The latest government energy report reinforces the role of electric heating in heating our homes. Although a combination of storage heaters and panel convector heaters works well in most homes, the efficiency and economy offered by today’s panel heaters can shine in the right setting. Chris Stammers tells the story.
The government’s Carbon Plan of December 2011 sets out the roadmap for achieving the emissions targets in the UK’s first four carbon budgets. The plan includes direct-acting electric heating as part of the portfolio of technologies that will achieve carbon reduction targets, since electricity is set to become de-carbonised as renewable energy sources become more widespread.
The UK’s housing stock is one of the oldest in Europe and many homes are too large, old or poorly insulated to be energy efficient with panel heaters alone. In these types of buildings, combining the instant response of direct-acting panels with storage heaters for a comfortable level of background heat using off-peak tariffs is extremely effective, combining economy with efficiency.
But in the right type of installation, with the control and timer options available today, panel heaters are able to deliver high levels of energy efficiency. They remain popular with housing developers, since there’s no need for a gas supply, no flueing issues, and they can be installed anywhere. They are cost-effective, take up little wall space, and are stylish and attractive. In fact, panels are ideal in this type of housing.
Control is key
Today’s panels offer high levels of control. Not surprising when you consider that 70% of gas centrally heated homes have no form of temperature control other than a crude centrally mounted thermostat. A ‘must’ for advanced control is a highly accurate thermostat; accurate to 0.1°C.
This level of accuracy may seem excessive bearing in mind the human body cannot detect a change in temperature of less than 1°C, but accurate temperature control on a room by room basis can contribute substantially to reducing a home’s energy bills. With each 1°C reduction in temperature, running costs can be reduced by as much as 10% over the course of a year.
An accurate thermostat can constantly monitor not just room temperature but also the speed of temperature changes, reducing the power used as temperature nears the desired level. This avoids wasteful overshoot of the target temperature and room temperature drift, resulting in better energy efficiency and user comfort.
The consumer’s choice
Consumers want design alternatives when it comes to panels, and with today’s wide range of designs and functionality there’s a panel heater for every installation. The instant response of panel heaters means that warmth is felt and maximum output is reached just seconds after switch on, which has great user appeal.
But there are some curious marketing claims being made on the efficiencies to be had from electric heating. In common with all appliances of this type, panel heaters are 100% efficient at the point of use, with 1kW energy input giving 1kW output of heat. Claiming greater efficiencies than this defies the laws of physics! So make sure that your customers have their eyes open when they ask you about direct acting convector or radiant heaters.
Perfect for today’s homes
The latest figures from DECC show that out of around 2.4 million homes heated by electric heating, only a small minority – around 340,000 – are heated exclusively by panel convector heaters of any make or style, so it’s clear that relatively few homes are suited for panels alone for their heating. Studies have shown that a combination of storage heaters and panel heaters is more cost-effective. But in smaller, new build, modern housing – well insulated, airtight and usually with a smaller footprint – panel convector heaters are the perfect choice.
