Gas is by far the most common form of heating in the UK with over 23 million homes in the UK powered through gas boilers but there are signs that the times may be changing.
Many people consider electric heating to be ineffective in comparison due to the limitations of traditional storage heaters that have been the only option available to homeowners for decades.
However, in recent years modern electric heaters have developed into a fantastic alternative to gas boilers, combining modern smart technology and impressive efficiency.
With the ever increasing rise in gas prices that doesn’t look to be slowing anytime soon, many people are looking for alternative options and many people are choosing to make the switch to electric as a result.
Just some of the factors that have played a part in this momentum change include:
1. Government Legislation
In a bid to meet carbon emissions targets the government has made home heating a priority, placing restrictions on gas usage and encouraging homeowners to make the switch to alternatives.
With all new homes in the UK already required to meet a minimum EPC level C, we may well be beginning to see the signs that the reign of Gas may be coming to an end, and electric is currently one of the most viable and affordable alternative options.
2. Installation Costs
Electric radiator systems are far cheaper to install than new gas boilers and tend to require a lot more ongoing maintenance and earlier replacement.
3. Environmental Awareness
The impact of the current climate crisis has never been more apparent and we are all looking to do our bit to help save the planet.
Over 35% of the UK’s total carbon emissions are produced from heating systems both domestic and commercial, and gas boilers are the largest contributing factor to that total.
Electric heating is far more sustainable, whilst still not being completely clean, with over 40% of electricity in the UK now produced through renewable sources, and this number is growing every single year.
For this reason, many see switching from gas to electric as a great way to reduce their own carbon footprint and future proof their home for the future.
Advantages of Electric Heating Systems
So, now you know why more and more people are looking to move away from gas boilers as a heating source, but what is it about modern day electric radiators that make them such an attractive option?
Here are some of the biggest benefits of installing an electric heating system in your home:
Easy Installation
Electric heating is not only cheaper to purchase and maintain than a gas system, it is also much easier to install.
There is no complicated internal pipework to replace and no building or development planning applications that need to be submitted.
All you need is a plug socket, a few drill holes, and some wall supports, and you are good to go.
Many electric radiators can be installed on your own and you won’t require the services of a professional installer at all but a professional company will have your entire set-up in place in no time at all.
In comparison, a gas boiler and the attached piping and radiators can take several weeks to install even for an experienced technician.
Saving Money
As mentioned, the installation cost of electric heating is far lower than gas, but this is not the only area that choosing to go electric can help to save you money.
Modern electric radiators are incredibly reliable, and it is therefore extremely unlikely that you will need to pay for repairs or ongoing maintenance.
Electric heat is also more efficient than a gas boiler converting 100% of the electric consumed into heat energy meaning that you never have to pay for energy that you are not using.
A gas boiler, even the most modern newly installed combi-boiler, can only achieve a maximum efficiency of around 94%, and you will have to activate the entire system just to heat one room, meaning that both the energy and money lost is much higher with a traditional gas heating system.
Ultimate Control
One of the negatives of a gas boiler is that you have to activate the whole tank of water every time you want to warm just a part of your home even if you only turn on one radiator.
In comparison, an electric system is made up of individual units that can be completely customised to meet the needs of you and your family.
In the daytime, for example, your home office may need to be set at a higher temperature than the rest of your house, whilst at night heat is needed more in the living room and bedroom.
Not only can you pre-set every radiator to the times and temperatures you desire, but you will also be able to change these settings at any time via mobile device using a smart app, giving you ultimate control over your heating.
Get in Touch
To learn more about electric heating Glasgow or to talk to our expert team about any of the fantastic home heating solutions we have available, contact Greener Energy Group today on 03335 77 66 99.