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Low Life Ownership Costs

The cost of energy for different heating systems is only part of the true running cost equation. The real cost of ownership of a heating system is a combination of the original capital and installation cost, the annual fuel cost, maintenance costs and the operational lifetime of the system.

Electric heaters are 100% efficient at the point of use, meaning all the electricity used is converted directly into heat, unlike boiler based systems where energy is wasted through the flue. In addition, over the last few years there have been significant increases in the price of gas. In fact Energywatch – the independent gas and electricity consumer watchdog – reported in July 2006 that some energy suppliers had increased the cost of gas to their customers by as much as 92% since 2003, while the price of electricity had increased by only 54%.

Maintaining a heating system can, depending on the choice of fuel, also add significantly to the overall cost of running the system, so it is very important to consider the likely impact of maintenance costs and any safety checks requirements, over the lifetime of the system. Because there are relatively few moving parts and no risk of combustion, electric heating is extremely reliable and safe and does not require regular maintenance. Boiler based systems on the other hand should be regularly serviced and, although not a legal requirement in private properties, should be given an annual safety check. Potential 'buy to let' purchasers will however be legally required to have annual safety checks on gas appliances.

Because electric heating has virtually no moving parts, most systems can be expected to last for at least 15 years, whereas the gas boiler industry itself quotes a lifetime of only 10 years for a boiler. To see the true lifetime costs of an electric system compared to a gas system, please click on the following links from the Dimplex 'resource' website:

Typical 2 bed flat
Typical terraced house

Because electric heating is cheaper to install, maintain and lasts an average of 50% longer than a gas system, the true ownership costs mean that an electric heating system can be a more cost effective solution in many developments.

Comfort and Control

There have been significant developments in electric heating in the last few years and modern electric heating systems, such as Dimplex electronic panel heaters or DuoHeat® radiators, incorporate highly sensitive, integral thermostatic controls. The accuracy of electronic controls allows rapid response to sudden changes in room temperature, ensuring that heater outputs are quickly reduced or increased to maintain a consistent room temperature. And Dimplex also offers a variety of control options to meet the needs of different customer lifestyles – from simple plug in controls, through to a truly integrated central control with the ability for any of our products – from panel heaters through to water heaters – to be controlled from the convenience of a single programmer. Most controls, whether integral or remote include ‘set and forget’ features for added convenience.

Safe & Reliable

Because Dimplex electric heating systems do not burn fuel internally to generate heat, there are none of the associated safety risks, such as carbon monoxide poisoning or explosions. And as there are no radiators to leak or burst, there is minimal risk of damage to your property or even your neighbours', if you live in a flat or apartment. Also with no moving parts to break down or wear out, electric heating is extremely reliable and will normally run satisfactorily for much longer than a conventional wet system. And in the unlikely event that a heater should break down, only that product is affected, the rest of the system will continue to operate.