers – this tends to be cheaper than oil or gas.

EHS is the name you can trust for all types of electrical heating supplies including electric radiators and electric boilers.

Never Be Left in the Cold with Use Electric Heaters

Staying warm during the winter is not just about being comfortable; it can also be a matter of life or death. Not only those caught up in poverty are worried about paying the bills to keep the heating turned on – it can be incredibly expensive and, as the carbon-fuel resources dwindle, things are likely to get worse. There is also a risk of your boiler exploding or somebody coming alone and stealing your oil. Electric heaters can be an excellent alternative because they are safer, far less likely to breakdown, and usually cheaper than other heating sources. 

Where to Start with Electric Heaters

Central heating can be the most convenient way to keep your home warm during the winter, also meaning you have plenty of hot water for baths and cleaning the dishes. If you already have an oil or gas boiler, you may assume that you have no real option but to stick with this. The reality is that electric boilers are easy to install into your existing wet system. Adding this type of boiler is much simpler than gas or oil, and it comes in a nice compact size. This means that you can begin enjoying the savings and efficiency of electric boilers without it involving much in the way of hassle.

If you are only looking to heat one room in particular rather than your whole house, you will want to check out your electric radiator options (you will find a great selection on the EHS website). There is so much variety here, and you can even find electric heaters that you can control using an app on your phone (or tablet). Vertical radiators are the right choice if you only have a very limited amount of space in your home, and these can look incredibly trendy. One of the other great benefits of this type of heater is that it can be portable because it will not be connected by pipes – many options just plug into you wall socket. You can even find selections that are going to be effective outdoors or in the garden shed. You have so much choice when it comes to electric heaters that you can afford to be choosy. There are many types and designs available, and you can find something that actually adds to the overall look of your room.

EHS is an established and reputable UK company that specialises in all types of heating supplies including electric boilers and all types of electric radiator.

An Electric Heating Boiler Is Simple and Powerful

When you consider all the benefits of an electric heating boiler, you may feel a little perplexed as to why anyone would choose anything else. The price of oil and gas are only likely to increase in the future, so why would anyone want to be lumbered with this antiquated way of heating up the home? An electric heating boiler can be incredibly easy to install, so there is no real reason not to choose this option and enjoy all the benefits of making the switch. 

Why it Makes sense to Choose an Electric Heating Boiler

If there were no substantial benefits to switching to an electric heating boiler, it would be understandable that you would not be motivated to make the switch. The reality is that this more modern way of heating the home has plenty of great stuff going for it, including:

1. you don't have to worry about escaping gases or noxious fumes

2. something like an electric combi boiler will have multiple fail-safe system so you don't have to worry about it blowing up on you

3. there has been a huge amount of research and development put into this type of heating system, which means you get to enjoy some amazing innovations (find out more by visiting electric-heatingsupplies.co.uk and checking out the details of the products)

4. this type of system can be easily fitted to an existing wet system – the wiring involved would be no more difficult than installing an electric shower

5. an electric heating boiler can work well with underfloor heating

6. you would not be bothered by any strange noises – these boilers work silently, even when starting up

7. you only pay for the electricity you use – unlike oil heating, you don't have to pay in advance

8. you would not to be dependent on a supplier delivering fuel to your home.

The writing is on the wall and if you are using a home carbon-fuel heating system, you are likely to experience increasing headaches in the future. You do not have to wait until things become desperate before making the change, you can switch now and enjoy some great benefits right away. There are some great packages available, and you are sure to find the right one for you on electric-heatingsupplies.co.uk. Once you have tried an electric boiler, you'll wonder about how you could ever have settled for anything less.

Electric Heating Supplies is a UK company devoted to giving customers the best options for heating their homes such as electric combi boilers and an electric heating boiler.

The Technological Advantages of Electric Boilers

An electric heating boiler is the most modern way to heat your home. If you have previously used gas or oil then you are sure to be impressed by the advantages of this technology. Electric boilers benefit from decades of research and development, which has led to a system that is unrivalled. It seems likely that in the future almost all homes will convert to this technology, but there is no reason why you cannot enjoy the advantages of this system now. 

Electric Boilers Offer a Clean and Efficient Way to Heat Your Home

If you choose an electric combi boiler, this is something that will fit flawlessly in with your current wet system. It’s very easy to install and the technician doesn’t need to be gas certified. You also do not need to worry about adding a flue to your home or making room for an oil tank. Electric boilers tend to be very compact, so you do not have to worry about it taking up too much space.

One of the other nice things about the electric combi boiler is that it produces a very clean type of energy. It is one hundred per cent efficient and it operates in complete silence – this means no more noise disturbance when the boiler starts up. You also do not have to worry about any mess due to oil leakage or residue created by the fuel ignition in the boiler.

Electric Boilers Provide a Safe Way to Heat Your Home

Carbon monoxide poisoning can quickly lead to death because this gas is odourless, colourless, and tasteless. One of the nice things about choosing an electric boiler is you do not have to worry about any gas leaks. This type of heating mechanism will also not be at risk of exploding on you – it also benefits from multiple fail-safe technological advances. The fact that it is so safe means that you would not need regular safety checks.

Electric Boilers Offer an Economical Way to Heat Your Home

The fact that electric boilers are 100 per cent efficient means that it uses less energy. The price of oil and gas can fluctuate wildly, which is only likely to get worse in the future as these resources become harder to obtain. One of the other problems with choosing gas is it means you will be at the mercy of fuel providers – they are banking on the fact that you will find it inconvenient to change to another way of heating your home.

There really is no reason for why you cannot enjoy the technological advantages of the electric boiler. There are plenty of great options to choose from, and you are sure to find something appropriate to your needs.

The Convenience of Electric Heating

Electric heating offers many advantages over other methods for keeping your home. It is a clean type of energy that is affordable, safe, and highly efficient. It is also convenient because electricity available in every home in the UK. The other nice thing about electric heaters is that they are versatile enough so that you can have heat exactly where you want it in the home – you can even take it outside. 

Warm Yourself Up Quickly with Electric Heaters

When you return to your home on a cold day, youwill want to get warm nice and quickly. With electric heaters, you do not have to wait around for ages for enough warmth to be generated for you to get comfortable. This ability to heat a room quickly is not only convenient, but it can also save you a bit of money – it means you don’t have to waste fuel heating a home while you are out so it is warm when you get home.

If you spend time in the garage, or you like to potter around in a garden shed, you can use electric heaters here as well. It is usually not practical to have central heating in these places, but this does not mean you have to put up with the cold. Electric heating means you can create a comfortable atmosphere, so even on the coldest days you can get stuff done in the garage.

So Much Choice with Electric Heating

You can use electricity as the energy for your central heating, and this can be a very cost-effective option. The price of heating fuel can be a real worry during the winter months, especially if there is a long cold spell, and gas can be expensive – it is likely to cost even more in the future as sources of this fuel continue to diminish.

There are also many different types of electric heaters to suit different needs – you will find a great selection here on electric-heatingsupplies.co.uk. Space heaters are ideal for warming up enclosed areas – especially if the room is small. Convection heaters work by warming up the air, and some versions use a fan to do this. A radiation heater can be the most effective solution for a room that is poorly insulated, and this option is great for outdoors as well.

No Running Out of Fuel with Electric Heating

One of the other nice things about electric heating is you never need to worry about running out of fuel. Electrical power outages are now, thankfully, rare in the UK and, if there is a problem, it is usually remedied quickly. This means that by choosing this method for heating your home, you are far less likely to be left in the cold.

Let EHS Help You Heat Your Home

Keeping warm during the winter months is a priority, but in order to make this happen you are going to need the right heating system. One of the great advantages of choosing electric heating is that it is versatile enough to suit any home – it can even allow you to heat your garden shed or patio. EHS offers a complete range of electrical heating supplies, and we almost definitely have something to suit your exact needs. 

The Flexibility of Electric Heating

No matter what part of the home you are trying to keep warm, there is going to be an electric heating option to do the job. If you want to benefit from central heating to supply you with hot water, you can use an electric boiler. This is going to be easy to install, and it can attach to your existing wet system. An electric boiler is much safer than the carbon-based fuels because it is not going to release carbon monoxide (aka the silent killer) into the air. It also means that you do not have to bother with installing a flue or sticking a large oil tank in the garden.

Electric radiators are particularly convenient because you will be able to put these in any room without the need of installing pipes as you would with a traditional wet radiator. Your electric radiator is a separate device that is not connected to your central heating, as you can move it to any room you like. The other great benefit with this option is that it heats up really fast, and this will be an advantage on a cold day. If you have limited space in a room, you could consider using vertical radiators – these also tend to be more modern looking and can add a real touch of class to any room. If you want something that will heat up a large room quickly, you will want to check out electric panel heaters.

One of the other important ways that electric heating is flexible is you pay for it as you use it. You do not have to worry about ordering in advance, and you are not going to be so much at the mercy of rising fuel costs. Using electricity to heat your home is also usually the most affordable option, and this will be even more the case in the coming years as carbon-based fuels resources begin to diminish.

Are You Ready to Heat Your Home with the Help of EHS?  

In order for your home to offer you the right level of comfort, you will need to have a heating system that you can rely on. By choosing electricity, you will be taking a modern effective approach to this dilemma and almost certainly saving a bit of money.

Electric Boilers - CO Free Heating

For the 4.3 million people in the UK that are not connected to the gas grid, electric heating is vital; however, even for those with the option of gas or with traditional wet systems installed, electric heating boilers can be hugely beneficial.

Not only is electricity the future of home heating, with reliance on natural gas being reduced due to carbon dioxide emissions, it is an inherently safer solution and eliminates the most significant risk factor of gas heating: carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Hidden Killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, such as gas and oil.

Carbon-based fuels are safe to use in general, but become a danger when fuel does not burn properly and poisonous CO is produced. This happens when gas boilers and flues have not been correctly installed or maintained, or are inadequately ventilated.

Carbon monoxide in labelled as the hidden killer. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 12 people die every year from CO poisoning, while many more are hospitalised. CO entering the body prevents the blood providing oxygen to the cells, tissues and organs, and levels that do not kill are still serious enough to cause brain damage and paralysis. You cannot see, taste or smell carbon monoxide and the symptoms can easily be mistaken for tiredness,food poisoning or the flu - this is what makes the gas so dangerous.

The Safe Alternative

While the risk of CO poisoning can be reduced with regular boiler inspections, as long as gas is in use the threat will always remain. With an electric heating boiler, the CO is eliminated.

Switching to electricity from gas is not as big or costly a change as you might imagine. The electric boilers offered by Electric Heating supplies are specifically designed to work with traditional wet systems. It is simply a case of swapping the gas boiler for a 100% efficient electric one. The radiators and pipework that you already have installed can remain in place to be used with the electric boiler.

These boilers can be used to provide central heating only or central heating and hot water, requiring no maintenance and needing no annual safety certificate to ensure integrity. These are every bit the equal of gas systems with the added benefit of safety. In addition to this, you also get to pocket the money that is saved in servicing bills.

Electric Heaters: Is it Time You Switched?

For most homeowners in the UK, gas heating and 'wet' system radiators are the standard in home heating. These radiators connect to the central boiler and heating is supplied using hot water circulated by pumps. The biggest benefit of gas over electric heating is that it is more energy efficient; fuel bills are considerably less using gas than if you are plugging heaters into a socket. So why, then, are many people choosing electric over gas? Surely you want to heat your home using the cheapest method available, right. Well, per kWh cost aside, electric heating offers a range of benefits that gas does not; benefits that justify any increased usage expense.

Installation

In terms of product price, an electric heater and a wet system radiator are similarly matched. However, when it comes to installation the former is a much better solution. Installing electric heating simply requires you to find a spot for your heater and plug it in. It really is as easy as that, and you do not need the help of any plumber or DIY expert. Unfortunately, the same simplicity cannot be extended to wet system radiators, which will often require new pipework and significant labour.

Portability

If you visit Electric-heatingsupplies.co.uk, you will notice that we offer castors, designed to allow for temporary heating solutions in conservatories, sun rooms are wherever else in the home that requires some instant heat. As electric heaters operate via the mains, the portability they offer is something that gas heaters are unable to compete with. Whenever and wherever you need heat, you can rely on an electric heater.

Flexible Heating

Similar to portability, electric heating is a very flexible heating solution and can be switched on and off as you need it. If you purchase a modern digital radiator, you will also get the benefit of a built-in thermostat and control panel that allows you to remain in full control of your heating – very useful in the unpredictable UK climate!

Environmental Friendliness

The final, but perhaps the most significant, benefit of electric heating is the environmental friendliness that such a solution offers. In a world where governments are doing all they can to reduce the carbon footprint of citizens, electric heaters are a sustainable resource that reduces reliance on gas and lowers CO2 emissions.

Electric heating might be less energy efficient than gas, but with the benefits that it offers, does that really matter?

Do We Still Need Storage Heaters?

In the 1970s, UK energy companies came up with the Economy 7 tariff as a way to get homeowners to use more electricity during the night by offering cheaper electricity during unsociable hours. In order for people to take advantage of the tariff, storage heaters became the must-have electronic heating solution.

These heaters were installed to 'charge' during the night when the electricity was cheap and then emit the stored heat throughout the day from its ceramic blocks and fan-assisted dissipater. To keep track of how much electricity was being used, the storage heater was connected to a two-tariff meter, which would provide owners with a day and night rate on their bill.

Storage heaters are still in use today across the UK and still provide great benefits to people that are unable to access the gas grid to install a gas central heating system in their home as well as to those who produce their own electricity through solar PV or wind turbine. However, the traditional models that became popular in the 1970s have given way to more effective alternatives: electric radiators and panel heaters.

Comprehensive Electric Heating

Besides taking advantage of cheaper electricity, the major benefit of storage heaters was, and still is, that they are cheaper to install, maintain, and run as central heating systems. This remains the case with modern electric heating supplies. However, some of the drawbacks of the original heaters have been addressed, the two most significant being the unavoidable heating of a property overnight as the heater charged; and the size of the heater dictating how much charge it can take.

Modern electric radiators and panel heaters have much more in common with conventional 'wet' radiators than storage heaters, designed to look the same, giving them aesthetic appeal.

In terms of heat output, the electric heating supplies of today are much more advanced. Both radiators and panel heaters are available in a range of size and power output options, and are capable of providing you with heat whenever you need it – no charge necessary. Newer digital panel heaters are also equipped with built in thermostats that allow you to fully control heating for enhanced comfort and lower energy usage.

So, back to the original question: do we still need storage heaters? Yes and no.

Do we need the original storage heater designs that were introduced in the 1970s? No. Do we need their 21st century alternative? Yes, we definitely do.