Electric Heating for Your Home 

While the majority of UK households rely on gas-fired central heating, around 2.2 million use electricity as their primary source of warmth. For some homes — especially flats or properties off the gas grid — electric heating can be an efficient and practical choice when d esigned correctly. 

If you’re currently completing your electrician training, understanding the advantages and drawbacks of each type of electric heating system will help you advise customers confidently and make informed installation choices. 

Storage Heaters 

Storage heaters are one of the most common systems in the UK, found in around 1.7 million homes. Often associated with the Economy 7 tariff, these units store heat overnight when electricity is cheaper and release it during the day. 

Older models require manual control, but modern versions feature thermostats and fan-assisted systems to improve efficiency. The main benefits of storage heaters are their lower running costs at off-peak times and ease of installation. However, they can release heat when it’s not needed and may run out of stored warmth by evening. 

Convection Heaters 

Convection heaters use electric elements to heat the air, which rises and circulates around the room. They’re ideal as a supplementary heat source and can quickly warm small spaces. Most models now include thermostats or programmable timers for efficiency. 

However, convection heating can be costly to run over time and is easily affected by draughts. If you’re completing a practical module like Hazard Situation Lesson, you’ll already understand the importance of a ssessing where these heaters are placed for both safety and efficiency. 

Electric Underfloor Heating 

Also known as a “dry” system, electric underfloor heating uses cables or mats embedded beneath the floor to radiate heat upwards. It’s most common in tiled spaces such as bathrooms or kitchens and provides an even, comfortable warmth. 

Installation is simpler than traditional “wet” systems, and it can be cost-effective in smaller rooms. However, underfloor systems take longer to heat up, and if incorrectly sized, can leave cold spots. 

Infrared Panel Heaters 

Infrared heaters operate differently from convection-based systems. Instead of warming the air, they emit infrared radiation that directly heats objects and surfaces in the room. This makes them ideal for allergy sufferers, as they don’t circulate dust or pet hair. 

Slimline infrared panels have become popular in modern homes, offering instant warmth and sleek designs. However, careful positioning is vital — objects blocking the line of sight will reduce their effectiveness. 

Students working towards electrical installation qualifications will recognise that these systems demand precise design and placement to meet safety and energy standards. 

The Cost of Electric Heating 

Electricity costs roughly 15p per kWh compared to around 4p for gas, making it more expensive per unit of energy. However, electric heaters are nearly 100% efficient, converting almost all input energy into heat. 

Approximate annual costs for a typical three-bedroom semi-detached property: 

(Estimates based on average occupancy and energy prices at the time of publication.) 

While electric heating can cost more overall, the simplicity, efficiency, and flexibility of modern systems make them ideal for smaller homes, apartments, and energy-conscious upgrades. 

To learn more about safe installation, energy efficiency, and home heating systems, explore lessons such as Law Lesson 1 and our broader electrician training programmes at Elec Training. 

What types of electric heating systems are available for UK homes? 

In 2025, UK homes can choose from several electric heating systems, each suited to different needs and budgets: 

• Storage Heaters: Store electricity overnight (off-peak) and release heat during the day, typically using ceramic bricks. 

• Convection Heaters: Heat air via electric elements, circulating warmth through natural convection (e.g., panel heaters, fan heaters). 

• Underfloor Heating (UFH): Electric mats or cables installed beneath floors to radiate heat, ideal for consistent warmth. 

• Infrared Panel Heaters: Emit infrared radiation to heat objects and people directly, often wall- or ceiling-mounted. 

• Portable Electric Heaters: Plug-in devices like oil-filled radiators or ceramic heaters for small spaces. 

• Heat Pumps (Electric): Use electricity to transfer heat from air or ground, though not purely resistive heating. 

Elec Training teaches installation of these systems, emphasizing compliance with BS 7671 for safe, efficient setups. 

How do storage heaters work and are they still efficient today? 

Storage heaters work by charging ceramic bricks with electricity during off-peak hours (e.g., Economy 7 tariff, 11p/kWh), storing heat and releasing it gradually via convection and radiation during the day. Modern high-heat-retention models (e.g., Dimplex Quantum) are efficient, achieving 90% heat retention and saving 20-30% on bills compared to older models (60% retention). However, they’re less efficient than heat pumps (300-400% COP) and cost £300-£600/year to run for a 3-bedroom home, suitable for homes without gas. Elec Training recommends them for flats with off-peak tariffs, paired with smart controls. 

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of convection heaters? 

Advantages: 

• Quick Heating: Warm rooms in 10-15 minutes, ideal for instant heat. 

• Affordable: Cost £50-£200, with low installation fees (plug-in or simple wiring). 

• Portable: Easy to move, no fixed install for many models. 

• Quiet Operation: Fanless models (e.g., panel heaters) are silent. 

Disadvantages: 

• High Running Costs: £500-£1,000/year for a flat, as they use 1-2 kW/hour. 

• Inefficient for Large Spaces: Heat dissipates quickly, requiring constant operation. 

• Dry Air: Can reduce humidity, causing discomfort in 20% of users. 

Elec Training advises convection heaters for small, occasional-use spaces, with electrician installation for fixed units. 

Is electric underfloor heating expensive to install or run? 

• Installation Costs: Electric underfloor heating costs £50-£100/m² to install (£2,000-£4,000 for a 40m² room), cheaper than wet systems (£100-£150/m²) but requiring electrician expertise. 

• Running Costs: £300-£600/year for a small home (28p/kWh, 0.5-1 kW/m²), lower with insulation and timers (saves 20%). It’s efficient for well-insulated homes but costly for large areas. 

Elec Training trains electricians on UFH installations, ensuring Part P compliance and efficiency. 

How do infrared panel heaters differ from traditional electric systems? 

Infrared panel heaters differ from traditional systems (e.g., convection, storage) by emitting infrared radiation to heat objects and people directly, not air, achieving faster warmth (5-10 minutes) and 30% energy savings in targeted spaces. They use flat panels (300-1,200W), are wall/ceiling-mounted, and don’t dry air like convection heaters. Traditional systems heat air, which rises and cools, requiring more energy (1-2 kW/hour). Elec Training recommends infrared for small flats or offices due to efficiency. 

Which type of electric heating is best for small flats or apartments? 

Infrared panel heaters are best for small flats due to low running costs (£200-£400/year for 50m²), quick heating (5-10 minutes), and easy installation (£100-£300/unit). Convection heaters are cheaper upfront (£50-£200) but costlier to run, while storage heaters suit off-peak tariffs but need space. Elec Training advises infrared with smart controls for flat-dwellers. 

Can electric heating really be energy efficient despite higher electricity costs? 

Yes, modern electric heating can be energy-efficient with smart controls (save 20%), infrared panels (30% less energy), and high-retention storage heaters (90% heat retention), especially when paired with insulation and off-peak tariffs (11p/kWh vs. 28p). Efficiency matches gas in well-insulated homes, cutting emissions by 50% with renewable tariffs. Elec Training promotes these systems for net-zero compliance. 

Are modern electric heaters compatible with smart home systems? 

Yes, modern electric heaters (e.g., Dimplex Quantum, Herschel Infrared) integrate with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or proprietary apps, offering remote scheduling, zoning, and energy monitoring—saving 15-20% on bills. Wi-Fi-enabled models support real-time adjustments. Elec Training trains electricians on smart heater installations for BS 7671 compliance. 

What safety precautions should be taken when installing electric heating? 

Safety precautions include: 

• Use RCDs: 30mA RCDs prevent shocks, mandatory per BS 7671. 

• Check Load Capacity: Ensure circuits handle heater wattage (e.g., 2kW needs 13A circuit). 

• Maintain Clearances: Keep 30cm from flammables to avoid fires (1,000+ UK incidents yearly). 

• Use IP-Rated Units: IP24+ for bathrooms to resist water ingress. 

• Inspect Regularly: Annual checks prevent 20% of faults. 

Elec Training m andates these in its heating installation courses. 

Do I need a qualified electrician to install or maintain electric heating systems? 

Yes, a NICEIC or NAPIT-registered electrician is required for installing or maintaining fixed electric heating systems (e.g., UFH, panel heaters) to comply with Part P and BS 7671, ensuring safety and certification—DIY risks fines or fires (1,000+ incidents/year). Portable heaters don’t require professionals. Elec Training’s graduates are certified for safe heating installations.