Electric radiators and electric towel rails heat a room without being connected to a boiler. They are used in extensions, loft conversions, bathrooms, home offices and homes without central heating. This guide explains how electric heating works, how it differs from central heating and dual fuel, and what to check before you buy.
How electric heating works
An electric radiator or towel rail has a heating element that converts electricity into heat. Depending on the design, the element warms a liquid or other material inside the radiator, or heats the metal body directly. The heat then spreads into the room from the surface of the radiator. Because the heating is built in, the radiator is not connected to your heating pipework.
Electric, central heating or dual fuel?
| Type | How it heats | Typically suits |
|---|---|---|
| Central heating | Hot water from your boiler or heat pump | Rooms connected to a working heating system |
| Electric | A built-in electric element | Rooms without a connection, or heated only occasionally |
| Dual fuel | Both: connected to the system and fitted with an electric element | Bathrooms, where you may want heat when the central heating is off |
A dual fuel towel rail connects to your heating system like a standard one and also has an electric element, so you can warm it year round. Check the product specification, as the way the element is supplied differs by model.
Where electric heating makes sense
- Rooms that are hard to reach with pipework: extensions, conservatories, garden rooms and loft rooms.
- Rooms used occasionally: a home office or guest room that you only heat when you are using it.
- Bathrooms: a towel rail you can switch on outside the heating season.
- Homes without a boiler: where a whole-house system would be disproportionate.
Browse electric radiators and electric towel rails.
Understanding running costs
Electric heating cost is simple to estimate, because an electric element turns almost all the electricity it uses into heat. You can work out a rough cost like this:
- Take the element's power in kilowatts (for example 0.5 kW for a 500 W element).
- Multiply by the hours it runs.
- Multiply by your electricity price per kWh.
Electricity prices change, so use the rate shown on your own bill. A thermostat and a timer help, because the element only works when the room needs it.
Controls to look for
- Thermostat: keeps the room at a set temperature.
- Timer or programmer: switches the heating on and off at the times you choose.
- Remote or app control: lets you change settings without going to the radiator, where the model supports it.
Check the individual product to see which controls are included. For loose elements and controllers, see heating elements and controls.
Safety and installation
Electrical work in a home has to meet UK regulations. Have electric radiators, towel rails and elements installed by a suitably qualified electrician, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- In a bathroom, electrical products need an appropriate IP rating for the zone where they are fitted. Check the product specification and ask your electrician to confirm what is allowed in your room.
- Do not cover electric heaters or place anything on them that could trap heat.
- Switch off and isolate the supply before cleaning.
Questions to ask before you buy
- What output do I need for the room? (See our radiator size guide.)
- Is it a fully electric model, or a dual fuel model with a separate element?
- Which controls are included?
- Where will the electrical supply come from, and who will fit it?
Talk to us
If you are comparing electric and central heating options for a room, call us on +44 7729 799515 (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00) or email info@poshrads.co.uk.