How Much Do Electric Radiators Cost?

Choosing electric over gas seems like the obvious choice for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. But some of the most common questions people ask before making the switch are about how much it actually costs to install and run an electric heating system like radTherm.

Here we answer all your questions on electric radiator costs, including how much initial setup might be, what realistic running costs look like, and what you can expect to save on your energy bills.

What Are Typical Electric Radiator Running Costs?

Electric radiator running costs vary depending on your home’s insulation, your desired temperature, and local climate conditions. As a general guide, a 2kW lounge radiator in a well-insulated property will typically cost between 68p and 70p per hour to run at the current Ofgem price cap rate of approximately 34p per kWh (October 2024 to December 2024). That said, well-designed electric radiators rarely run at full output continuously.

While we pride ourselves on being completely upfront and transparent at all times, we can never guarantee exactly how much it will cost to run an electric radiator in your specific home. Each property is different, and your electric radiator running costs will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The type of insulation in the property
• Your desired temperature
• Natural factors like climate, weather, and the orientation of the building

To put running costs in a practical context, our independent tests show that with an outside temperature of around 6°C, a radTherm radiator only needs to be active for roughly 30% of the time to maintain a comfortable 21°C in a room. So once the radiator reaches its target temperature, it typically draws power for around 15 to 17 minutes per hour to top up the core and hold the room temperature steady. That is a long way from running flat out, and it makes a real difference to your bills.

At North East Heating Solutions, we offer a free home survey and will always do our best to give you a realistic estimate of future running costs before you commit to anything.

Are Electric Radiators 100% Efficient?

Yes. All direct electric heating systems, including radTherm radiators, are 100% efficient at point of use. Every unit of electricity drawn from the grid is converted directly into heat with zero energy lost within the heating process itself. No combustion, no flue losses, no wasted energy going up a pipe.

This is where electric heating pulls significantly ahead of gas. Gas boilers are typically rated at around 89 to 93% efficiency for newer condensing models, but older non-condensing boilers, which still make up a large portion of UK homes, can have an Annual Fuel Utilisation Efficiency (AFUE) closer to 70 to 80%. That means a meaningful chunk of the energy you are paying for is simply lost before it ever warms your home.

Electric heating also eliminates the problem of cold spots. With a system like radTherm, convected warmth spreads evenly around the room rather than being concentrated near the radiator. And because each radiator is independently controlled, you only heat the rooms you are actually using, which makes a noticeable difference to your overall consumption.

What Energy Savings Can I Make With Electric Radiators?

Switching to electric radiators can deliver real, measurable savings, but the amount you save depends heavily on what you are switching from. Customers moving from older storage heaters or inefficient gas systems typically see the biggest reductions in their heating bills.

For customers coming off an Economy 7 tariff with old night storage heaters, the savings can be substantial. Economy 7 systems charge cheap overnight electricity to storage heaters that then release heat throughout the day, but with very little control over when and where that heat goes. radTherm radiators, by contrast, give you precise room-by-room control at the tap of an app, so you are never paying to heat an empty room. Research from the Energy Saving Trust confirms that heating controls and zoning are among the most effective ways to cut domestic energy bills.

For those switching from gas central heating, the efficiency advantage is clear, but it is also worth factoring in the difference in unit cost between electricity and gas. According to Ofgem’s October 2024 price cap figures, electricity costs around 24.5p per kWh compared to approximately 6.24p per kWh for gas. This means that while electric radiators waste nothing, you are starting from a higher unit price. The financial benefit of switching from gas is therefore most pronounced when paired with a green or time-of-use tariff, or when you are also generating your own electricity through solar panels.

So How Much Money Will Electric Radiators Save Me?

The honest answer is: it depends on your current setup. Customers switching from older Economy 7 storage heaters commonly report significant reductions in their heating costs, and our own findings are consistent with that. Switching from an inefficient gas system to a well-controlled electric setup can also deliver savings, particularly when you factor in the elimination of annual boiler servicing and maintenance costs.

The key advantage of radTherm over gas is its ability to retain heat in the core of the radiator. Gas radiators cool down quickly once the boiler switches off, meaning the system has to fire up again more frequently. radTherm holds its heat far more effectively, which reduces the number of heating cycles needed and keeps consumption lower over the course of a day.

It is also worth remembering that gas boiler maintenance, including annual servicing, can cost between £80 and £120 per year, and emergency repairs can run into several hundred pounds. With electric radiators, there are no moving parts, no gas safety checks, and no annual service requirement. Those savings add up over time.

Electric Radiator Installation Costs

Another important consideration is the initial investment. Electric radiator prices vary depending on the brand, the type, the size, and the design of the unit. It is worth being cautious about false economy when shopping around.

It is certainly possible to find cheaper electric heaters online, but they will not have the same quality of materials or thermal mass as professionally manufactured radiators like radTherm. A poorly made heater might have a lower price tag, but it will also be less efficient at retaining heat, less reliable over time, and unlikely to come with the kind of smart controls that make a real difference to how you manage your heating day to day.

radTherm heats your home in a smart, user-controlled way, with heat on demand and room-by-room temperature control through an app, all while keeping your electric radiator running costs as low as possible. The initial outlay is therefore worth thinking about in terms of the whole-life cost rather than just the purchase price.

What Are radTherm Electric Radiator Prices?

Our radTherm radiator prices start from around £800 and can range up to £1,800 or more depending on your property, the number of radiators required, and any associated electrical work. All prices are inclusive of VAT and cover a complete turnkey service. The price typically includes:

• Supply and full installation of your new heating system
• Removal of your existing heating and hot water systems
• Environmentally-friendly disposal of old equipment
• All associated electrical works and upgrades

These are guide prices only. Every home is different, which is why we always carry out a full free survey of your property before providing an accurate quote. There is no obligation, and we will always give you a clear breakdown of costs before any work begins.

What About the Environmental Cost of Electric Radiators?

Electric radiators have a significantly lower environmental impact than gas heating, particularly when powered by renewable electricity. Heating accounts for around 40% of the UK’s total energy consumption and approximately 20% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, making your choice of heating system one of the most impactful environmental decisions you can make at home.

At North East Heating Solutions, reducing emissions and preventing energy wastage is central to everything we do. radTherm radiators are designed with that in mind, and a growing number of our customers choose to pair them with a 100% green electricity tariff or a renewable energy source like solar panels to further reduce their carbon footprint.

It is also worth knowing that radTherm radiators are fully recyclable. Once a radiator has reached the end of its long working life, the manufacturer can recycle it for future use. That circular approach to product design sits well alongside the broader shift toward a lower-carbon home.

The UK government’s heat and buildings strategy makes clear that phasing out gas boilers in new homes and eventually across the existing housing stock is a central part of reaching net zero by 2050. Switching to electric heating now puts you ahead of that curve, rather than facing a costly retrofit later down the line.

If you would like to find out more about radTherm electric radiators and what they could mean for your home, get in touch today. Book your free survey and we will provide a quote along with some personalised electric radiator cost calculations so you can see exactly what you could save.

To book your free home survey with North East Heating Solutions, call 0800 808 5816 or fill in our contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the cost of running an electric radiator compare to an electric storage heater?

Modern electric radiators like radTherm are generally more cost-effective to run than old-style storage heaters. Storage heaters charge overnight on Economy 7 rates but offer limited control over when and where heat is released, often resulting in wasted energy. Electric radiators with smart controls let you heat only the rooms you need, only when you need them, which typically leads to lower overall consumption.

Do electric radiators require any ongoing maintenance costs?

Unlike gas central heating, electric radiators have no moving parts, no combustion components, and no requirement for annual safety checks or boiler servicing. This means ongoing maintenance costs are minimal. Most quality electric radiators, including radTherm, are designed to operate reliably for many years without the kind of routine expenditure that comes with a gas system.

Can I get any grants or financial support to help with the cost of switching to electric heating?

There are various government and local authority schemes that may be available depending on your circumstances. The Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 scheme can help with insulation and heating upgrades for eligible households. It is worth checking your eligibility before committing to any installation, as support can significantly offset the upfront cost.

Will switching to electric radiators affect my home’s EPC rating?

It can do, yes. Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating takes into account both the efficiency of your heating system and the energy source used. Electric radiators powered by renewable electricity score more favourably than older gas or storage heating systems. A higher EPC rating can also add value to your property and is increasingly important for mortgage and rental purposes.

How long do electric radiators typically last?

Quality electric radiators from reputable manufacturers are built to last considerably longer than conventional gas boiler systems. A well-made electric radiator can last 20 to 30 years with no major maintenance required, compared to a gas boiler which typically has a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years before replacement becomes necessary. That longer lifespan is an important factor when calculating the true whole-life cost of your heating system.

Howard Klineberg

Howard is a proud member of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and has been at the forefront of domestic electric heating and hot water innovation for over 20 years. As the driving force behind North East Heating Solutions, he combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to delivering reliable, future-focused solutions for customers.

Before founding the business, Howard built an impressive career in senior leadership roles across major US and European organisations, specialising in business turnaround and sustainable growth. This experience continues to shape his approach today—rooted in transparency, accountability, and a strong customer-first culture that runs throughout his team.