Are electric radiators expensive to run? Can they heat an entire home? Are storage heaters better?

If you’ve been researching electric heating, you’ve probably come across plenty of conflicting advice. Many homeowners still believe electric radiators are expensive, inefficient, or only suitable as a temporary heating solution.

The truth is that modern electric radiators have evolved significantly. Advances in thermostat technology, smart controls, and energy-efficient design mean today’s systems offer precise temperature control, improved comfort, and lower energy waste than many older electric heating systems.

At North East Heating Solutions, we regularly help homeowners replace outdated storage heaters and ageing electric systems with RADTHERM® electric radiators. Below, we separate fact from fiction by debunking the most common myths surrounding electric heating.

Myth 1: Electric Radiators Are Expensive to Run

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about electric heating.

While electricity generally costs more per unit than gas, modern electric radiators use electricity extremely efficiently, converting almost all the electricity they consume directly into heat.

The real question isn’t simply how much electricity costs—it’s how efficiently your home is heated.

Running costs depend on:

• Your home’s insulation
• The size of each room
• The heat output of each radiator
• Thermostat accuracy
• Heating controls and zoning
• How often rooms are heated unnecessarily

Older electric heating systems often wasted energy because they had poor controls.

radTherm® electric radiators feature precise digital thermostats and programmable controls that allow you to heat individual rooms only when they’re needed, helping reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

Key takeaway: Better controls often make a much bigger difference than the heating technology itself.

Myth 2: All Electric Radiators Are the Same

Not all electric radiators deliver the same level of performance.

While every electric radiator converts electricity into heat efficiently, premium systems differ in several important ways:

• Build quality
• Heat distribution
• Thermostat accuracy
• Programming options
• Energy-saving controls
• Reliability
• Warranty

Cheap DIY electric radiators may simply switch on and off repeatedly, causing fluctuating temperatures.

RADTHERM® electric radiators are engineered to deliver consistent, comfortable warmth while maintaining accurate room temperatures throughout the day.

Correct sizing is equally important. An undersized radiator may struggle to heat a room, while an oversized model can lead to unnecessary energy use.

Myth 3: Storage Heaters Are Cheaper Than Electric Radiators

Storage heaters were designed around Economy 7 tariffs, storing heat overnight before gradually releasing it during the day.

While this worked well decades ago, many homeowners now experience problems such as:

• Heat being released when it’s not needed
• Cold evenings after stored heat has run out
• Limited temperature control
• Poor responsiveness

Modern electric radiators provide heat whenever you want it.

With individual room controls, programmable timers, and accurate thermostats, homeowners gain much greater control over comfort while reducing wasted energy.

For many households replacing old storage heaters, improved comfort is just as valuable as improved efficiency.

Myth 4: Gas Is Always the Most Efficient Heating Option

Many people assume gas central heating is always the best choice.

However, modern electric heating offers an excellent alternative for many properties, particularly:

• Flats
• Apartments
• Older homes
• Home extensions
• Garden rooms
• Holiday homes
• Properties without a gas connection

Electric radiators also avoid the maintenance associated with boilers, pipework, pumps, and annual gas servicing.

When paired with solar PV and battery storage, homeowners can also use self-generated electricity to power their heating system, reducing reliance on the grid.

Myth 5: Electric Radiators Can’t Heat an Entire House

Modern electric radiators aren’t just designed for single rooms.

A professionally designed electric heating system can comfortably heat an entire property.

At North East Heating Solutions, every installation begins with a detailed home survey where we assess:

• Room dimensions
• Insulation levels
• Window sizes
• Heat loss
• Desired room temperatures

This allows every radTherm® radiator to be correctly sized for maximum comfort and efficiency.

Rather than simply replacing old heaters like-for-like, we design a complete heating system tailored to your property.

Myth 6: Turning Heating Off Always Saves Money

Many homeowners believe the cheapest option is to completely switch heating off whenever they leave a room.

While it’s sensible not to heat unused spaces, allowing rooms to become extremely cold can sometimes mean more energy is required to restore comfortable temperatures later.

Modern programmable electric radiators maintain steady temperatures more efficiently through intelligent controls and zoning.

This means you only heat the rooms you’re using while avoiding dramatic temperature swings.

Myth 7: Electric Radiators Take Too Long to Heat Up

This myth largely comes from people’s experience with older storage heaters.

Unlike storage heaters, radTherm® electric radiators provide heat almost immediately after switching on.

Fast response times allow homeowners to heat rooms exactly when needed without waiting for stored heat to build up.

This makes them ideal for modern lifestyles where heating schedules often change throughout the day.

Myth 8: Electric Heating Is Bad for the Environment

The UK’s electricity grid is becoming cleaner every year as renewable energy generation continues to increase.

Electric heating also works exceptionally well alongside:

• Solar panels
• Battery storage
• Smart home energy management

By generating and using your own electricity, you can reduce both your energy bills and your household carbon emissions.

For many homeowners, switching away from fossil fuel heating forms an important part of creating a more sustainable home.

Myth 9: Electric Radiators Don’t Offer Good Temperature Control

Older electric heaters often had limited controls, leading many people to believe electric heating lacked flexibility.

Modern radTherm® systems are completely different.

Features include:

• Digital thermostats
• Individual room zoning
• Weekly heating schedules
• Smart temperature management
• Accurate room-by-room control

This allows you to keep bedrooms cooler, living rooms warmer, and avoid wasting energy heating unused spaces.

Myth 10: Electric Radiators Are Only a Temporary Heating Solution

Today’s electric heating systems are designed as permanent home heating solutions.

radTherm® electric radiators are ideal for:

• Full home heating
• Renovation projects
• New extensions
• Off-grid properties
• Homes without gas
• Replacing old storage heaters

With modern styling, energy-efficient controls, and professional installation, they provide a reliable long-term heating solution for thousands of UK homes.

Are radTherm® Electric Radiators Right for Your Home?

Electric heating has come a long way over the past decade.

Modern electric radiators provide:

• Precise temperature control
• Fast heat-up times
• Individual room heating
• Smart energy management
• Stylish contemporary designs
• Low maintenance
• Reliable whole-home heating

Whether you’re replacing outdated storage heaters, removing gas central heating, or looking for a modern heating solution for a renovation or extension, radTherm® electric radiators could be the ideal choice.

At North East Heating Solutions, we design every heating system around your property’s unique requirements rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.

Book your FREE home survey today and discover how a professionally designed RADTHERM® electric radiator system can deliver efficient, comfortable heating throughout your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric radiators expensive to run?

Modern electric radiators are highly efficient at converting electricity into heat. Running costs depend on insulation, room size, heating controls, and how efficiently the system is used.

Can electric radiators heat a whole house?

Yes. A correctly designed electric heating system can comfortably heat an entire property when each radiator is properly sized for the room.

Are electric radiators better than storage heaters?

For many homeowners, yes. Modern electric radiators offer faster response times, better temperature control, and greater flexibility than traditional storage heaters.

Do electric radiators require servicing?

Unlike gas boilers, electric radiators require very little maintenance. There are no pipes, pumps, or annual gas safety inspections to worry about.

Are electric radiators suitable for homes without gas?

Absolutely. Electric radiators are one of the most popular heating solutions for homes without a mains gas connection, as well as flats, extensions, and renovated properties.