Electric heating comes in several forms. So, the first step is to know what type you have and how it produces heat.
How Electric Heating Works
Most standard electric heaters use electricity to make heat.
In simple terms:
Electricity → heater → heat
However, not all electric heating works in the same way.
Some heaters make heat when you switch them on. Others store heat and release it later.
Heat pumps are different again because they move heat rather than making it directly.
Direct Electric Heating
Direct electric heaters use electricity while they are producing heat.
Examples include:
- electric radiators
- panel heaters
- convector heaters
- fan heaters
- oil-filled radiators
- infrared heaters
- electric underfloor heating
Switch the heater on and it starts to produce heat.
Then, when the heating element switches off, it stops using electricity to make heat.
However, some heaters stay warm for a while after the power switches off.
Electric Radiators
Electric radiators heat individual rooms.
They do not need a boiler or water-filled central heating system.
Also, many have their own thermostat and timer. So, you can often control each room on its own.
This can be useful if you only want to heat certain rooms.
Panel and Convector Heaters
Panel and convector heaters use electricity to heat a room directly.
They can warm up fairly quickly and are often controlled by a thermostat.
Again, the key point is simple: they use electricity while producing heat.
Fan Heaters
Fan heaters use a heating element and a fan to blow warm air into the room.
As a result, they can provide heat quickly.
However, they are often used for short periods or extra heat rather than as the main heating system for a whole home.
Oil-Filled Radiators
Oil-filled electric radiators contain oil that is heated by an electric element.
The oil then helps spread and hold the heat.
However, the oil is not a fuel and does not need to be replaced.
The radiator still uses electricity to produce the heat.
Electric Underfloor Heating
Electric underfloor heating uses heating cables or mats beneath the floor.
As they warm up, heat passes through the floor and into the room.
This can give a more even spread of heat.
However, heating a large floor area for a long time can use a lot of electricity.
So, good controls and insulation are important.
Electric Boilers
An electric boiler uses electricity to heat water.
The hot water can then flow through radiators or underfloor heating, much like a gas central heating system.
So, a home can have normal-looking radiators and pipes but still use electricity for heating.
However, an electric boiler is not the same as a heat pump.
What About Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps also use electricity. However, they work in a very different way.
A standard electric heater uses electricity to make heat directly.
A heat pump uses electricity to move heat from outside the home to inside it.
As a result, a heat pump can provide more heat energy than the electrical energy it uses.
So, we treat heat pumps as a separate subject.
Learn more: Heat Pumps →
What Are Storage Heaters?
Storage heaters also use electricity. However, they store heat so it can be used later.
They are often linked with tariffs that offer cheaper electricity at certain times.
So, when and how they charge can be very important.
Because storage heating works differently from direct electric heating, we explain it on its own page.
Learn more: Storage Heaters Explained →
Does Electric Heating Cost More?
That depends on the heater, how long it runs and what you pay for electricity.
For a direct electric heater, a simple estimate is:
Power × time = electricity used
For example, a 2 kW heater running at full power for one hour uses:
2 kW × 1 hour = 2 kWh
If electricity costs 25p per kWh:
2 kWh × 25p = 50p
However, a heater with a thermostat may switch its heating element on and off. So, it may not use its full rated power for every hour it is switched on.
Use the Appliance Cost Calculator →
Are Some Electric Heaters Cheaper?
Electric heaters can spread heat in different ways.
For example, a fan heater gives quick heat, while an oil-filled radiator releases heat more slowly.
However, don’t assume that one standard resistance heater can somehow produce large amounts of extra heat from the same amount of electricity.
Instead, the better choice often depends on:
- the room you want to heat
- how quickly you need heat
- how long you need it
- the controls
- where the heater is placed
So, choose the heater that suits the job.
Why Controls Matter
Good controls can help you avoid wasting energy.
For example, you may be able to:
- set the temperature
- choose heating times
- control rooms separately
- avoid heating empty rooms
Therefore, the way you use electric heating can matter just as much as the type of heater.
Next: Using Electric Heating Efficiently →
Check Your Tariff
If electricity heats your home, your tariff can have a big effect on your costs.
So, check:
- your unit rate
- whether you have more than one rate
- when cheaper rates apply
- your standing charge
This is especially important if you have storage heaters or another system designed to use electricity at set times.
Learn more: Energy Charges Explained →
Electric Hot Water
An electrically heated home may also use electricity for hot water.
However, the heating and hot water systems may be separate.
For example, you might have electric radiators for your rooms and an immersion heater for your hot water.
So, don’t assume that knowing how your rooms are heated tells you how your hot water works.
Learn more: Your Hot Water System →
Which Heating Do You Have?
If you are not sure, start by looking at the equipment in your home.
Ask:
- Do I have a boiler?
- Do my heaters have their own controls?
- Do I have storage heaters?
- Is there a hot-water cylinder?
- Do I have more than one electricity rate?
Also, look for the maker and model number on your heating equipment.
Once you know what system you have, it becomes much easier to work out how to use it.
Key Points
Electric heating is not one type of heating.
Direct electric heaters make heat while they use electricity.
Storage heaters store heat for later.
Electric boilers heat water for a wet heating system.
Heat pumps work differently because they use electricity to move heat.
So, first find out what type of heating you have. Then, learn how to control it and check when it uses electricity.
Next: Using Electric Heating Efficiently →