Is Electric Heating Expensive? FAQs & Common Myths Debunked

With the government’s decision to delay the gas boiler ban, many homeowners are questioning the future of home heating—and the rising cost of air source heat pumps is often cited as a key reason for this delay. According to Keith Bastian, CEO of Fischer Future Heat and clean energy supplier Outfox the Market, a better and more cost-effective solution lies in dynamic direct-acting electric heating systems.

Despite the clear benefits of modern electric heating solutions, there are still many outdated myths and misconceptions surrounding them. These misconceptions not only influence homeowners’ decisions but also impact the wider conversation around viable, affordable, and sustainable alternatives to gas boilers.

In this article, Keith draws on over 25 years of experience in the heating industry to debunk the most common electric heating myths—from installation costs to running expenses and energy efficiency. We’ll answer frequently asked questions about electric heating, separate fact from fiction, and explain why electric heating could be the most suitable alternative to heat pumps for many UK homes.

If you’ve ever wondered whether electric heating is expensive to run, inefficient, or bad for the environment—keep reading to discover the truth.

Myth #1: “Electric Heating Is Expensive to run?”

One of the most common myths about electric heating is that it’s too expensive to install and run. In reality, electric heating systems are often much cheaper to install compared to other low-carbon heating alternatives, such as heat pumps.

For example:

Ground source heat pumps can cost between £20,000 and £35,000 to install.
Air source heat pumps, the most popular type, range from £8,000 to £18,000.
In comparison, electric heating systems have far lower upfront costs because they require minimal hardware, no pipework, and no external units.

Additionally, modern dynamic direct-acting storage heaters—like those provided by Fischer—require no ongoing maintenance or annual servicing. This means that once installed, you won’t face unexpected breakdown costs, engineer callouts, or the need for regular servicing, as is often required with traditional gas boilers or heat pumps.

When you factor in the lower installation costs, zero maintenance fees, and increased energy efficiency, electric heating presents a much more affordable long-term solution for many UK households.

Myth #2: “Is Electric Heating Out Of Date Technology?”

Another common misconception is that electric heating is outdated and inefficient. While this may have been true in the past, today’s modern electric heating systems are a world away from the old, bulky storage heaters of previous decades.

Dynamic direct-acting storage heaters – such as those offered by Fischer – are built with the latest technology to provide greater efficiency, flexibility, and user control. Many modern electric radiators now come with:

Wireless thermostatic controls
Mobile app connectivity
Individual room-by-room temperature settings
Automated energy-saving programmes

With these features, you can easily manage and monitor your home heating remotely, ensuring that your rooms are only heated when needed. Thermostatic sensors detect room temperatures and adjust heat output automatically to maintain your preferred comfort level.

Fischer’s advanced systems also offer Wi-Fi connectivity as standard, giving you full control over your heating from your smartphone or tablet—without the need for additional retrofitting, which is often required with other heating technologies like heat pumps.

This level of smart control doesn’t just provide added convenience. It also helps you:

Reduce your energy consumption
Lower your carbon footprint
Cut your heating bills

Outdated, inefficient storage heaters may have contributed to electric heating’s poor reputation in the past—but today’s dynamic electric heating solutions are designed for a low-carbon, cost-efficient future.

Myth #3: “Are Electric Radiators Ugly?”

A long-standing myth about electric heating is that electric radiators are ugly, bulky and unsuitable for modern homes. This perception is outdated.

When I first entered the electric heating industry, one of my main goals was to challenge this misconception. That’s why we designed and manufactured sleek, contemporary electric radiators that not only perform efficiently but also complement modern interiors.

Today’s electric radiators feature:

Slimline, minimalist designs
Neutral colour options to suit any home décor
Discreet, wall-mounted units that blend seamlessly into your living space

But it’s not just about looks. Modern electric radiators are also highly functional and technology-driven. With smart controls, Wi-Fi connectivity, and precision thermostats, they deliver style, comfort, and efficiency in one package.

Additionally, electric radiators are versatile and easy to install—making them suitable for every room in your home, including kitchens, bedrooms, living spaces, and even bathrooms, thanks to their safe, water-resistant designs.

In short, electric heating no longer comes at the expense of aesthetics. You can enjoy a warm, efficient, and beautifully designed heating solution that fits perfectly with your home.

Myth #4: “Is Electric Heating Inefficient?”

A common misconception is that electric heating is inefficient compared to gas boilers or heat pumps—but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, modern dynamic direct-acting electric heaters are designed to maximise heat distribution and energy efficiency.

Traditional heating systems often allow warm air to rise towards the ceiling, leaving cold air lingering at seating level, which leads to uneven heat and wasted energy. In contrast, dynamic electric heaters are engineered with unique flute designs that draw in cold air from the floor and evenly distribute warmth from floor to ceiling.

This means that with electric heating:

No heat is wasted
Every kilowatt of electricity used contributes directly to heating your space
You benefit from consistent, comfortable warmth throughout your home

Electric heating converts 100% of the electricity it uses into heat, making electric heating one of the most energy-efficient home heating options available today.

Myth #5: “Is Electric Heating Easy to Install?”

Another widespread myth is that electric heating requires significant infrastructure investment, similar to the costs associated with air source heat pumps or the government’s large-scale clean energy initiatives.

This belief likely stems from the high costs and complex installation process of heat pumps, which often require extensive pipework, outdoor units, and structural modifications to the home.

However, electric heating systems including boilers and radiators, are incredibly easy to install. In most cases, all that’s needed is:

A standard electrical socket
Simple wall brackets
No need for pipework, external units, or invasive installation

There are no additional infrastructure costs and no need for disruptive building work. This simplicity is one of the reasons I have championed electric heating for more than a decade.

If electric heating had received the same level of government backing as heat pumps, it’s worth questioning whether the current delays to the gas boiler ban would even exist.

Ready to Rethink Electric Heating? Here’s the Smarter Choice

With over 25 years of experience surveying UK homes, we firmly believe the most practical, affordable, and sustainable path forward is a balanced mix of electric heating solutions—not just a one-size-fits-all approach focused solely on heat pumps.

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