A Guide To Every Type Of Heating

Vertical radiators 

A rapidly-growing trend, vertical radiators are tall and slim – offering a minimalist appeal that’s perfect for a modern home while still offering a lot of heat. If you have a space that’s too small for a regular horizontal radiator like a narrow wall or doorway, an electric vertical radiator might be your best heating solution.

Heated towel rails 

Also known as a bathroom radiator, towel radiators ensure that you can enjoy a toasty towel after every bath or shower. Low-maintenance and with plenty of styles on offer, they’re the best type of radiator for a small utility or bathroom space.

Radiator materials

Aluminium

Aluminium’s superconductive properties mean you can enjoy a radiator that heats up fast and spreads the heat fast too. Plus, they’re often more cost-effective and eco-friendly than other types too, as they need less water to warm up.

Cast iron

A stunning period statement piece in any home, cast iron radiators have been heating houses for decades. These days they’re much more energy efficient. Once they’re hot, they hold their heat for hours afterwards.

Steel

Also known as “mild steel”, steel radiators are a cheap and cheerful option for any home and are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, they’re less heat-retentive than their cast iron counterparts, so you might need to heat them more regularly or for longer periods.

Electric radiators

Electric radiators are a great way to generate extra warmth during particularly cold weather or when you want to avoid turning the central heating on. Rather than hot water and a gas boiler, they use electricity to heat your space. There are a few different types of heating systems used to turn this electricity into heat:

Dry thermal elements

Usually made from aluminium, dry thermal elements are thin metal wires that heat up inside your radiator for fast, accurate heat. Because the elements are so small and lightweight, these electrical heating options can be slimmer and sleeker too. Ideal for regular rooms, the dry elements will also never leak.

Thermal fluids

The best energy-efficient heating choice for a bigger room, thermal radiators have thermodynamic gel spread across their interiors. Specially designed to stay heated for longer, this gel helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the room, meaning the radiator (and your electricity bill) doesn’t have to work as hard.

Oil-filled radiators

Among the best heating options for keeping single rooms warm, oil-filled radiators work in a similar way to thermal radiators. An electrical element heats a reservoir of thermal oil inside. Oil can take a little longer to heat up fully than thermal gel, but the heat spreads easily throughout the room and the radiator stays hot for as long as you need it.

Heaters 

Simple, effective and easy to store, heaters are the ultimate portable appliance when it comes to colder weather. If you’re not the homeowner and are renting your property, a portable heater is also a great way to make your home warmer without making permanent changes to the central heating system.

Convection heater

For quick results, you can’t get much faster than a convection heater. Super versatile thanks to their portability, convection heaters draw air in, heat it and then circulate it around the room. They’re very quiet, making them an excellent choice for heating bedrooms overnight. However, they are less effective at heating bigger rooms or high ceilings.

Panel heater 

Slimline and streamlined, this eco-friendly choice is made up of a flat glass panel, often covering a steel sheet. Ideal for bedrooms, offices or studies, they give off a controlled amount of heat and are often considered the best heater for a small room.

Fan heater 

Much like convection heaters, fan heaters heat air rather than objects. However, the fan allows the heated air to be pushed around the room faster, so they’re better at warming up a room quicker. What you gain in speed, you lose in quietness though as the fans are usually quite noisy.

Electrical fires and stoves 

For the cosy feel of a real gas or wood fire without the maintenance, consider going electric. With the flexibility to be wall mounted or inset, keep it traditional or opt for one of our more contemporary styles.

Freestanding 

Often offering the best flame effects, freestanding electric fires don’t need a chimney, recess or a surround. Instead, they can be placed flat against any wall for a sleek finish.

Inset 

If you already have a cavity from a traditional fireplace, inset electric stoves are the best choice.

Log-burners 

If you want a stove with the aesthetic appeal of a wood burner but without the need for fuel or real fire, an electric log burner could be exactly what you need. With steel, cast iron and even wood-effect surrounds, you can choose a style that complements your living room.

Safety tips 

When heating a room, it’s always sensible to be aware of a few safety precautions. 

Radiators 

• Bleed your radiators regularly to stop air pressure building up. This will also keep your radiators working efficiently, saving energy and money on your fuel bill. 
• If you’ve got children, consider a radiator guard to prevent burns or bumps.
• Leave space between your radiator and a sofa so that air can circulate properly.

Top Tip: Read our guide on how to bleed a radiator for some useful tips.

Heaters 

• Never leave your heater unattended. 
• Never cover your heater.
• Never place wet clothes on the heater. 
• If you’re using an extension cord, make sure it can handle the heater’s wattage output. 

Fires and stoves 

• Make sure your stove has an automatic shut-off switch after 12 hours or more. 
• Always unplug or switch off your fire when not in use. 
• If your gas fire has a chimney, get it swept once a year to stop ash build-up. 

And there we have it – our home heating guide! By choosing the best type of heating for your needs, keeping your home warm can be more efficient, effective and have a lesser impact on your energy bills. Check out our heating hub for more expert advice.