Why some electric heaters are expensive to run (and others aren’t)

Electric heating is often described as expensive, but that reputation usually comes from experiences with the wrong type of heater. In reality, some electric heaters are costly to run, while others can be surprisingly energy efficient. The difference isn’t electricity itself, it’s the design of the heater, the level of control, and how well the system matches your home.

Understanding these differences explains why ELKATHERM® modern electric heating systems perform very differently to older or lower quality heaters.

Not all electric heaters are built the same

Although electric heating is close to 100% efficient at the point of use, that doesn’t mean all electric heaters behave the same way in a real home. The way heat is generated, stored and released makes a significant difference to how much electricity is actually consumed.

Lower-quality heaters tend to product heat quickly and lose it just as fast. This forces then to switch on repeatedly, drawing electricity far more often than necessary. In contrast, ELKATHERM®’s well-engineered radiators are designed to retain and distribute heat evenly, reducing how often the element needs to run. In independent testing by BSRIA, ELKATHERM® radiators were found to typically draw power for 15-17 minutes per hour once up to temperature.

Older and basic heaters often waste energy

Many UK homes still rely on outdated night storage heaters, or basic panel heaters that were never designed for long-term efficiency. These systems often lack proper thermal mass and rely on simple on-off control, meaning they operate at full power whenever heat is needed.

This leads to sharp temperature swings and higher electricity consumption. When heaters are constantly reheating a room instead of maintaining a stable temperature, running costs rise quickly.

ELKATHERM® electric radiators use high-quality materials and a state-of-the-art chamotte core, allowing them to hold heat for longer, meaning your rooms stay warm without continuous power draw.

Controls can make or break running costs

One of the biggest reasons electric heaters become expensive to run is poor control. Heaters without accurate thermostats or intelligent programming often continue using electricity long after a room has reached a comfortable temperature.

ELKATHERM® radiators feature precise thermostats and zoning, allowing each room to be heated only when required. This avoids heating unused spaces and prevents overheating, both of which are common causes of high energy bills.

Good control doesn’t just improve comfort, it directly reduces electricity usage.

The wrong heater in the wrong home

Electric heating needs to be matched to the property. Installing basic direct-acting heaters in a poorly insulated home will almost always result in high running costs, because heat escapes quickly and the heaters have to work continuously.

In homes with reasonable insulation, high quality ELKATHERM® radiators perform far better, maintaining steady, comfortable temperatures with less frequent energy input. This makes them far more suitable for whole-home heating than cheap alternatives.

This is why professional design matters. Choosing the right radiator for each room can make a substantial difference to long-term costs.

Tariffs still matter, even with good radiators

Even the best ELKATHERM® electric radiators can become expensive if paired with the wrong electricity tariff. Homes with electric heating need tariffs that suit your lifestyle. ELKATHERM® radiators don’t require a time-of-use tariff, like old fashioned night storage heaters did. When combined with appropriate tariffs, smart controls, or renewable energy systems, their efficiency is fully realised.

Matching heating technology to the correct tariff is just as important as choosing the radiator itself.

Heat retention is more important than power rating

Many people assume that higher wattage automatically means higher running costs. In practice, heat retention matters far more than raw power.

ELKATHERM® radiators are designed to release heat evenly and gradually, which reduces the need for frequent reheating. Cheaper electric heaters may use less power on paper, but because they lose heat quickly, they often consume more electricity over time.

This is why upfront cost is rarely a good indicator of long-term affordability.

User behaviour still plays a role

Even efficient radiators can become costly if they are used incorrectly. Constant manual overrides, excessively high temperature settings, and heating rooms that aren’t in use will all increase your electricity consumption.

ELKATHERM® systems perform best when set up with realistic temperature targets, sensible schedules and proper zoning. Once configured correctly, many households find their heating costs become more predictable and easier to control.

ELKATHERM® electric radiators have changed the picture

Electric heating has evolved significantly, and our modern radiators are a world away from the systems that gave electric heating a poor reputation. ELKATHERM® electric radiators represent this shift, combining heat retention, accurate control and high build quality to deliver efficient, comfortable heating.

When paired with good insulation, suitable tariffs and modern controls, electric radiators can be a practical and future-ready solution rather than an expensive compromise.

Why some electric heaters cost more than others

When electric heaters are expensive to run, it’s rarely because electricity itself is inefficient. High costs are usually caused by outdated technology, poor heat retention, basic controls or systems that were never designed properly in the first place.

Well-designed ELKATHERM® electric radiators prove that electric heating can be both controllable and cost-effective.

We help homeowners understand why their current heaters are costing more than expected, and whether modern ELKATHERM® electric radiators would perform better in their home.