Electric radiators are a common heating system. They are used across millions of homes and will come highly recommended by many. You may have questions, of course… How do they work? Are they expensive? How do I install one? You may have even questioned how safe electric radiators are…
Allow us to answer that last one for you right here… Electric radiators are very safe. Not only must they pass a variety of tests and certifications before being available to customers, but there are also several safety benefits to an electric radiator that gas heating, for example, can’t match.
Page Contents:
- Are electric radiators safe?
- No fuel or gases
- Improved controls
- Electrical safety
- Avoid extension leads
- Keep out the way of pets
- Heating purposes only
- Position carefully in bedrooms
Are electric radiators safe?
Yes, electric radiators are safe and are actually one of the safest styles of heating you can install in your home. When compared to gas radiators and portable heaters, electric radiators are far safer to use, however there are certain safety measures you can take to ensure electric radiator safety such as radiator positioning and keeping out the way of pets.
No fuel or gases
Firstly, electric radiators do not use any gases, and this means no boiler is required. No fuel needs to be ignited and that reduces the risk of hazardous toxins leaking into your home preventing potential exposure to carbon monoxide, which can cause many health problems. The risk of gas leaks and explosions are almost non-existent with an electric heater.
Improved controls
Electrical smart radiators can be controlled from your mobile device and even by your voice assistant, this allows for easy access to control and schedule your heating.
Being able to access your heating when away from home allows you to edit schedules so the radiator is not on while you’re not at home to monitor it. Helping to reduce the risk of any electrical risks occurring.
Furthermore, not running your heating while away from home will reduce your energy bills. Whereas with a standard gas system this can’t be altered when you’re out and about. With smart electric radiators there’s no more worrying about leaving the heating on as you’ve always got a remote control to hand.
Electrical safety
Electric radiators must be CSA and CE marked and this confirms that they have passed a range of safety tests to make them suitable for sale within the EU. This reduces the risk of them causing electrical fires or causing damage to your home. An electrical radiator without these accreditations may pose a threat to your home.
Power cables should be kept out the way of potential risks. Using a nearby plug socket means the cable will not be stretched and exposed. Damaging the cable increases the likelihood of product failure or, in extreme cases, an electrical fire.
Always leave a suitable gap around the radiator to ensure air circulation which reduces the risk of overheating. Although this is unlikely to happen, crowding the radiator with furniture or fixing too close to the wall, may affect its performance and likelihood to overheat.
Even though electric radiators are incredibly safe and pose little risk to their surroundings, there are many ways to ensure radiator safety in your home.
Avoid extension leads
Electric radiators can use a lot of energy to heat a room and regulate temperature. Using an extension lead and an electric radiator for a long period of time may cause overheating and a potential fire risk, it’s recommended to using a wall socket to avoid any risks.
Keep out the way of pets
Household pets love a warm and cosy environment and may sit either on or below the electric radiator. This can pose a threat and could potentially burn your pet. We advise positioning the heater where your pet can’t sit directly on it to help reduce the risk of any harm.
Heating purposes only
Electric radiators differentiate from traditional radiators and are not designed for dry washing. Exposing an electrical radiator to wet clothing or items could potentially break the radiator or allow water to get in which can cause an electrical hazard.
Position carefully in bedrooms
Although electrical radiators can work safely for long periods of time, it is advised to not leave them on overnight. Electric heating devices could be a fire risk if in close contact to curtains, bedding and rugs for an extensive period of time.
Try a Rio Heating electric radiator
If you’re in the market for a smart heater and want something that’s sleek, modern and WiFi enabled, look no further! Our Rio Eco will exceed your expectations and guarantee maximum safety.
If you have any questions regarding our Rio Eco electric radiator, please visit our FAQ page where we have answered a handful of questions, we may have already answered yours! If we haven’t already answered yours, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team today who will be more than happy to help!
