How much does an electric radiator cost in 2026?

Wondering how much an electric radiator will cost to help crank up the heat in your home? Here's how much to budget.

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The latest electric radiators do a good job of heating our homes – especially if gas central heating isn’t an option. But how much does an electric radiator cost, and what can you expect to pay a qualified electrician to install one? Here's how much to budget.

How much does an electric radiator cost?

The average cost for an electrician to supply and install an electric radiator is£500. The same costs apply to supplying and installing anelectric oil radiator.

Here are some other estimated costs for an electric radiator installation job in the UK.

These costs are a good starting point. However, your electric radiator cost will vary based on many different factors, including:

• The type of electric radiator you choose (more on that below)

• The wattage (W) of the radiator – you can choose from 500W (low), 1000W (average) or 2500W (high), depending on how much heat output you need for the size of the room

• The number of radiators you plan to install

• Any existing electric radiators or storage heaters that need to be removed first

• The complexity of the installation – for example, the electrician might need to move a socket

That’s why we recommend getting at least three quotes from reputable professionals in your area. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best tradesperson and price for the job.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Extra potential costs for your electric radiator installation

Here are some other costs to be aware of on top of the price of buying and installing your electric radiator:

Cost of replacing storage heaters with electric radiators

If you're replacing your home's existing storage heaters with electric radiators, you'll need to factor in the removal cost and potentially extra electrical work.

Based on an average-sized home with eight existing storage heaters, the approximate cost to remove and replace them with electric radiators is £600. This is based on a standard 1000W-sized radiator being fitted but does not include the cost of the new radiators.

For a higher 2500W radiator, you'll need to budget approximately £1,000. Meanwhile, for a 500W radiator, you're looking at around £300.

However, it's worth noting that 500W radiators are only suitable for small bedrooms or home office spaces.

Electric radiator installation cost with extra electrical work

If the radiator installation requires extra electrical work, you'll need to budget around £400. This accounts for aqualified electrician moving or adding new electrical sockets.

Types of electric radiators available

Things have moved on from the days when homeowners moved small, electric radiators from room to room to take the edge off a chill.

Nowadays, electric heating is much more advanced and incorporates the latest smart technology. This means you can crank up the heat in your home both efficiently and in style.

The types of wall-mounted electric radiators to choose from include:

Smart electric radiators

The latest smart electric radiators offer the most control over heating, featuring precision thermostats, 24/7 programming, and Wi-Fi apps for tech-savvy homeowners.

Though the upfront costs to buy one are higher, having more control over your heating usage could save you money in the long run. They are also available in various contemporary styles and colours, so they suit many different home styles.

Convector panel heaters

These slim, wall-mounted heaters (also known as panel heaters) warm a room quickly by heating the air around the radiator.

They are best for heating secondary living spaces that don’t need a permanent heat source, such as a home office or spare bedroom. However, they are not the most energy-efficient choice compared to smart electric radiators.

Style-wise, they look more like panels than classic radiators, although they come in various colours and finishes.

Oil-filled electric radiators

While they may be slower to heat than convertor panel heaters, they produce more consistent, gradual warmth in a room. Once they are switched off, heat is retained for longer, too.

This makes them a good choice for heating living rooms and main bedrooms. Style-wise, they look more like conventional radiators and come in various colours to suit all decors.

Storage heaters

Storage heaters use electricity during off-peak hours (usually overnight) to heat internal ceramic or brick components. This heat is then slowly released throughout the day.

One of the more energy-efficient options, storage heaters provide consistent heat throughout the day. Newer models can also be programmed for better control.

Ceramic core radiators

These radiators are made up of ceramic plates, which absorb and release heat slowly, providing a more constant and even distribution of warmth.

Though more expensive than traditional convector or oil-filled radiators, they retain heat much better and have a sleek, modern look.

Infrared radiators

Wall-mounted infrared radiators use carbon nanofibres to heat a room.

Commonly used in conservatories, workshops, or outdoor patios, they provide direct, targeted heat rather than heating the room in full.

Electric heated towel rails

They are great for keeping towels dry and warm and heating the room, and they come in many streamlined, space-saving designs.

Fan heaters

Fan heaters are useful for quickly heating small rooms like offices and bathrooms but can be noisy.

Though they are one of the cheaper heating sources to buy, they aren’t the most energy-efficient option as heat escapes quickly.

Are you still unsure what type of electric radiator is right for your home? A qualified electrician can advise you.

You can also learn more about the most efficient radiators available in our expert advice guide.

Pros and cons of electric radiators

You’ve probably heard that electric radiators can be expensive to run, especially as the cost of electricity rises. But with gas bills creeping up, too, electric radiators might not be as costly to run as you think.

Let’s weigh up the pros and cons to help you decide whether electric radiators are a worthwhile investment.

What are the advantages of electric radiators?

• Targeted heating – You can heat individual rooms as needed rather than the entire house

• Quick and easy installation – Unlike central heating systems, no plumbing or gas connection is needed, and you don’t need annual checks

• Low maintenance – They don't rely on a central boiler to work, and you don’t need to bleed radiators as you would do in a central heating system

• Smart control – Many modern electric radiators have smart thermostats, so you can avoid overheating a room and wasting energy. You can also control the heating remotely via smartphone apps, so you’ll never come home to a chilly house!

• Flexibility – They come in a variety of designs and styles

• A greener option – As the UK starts to rely more on wind, solar, air source heat pumps, and other renewable energy sources, electric radiators will be more compatible with ‘greener solutions’ compared to gas-powered heating systems

What are the disadvantages of electric radiators?

• Higher utility bills – If you’re using electric radiators in lots of rooms for prolonged periods, the costs will mount up

• Slower to heat larger rooms or poorly insulated homes – Not ideal for large or older homes

• Lower heat retention – Some types of electric radiators (such as convector panel heaters) cool down quickly once turned off. In contrast, radiators powered by central heating systems radiate heat for longer

• Higher upfront costs – The latest smart control electric radiators can be more costly compared to standard gas central heating radiators

• Relies on electricity alone – If there’s a power cut, you’ll lose your heating. In comparison, gas central heating systems have a manual ignition that can still provide heat

The most cost-effective electric heater

Investing in an electric radiator with precise digital thermostats, 24/7 programming, and timers is the most cost-effective option. While they may be more expensive than a basic convector panel heater, you’ll have better control over your heat, saving you money in the long run.

You can adjust the temperatures in different rooms to avoid heating rooms that aren't in use. Some smart electric radiators even feature ‘open window detection’ functions to avoid heat (and your money!) escaping out of a window.

Do I need a professional to install an electric radiator?

That depends on your existing heating system and the type of electric radiator you want to install.

You don't need an electrician to install radiators that plug into the mains with a standard plug. If you’re confident fitting the brackets, you can do it yourself. Or you can hire a handyman to help.

However, if your new electric radiator requires electrical sockets to be added or moved, you must hire a qualified electrician. Fiddling with electrics can be very dangerous for you and your loved ones if you’re inexperienced.

If in doubt, speak to an experienced electric radiator installer near you.

How to find an electric radiator installer

Ready to start your search for a qualified electrician to install your electric radiator safely?

Follow these three simple steps to get started:

• Use a professional directory

Make things simple by searching with a professional directory (like Checkatrade!).

We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

• Read online reviews

A review from a previous customer is the greatest testament to a tradesperson's professionalism.

At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they're from real people and that trades meet our high standards.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

• Compare quotes

Get at least three quotes from reputable electricians. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best tradesperson and price for the job.

Ready to find electric radiator installers near you? Search your postcode to get started.

Frequently asked questions

Is an electric radiator expensive to run?

Currently, the cost of electricity in the UK is higher than that of gas. So, generally speaking, electric radiators are more expensive to run than gas central heating.

However, installing a gas central heating system costs significantly more than installing electric radiators. Also, there are additional costs such as paying for regular gas checks and boiler maintenance.

It's also worth remembering that, as explored above, you can reduce costs by using your electric radiator in more energy-efficient ways.

How much does it cost to run an electric heater for 1 hour?

That all depends on your current electricity price and the exact size and type of heater you have.

However, to give you a general steer, you can expect to pay around 25p per hour to run an average-sized 1000W electric radiator. The same costs apply to an oil electric radiator.

To learn more about running costs, see our guide on gas vs. electric heating costs.

Do plug-in radiators use a lot of electricity?

That depends on your electric radiator's size, type, wattage and age.

Newer 'smart' radiators use less electricity because they have precise digital thermostats. You can set the ideal temperature for a room, and the radiator will switch off once it reaches this temperature. This means you won’t waste electricity by overheating a room.

Is it safe to buy a second-hand electric radiator?

While buying a second-hand electric radiator to cut costs might be tempting, we wouldn’t recommend it. Older models may lack certain safety features, such as overheat protection functions.

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