Due to the high electricity cost, we strongly oppose the use of furnaces in the winter. While home heating isn’t cheap, there are ways to save money. This guide will provide information on electric heating. K2 Mechanical provides an engaging overview of electric heating Systems by elucidating its physics, advantages, classifications, and considerations for those contemplating substituting their existing central heating system.
What Is Electric Heating?
Electric heating is any system that uses your home’s mains power to generate heat, and it is a viable alternative to gas central heating. People have long associated electric heating with storage heaters and little else, but the truth is that electric heating provides so much more. There is a wide range of electric solutions available, providing ways to heat your home without relying on depleting fossil fuels such as gas, coal, and oil. Electric boilers, air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, electric radiators, infrared panels, storage heaters, and other electric heating options are available.
Types Of Electric Heating Systems
The following are types of heating:
Radiant Heaters
The Sun and an open fire produce radiant heat, the planet’s most common type of heat. When electromagnetic and infrared waves strike an object, they transfer energy and release it as heat. Radiant heat is the warm sensation you get when sitting in front of a fire on a cold winter night.
Convector Heaters
Convector heat is carried around a room as heated air. Air is drawn across a heating element inside the electric heater and circulated throughout the room, allowing for a quick response to any heating needs. Because heated air is lighter, it diffuses colder air, which is denser and raises the ambient temperature. The hotter the heating element of an electric heater, the further the convected heat will flow before diffusing into the air.
Thermofluidic Heaters
These work similarly to convector heaters, except the electric radiator is filled with a heat-transmitting fluid. A standard central heating radiator is similarly filled with water. This creates a softer heat in the room.
Benefits Of Electric Heaters
Advanced Digital Programming
Electric heating has always kept up with technological advances, so most systems have the most up-to-date digital controls. Forget about old-fashioned turn dials and mechanical timers; with electricity, you can create a customized heating schedule that matches your routine every day of the week. Regardless of how hectic your lifestyle is, digital programming guarantees that your heating system only pulls electricity when it is essential, resulting in minimal energy waste. When you leave the house, you can lower the temperature of your heating system and preset it to keep your rooms toasty and warm until you return. This level of customization is highly convenient and provides you with a plethora of alternatives for minimizing your energy expenditures.
Zoned Heating
If you’ve never heard the term “zoned heating,” it refers to controlling the temperature of each area of your home separately, creating distinct heating “zones” throughout. Whereas central heating attempts to heat all home areas to the same temperature (with varying degrees of success! ), a zoned heating system gives you far more control over your energy consumption. You can create separate heating schedules for each area of your home with most electric heating systems, reducing the energy used in spaces you occupy less frequently. Each room has a different heating pattern; these small energy savings add up to significantly lower operating costs and a more efficient system overall.
Precision Thermostats
Electric heaters use electric thermostats, which are far more accurate than older mechanical models. A modern electric thermostat can monitor room temperatures to fractions of a degree, with some models accurate to 0.1 °C for near-total precision. In comparison, bimetal mechanical thermostats can sometimes be 3 degrees Celsius off from your desired temperature. As a result, they can overshoot comfort levels, wasting energy and allowing rooms to become too cold, making your heating work even harder. Precision thermostats in electric heating systems monitor room temperatures accurately, ensuring that your heating turns off when it reaches the desired temperature. There are no yo-yo temperatures with electricity: these systems allow you to walk into a perfectly heated room every time.
Smart Technology
Electric heating systems with smart capabilities open up a new world of control and are the ideal complement to modern homes. Smart functions can include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi programming via the app, energy usage statistics, voice control, and geolocation, though features can differ from brand to brand.
App control can be beneficial as it allows you to program your heaters from the comfort of your chair without having to crane over the appliance physically. This can be reason enough to invest in products with smart technology, but the benefits don’t end there.
Energy usage statistics show the real-time cost of heating over days, weeks, and months so you can spot wasteful energy habits and lower your heating bills. Wi-Fi distance control lets you control your heating from anywhere in the world, so you never have to worry about forgetting to adjust temperatures when you leave home. You can set your heating to a background level while away.
Tap your phone screen if you arrive early and need the heating turned on immediately. Wi-Fi lets you react instantly to schedule changes, so your heating is always available. You can control your radiators like an electric central heating system with a single point of control, such as your phone or tablet.
Easy DIY Installation
If you need a dependable heat source quickly, many electric heating solutions can be installed yourself. From portable plug-in heaters to easy-mount infrared panels, our website has many products that can be installed in a matter of minutes.
Efficiency
At the moment of use, electric heating systems are 100% efficient; not a single watt of the precious electricity is wasted; instead, all of the power they draw from the wall is converted into usable heat. This efficiency level is unachievable for fuel-burning systems since the process of creating heat through combustion is inefficient and results in waste byproducts.
You lose out on the benefit because some warmth is lost beneath the flooring due to heat losses in central heating systems caused by plumbing. This is not a problem because pipes do not connect modular electric heaters. They always send the heat produced by the power they consume toward the final consumer.
How to Do Electric Heaters Work?
Traditional radiators run on hot water heated by an electric or gas boiler. Heat is drawn from the power supply by electric heaters, which convert watts into thermal units.
Electric heaters do not require hot water; hence, they are not connected to the boiler. They can be put practically anywhere in the space, preferably beneath a window or on a central internal wall. All they require is access to the main power supply, so it’s best to have an electrician install your heaters if you need a plug socket installed because there isn’t one close enough to the mounting location.
How Do I Change From Gas Heating To Electric?
Changing from a gas to an electric boiler will result in a heating system that is more efficient, environmentally friendly, and safe. A few individuals assert that gas heating is less expensive but less effective. Gas boilers release CO2, CO, water, and other pollutants (which can be deadly if left unchecked).
Renewable energy electric heaters are more pleasant, eco-friendly, and clean than central heaters. Thus, electric heaters will dominate US residential heating.
When To Look For An Alternative?
Some people have an innate preference for centralized heating systems with a single point of control. You may prefer to have your entire home at the same temperature, or you may not want to run around the house tweaking the settings of each individual heater. Heat pumps or electric boilers, which work similarly to central heating, may be desirable.
Conclusion
Electric heating systems are dependable, energy-efficient solutions for optimal warmth during the colder months. Understanding electric heating systems is crucial for homeowners seeking efficient, eco-friendly heating solutions. Exploring their versatility and ease of installation unveils tailored options for various spaces. At K2 Mechanical, we specialize in seamless installation and meticulous maintenance of these systems. Our experts ensure hassle-free experiences, guaranteeing optimal functionality and longevity.
Trust K2 Mechanical to transform your heating experience. From selecting the right system to ensuring ongoing efficiency through maintenance, we’re dedicated to delivering top-tier service and support. Let us create a warm, comfortable environment for your home or business. Reach out today to explore how we can elevate your heating solutions to new heights.