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Climate change, the energy crisis and Government plans have fuelled the move towards greener sources of energy for households across Britain. While there are a number of gas alternatives out there, choosing the right one for your home can be tricky – especially when it comes to choosing a budget-friendly option. Express.co.uk spoke to an expert to find out the truth about electric heating – and whether it could be right for your property.
Gas boiler alternatives
Despite Government efforts to push air source heat pumps as a viable replacement for gas boilers, huge installation fees have sparked major concerns about using them as the favoured gas replacement.
Cited by numerous reports as the reason for the proposed gas boiler ban delay, air source heat pumps could be switched for electric heating, says Keith Bastian, CEO of renewable energy provider Outfox the Market.
Despite concerns over price hikes and heat pumps circling the heating agenda, it seems that electric heating still isn’t cutting it.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Keith said: “Electric heating remains plagued by numerous myths, but this commercially available and practically managed solution lies at the fingertips of the British public.”
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Electric heating has far less hardware that needs to be installed, therefore the cost of electric heating remains lower.
Installation costs are low because there is no:
- Network of pipes
- Vents
- Ducts
Keith told Express: “Since the cost of electricity remains stable, it is easier to forecast future bills, and with a 100 percent energy conversion rate, no cost is spent on energy that is never used.”
While the kilowatt measures of electric heating could cost some properties more, the small price to pay in the colder months could be worth it for the net zero emission status of an electrically-heated home.
‘Electric Heating is Old Technology’
Mobile apps and wireless thermostatic controls are at the forefront of electric heating.
Modern dynamic storage radiators are now controlled remotely which means your home heating can be monitored and managed on the go.
Thermostatic controls can:
- Detect temperatures and adjust automatically to your own heat preferences
- Give you greater control over when you have your heating on
- Reduce bills significantly due to energy efficiency
- Reduce carbon emissions
Keith said: “Individualised energy saving programs and Wi-Fi connectivity are generally a standard feature with electric heating – with other energy alternatives, this feature would require retrofitting.”
‘Electric Heating Is Not Efficient’
Electric heating is vastly more efficient than heat pumps, gas and oil boilers due to the way in which the heat is distributed.
A conventional heating system will push warm air to the ceiling of the room, allowing cold air to stay at seating-level.
Dynamic electric heaters feature flutes to draw that cold air from the floor and distribute heat evenly, from floor-to-ceiling.
When reviewed by the Energy Saving Trust, electric heating systems were proven to produce more consistent indoor air temperatures as well as consumption savings.
‘Electric Heating Requires Infrastructure Investment’
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Keith revealed: “One of the reasons I have advocated electric heating for more than a decade is due to how easy it is to install; they require little more than standard sockets and brackets.”
He argued that the Government has played a part in consumers shying away from electric heating, adding that: “Too many consumers have come to think of clean energy as costly and complex.
“This could be attributed to the high costs of installing heat pumps, and the vast expenditure of the government on national infrastructure to implement them.”
While electric heating doesn’t seem to be taking the spot as front-runner for gas alternatives just yet, is it only a matter of time?
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Keith concluded that: “In any case with over 25 years’ experience surveying UK homes, I firmly believe the solution lies in a mix of different forms of electric heating not just with heat pumps.
“It will never be one size fits all.”
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