Add electric radiator to house

newfy

Hi,

I have a 3 bed timber framed semi d, there is a big kitchen and with 1 double rad at the party wall of the house!

There is always a little chill in the kitchen even when the heating is on as I think the rad is undersized for the size of the room.

So I was thinking of getting a modern wall mounted electric rad near the other end of the kitchen to help with heating the room. Is this a good idea? And can the electric rad be spurred from a light switch or socket ?

cheers

bigroad

I did exactly the same as what your thinking and it's working out well.

I bought a 1.5kw wall mounted with thermostat and timer.

I think I got it in Screwfix.

bigroad

Oh yea and it has a plug.

newfy

You’re happy with it? You use it on its own or with your central heating as a boost?

cruizer101

You could look at upgrading the rad to increase output. You mention it is two panel, is it a single set of fins or double set. You can also get tripple panel radiators these days

zg3409

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058272546/add-electric-radiator-to-house

You can get one with an ordinary plug but safest is to fix it to the wall. Electric heating in general is double the price of oil or gas so only use it on very cold days.

Ideally get the old radiator sized to match the room and ideally get timers and thermostats or thermostatic valves on it so you can set rooms to be the right temperature at the right time. Advice from a good plumber is best if you can.

newfy

It’s a double set of fins…it’s actually a new rad but I feel the room is just too big for it…hence maybe adding the electric rad for the room to increase heat!

can anyone recommend a good quality brand of electric radiators ?

DC999

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119898522#Comment_119898522

I’d suggest Googling how to check the existing rads are working as expected. Heating might be fine, just something to change quickly you can do yourself. Or try this one: Need more heat from your Central heating radiators? - YouTube. He’s handy DIY heating stuff.

Then if it’s working fine (but too small for the room), a temp solution for now is get an oil filled electric rad for now until you see how much heat it needs. That will 'boost' the room when needed. Electric rads are all largely the same in terms of % of watts converted to heat (bar infrared which heats you, not the room so use less power – if used correctly). I’ve added links here that work for me. Heating with electric rads and no gas boiler for now — boards.ie - Now Ye're Talkin'

DC999

Actually that video link I sent is a bit crap, but he's decent stuff of you want to search for it. Or just Google how to heat up one radiator. dereton33 - YouTube

meercat

I had one of these added to my kitchen plinth. It’s plumbed but there’s a fan attached to help circulate the heat. It has really made a difference

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Smiths-Hydronic-Plinth-Heater-Stainless/dp/B008YCQ6XG/ref=asc_df_B008YCQ6XG/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=344385374383&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8287723920776362826&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=20487&hvtargid=pla-716760129768&psc=1

bigroad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119897245#Comment_119897245

Yes I use it with my central heating .

Usually more so in the morning when the central heating is off.

newfy

You notice a substantial difference for that room compared to when it wasn’t there?

Even with today’s gas prices, peak rate electricity from an element is a very expensive way of getting 1 kWh of heat.