The advantages of electric heating

The ever increasing costs of energy sources such as gas and oil and the eco-sustainable turning point that the entire planet is trying to make to defeat climate change, have forced more and more people to support cheaper and more respectful of nature domestic heating.

Electric heating is therefore experiencing its moment of popularity also thanks to government incentives for all forms of energy use not deriving from fossil fuels.

But is it really that simple to replace gas central heating with electric heating?

With this article we try to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of electric heating.

What is the difference between gas central heating and electric heating?

Basically, the way gas and oil heating systems work, as well as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) solutions, contrasts with the way electricity is used to heat a home.

Gas and oil or LPG heating systems typically depend on a boiler that burns fuel for water heating. From there, the heated water circulates around the structure’s radiators or in the pipes under the floor to adequately heat the house.

The radiators or towel warmers powered by gas or diesel oil heat the air and increase the internal temperature of the room.

This type of system is centralized, i.e. all the radiators in the house work at the same time as the hot water passes through the radiators with a pipe connection system.

In electric heating the procedure is completely different. Each individual heated towel rail is autonomous and works individually. It is a radiator or towel warmer aesthetically identical to the convection one but different in the operating principle.

Electric radiators can also be organized for the use of energy produced from renewable sources such as photovoltaic panels on the roof that collect energy from the sun.

It is important to understand that there is no absolute best or worst heating system. Each system has advantages and disadvantages. It therefore becomes essential to understand your needs and your lifestyle to determine if an electric heating system is right for us or not.

Advantages of Electric Heating

• Low ordinary and extraordinary maintenance costs unlike the centralized gas boiler system
• Zero carbon dioxide emissions
• Large selection of electric heating: heat pumps, storage heaters, small alternative electric heating devices.
• Better quality of the air circulating in the house
• Smart remote heating controls with smartphones and tablets
• Better heating of the single room even in complex situations such as mezzanines
• Reduced electricity rates for time slots
• Government incentives for the installation of systems without the use of fossil energy sources
• System operation in a totally silent way
• Quick space heating

Disadvantages of Electric Heating

• Initial installation costs more than gas system
• Cost of electricity higher than of gas
• Technologically obsolete systems waste Energy

The higher costs in the construction of an electrical system are amply repaid over time with the efficiency of modern electrical systems but also by the precise and sophisticated level with which these systems are remotely controllable.

There are many electric heating systems such as heat pump, electric floor, wall or ceiling heating positioned under the plaster but ideal with plasterboard ceilings. However, to have an excellent electric heating system it is important to know how to best size the rooms, a job that must be done by a professional in the sector.

Is modern electric heating better for the environment?

Domestic gas heating, which is the most common in homes, is one of the main causes of CO2 emissions in general. It is fair to point out that a heating system is truly ecological only if it works with power from renewable energies (e.g. photovoltaic), has lower emissions of pollutants and less energy consumption, does not contain toxic or polluting substances and can be disposed of or recycled easily.

Obviously a boiler that burns fossil energy such as gas, releasing carbon dioxide into the air, is highly polluting compared to a radiator that is powered exclusively by electricity from the network.

It is true that electric solutions for home heating can indirectly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions – around 40% of electricity is generated using gas – but it is comforting to note that renewable energies such as wind and solar are constantly increasing. in their prevalence. It is these types of systems that are economically the most sustainable in relation to electric heating.

What features distinguish modern electric heating systems?

There are a number of technologically advanced features that can distinguish modern electric heating systems not only from oil and gas alternatives, but also from older electric models. Below is a brief overview of some key settings and technical aspects of contemporary electric heating solutions.

Open window detector

A modern heating system equipped with an open window detector will identify any temperature drops. When the temperature level drops, the radiator switches off until a more stable temperature is reached. The function prevents the waste of heat due to the opening of windows or doors, preventing unnecessary energy losses.

Digital thermostats

Most modern electric heating devices incorporate a digital thermostat, which will track the room temperature to make sure it is kept at the exact level you prefer. Digital thermostats work extremely precisely, down to the exact degree for a reliable and constant amount of heat. The way they provide the most efficient performance possible is to shut down immediately once the specified correct room temperature is reached. From that moment on, they will turn on again only if necessary to re-establish the set temperature.

Adaptive boot technology

Adaptive start technology prevents your modern electrical systems from turning on earlier than expected, ensuring your home is heated to a warm, comfortable temperature in preparation for your return home. Your home radiators or underfloor heating will be ready and fast as soon as you cross the threshold of the house.

Programmable heating

Many modern electric heating systems allow the user to create a heating schedule based on their lifestyle and routine. So if you don’t need heating during the day, but want it to be heated to the ideal temperature for a cozy evening, you can program it to achieve perfect warmth when you return home. Additionally, the schedule can be modified at any time based on routine changes, ensuring no wasted energy, greater efficiency and lower operating costs.