Electric Radiator Cost UK 2026 | Installation & Supply Costs

Electric radiators are becoming a popular heating solution in UK homes, offering a flexible and energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas central heating.

Ideal for flats, extensions and properties without mains gas, they’re quick to install and require no pipework. With modern features such as ceramic cores and smart controls, electric radiators provide efficient, room-by-room heating.

In this guide, we break down electric radiator costs in the UK and explain what you can expect to pay for installation and running costs.

How Much is an Electric Radiator?

The cost of an electric radiator can vary quite significantly depending on the type of unit you opt for, its output and whether professional installation will be required.

On average, a homeowner should expect to pay somewhere in the region of £120 to £600 for the radiator itself, and installation costs are typically around £100 to £250 per unit. This brings the total estimated cost of installing an electric radiator to between £250 and £850, depending on a wide range of factors.

Electric radiators on the lower end of the scale, such as very basic panel heaters, are generally much cheaper to buy and quicker to fit, especially if they can be plugged straight into an existing socket.

Higher-end models, those that include features like a ceramic core and smart electric radiators, are often more expensive but offer much improved efficiency, better heat retention and a far greater control over energy usage.

The cost of labour also plays a significant role in the final price. Electricians in London and the South East tend to charge much higher hourly rates than in other parts of the UK, mainly due to the cost of living in those areas and the much higher population density.

Homeowners should also bear in mind that there could also be some additional costs in the form of upgrading wiring and fuse boards, repairing walls and a variety of other things.

Electric Radiator Prices

Electric Radiator Supply Costs

Looking at the supply only costs for an electric radiator, solely the unit itself, there will be a requirement for some additional materials to complete the installation. You may require wall mounting brackets, fixings, electrical cabling, and a fused connection unit, and these are almost certainly required for a hard-wire solution.

These components will usually be factored into the overall supply price, but some higher-end radiators may also require some specialist fittings and external, but integrated, thermostats, which can drive up the overall price.

You may be able to save on the supply-only costs by buying multiple radiators at one time, reducing the cost per unit directly from the manufacturer or supplier. Not only that, but many electricians will be able to secure trade discounts, which can slightly reduce the material costs for a property that is having a number of units installed at one time.

At this point, it’s worth noting that while cheaper electric radiators are obviously attractive from a price and budget perspective, more expensive and higher quality units almost always provide much better long-term value due to much greater energy efficiency, lowering running costs.

Additional Costs of Electric Radiators

When working out a budget for an electric radiator installation, homeowners should keep in mind the potential for additional costs. Electrical upgrades are the most common extra expense, particularly in older properties where the existing wiring is not suitable for the additional electrical load. In some cases, your home may require a new circuit or consumer unit.

The preparation of walls is another key potential cost, especially if the electric radiators are replacing older traditional radiators.

These damaged walls may need replastering and redecorating following the installation of the new radiators. Labour costs can increase very slightly if your new electric radiator has smart features, which may need connecting and commissioning to an external app.

The removal of old heating systems can also add quite a bit to the overall price, and homeowners can find more guidance on this type of heating and electrical work, along with plastering and decorating, here.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Fitting Electric Radiators

Labour costs for fitting electric radiators will typically range from around £40 to £80 an hour, all depending on the location and the experience of the electrician. The majority of electric radiator installations are complete within 2 hours, meaning the labour cost per unit is somewhere between £100 and £250.

The process will involve the secure mounting of the radiator to the wall, the connection of the radiator to the electrical supply and then the testing of the unit to ensure that it is safe and operating properly. If the radiator is hard-wired, the electrician will need to ensure that the work complies with Part P of the Building Regulations, which covers electrical safety in domestic properties.

Having more than one radiator installed at once can reduce the time taken per unit, as the work can be completed more efficiently, so bear this in mind if you plan to install more than one unit throughout your home.

Cost Factors for Electric Radiators

There are several factors that influence how much it costs to install an electric radiator in your home. Most notably, the size and number of radiators will be key in determining this cost, with larger and higher output units costing more not only to purchase, but also to run. Next, the type of unit will impact the price quite heavily, with options ranging from budget to top-end electric radiators.

The complexity of the install is another key factor, and properties with a limited available electrical capacity require spending more on additional work, such as new circuits or upgraded fuse boards. Accessibility also plays a role, as installing radiators in tough-to-reach areas can increase labour time.

Lastly, the location of the property will have a big impact on labour rates, with homeowners in London and the South East paying much more in labour costs than other areas of the UK, such as the North of England or more rural spots.

Building Regulations Related to Electric Radiators

As mentioned previously, electric radiator installations in the UK must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, which is a section that covers all electrical work in domestic properties. Additionally, you should check that any tradesperson you hire is fully qualified and can certify the work upon completion.

Most importantly, Part L of the Building Regulations sets rules for energy efficiency in the UK and how homeowners should ensure their homes meet minimum standards. In short, it emphasises that heat loss should be minimised, heating systems and relevant controls should be efficient, and carbon emissions should be reduced.

If the electric radiator is being installed in bathrooms or in any other wet areas, you should ensure the unit has the correct IP rating for the area in which it is being installed. This protects the unit against water ingress and moisture. While planning permission is rarely required for electric radiator installation, homeowners should always ensure that certification is provided, as this may be required if they come to sell the property in the future.

Types of Electric Radiators

There are many different types of electric radiators available in the UK, and each is suited to different heating requirements.

Single Panel

Panel heaters are the most basic form of electric heaters, and warm the air quickly using convection. They’re best suited to smaller rooms that require less consistent heating.

Pros:

• ✔ Simple and quick to install
• ✔ Low upfront cost
• ✔ Heat up very quickly

Cons:

• ✖ Cool down rapidly once switched off
• ✖ Less energy efficient for continuous use
• ✖ Best suited to occasional or localised heating rather than whole-room heating

Oil Filled Electric Radiators

These types of electric radiator use internal oil that is heated, provide a very hot and consistent temperature. These are best suited to larger rooms that require prolonged heating.

Pros:

• ✔ Retain heat for longer periods
• ✔ Provide a steady and consistent temperature
• ✔ Quiet to operate
• ✔ Well suited to prolonged use

Cons:

• ✖ Slower to heat up than panel heaters
• ✖ Typically bulkier and heavier
• ✖ Slightly higher upfront cost

Ceramic Core Radiators

If you don’t have lots of wall space to work with, consider a vertical panel radiator. Designed to be tall and sleek, these radiators are good for narrower spaces where a horizontal one won’t fit.

Pros:

• ✔ Excellent heat retention
• ✔ Maintain warmth even after power output is reduced
• ✔ High energy efficiency
• ✔ Good option for regular, long-term heating

Cons:

• ✖ Higher purchase cost than basic electric heaters
• ✖ Heavier units due to dense ceramic materials

Infrared Electric Panels

Designer flat panel radiators can offer a premium finish, available with mirrored surfaces and specialist surface texture. If you’re design-conscious, a designer radiator can help to create a focal point in any room.

Pros:

• ✔ Heat people and objects directly rather than the air
• ✔ Very efficient in targeted applications
• ✔ Minimal heat loss

Cons:

• ✖ Not suitable for heating entire rooms evenly
• ✖ Less effective in spaces with frequent movement
• ✖ Can feel unfamiliar compared to traditional radiators

Smart Electric Radiators

These radiators combine all of the traditional heating elements with innovative new remote control technology for a far greater heating experience. You can manage schedules, view efficiency and control remotely.

Pros:

• ✔ Advanced controls and remote programming
• ✔ Integration with smart home systems
• ✔ Highly efficient when used with schedules and zoning
• ✔ Ideal for optimising energy use

Cons:

• ✖ Most expensive option
• ✖ Higher installation and setup complexity
• ✖ Full benefits depend on user engagement with controls

Alternative Types of Electric Heating

Electric radiators are not the only option available to homeowners for heating systems. There are several different options to be used both alongside electric radiators and as an alternative to them.

Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating provides heat evenly across the floor surface, creating a consistent and comfortable room temperature. It’s particularly popular in bathrooms, kitchens, and wet rooms.

Pros:

• ✔ Very even heat distribution
• ✔ Ideal for tiled rooms and bathrooms
• ✔ Frees up wall space

Cons:

• ✖ High installation costs
• ✖ Disruptive to install
• ✖ Slower to respond than radiator based systems

Storage Heaters

Storage heaters are designed to store heat overnight using off-peak electricity tariffs and release it gradually throughout the day; however, they are quite bulky and inflexible.

Pros:

• ✔ Can be cost effective when paired with off peak tariffs
• ✔ Simple operation
• ✔ Reliable, long established technology

Cons:

• ✖ Bulky and space consuming
• ✖ Limited control and flexibility
• ✖ Less efficient than modern electric heating options

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps extract heat from the air or ground and convert it into usable energy for heating the home. They are one of the most efficient low-carbon heating solutions currently available, and are gaining traction for their sustainability.

• ✔ Extremely energy efficient
• ✔ Low running costs
• ✔ Environmentally friendly
• ✔ Eligible for government incentives in some cases

Cons:

• ✖ Very high upfront installation costs
• ✖ Disruptive installation process
• ✖ Best suited to well insulated properties

Portable Electric Heaters

Portable electric heaters are standalone units that can be moved between rooms as needed. They are typically used for short-term or supplementary heating, and aren’t very suitable for longer term heating purposes.

• ✔ Low purchase cost
• ✔ Highly flexible and portable
• ✔ No installation required

Cons:

• ✖ Expensive to run
• ✖ Inefficient for whole room or long term heating
• ✖ Not suitable as a primary heating solution

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Electric Radiators

It's crucial to hire the right contractor for installing your electric radiators, to ensure that they are installed safely and compliantly. First of all, homeowners should confirm that the electrician is Part P registered and ask for proof of qualifications and insurance.

From here, ensure that all quotes are in writing and itemised to prevent any miscommunication about what is being provided and at what cost. You should always check out testimonials and reviews online, and you can do this on MyJobQuote, also, to get some reassurance on the quality of work you can expect.

Always ensure that you acquire multiple quotes from different tradespeople to ensure that you are choosing the contractor that offers the best mix of cost competitiveness and experience.

Removing Existing Heating Systems

The removal of existing radiators and heaters is a common job that homeowners often require if they are installing a brand new system, or if they are changing from traditional to a new system, such as heat pumps.

For this, you will typically pay for the labour, as there are few materials required, but the disposal of the units, and any redecoration work that may be required, will be additional on top of the labour costs. You can expect to pay anywhere from £200 to £400 per day for this labour.

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