Electric Hydronic Heating

Just like hydronic heating - but it's electric and easy to install

• Luxurious radiant heaters for superior comfort. Our highly efficient electric heaters directly warm objects, not just the air, ensuring comfort and low energy costs.

• Easy electric installation taking less than 30 minutes for a skilled electrician or handyperson to install each panel.

• No hydronic hassle. Enjoy the benefits of radiant heat without the complexities of a gas or electric hydronic heating system, including an electric boiler or gas boiler. No gas, no pipes, no expensive heat pumps. No worries.

• Silent operation. Experience completely silent electric heaters with no disruptive noises—just pure warmth.

• Maintenance-free heating. Purmo electric heaters are entirely maintenance-free, unlike gas or electric hydronic systems.

• Precise thermostat control. Maintain room temperature within 0.1 degrees for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

• Perfect for moisture-prone areas. With an IP44 splash rating, our heaters are ideal for bathrooms and drying cupboards.

• Family-safe design. Child safety modes limit surface temperature while providing radiant heat.

• Energy-efficient features. Benefit from open window detection and built-in timers for cost-effective heating.

• Versatile heating options. Simplify your setup—no need for running pipes throughout your house to a central hydronic boiler.

• Healthier indoor environment. Enclosed elements prevent burning of dust and allergens for better air quality.

• Reliable construction with premium cold-rolled steel construction backed by extensive warranties ensures durability.

• Elegant European styling. Choose from classic appeal or minimalist design with our Yali Plus and Parada Plus electric heaters.

• Tailored sizes. Find the perfect heater size for living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms from our extensive range.

Explore our luxurious electric heaters

Discover our extensive range of radiant electric heaters, each designed to offer a unique blend of style, luxury, and functionality. If you're looking for an electric hydronic system our electric panels heaters provide the perfect solution to meet your heating needs, including comfort and environmental benefits.

Hydronic heating explained

A radiant heating system like hydronic works very differently to a convection system that forces air into a room.

When it comes to a hydronic heating system, the basic categories include hydronic or water-based radiant systems, and electric radiant systems.

Hydronic heating systems

A hydronic radiant heating system uses water as a heat transfer medium to warm spaces.

The system begins with a boiler or another heat source that warms water to a specified temperature. Most systems use gas boilers.

In a heat pump hydronic system, the heat pump transfers warmth to the water.

This heated water is circulated through a network of tubing or pipes installed under the floor, within walls, or in panels.

As the warm water flows through these pipes or panels, it radiates heat outward. This warmth transfers to the floor, walls, or panels, gradually heating the surrounding surfaces.

The heat from these surfaces then radiates upward, warming the room from the ground up. People, furniture, and objects absorb this radiant heat, providing a comfortable and even warmth throughout the space.

The system is often controlled by a thermostat that regulates the water temperature, allowing for precise control of the heating output in different zones or rooms.

Hydronic radiant heating systems offer several advantages, including even heat distribution, zoning capabilities for different areas, reduced air circulation (which can lower allergens and dust), and the potential for increased energy efficiency compared to some forced-air heating systems.

Electric radiant heating like the Purmo panel radiator range

Purmo electric radiators are standalone, oil-filled radiators that heat up using electric elements. They produce exactly the same gentle, radiant heat that people love about hydronic heating and are similar to hydronic panels in many ways. They’re even built in the same factory, on the same production line, as hydronic radiators.

Electric current passes through the element which is immersed in biodegradable vegetable oil. The oil retains heat and circulates within the unit, warming the radiator panels and heating the room.

It passes heat to people and objects using a mix of infrared radiation (radiant heat) and air currents (convection heat). Your home and family are heated much sooner, providing the benefit of hydronic heating without the high upfront cost of electric heat pumps and domestic hot water.

Purmo panels are high quality systems with precision thermostats and high thermal mass to help maintain very stable temperatures in the home. Installing them in well-insulated and draught proof spaces will reduce heat loss in the home.

Purmo radiators are standalone electric units that require no central boiler or plumbing to operate, so you don’t have to run a whole system to heat one room.

Our Unisenza+ wifi gateway allows you to control all the units from a central panel, set-up zones and monitor your energy usage, and even control your entire heating system remotely via smartphone.

Comparing Purmo electric radiators to a hydronic system

Purmo electric radiators offer an efficient alternative to traditional hydronic heat.

Let’s break down the differences between the two:

Installation costs

Compared to a hydronic heating system, installing Purmo electric radiators is straightforward. There's no need for piping all over or a big central boiler—it’s just an easier installation, especially in places where retrofitting might be hard. Electric boilers, while able to run from solar pv or heat pumps, are expensive to install, as is a hydronic gas boiler, electric boiler or solar hot water to heat water.

In most cases, an installation of Purmo electric radiators is 2.5x cheaper than an equivalent electric hydronic system.

Energy source

Our electric radiators use electricity as their power source. They don’t require a separate boiler or heat source to heat hot water either, which means no gas connections or gas heaters.

Energy efficiency and running costs

Heat pump electric hydronic systems are highly efficient. However, the extremely high upfront cost means the payback period compared to Purmo electric radiators is often well over 30 years... not including the cost of maintenance or replacement of the heat pump if it doesn't last that time.

While Purmo electric radiators aren't as electrically efficient as a heat pump hydronic system, there are other factors that can close the gap on final running costs. Purmo electric radiators can be easily controlled individually, so there's no need to run the entire system to heat one or two rooms. There's no heat lost to buffer tanks or plumbing, all heat is distributed to the rooms.

In most cases, installing Purmo electric radiators and investing some of the upfront savings into greater insulation, draught proofing and solar is a much better financial decision than opting for the high costs of a heat pump electric system.

Control and zoning

Our electric radiators are all about precision and zoning. You can control them individually or set up custom programs for each room or zone, offering more flexibility than some traditional, hydronic heat systems.

Maintenance and repairs

Looking after our electric radiators is usually simpler than hydronic systems. No pipes to fuss over or gas boiler systems to service, which means fewer headaches and lower maintenance costs.

Traditional hydronic systems need regular maintenance, including flushing the system to remove metallic sludge build-up. Many homeowners forget to factor this into the lifetime cost of the system.

Purmo electric radiators require absolutely no servicing. In the unlikely event of a problem, spare parts are readily available, cost effective and easy to replace. We sometimes repair systems that have been running for 15 years, and with a quick part replacement they're going to go again for another decade or more.

Environmental impact

The environmental impact varies between electric heating and hydronic heating. Electric systems, like Purmo radiators, can be more eco-friendly by using solar electricity at home.

On the other hand, hydronic systems, while efficient, might use natural gas for water heating rather than renewable technology, adding to carbon emissions. It's all about making those green choices.

Electric hydronic systems are efficient, however the larger steel panels, complex heat pumps and extensive plumbing all come with a significant environmental impact to manufacture which often is not taken into account.

In the end, choosing between Purmo electric radiators and hydronic heating depends on what suits you best: installation ease, your heating style, energy efficiency goals, and what your space needs. It's all about finding that perfect fit for energy-efficient warmth and functionality.

Are electric radiators an efficient heating system?

Electric radiator heaters can be efficient for several reasons:

• Our panels are electric, so your running costs and energy use can be greatly offset by solar panels and battery systems to reduce your carbon footprint.

• Because our radiators produce true radiant heat, the heat produced is used more effectively than convection-only electric panels. More heat is distributed directly to the occupants and the lower half of the room, ultimately lowering running costs.

• Electric radiator heaters often allow for precise temperature control in specific areas or rooms, reducing energy wastage by heating only where needed.

• These heaters can provide rapid warmth, eliminating the need to heat an entire house if only one area needs heating, saving energy.

• Our electric radiators come with programmable thermostats, allowing users to set desired temperatures and schedules to reduce running costs and energy use.

• Features like overheat protection and tip-over switches, ensuring safe operation without energy waste due to malfunctions.

• Electric radiator heaters can be used as standalone units, eliminating the need for complex installation or ductwork, further reducing energy use.

What are the advantages of using electric radiator heaters in terms of installation and maintenance?

Why choose electric radiator heaters for your home? Well, let's talk about installation and maintenance advantages.

• Setting up electric radiator heaters is a breeze compared to complex systems with hydronic boilers or heat pumps. They skip the need for extensive piping or ductwork, slashing installation time and costs.

• These heaters come in different sizes and styles, offering flexibility in where they can go. Our wall-mounted panels fit right into any room or space.

• They require minimal maintenance. Unlike traditional boilers or heat pumps that might need regular checks, electric radiator heaters only need occasional cleaning to maintain optimal performance.

• An over-temperature cutout system kicks in if the radiator is covered and excessive heat builds up. This will automatically reset the heater when the problem is removed. If for some reason the temperature exceeds a preset limit, the element has an over temperature fuse that will open as a back-up safety precaution. A new element is required in this instance, but this is designed to ensure double protection from fire risk.

• Our electric radiator heaters are smart. They boast precision thermostats that let you control the temperature precisely. That means no wasted electricity - they only heat where and when you need it.

• They're well-suited to homes with solar PV, helping to cut running costs.

How do electric radiator heaters provide consistent and even heating throughout a room?

Curious about how electric radiator heaters make your space consistently warm? Let's dive into it.

• Electric radiator heaters spread warmth evenly across the room. Unlike some heating systems like hydronic heating or heat pumps that rely on piping or ductwork, these heaters emit heat directly into your space, ensuring cosy comfort where you need it.

• These heaters offer precise temperature control, allowing users to regulate the heat output according to specific preferences. This targeted heating ensures efficient and customised comfort, unlike some traditional systems like hydronic heating systems that might have limited zoning.

• Electric radiator heaters are straightforward to install, needing minimal setup compared to complex heating systems such as hydronic heating systems or heat pumps. With fewer installation requirements and no need for additional components, they offer convenience and cost-effectiveness.

• The direct heat emission of electric radiator heaters eliminates heat loss through ducts or pipes, which is common in some traditional heating systems. This efficiency can lead to lower running costs throughout the year, improving efficiency and reducing heating costs.

With lower installation and maintenance costs, Purmo electric radiator heaters offer a cost-effective heating solution that ensures efficient operation year-round. Their consistent radiant heating and precise heat output make them a reliable choice for staying warm in winter.

Can Purmo electric radiator heaters be controlled easily for comfort?

Yes, Purmo electric radiator heaters are designed for easy and personalised control, ensuring your comfort is at your fingertips.

• These heaters come equipped with user-friendly features like programmable thermostats and precise temperature controls. This means you can easily set your desired temperature and schedule, allowing you to create a comfortable environment tailored to your preferences.

• The Purmo electric radiator heaters from Thermosoft Australia offer advanced control options, such as different heating modes, timers, and even smart home integration. This versatility allows you to manage and adjust your heating effortlessly, whether you're looking to optimise energy efficiency or create a cosy environment.

• Purmo electric radiator heaters prioritise convenience and personalised comfort, offering intuitive controls that make adjusting and managing your heating settings a simple experience.

Do electric radiator heaters contribute to better indoor air quality compared to other systems?

With no noise, no burning dust and no smell, Purmo heaters contribute to better indoor air quality compared to other systems, including hydronic heating, heat pumps and gas boilers.

• Our systems don’t have a fan, so they don’t blow dust or allergens around your room. The electric element is also completely enclosed in oil, so you’ll never get the burning dust smell typical of convection-only panels with an exposed element.

• Systems like combi boilers or a hydronic heating boiler can emit gas fumes during operation that can make their way into the home. Purmo electric heaters produce no such fumes, promoting a healthier indoor environment.

• With no need for ductwork or water circulation, Purmo heaters can lower the presence of allergens often carried through ducts or water-based systems, enhancing air quality for allergy sufferers.

By operating without combustion and avoiding water-based heat transfer, Purmo heaters help maintain better indoor air quality compared systems with a full hydronic boiler or gas boiler, offering a cleaner and healthier environment.