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Flats and apartments across the UK come with unique heating challenges. Whether you’re a leaseholder, landlord, or tenant, choosing the right heating system can dramatically impact comfort, energy bills, and EPC ratings.
With rising gas costs and increasing electrification of UK homes, electric heating has become one of the most practical and efficient solutions for apartments — especially where there is no gas supply.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
The best types of electric heating for flats
Running cost considerations
Storage heaters vs radiators
Heating for bathrooms and small space
Why Electric Heating Works So Well in Flats
Many UK apartments:
- Don’t have access to mains gas
- Have limited wall space
- Require simple installation
- Need zoning control for individual rooms
- Must meet EPC efficiency targets
Electric heating solves these problems because it:
- Requires no pipework
- Doesn’t need annual gas safety certificates
- Is ideal for retrofits
- Allows individual room control
- Works well with Economy 7 tariffs
For landlords especially, electric heating reduces maintenance complexity and long-term compliance risk.
Option 1: High Heat Retention Storage Heaters (Best for Economy 7 Tariffs)
Best for:
- Flats on Economy 7
- Properties with no gas supply
- Landlords wanting low running costs
- Overnight energy usage
Modern storage heaters are very different from the bulky, inefficient units many people remember.
The Elnur ECOHHR Plus range stores heat overnight using cheaper off-peak electricity and releases it gradually throughout the day. Unlike older models, they feature:
- Advanced digital controls
- Accurate thermostats
- Smart charge regulation
- High heat retention insulation
- Open window detection
- Solar/renewable energy compatibility
- Wi-Fi Connectivity, when paired with GCONTROL hub
Why They’re Ideal for Flats
- No need for gas connections
- Wall-mounted and compact options available
- Excellent for living rooms and larger spaces
- Help improve EPC ratings
- Lower daytime electricity use
- Cheap running costs
- Remote monitoring through Wi-Fi connection
For apartments on Economy 7, they are often the most cost-effective whole-home solution.
You can view our full range of ECOHHR Plus High Heat Retention Storage Heaters on our website.
Option 2: Electric Radiators (Perfect for Zoned Heating)
Best for:
- Flats on standard electricity tariffs
- Bedrooms and home offices
- Properties needing responsive heat
- Smart control setups
Electric radiators are one of the most popular heating choices for apartments because they provide on-demand, controllable warmth.
Unlike storage heaters, radiators heat instantly when switched on. This makes them perfect for:
- Bedrooms used only at night
- Home offices
- Guest rooms
- Small open-plan spaces
Benefits of Elnur RDW Radiators
- Digital programmable thermostats
- Energy-efficient heating elements
- Stylish, slimline designs
- Wall-mounted installation
- Independent room-by-room control
- Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for remote control and monitoring
Zoned heating is particularly important in flats because heating unused rooms wastes money. Electric radiators allow you to heat only the rooms you’re using.
For many apartments, a combination of storage heaters in main living areas and radiators in secondary rooms provides the best balance.
Explore our Elnur RDW electric radiator range on our website.
Option 3: Electric Towel Rails (Essential for Apartment Bathrooms)
Best for:
- Bathrooms without central heating
- Ensuites
- Compact apartments
- Improving comfort and preventing damp
Bathrooms in flats often lack sufficient heating, leading to condensation and damp issues.
Electric towel rails provide:
- Warm, dry towels
- Additional bathroom heat
- Reduced moisture build-up
- Simple installation (no plumbing required)
Because they operate independently from other heating systems, they’re perfect for apartments where adding central heating would be disruptive or expensive.
👉 View our Elnur TBCK chrome electric towel rail collection for modern bathroom solutions.
Storage Heater vs Electric Radiator: Which Is Better for Flats?
Storage heaters:
- Best tariff: Economy 7
- Heat delivery: Gradual
- Running costs: Lower on off-peak, when using ECOHHR PLUS storage heater can also utilise solar/renewable energy to potentially heat for free.
- Control: Advanced digital, with the ECOHHR PLUS range you can utilise remote control for monitoring, scheduling, and altering temperatures.
- Ideal for: Living rooms
Electric radiators:
- Best tariff: Standard tariff
- Heat delivery: Instant
- Running costs: Depends on usage
- Control: Very precise zoning, with the RDW electric radiators you can utilise remote control for monitoring, scheduling, and altering temperatures.
- Ideal for: Bedrooms/home offices
Best solution for most flats?
A hybrid approach:
- ECOHHR Plus storage heater in the living room
- RDW radiator in bedrooms
- TBCK towel rail in bathrooms
This setup balances efficiency, comfort, and cost.
Running Costs: What Should Flat Owners Expect?
Electric heating running costs are hard to predict, as they depend on multiple factors:
- Insulation quality
- Tariff type
- Thermostat usage
- Property size
However:
- High heat retention storage heaters can significantly reduce peak-time usage.
- Zoned electric radiators prevent unnecessary heating.
- Smart controls reduce wasted energy.
- Modern electric systems are far more efficient than older panel heaters or legacy storage models.
Landlord Considerations
For landlords, electric heating offers:
✔ No gas safety certificate requirements
✔ Lower maintenance costs
✔ Easier installation during refurbishments
✔ Improved EPC potential
✔ Individual tenant control
✔ With Wi-Fi heating options available, it also offers the ability to monitor usage and set schedules without intruding on tenants
Upgrading old storage heaters to Elnur ECOHHR PLUS models can modernise a property and increase rental appeal.
Final Thoughts: The Best Electric Heating Setup for UK Apartments
Every flat is different, but for most UK apartments, the most effective solution combines:
- High heat retention storage heaters for main spaces
- Responsive electric radiators for bedrooms
- Electric towel rails for bathrooms
At Merinal, we stock a carefully selected range of electric heating products designed specifically for UK homes and apartments.
If you’re unsure which setup would suit your property best, our team can help you choose the right configuration.
