Electric heater vs central heating: How do they compare?

With the average UK household now spending around £1,720 a year on energy, keeping warm has never felt so costly. For first-time buyers working out their heating setup and seasoned homeowners trying to rein in bills, the electric heater vs central heating debate is hard to ignore. After all, winter heating choices are often the biggest reason behind those eye-watering costs.

In this guide, we put central heating vs electric heater systems head to head to reveal which is the more economical and practical option for your home. We’ll look at running costs, energy efficiency, environmental impact, and more, so you have the facts to make a confident choice.

What is an electric heater?

Electric heater plugged in to warm a small room. (Source: iStock)

An electric heater is a simple solution for heating one room without needing a full heating setup, perfect for a chilly spare room, small flats, or properties without a gas supply. These heaters use a heating element to convert electricity directly into warmth, and most models plug into a standard socket so you can set one up in minutes. Just keep in mind they work best in well-insulated spaces and have a limited heating capacity.

The most common types in the UK include storage heaters (which charge up overnight using cheaper electricity rates), panel heaters for rapid convection heating, infrared panels that heat objects directly like sunlight, and oil-filled radiators that retain heat long after switching off. You’ll also find portable fan heaters for quick blasts of warmth and electric radiators that combine convection and radiant heat.

What is central heating? 

Wall-mounted radiator integrated with central heating. (Source: iStock)

A central heating system is a cost-effective heating option that warms your whole home from a single heat source, usually a boiler. The boiler heats water, which flows through pipes to radiators in each room, giving you steady, even warmth throughout the house. In the UK, most central heating uses gas central heating with water-filled radiators, though you can also have electric boilers or modern heat pumps installed by a qualified electrician.

The main types are combi boilers, which heat water only when you need it, and pressurised system boilers, which use a hot water cylinder for bigger households. You can also install electric heating systems and connect them to solar panels, giving you a cleaner, more sustainable way to power your central heating. Radiators for these systems range from simple panels and traditional columns to modern designer styles and bathroom towel rails.

Central heating vs electric heater: Which one should you invest in?

Whether you’re considering underfloor heating vs radiators or wondering if electric fan heaters are expensive to run, this section will explain everything you need to know to decide which heating solution suits your needs.

In terms of upfront cost

Convenient heating with a plug-in electric heater. (Source: iStock)

Electric heaters offer a much simpler upfront investment since most models simply plug into existing electrical outlets or require basic wall mounting. You can start with one or two units and add more over time as needed, spreading the cost rather than paying for an entire system upfront. However, if you want electric heaters throughout your whole home, the individual unit costs can add up quickly.

If you want central heating, you’ll need to factor in the cost of installing pipework throughout your entire home, radiators for each room, a hot water cylinder (for system boilers), and professional installation by certified engineers. The complexity increases if you’re retrofitting an older property that lacks existing pipework, as this means opening walls, running pipes under floors, and potentially upgrading your electrical supply to handle pumps and controls.

In terms of running costs

For running costs, central heating tends to be more affordable in the long run. With gas at 6.33p per kWh and electricity at 25.73p per kWh, gas central heating is roughly four times cheaper to operate. A typical household might spend £600 to £1,200 annually heating their home with central heating, while using multiple electric heaters throughout the house could cost £2,000+ per year.

As for maintenance, note that central heating requires annual servicing at £84 to £150 per year plus occasional repairs to boilers, heat pumps, or radiators. The good thing about electric heaters is that they need virtually no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. However, individual units may still need replacing after 10 to 15 years.

In terms of energy efficiency

Adjusting the thermostat in a central heating system. (Source: iStock)

Electric heaters are nearly 100% efficient at converting electricity into heat at the point of use, meaning almost all energy consumed becomes warm. However, when people ask, ‘Do fan heaters use a lot of electricity?’, the issue is that they must run continuously to maintain temperature and have no heat retention, making them less efficient for sustained heating than systems with thermal mass.

Some models, like storage heaters, can work more efficiently by charging overnight during off-peak periods such as Economy 7 or Economy 10 and then releasing stored heat during the day. Even so, their efficiency still depends on how well that heat is retained and controlled within your space.

Central heating proves more energy-efficient for whole-home warmth because a single heat source distributes warmth to multiple rooms through a connected system. Water-filled radiators retain heat longer than air, requiring less constant operation. Modern central heating can also be optimised with zoning controls and smart thermostat installation, allowing you to heat only occupied rooms and eliminate unnecessary energy waste.

In terms of environmental impact

With over 40% of UK electricity now sourced from wind and solar power, the carbon footprint of electric heating shrinks every year. It also produces zero on-site emissions, meaning no carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxides are released into your home or the surrounding air. The same environmental differences you see in electric boiler vs gas boiler comparisons apply when weighing electric heaters against gas-powered central heating.

On the other hand, gas-based central heating continues to contribute to UK carbon emissions because burning gas releases CO₂ directly at the point of use, making gas one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases from home heating. The environmental gap will only widen as renewable energy sources expand and the electricity grid becomes cleaner, while gas heating remains fundamentally tied to fossil fuel combustion.

In terms of space required

Central heating unit taking up low wall space. (Source: iStock)

When comparing electric vs gas heating, the space needed can be a big deciding factor. Electric heaters are flexible and require very little infrastructure, making them ideal for smaller homes, flats, or house renovation projects where space is tight. They can be wall-mounted, portable, or even built into baseboards without the need for pipework or bulky central equipment. For safety, keep heaters about three feet from anything flammable and allow 6 to 12 inches of clearance around them.

As for central heating systems, you must consider your available space. You’ll need a central boiler (often in a utility room or cupboard) and a network of pipes to connect radiators throughout the home. Each room needs wall space for a radiator, usually under a window for best heat distribution. While this setup creates a fully integrated system, it works best in properties with enough room for the infrastructure.

In terms of control

Need enough heat for different areas at once? Electric heaters can be challenging to control since each unit has its own thermostat managing temperature in a single room. While many newer electric models include smart features like programmable timers and app-based remote control, heating your entire home still requires managing multiple units separately, which can get complicated fast.

A central heating system, on the other hand, regulates the temperature across multiple rooms from one control point. Modern setups use smart thermostats and programmable controls to set schedules for individual rooms or zones, keeping warmth even and efficient. Whether you’re managing radiators or coordinating underfloor heating installation with other heat sources, everything works together seamlessly.

Book a heating expert today

While this guide gives you the foundation to make an informed decision, it’s always wise to get an expert opinion for your specific situation. Professional heating and cooling technicians can assess your property’s insulation, room sizes, existing infrastructure, and heating patterns to recommend the most suitable and cost-effective solution for your home. They’ll also ensure everything is installed safely and in line with UK building regulations.

Ready to get your heating sorted? Post a task on Airtasker today to connect with qualified heating professionals in your area. Whether you need central heating installation, electric heater fitting, or expert advice, Airtasker’s network can help you stay warm and comfortable year-round. Compare quotes and book the right heating specialist today!