Switching to Electric Heating in Devon: What You Need to Know in 2026

The conversation around home heating is changing. Gas boiler installations are moving towards a regulatory end point, heat pumps are gaining ground but are not suitable for every property, and electric heating technology has improved significantly in the past decade. For many Devon homeowners, particularly those in properties without gas supply or with good access to time-of-use electricity tariffs, electric heating is worth a proper look.
Datel Electrical has been installing domestic and commercial electric heating systems across Newton Abbot, Torquay and the surrounding area since 2002. We are approved Dimplex installers and work with a range of manufacturers to specify and install systems that suit the property and the household’s needs.

Modern Storage Heaters: Not What They Used to Be

Night storage heaters have a poor reputation in many older Devon homes, and in some cases that reputation is earned. Older storage heaters were relatively unsophisticated, charged on cheap overnight electricity and released heat throughout the following day with limited control over when and where that heat went.
Modern high-retention storage heaters from manufacturers like Dimplex are a significant step forward. They retain heat more effectively, release it more controllably, and can be managed to match the household’s actual occupancy and usage patterns. The Quantum range and similar products include automatic charge control that adjusts overnight charging based on the forecast for the following day, which reduces waste and improves comfort.

Smart Electric Radiators

For homes moving away from wet central heating systems, smart electric radiators are an increasingly practical option. These are direct-acting heaters rather than storage heaters. They heat the room on demand, can be controlled room by room and programmed to match occupancy schedules, and can be managed remotely via a smartphone app. For smaller properties, properties with intermittent occupancy, or rooms that are used irregularly, this level of control is genuinely useful.

Underfloor Heating

Electric underfloor heating is well-suited to bathrooms, kitchens, and extensions where laying underfloor pipework would be impractical. It works with thermostatic controls and, paired with good insulation, is an efficient way to heat spaces that are used for limited periods during the day. Datel installs electric underfloor heating as part of bathroom and kitchen refurbishment projects across Devon.

The Cost Picture

The running cost of any electric heating system depends heavily on the electricity tariff, the insulation standard of the property, and how intelligently the system is controlled. For properties that can access favourable overnight rates and that are reasonably well insulated, the running cost difference between electric and gas heating is smaller than many people assume. Datel can help you work through the numbers for your specific situation.
For a free, no-obligation quote on electric heating installation across Newton Abbot, Torquay and Devon, contact Datel Electrical on 01803 874074 or email info@datelelectrical.co.uk.