Electric heating is continually becoming an increasingly viable option for heating properties within Social Housing throughout the UK. New Government legislation heralds a change in how SAP determines a properties ERP Rating – to almost the same as gas. This change allows widespread use of electric radiators and electric boilers, which are widely understood as having low installation costs, no flue requirement, low maintenance, rapid heat up times and high efficiency. The introduction of Net Zero and the move from gas to electric in new build properties from 2025 heralds an exiting future for new generation Electric Products.
Advantages of Electric Heating over alternatives
COST
Electric Heating Systems typically have a lower upfront installation cost than gas, oil or LPG systems. Some may claim that the initial cost savings are offset in the long run by the higher cost per unit of electricity versus the cost per unit of gas, however price projections indicate that the cost of gas is expected to increase and the production of gas is expected to decrease.
As the cost of gas rises, the cost of low carbon alternatives like electric is reducing as government support strengthens to meet climate change targets.
Electric Heating systems are said to last 50% longer than oil or gas boilers. This is largely due to Electric Heating systems such as electric radiators or electric boilers including no internal moving parts, which massively reduces the risk of a breakdown or wear and tear in comparison to other heating alternatives. There is also no mandatory annual service, which is an average cost saving of up to £100 per year.
EFFICIENCY
Electric Heating Systems are 100% efficient at the point of use. If you pay for 1kW of electricity, you will benefit from 1kW of heat. This is much higher than alternatives which can lose heat through flues etc. When paired with solar PV panels, efficiency of electric heating systems improves, and the carbon dioxide produced reduces.
SAFETY
Electric Radiators and Electric Boilers are safer that alternative heating solutions as electric heating systems do not burn fuel internally to generate heat, which means there’s none of the associated safety risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning or explosions. An electric boiler or radiator is completely silent in operation.
EASE OF INSTALLATION
An Electric Heating System is very easy to install as there is absolutely no need for any pipework. All that is required is a connection to the electrical circuit, which means that the Electric Radiators can be installed almost anywhere in your home, and with minimal disruption in comparison to standard wet system radiators. All Electric Boilers have no flue requirement, this means that Electric Boiler can be installed anywhere throughout the home without any restriction on building work or design.
Over the last 18 months there has been a significant increase in the demand for 3 Phase Electric Heating solutions. Whilst there has been more demand for large domestic dwellings, the largest increase is attributed to commercial installations such as schools, hotels, small to medium offices and business premises. EHC offer a select range of 3 Phase Astro, Comet & Mercury Combi Boilers which are available from 12kW to 48kW depending on model and output requirements. These energy efficient products offer full controllability, ease of operation and, with the correct electricity tariff, continue to be affordable to run.
