Victoria Crisp, Trade Marketing Manager at Dimplex, explores the key differences between direct-acting electric heaters and High Heat Retention storage heaters.

Where a property already operates on Economy 7 or a similar time-of-use tariff, or in scenarios when switching to one is possible, High Heat Retention (HHR) storage heaters are an ideal primary heating solution.

Well-established

With this well-established technology, the unit charges the heater overnight on cheaper off-peak electricity, then releases that stored heat gradually and controllably throughout the day. For end users, this can represent a noticeable reduction in running costs compared with alternatives.

Storage heaters can also contribute positively to SAP calculations and EPC ratings when the specified products are listed in the SAP Appendix Q database. Models not listed cannot be classed as HHR and will not deliver those compliance benefits.

The Dimplex Quantum is the definitive answer to this requirement, offering the latest generation of smart HHR technology with responsive, on-demand heat output.

Thanks to advances in technology and product development, modern HHR storage heaters bear little resemblance to older generations of the technology. Improved charge and heat release controls, better insulation, and smart connectivity have made them a solid replacement choice for properties upgrading ageing storage or direct-electric systems.

Instant warmth where and when it’s needed with direct-acting heaters

For properties where flexibility and response time are priorities, direct-acting electric heaters are ideal. Two separate product types sit within this category and understanding the difference between them is key to a successful specification.

Panel heaters are best suited to rooms that are used intermittently – such as spare bedrooms, home offices, utility rooms – where occupants need warmth on demand rather than sustained background heat.

The Dimplex Alta Wi-Fi is a great example, as it delivers convected heat almost immediately by circulating warm air around the room quickly and efficiently.

Go electric

By contrast, electric radiators are a great choice for main living spaces and bedrooms, where it’s important to maintain a comfortable temperature for longer periods of time.

Thanks to their higher thermal mass, these units heat up more gradually than panel heaters, and hold/distribute that heat more evenly, producing steadier comfort and more predictable energy use.

In addition, the appearance and performance of electric radiators closely mirror those of traditional wet-system radiators, which helps ease the transition for customers moving away from these types of systems.

The Dimplex Q-Rad and Dimplex AluRad Wi-Fi both sit in this category, combining familiar radiator aesthetics with contemporary controls and connectivity. 

Combination

When used together across a property – for example, a panel heater in a home office and electric radiators in the main rooms – these two product types provide installers with a flexible toolkit for nearly any residential application.

Combining an HHR storage heater in a main living area with electric radiators in bedrooms, is an increasingly common and effective approach, balancing economy with comfort throughout the home.

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Jackie Moore, UK Marketing Lead at Purmo Group UK, looks at why electric heating is far greener than many would give it credit for.

Even today, electric heating solutions can be met with scepticism. However, the rethinking of energy production and the associated legal regulations are driving technological development in the heating market. And in times of well-insulated, energy-efficient houses, modern electric heating systems score points on many levels.

Quick and easy heating

Electric heating is ideal for rooms such as bedrooms, hobby rooms or attics, where heat is only needed temporarily and selectively, and where a connection to the central heating pipework might be missing.

It’s also perfect for second homes or holiday cottages that are only used sporadically, or to heat passive houses where the heating load is so low that a hot water heating system doesn’t make sense.

When renovation work or a property extension is carried out, a subsequent extension of pipework is often too time-consuming and expensive.

In all these cases, electric heating can provide a quick and uncomplicated remedy. No additional heating pipes are required which not only speeds up the installation, but also means there’s no heat loss from the boiler or pipes, and reaction times are very fast.

Electric heating on demand 

Unlike central heating that requires the boiler or heat pump to always keep the temperature at a set level, an electric radiator is only switched on when there’s an actual need for warmth.

Together with correct sizing of radiators and the presence of a decent thermostat, this can make a big difference in reducing both energy consumption and running costs, especially since each degree increase or decrease in indoor temperature results in 5 to 7% more or less energy use.

Modern electric radiators are also a great addition to existing heating installations, particularly when the room in question isn’t yet centrally heated, or if heat is generated selectively on particularly cold days.

Ecodesign Directive 

To help lower resource consumption and improve the environmental performance of various products, the EU has created the Ecodesign Directive, which sets out minimum mandatory requirements in terms of energy efficiency.

Additionally, for products such as electric heating systems, it demands intelligent control functions such as open window detection, weekly and daily programmes, and self-learning functions to optimise start-up and minimal stand-by consumption.

Precision thermostat 

An important feature that helps our Myson range of electric radiators meet sustainability requirements are the different control options that allow users to control the temperature to an accuracy of 0.2°C. This ensures a constant and comfortable ambient temperature as well as an optimal energy use since there is no risk of overheating or needless energy consumption.

Through modern technology the temperature settings can easily be managed via a tablet or smartphone, and the radiator can quickly adjust to provide the required power.

Green energy sources 

In addition to technological developments in electric heating, the need for smarter energy use has also given rise to a re-examination of energy production and a movement towards the use of green energy sources such as wind, water or solar-generated electricity.

Since electric radiators run equally well on electricity generated from fossil fuels and increasingly from sustainable resources, they make an easily adaptable heating solution that can effortlessly evolve with changing energy landscapes.

When electric radiators are powered with self-generated electricity, they not only provide a sustainable and energy-efficient heating solution but also guarantee a comfortable indoor climate with minimal costs.

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Stelrad has taken another major step in meeting the demands of its customer base across the UK and Ireland with the launch of a range of electric radiators – its Electric Series.

It’s the first time the Stelrad brand has ventured into the electric marketplace, and it brings with it the quality and brand values associated with its radiator products since it began manufacturing in 1936.

The new Electric Series range will be available through merchants from September 2023.

The range will include a dozen or so different models with a number of sizes of each model available, with standard radiators for any room along with a selection of towel rails specifically targeted at bathrooms and en-suites.

The selection includes radiators that are dry, dry stone and fluid filled offering a full choice of options within the technology. As you would expect, the new range offers a variety of energy saving and comfort enhancing features with fitted and Wi-Fi enabled controls. Some of the new radiators will be ‘three in one’ options, featuring a fan heater at the base of the radiator and manual controls that allow you to use the towel rail and the fan heater individually or together if you wish. Colours will be white for all radiators with the option of anthracite grey and chrome for some of the models.

Features include the ‘open window’ function that enables the appliance to automatically detect when a window is opened near the towel warmer and to switch to ‘anti-freeze’ mode to prevent unnecessary heating and to avoid wasting energy. Similarly, it can detect when the window is closed and restore the operating conditions set previously. The appliance comes on automatically at ambient temperatures below 7°. And when the ‘child safety’ function is activated, the surface of the appliance is cooler than in normal operation in the currently active mode to avoid the risk of burns caused by brief accidental contact

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Stelrad has taken another major step in meeting the demands of its customer base across the UK and Ireland with the launch of a range of electric radiators – its Electric Series.

It’s the first time the Stelrad brand has ventured into the electric marketplace and it brings with it the quality and brand values associated with its radiator products since it began manufacturing in 1936.

Stelrad is now setting its sights on the electric market with a highly competitive range of both steel and aluminium electric radiators. The new Electric Series range will be available through merchants from September 2023.

Essential selection

The range will include a dozen or so different models with a number of sizes of each model available, with standard radiators for any room along with a selection of towel rails specifically targeted at bathrooms and en-suites.

Chris Harvey, Stelrad’s Head of Marketing for the UK and Ireland, said: “The new range offers a selection of radiators and towel rails with Stelrad’s unbeatable quality and design to suit every area in the home and to match or contrast with décor in every room. The selection includes radiators that are dry, dry stone and fluid filled offering a full choice of options within the technology. As you would expect, the new range offers a variety of energy saving and comfort enhancing features. Some of the new radiators will be ‘three in one’ options, featuring a fan heater at the base of the radiator and manual controls that allow you to use the towel rail and the fan heater individually or together if you wish. Colours will be white for all radiators with the option of anthracite grey and chrome for some of the models.

“Amongst the features you’ll find on these new radiators you will discover the ‘Open window’ function that enables the appliance to automatically detect when a window is opened near the towel warmer and to switch to ‘anti-freeze’ mode to prevent unnecessary heating and to avoid wasting energy. Similarly, it can detect when the window is closed and restore the operating conditions set previously. The appliance comes on automatically at ambient temperatures below 7°C. And when the ‘child safety’ function is activated, the surface of the appliance is cooler than in normal operation in the currently active mode to avoid the risk of burns caused by brief accidental contact. These are just a few of the features – these are intelligent radiators that are designed to provide heating in the most flexible and energy effective – and as a result – cost effective way.”

Chris continues: “We pride ourselves in being a one stop shop for all things radiators and the arrival of the electric series builds on that claim even further. The new range will be unveiled in the next couple of months and be available to order from September.”

As well as offering effective, functional heating in the home, as you would expect from Stelrad, the radiators in the Electric Series are aesthetically appealing and provide attractive options for the décor in the home and come with a five-year warranty on the heating parts and a two-year warranty on the electric components.

New products

The new range will include a number of exciting new products – like the Stelrad Electric Column design – a rounded vertical tube column radiator available in three sizes in both white or anthracite grey. There’s the Stelrad Electric Agata and the Agata E-Flow – a straight, flat tube towel rail design, featuring five banks of three tubes with spaces between each bank, available in three sizes in both white and anthracite grey. It combines modern design with functional heating and energy saving features. The E-Flow towel rails in the range feature a fan heater at the base of the towel rail and include manual controls for individual use of the towel rail or the fan heater, or both together as a three in one unit.

On the aluminium front, there’s the Stelrad Electric Alu Simple Dry and Simple Fluid – available in three sizes in either white or anthracite grey. The matching colour digital thermostat is included with each model along with its remote control.

There’s the Stelrad Electric Cloud – a fashionable, smooth fronted, curved faced steel radiator comes in four models, in white and anthracite that offers a chic heating option for any room in the house. Exceptional warmth and remarkable energy efficiency wrapped up in a single solution.

And the Stelrad Electric Cobalto and Cobalto E-Flow – a trendsetting flat tube towel rail combines captivating good looks with exceptional heating efficiency and offers a sensational solution for heating in the home. As with the Agata, the Cobalto E-Flow towel rails feature a fan heater at the base of the towel rail and include manual controls for individual use of the towel rail or the fan heater, or both together as a three in one unit.

Not to be overlooked there is the Stelrad Electric Fantasia a mirage of a tubular towel rail – available in white or anthracite to match or contrast with colour schemes and designs in the home – offers the kind of clarification demanded by designers looking to unravel the complexities of style and opulence.

The Stelrad Electric Series provides a range of exciting new options where direct electric heating is the chosen option for a home.

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