Electric Heating in Ireland: Costs, Sizing and Installation
Introduction
Electric radiators are a popular heating solution in Ireland, especially in homes without gas, apartments, extensions, and rooms where independent temperature control is needed. Unlike portable heaters, electric radiators are designed for regular daily use and provide consistent background heat. Modern electric radiators include thermostatic, programmable, and smart controls that help manage comfort and running costs. This guide explains how electric radiators work, how to choose the right type for your home, and where to buy electric radiators in Ireland.
What are electric radiators?
Electric radiators are fixed or portable heating units that use electricity to heat a room evenly over time. Wall mounted models are commonly installed as a permanent heating solution, while oil filled models can be moved between rooms. Electric radiators are widely used in Irish homes where gas heating is unavailable or where zoned heating is preferred.
How do electric radiators work?
Electric radiators convert electrical energy directly into heat, which is released gradually into the room. Most modern models use built in thermostats to automatically maintain a set temperature, switching on and off as needed. This allows for consistent comfort without unnecessary energy use.
Frequently asked questions about electric radiators in Ireland
What size electric radiator do I need?
Allow roughly 100 watts per square metre of floor area. A small bedroom of 8 to 12 square metres needs 800W to 1200W, a medium room of 12 to 18 square metres needs 1200W to 1800W, and a large living area needs 1800W or more.
Rooms with poor insulation, high ceilings or north facing walls need a higher output. Our guide on what size electric radiator you need works through it room by room.
Are electric radiators expensive to run in Ireland?
Electric radiators are 100 percent efficient at the point of use, so every unit of electricity becomes heat. At 38.04 cent per unit, the Electric Ireland 24 hour standard rate from 1 July 2026, a 1000W radiator costs roughly 38 cent for each hour the element is actually heating.
Running costs depend on tariff, thermostat settings and hours used. Because electric radiators allow individual room control, they can be cost effective when heating specific areas rather than an entire home.
Do electric radiators need a qualified electrician?
Fixed electric radiators should be installed by a registered electrician and certified in line with Safe Electric regulations. This ensures correct wiring, isolation, and compliance with Irish electrical safety standards.
Portable oil filled radiators and plug in heaters need no installation at all.
Can electric radiators be installed in bathrooms?
Only products made and rated for a bathroom should be used there, positioned according to the electrical safety zones and installed by a registered electrician.
For bathrooms we supply the Titan Electric WiFi Towel Radiator for warm towels and background heat, and the Titan Downflow Bathroom Heater, which mounts high on the wall with a pull cord and a runback timer for fast heat before a shower.
Can I get an electric radiator in black?
Yes. The Titan Smart WiFi Electric Radiator comes in matt black as well as white, in every size from 600W to 1800W, with identical controls and performance.
Black has become a common request for new builds and rooms with a dark feature wall. Panel heaters and convector heaters are white only. Black sizes move in and out of stock through the season, so call 01 401 9907 if the size you want shows as sold out.
Are electric radiators better than portable heaters?
Electric radiators provide more consistent and controlled heating than portable heaters. Wall mounted models are designed for long term daily use, while oil filled electric radiators provide steadier heat than fan heaters. For regular heating, electric radiators are generally safer and more efficient.
Types of electric heater you can buy in Ireland
Shamrock Electrical supplies the following types for Irish homes, all with free delivery to every county in the Republic of Ireland and no minimum spend.
Wall mounted electric radiators
Fixed units designed for permanent installation, providing consistent background heat in bedrooms, living rooms and home offices. Available in white or matt black.
Browse wall mounted electric heaters
Smart and WiFi electric radiators
Smart radiators allow temperature and scheduling control from a phone app, with open window detection and a 24 hour timer. Ideal where convenience and energy management matter.
View the Titan Smart WiFi Electric Radiator
Panel heaters
Slim wall mounted heaters that warm the air quickly and suit rooms heated in shorter bursts, such as a home office or spare room. Available in 1kW, 1.5kW and 2kW.
View the Titan Electric Panel Heater
Convector heaters
The fastest and most affordable option, heating the air directly. Best for utility rooms, garages and spaces heated occasionally rather than every evening. Available with or without a built in timer.
View the Titan 2kW Convector Heater
Electric towel rail radiators
Wall mounted bathroom heating that warms towels and takes the chill off the room, with no plumbing required. Rated for bathroom use and available in black or white.
View the Titan Electric WiFi Towel Radiator
Oil filled electric radiators
Portable units on castors providing steady, quiet heat that lingers after switch off. Often used as supplementary heating and moved between rooms. Available with or without a 24 hour timer.
View the Titan 2kW Oil Filled Radiator
Safety and installation considerations
- Fixed electric radiators must be installed by a registered electrician
- Only use a product made and rated for a bathroom in a bathroom
- Follow manufacturer clearance and mounting guidelines
- Never attempt DIY installation of fixed electric heating
Professional installation ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance with Irish regulations.
Where to buy electric radiators in Ireland
Shamrock Electrical supplies the full range of electric heating for Irish homes, from our store in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, just off the N7 and well positioned for the M50. We deliver free to every county in the Republic of Ireland with no minimum spend, and you can also collect from the store.
Call 01 401 9907 or email sales@shamrockelectrical.ie if you want help sizing a radiator before you order.
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