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Electric heating systems are mostly installed in the UK because of their modern and energy-efficient heating. With climate goals and high gas costs, electric heating offers an eco-friendly choice.
Knowing the cost, efficiency, and environmental effects of each type helps choose the best one. Let’s now take a look at the types of electric heating, heating system costs, and find the best option for 2025.
Types of Electric Heating Systems in the UK
- Electric Storage: These use the cheapest electricity to collect and release at night. Electric storage heaters collect the heat and release it during the day. Although they’re budget-friendly, they can cool down by evening, requiring extra heating later. They work well in areas with cheap off-peak rates.
- Heat Pumps: Heat pumps draw in heat from external air or ground and transfer it into your home. They are rather efficient and work well even at low temperatures. Heat pumps tend to have lower running costs but are expensive to install. For many, they will be a long-term energy-saving option.
- Electric Boilers: Nowadays, electric boilers are used. Similar to a gas boiler, but using electricity, it works pretty much the same as the other. They are relatively easy to install and, although pricey to run, less efficient in bigger homes, they can be very useful where access to gas is not possible in a home.
- Electric Radiators: They warm rooms in a section-by-section type of way. They are easy to install and have no pipes. They’re often efficient for small spaces but may cost more in large areas. Electric radiators suit homes needing flexible room heating.
- Infrared Heaters: Unlike heating the air, these heaters work with radiant heat directly to warm up people and objects. Suitable for only some rooms, not wasting the heat in empty spaces, these heaters are not as effective for heating up entire homes. They are effective in smaller areas.
- Radiant Heaters: They provide direct heating like infrared heaters, but they warm up a larger area. It can be used in large rooms or open spaces. They are relatively inexpensive but will offer quick warmth and possibly rise the electricity bill.
- Portable Heaters: Portable heaters are small heaters that can be plugged in and moved easily. They’re convenient for quick, temporary heat. They don’t provide full-house heating and can become costly if used regularly. They’re best for small, occasional warmth needs.
Cost Comparison
Electric heating systems vary greatly in cost. Here’s a table summarizing price, installation, and annual running costs for each:
Heating System | Average Price | Installation Cost | Annual Running Cost |
Electric Storage Heater | £200 – £500 | £150 – £300 | £450 – £700 |
Heat Pump | £8,000 – £15,000 | £1,000 – £2,000 | £300 – £600 |
Electric Boiler | £500 – £2,000 | £500 – £1,000 | £800 – £1,200 |
Electric Radiator | £100 – £300 | Minimal | £400 – £700 |
Infrared Heater | £50 – £500 | Minimal | £300 – £500 |
Radiant Heater | £50 – £300 | Minimal | £250 – £400 |
Portable Heater | £20 – £100 | No need to install | £100 – £300 |
Average price and installation cost of heat pumps are highest but they also provide maximum savings in the long term. On the other hand, electric boilers and storage heaters are least expensive but operate at much higher annual running costs.
Efficiency Comparison
Each system offers different levels of efficiency. Let’s compare how much heat each system provides per unit of energy.
Heating System | Efficiency (%) |
Electric Storage Heater | 90% |
Heat Pump | 300% – 400% |
Electric Boiler | 98% |
Electric Radiator | 100% |
Infrared Heater | 100% |
Radiant Heater | 90% – 95% |
Portable Heater | 100% |
Heat pumps are the most efficient, providing more heat per energy used. Electric radiators and boilers also perform well but lack the same energy multiplier as heat pumps.
Check your Eligibility Now
If you are receiving benefits from the UK Government then you are eligible for ECO4 Boiler Scheme.
Sustainability Comparison
Here’s an annual comparison of greenhouse emissions (in metric tons, Mt) for each system:
Heating System | Annual Emissions (Mt) |
Electric Storage Heater | 0.45 |
Heat Pump | 0.1 – 0.2 |
Electric Boiler | 0.55 |
Electric Radiator | 0.4 |
Infrared Heater | 0.15 |
Radiant Heater | 0.35 |
Portable Heater | 0.3 |
Heat pumps produce the lowest emissions and so are considered the greenest. Electric boilers produce relatively higher emissions so not as ‘eco-friendly’.
Which Heating System is Best for You in 2025?
For most homes, air source heat pumps with solar panels are the best choice as they are quite efficient, eco-friendly, and long-term energy-saving options. Solar panels can further reduce your electricity cost. Don’t worry about upfront costs. The ECO4 grants program can help you get an air source heat pump for free, with no installation charges.
Check your eligibility for the air source heat pump grants by visiting Check Eligibility.
Maintenance Tips for Electric Heating Systems
Maintaining electric heating systems keeps them running efficiently. Here are some tips:
- Clean Filters Regularly Clean or replace filters on heaters or heat pumps every few months. Clogged filters lower efficiency.
- Check Connections Make sure all electrical connections are secure. Loose connections can lead to faults or energy loss.
- Annual Servicing Get an annual service for your heat pump or electric boiler. A professional check improves performance and catches issues early.
- Test Thermostats Regularly check and calibrate thermostats. Accurate thermostats ensure efficient heating without wasting energy.
- Inspect for Leaks For heat pumps, inspect pipes for any leaks. Leakage reduces heating efficiency and increases running costs.
Routine maintenance will ensure that your boiler lasts longer and works better, making your home warm and keeping your energy bills in check.
Conclusion
Some of the options from electric heating systems include efficient heat pumps and flexible portable heaters. Despite the high upfront cost, good efficiency and low emissions make heat pumps the best option. Pair the solar panels with a heat pump for the utmost saving as well as environmental friendliness.
Grants of ECO4 can also make this option more affordable to UK homes. Further maintenance will improve the efficiency and lifespan of your system. In 2025, an electric heating system can keep your house warm, be eco-friendly as well as energy-efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heat pumps are 300-400% more efficient than traditional heating systems because they transfer heat from outside air rather than generating it by itself using fuel.
Heat pumps usually cost between £8,000 and £15,000, while the installation cost varies from £1,000 – £2,000 based on the size and heating requirements. However, grants like ECO4 can help cover these costs.
Many electric systems are eco-friendly, especially heat pumps and infrared heaters. They produce lower greenhouse emissions compared to gas-based systems.
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