PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2025 ElectricHeating 33
Importance of getting the message right
When fi tting electric direct-acting panels and high-heat retention storage heaters, installers must provide clear product advice, as misleading claims can confuse customers. Caroline Shaw from Dimplex UK shares some of the key considerations to keep in mind.
more important than ever to choose the right heating solution. The risk of installing an underperforming system isn’t worthwhile as the lasting eff ect will be increased energy bills for the end user, leading to distrust which can undermine the long-term value installers work hard to provide. Unfortunately, misleading
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claims continue to circulate, where unfair comparisons or infl ated performance fi gures are made, without clarifying what they’re being compared to, making the statistics ambiguous and eff ectively meaningless. One example is when direct-acting heaters are promoted as more effi cient or cost-eff ective, without factoring in time-of-use tariff s or the signifi cant benefi ts of energy storage. Key considerations such as peak electricity rates, load shifting potential and long-term running costs are often omitted, creating confusion for both installers and customers. That’s why clarity is crucial as
installers need to seek out and feel confi dent that the advice they’re giving is accurate, transparent, and data-backed.
Effi ciency and savings For installers, electric heating isn’t one-size-fi ts-all and diff erent projects require diff erent approaches. For example, direct-acting systems off er instant heat through real-time electricity use and in retrofi t or modular settings, smart panel heaters, such as the Dimplex AluRad Wi-Fi electric radiator or Dimplex Alta Wi-Fi panel heater, are being used to enable zoning and energy monitoring without complex building management system integration. While these solutions have been available for some time, the evolving regulatory landscape is driving a renewed focus on how they are specifi ed and deployed. Alternatively, smart high heat
retention (HHR) storage heater systems are a trusted solution. Initially launched in the 1950s, this well-established technology has been completely updated to ensure it refl ects the needs of
Caroline Shaw Dimplex UK
ith mis-selling an increasing concern in today’s market, it has become
modern households, with the key diff erence being the levels of insulation, which ensure heat can be effi ciently retained and intelligently controlled. It utilises time-of-use tariff s to maximise the use of off -peak electricity while maintaining thermal comfort. Units, such as Dimplex
It’s wise for installers to adopt a ‘buy once, buy well’ approach when it comes to electric heating systems
Quantum, are engineered to store low-cost off -peak electricity with high thermal retention and release it in a controlled manner over extended periods, ensuring consistent load coverage. Their operational profi le makes them one of the most cost-effi cient forms of electric heating, contributing to consumer-led fl exibility and grid balancing. HHR systems also provide a validated alternative in applications where the deployment of heat pumps is technically or economically unviable.
Intelligent features There have been some claims which say smart controls make the electric panel heater or HHR storage heater itself more effi cient, but this is misleading. Smart controls don’t change the core effi ciency; they reduce wasted energy by improving user behaviour and heating management. So, in turn, they may lower bills by optimising usage, not because the radiator produces more heat per kWh. When seeking out products
that off er a suite of smart features, look beyond the headline sales pitch to ensure they will enable the user to manage the system eff ectively and maximise effi ciency. For example, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows the Dimplex Alta Wi-Fi panel heater to connect, control and manage heating through the Dimplex CapaConnect app. The connectivity features
built into these ranges make them ideal for installation within garden rooms/offi ces, conservatories and garage conversions, as users can remotely set the temperature to a comfortable level before the space is used. The CapaConnect app also enables the creation of ‘groups’, such as ‘bedrooms’ or ‘downstairs’ and then a schedule can be set for these zones to ensure they’re not heated unnecessarily. Another advancement
which helps heaters to be more economical and environmentally friendly is Dimplex’s Adaptive Start Technology. This feature, which is integrated into the Q-Rad electric radiator, allows the unit to self-learn a room’s thermal characteristics and determine how long to run to reach a set temperature at the scheduled time, further reducing energy wastage.
User experience The ultimate measure of success for any electric direct-acting panel or high-heat retention storage heater installation, and the key to ensuring optimum performance, is whether the end user fi nds the system easy to use. With the right products and guidance, consumers can transition smoothly to electric heating and heat their homes eff ectively.
The Dimplex Quantum is engineered to store low-cost off-peak electricity with high thermal retention and release it in a controlled manner over extended periods
It’s essential to educate
homeowners about how high- heat retention storage heaters operate, especially if they are transitioning from a traditional heating system. Providing them with an overview of the time- of-use tariff benefi ts and smart controls will help to manage expectations, reduce callbacks and deepen trust in both the technology and installation.
Buy once, buy well In a competitive market and with high customer expectations to manage, it’s wise for installers to adopt a ‘buy once, buy well’ approach when it comes to electric heating systems. This not only ensures consistent quality and guarantees that products are thoroughly tested for compatibility with the wider systems but also avoids the complications for consumers dealing with multiple manufacturers for post- installation support. The best protection for
installers is knowledge, and recommendations must be based on trusted, independently verifi ed sources, such as SAP Appendix Q listings, robust independent test data, and, ultimately, the laws of physics. Partnering with reputable manufacturers that provide clear technical support, strong warranties and evidence of real-world performance is the surest way to safeguard your reputation, deliver customer satisfaction and help households keep bills under control. In addition, installers who
join the Dimplex PRO Installer Club can also access a wealth of benefi ts, including professional training, expert technical support and rewards, as well as online sizing and specifi cation tools. These resources make it easier to design integrated heating systems that deliver lasting comfort and effi ciency for end users. ◼
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