Expensive electric radiators over cheap ones

honizz

I have read a few posts on here. People who have them and swear by them and then the others who say they are doing that because they have to justify their cost.

They also say the 1KW costs 1KW regardless of make and model.

I don't understand that if that is the case, how can they exist?

Some radiators say they have ceramic or similar which has a short term store of heat. So these would come on and off less often than ones that store nothing.

On that basis, surely ones that are off more will cost less?

What am I missing?

ajbell

If it stores the energy then it is not radiating it, 1kw is 1kw.

ianto11

Rather a lengthy discussion on the subject
Linkie Here

Jonesya

Even though electric heaters are all 100% efficient, in some situations there can be a benefit of radiant or infrared heaters where you can still get some heat without heating the entire room. But for convector heaters, there won't be much difference between a super expensive oil heater and a cheap convector.

One thing which can make a difference are the controls - a thermostat to keep the room at the required temperature and not higher, will save energy and running costs, same with times etc.

honizz

I read the other thread linked to above but all this does is is question and give the same answers that I am querying here..

I found this blog that seems to answer my query
https://www.electrorad.co.uk/blog/electric-radiator-running-costs-and-energy-usage

If I bought 2 rads, both 2.5kw. One for £150 and one for £700, the £700 might be cheaper to run based on its more efficient design, but where might the breakeven point be?

1 yr - 5yrs Longer?

matelodave

honizz wrote: »

I read the other thread linked to above but all this does is is question and give the same answers that I am querying here..

I found this blog that seems to answer my query
https://www.electrorad.co.uk/blog/electric-radiator-running-costs-and-energy-usage

The reason it gives the same answeres is because it's the same question and the answers will be be the same. Asking the same question a different way wont get you a different answer.

Read it carefully - it says that all heaters produce the same amount of heat for the same amount of leccy.

What they also say is that a better insulated room will take less energy to keep it warm once it's up to temperature assuming that the radiator or heater has a thermostat and or timer. It also says that it'll take the same amount of energy to get it up to temperature.

An oil filled radiator witha thermostat or timer will cost exactly the same to run as a posh very expensive, super-duper magic filled heater in the same room thats on for the same amount of time.

A thermostat with a small hysteresis (thats the difference between the turn and turn on temperatures) will actually turn on and off a lot more frequently than one with a larger hysteresis.

However, they'll both be on for the same amount of time overall because they'll both have to produce the same amount of heat to keep the place at the same temperature.

If a heater stores heat then it will still have to store 1kwh to give out 1kwh, so it will take longer to heat up and longer to cool down but they'll still use the same amount of energy.

here is a selection from Argos, compare the prices with the elctrorad units and see where you are going to get the benefit from spending £300-£400 over one costing £50.

If you feel that it's worth it then go ahead and tell us how much you've saved.

molerat

5 years is being optimistic !

Their website is full of misleading info as are all the magic electric heating manufacturers.

Electric radiators are 100% efficient at turning energy into heat, making them more efficient than even the very best gas, oil or lpg boilers. They are the perfect replacement for night storage heaters. Unlike night storage heaters you can control the electric radiators to give you the heat that you want, in the areas that you want, at the time that you want.

Yes they are more energy efficient than gas but as electricity is around 5 times the cost of gas per kWh they are not as cost effective as gas. Replacing storage heaters, more controllable and prettier but again less cost effective as they use peak rate electricity against off peak.

The best advice is to get the best looking cheapest thermostatically controlled heater from Argos or the like available for less than £100.

Cardew

molerat wrote: »

The best advice is to get the best looking cheapest thermostatically controlled heater from Argos or the like available for less than £100.

Aldi tomorrow(20th) are selling a new range of heaters starting at £9.99. https://www.Aldi.co.uk - special offers 20 Jan



Top of the range is a convector heater for £39.99 This has:


3 heat settings - 1,000w, 1.300w &2.300w


Digital heat control


Overheat protection


24 hour timer


Remote control



3 year warranty


Compare that specification with some heaters costing up to £1,500.

Cardew

Link for the above:


https://www.aldi.co.uk/convector-heater-with-remote/p/010266252109900?utm_source=Aldi&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=Header&utm_campaign=NFSBwinter25012019&sap-outbound-id=6A1176F5A52BC70F0126C12BB66313527944A080