What is the Most Efficient Electric Heating?

Ceramic core electric radiators, like radTherm, are built for maximum efficiency and comfort. They retain heat for hours, even after power stops flowing, thanks to their advanced high-density core. They reduce energy usage and provide consistent, even warmth.

Ideal for homes where control, reliability, and efficiency matter most.

Basic electric radiators use metal or aluminium heating elements to warm a room. While cheaper upfront, they lose heat quickly and require constant electricity to maintain warmth.

They may be suitable for occasional heating in smaller spaces but are less efficient and effective for regular home use.

Electric storage heaters use off-peak electricity to store heat in dense bricks, releasing it throughout the day. While they were once popular for reducing energy costs, modern storage heaters lack flexibility and control.

Many homes are replacing them with more efficient alternatives, like ceramic core electric radiators.

Electric boilers heat water for traditional wet systems, including radiators or underfloor heating. They’re compact and easy to install, making them an option for replacing gas or oil boilers.

However, they have higher running costs and require homes with moderate heating needs and good insulation.

Air source heat pumps extract heat from the air to warm your home. They are highly efficient, but they work best in well-insulated properties. They require large radiators and large surface areas as they heat water at a far lower temperature than traditional boilers.

While upfront costs are higher, they can qualify for government grants. However, their performance can drop significantly in colder UK climates or older homes.

The ZEB is a thermal battery that heats water for wet systems. It intelligently charges during off-peak hours, using data like energy tariffs and weather forecasts to optimise cost and carbon savings.

The ZEB does not suit all property types and requires access to off-peak electricity tariffs.

Infrared panels heat objects and surfaces directly instead of warming the air. This can be effective in smaller spaces like offices or bedrooms but may leave the air feeling cooler.

They are best suited for supplementary heating rather than whole-home solutions.

Electric underfloor heating provides even warmth underfoot and is popular in bathrooms or new builds.

However, it takes time to heat up, is costly to install, and can be inefficient in poorly insulated homes. Maintenance and repairs can also be disruptive.

A basic heating option. Fan-assisted heaters use an electric heating element and a fan to blow warm air into a room.

They provide quick heat but are noisy, inefficient for sustained use, and best suited for temporary or emergency heating.