There are plenty of options available when it comes to heating your home. Yet lately our team have seen an increase in the installation of electric oil-filled heaters (radiators), especially where they are replacing storage heaters.
Both types of heating devices have their unique advantages and are suited to different heating needs and lifestyles. We’ve looked at the benefits and least desirable aspects of each to help you decide what’s best for your home.
Electric Oil-Filled Heaters
🔥 Efficient Heating: Electric oil-filled heaters are known for their energy efficiency. They use a thermal fluid that heats up quickly and retains heat well, providing consistent warmth even after the heater is turned off.
⏲️ Flexibility: These heaters are highly flexible in terms of heating options. They can be programmed to suit your daily routine and have thermostats that are accurate to half a degree, offering precise control over the temperature. Plus, some models come with wheels, allowing for easy movement from room to room as needed. There are of course plenty of options and styles for wall mounting too.
💷 Cost-Effectiveness: While they may take a little longer to heat up, the long-term heat retention can offer savings on normal energy tariffs, making them a cost-effective choice for many households.
🤫 Quiet Operation: Oil-filled heaters operate silently, making them ideal for environments where noise is a concern, such as bedrooms or study rooms.
Storage Heaters
🌃 Economy Tariff: Storage heaters are designed to work off an economy tariff, using cheaper electricity at night to charge up and emit heat during the day. This can be beneficial for those who are home throughout the day and can take advantage of the stored heat.
🔥 Heat Retention: Using thermally retentive bricks, storage heaters can store heat overnight and release it throughout the day. This can be particularly useful during colder months when a constant source of heat is preferred.
If you have a model that was fitted before 1974 it’s worth noting that it may contain asbestos, as it was widely used due to its fire-retardant properties. According to Armco Asbestos Surveys as long as you don’t dismantle or damage the heater they are perfectly safe, but if you are looking to have it removed, it’s best to use a licensed contractor or health and safety expert, and never dismantle it yourself.
🎛️ Heating Efficiency: Storage heaters can be less flexible than oil-filled radiators. This is because they are typically at their warmest in the morning and may not provide consistent heat throughout the day. Additionally, the controllability of storage heaters is generally more basic compared to the precise thermostats of oil-filled radiators, and you may lack the ability to turn the heating up later in the day if needed, for example.
Are Electric Oil-Filled Heaters the better option?
In summary, storage heaters serve their purpose and can still be the more economical option for those who can align their schedule with the heater’s output and are looking for a simple, robust heating solution that uses an economy tariff.
However, it’s worth noting that electric oil-filled heaters offer greater flexibility, efficiency, and control, making them more suitable for frequent use in various settings. Here’s what one of our customers commented after swapping out their old storage heaters for electric heaters recently:
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Kevin for sorting out the radiators last week and to everyone involved in the work carried out recently. The flat is nice and toasty now, plus I’ve noticed they are not eating away at the electric when they are on! I’m pleased I made the switch from my old storage heater to these new electric radiators!”
Book in with our team
If you’re looking to install electric heaters, contact us today on 01280 830135 or drop us an email at office@tselectrical.info for a free quote and consultation.
Alternatively, click here to find out more about our electrical services for homes.
