Is It a Good Idea to Buy Electric Radiators?

If you're reading this article, then it's probably because you want to buy electric radiators but you have heard that they are not very good. Electric radiators tend to have a bad reputation. They are perceived to be expensive to run and to look bad. 

Whilst it is perfectly true that older style electric radiators are indeed more expensive to run than central heating radiators are, modern electric radiators have actually come a long way and today's radiators are far superior to those of the past. 

In addition, central heating has become more expensive over time and electricity is starting to come down in price (or at least the rate at which it is becoming more expensive is slowing down). 

Here, we are going to explore some of the reasons why you might want to consider buying electric radiators. They do not deserve the negative reputation that they currently have an under certain circumstances, they actually make the best choice of radiator.

You Can Use Electric Radiators in Spaces That Don't Have Central Heating

Not every house on the street has central heating and not every room in a centrally heated house will have central heating.  If there is no central heating, and you do not want to install it because it is too expensive, then electric radiators are a perfect choice. You don't need to connect them to the central heating. You can just plug them into the electrics.

Electric Radiators Are Very Fast to Heat Up

If you're the type of person that wants to have good control over their home heating so that it comes on as and when you need it, electric radiators are a good choice. They are what we call responsive. This means that they start to heat up straight away and they can warm a room within a very short space of time.

Electric Radiators Give You Greater Control over Your Home Heating

If you want a responsive system, then electric radiators are a fantastic idea. You can even program some of them to come on at specific times of the day. For example, if you want them to come on as soon as you wake up in the morning, you can do this. In addition, because each radiator is independent of the other, you can choose different times for different rooms. 

For example, if you want your bedroom to be warm at 7 a.m., but the kitchen to be warm at 8 a.m., you can do that. This isn't something you can do with a central heating system and so modern electric radiators give you much greater control over your home heating.

This proves that the electric radiators are also more flexible than centrally heated radiators. You can effectively put them anywhere and you can use them in practically any way you wish.

I hope that you now have a better appreciation of electric radiators. In the past, they have had a bad press, but this is largely unwarranted.

The Best Tips for Buying a Designer Radiator

One of the best ways that you can instantly transform a room is to install a new designer radiator. Radiators take up such a large amount of space that they can draw your eye and if you choose a designer one, it will look great.

Many interior design specialists will use a feature radiator as a focal point in the room. They use it to bring more character and style to the space.

Fortunately, it isn't just a design expert that can capitalise on this technique. Any homeowner can, including you. All you need to do is follow the right advice for choosing a designer radiator and it will be great.

I am going to teach you what you should be looking for when buying a new designer radiator for your home. This will help you to make the right decision and to ensure that the radiator fits the space.

Tip 1: Don't Ignore Heat Output

When people decide to buy designer radiators, they can sometimes overlook the main purpose of the radiator, which is to produce heat…obviously.

You will end up feeling disappointed if you don't make sure that the radiator can produce enough for the space. You also need to make sure that the heat distributes well through the space to. For example, vertical designer radiators do not necessarily offer good heat distribution in larger rooms. You need to stick to horizontal designer radiators in bigger rooms because of the way that radiators distribute the heat, which is on a horizontal axis.

Make sure that the radiator offers you the correct heat output too. You can do this by using a BTU calculator. They are easy to use and self-evident. You can find them at most radiator retailers, both online and offline.

Tip 2: Make Sure You Go for a Reputable Brand

Designer radiators are a big industry and as such, you can find a lot of variation in the quality of the products. When you buy a designer radiator, you have to make sure that you pay for a quality one that will last a long time and that will operate safely and risk-free.

Tip 3: Make Sure It Has a Long Guarantee

A great way to verify that the radiator is good quality is to make sure that has a long guarantee. Personally, I wouldn't buy a radiator that doesn't have at least 10-years’ worth of guarantee.

Tip 4: Make Sure It Suits Your Style

There is a difference between how a radiator looks in the shop, or on Pinterest, and how it will look in your home. Those awesome looking futuristic vertical designer radiators might sweep you away but if you have a country-cottage style house, or an old Victorian style house, it might not fit the feel of the room.

Follow these four tips to find great radiators that work well for the space. If you follow these rules, you won't be disappointed.