Best Heating Options for Large Rooms: A Comprehensive Guide

Heating a large room can feel like an uphill battle—cold spots linger, energy bills soar, and no matter how high you crank the thermostat, the warmth never quite reaches every corner. Whether you’re dealing with a draughty open-plan living space, a high-ceilinged period home, or a workspace that just won’t stay cosy, finding the right heating solution can be frustrating. The wrong choice can leave you shivering or overspending on wasted energy. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you navigate the common pitfalls and discover the most effective ways to heat your space efficiently and comfortably.

The Unique Challenges of Heating Large Rooms

Large rooms present a distinct set of heating challenges that smaller spaces don’t encounter. The sheer volume of air to be warmed requires a careful balance between power and efficiency. High ceilings, expansive floor plans, and multiple windows can all contribute to heat loss, making it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the day. Some traditional heating methods often fall short in these environments. The ideal heating solution for large rooms must therefore address several key factors:

• Consistent warmth distribution

• Energy efficiency

• Adaptability to changing conditions

• Cost-effectiveness over time

• User-friendly control systems

As we explore the options available, it becomes clear that not all heating solutions are created equal when it comes to tackling these challenges.

Radiant Heat vs Convection

Many electric heaters (e.g., panel heaters) produce radiant heat. This means that they emit heat straight out the front of the heater, but the heat can only usually be felt if you’re sat or stood directly next to it. Radiant heaters CAN be effective in small spaces but generally will not be cost-effective in larger spaces. Several units and/or supplementary heaters would also be required to maintain a comfortable temperature in a large room.

Convection on the other hand, works by emitting heat out of the top of the radiator, causing it to circulate around the room. For a better understanding of how radiant and convection heat work and how they differ, read the blog linked here.

Heat loss to the back wall is a common issue for all models of electric heating, no matter which of these two methods they use. The NEOS combats this with its patented back wall, taking the heat loss from the usual 40%, down to 5%. Combined with quadvex convection, the NEOS combines all the best features to be as cost-effective as possible.

Storage Heaters for Large Rooms

Night storage heaters have been a staple in many homes, particularly in areas using Economy 7 tariffs. These heaters store heat overnight (when tariff rates are lower) in ceramic bricks and release it during the day. While once practical, this method is becoming outdated in today’s flexible energy landscape.

Some key limitations of heating large rooms with storage heaters include:

• Lack of control - heat is automatically released once it’s stored, whether it’s needed or not

• Overheating - excess will build up in rooms, even if they’re already warm

• Not enough heat in the evening - by the time homeowners want the warmth, most of it’s dissipated

• No adaptability - no way of responding to sudden temperature drops

• Wasted energy - Energy will still be consumed overnight, whether it’s needed or not

• Bulky and unsightly - Often take up valuable wall space, and don’t fit with the aesthetics of the room

• Can be confusing to operate - Separate controls for input and output can be difficult to use

While storage heaters can still work in large rooms, their lack of control and inefficient operation make them less suited than modern alternatives. Upgrading to a responsive and energy-efficient solution can provide better results.

A Modern Solution for Large Room Heating: Introducing The NEOS Electric Radiator

Enter the cutting-edge electric heating solution that addresses many of these issues associated with traditional storage heaters; the NEOS electric radiator. This modern electric heating system represents a shift in how we approach heating large spaces, offering enhanced control, efficiency, comfort, AND effectiveness.

Let’s break down the key features that make the NEOS electric radiator a fantastic choice for large room heating:

1. On-Demand Heating

Unlike storage heaters that rely on overnight charging, the NEOS can be used whenever it’s required to provide heat specifically when it’s needed. This means that you won’t be wasting energy by heating rooms that are empty or don’t require heating all the time.

2. Smart Energy Management

The NEOS is compatible with standard electricity tariffs and, thanks to our recent partnership with Octopus Energy, it is compatible with their Cosy Tariff. (More information on this can be found here.) This flexibility means that users can optimise their energy consumption based on real-time electricity prices, potentially leading to cost savings. This is similar to the Economy 7 tariff that many are familiar with, but doesn’t restrict the control of your heating in the same way. Therefore, if your space is cold by the evening, you can still choose to use your heater when required, rather than having to use supplementary heaters which can be expensive to run.

3. Even Heat Distribution

The radiator’s quadvex convection design ensures that warm air is circulated efficiently throughout large spaces. This feature is crucial for eliminating cold spots and maintaining a uniform temperature across expansive rooms. When the entire room temperature begins to drop, the radiator will come back on and enable the room to reach the desired temperature, before stopping using electricity and relying on the soapstone as the cycle starts again.

4. Advanced Heat Retention

While not storing heat in the same way as traditional storage heaters, the NEOS incorporates heat retention technology that allows it to store and gradually release warmth. This feature helps maintain a stable temperature without using excessive amounts of electricity. The material we use is soapstone, a durable and non-porous stone which, unlike clay, doesn’t absorb water so won’t crack. We have so much confidence and trust in the stone that we can provide a 25 year guarantee on every radiator we manufacture.

5. Longevity and Support

With a 25-year warranty and UK-based customer support, the NEOS is built to last. This long-term reliability is particularly valuable for large room heating solutions, where replacement or maintenance of traditional systems can be disruptive and costly.

6. Precise Temperature Control

Our 3 modern thermostat control options allow for exact temperature settings, programmable schedules, and even smartphone integration in some models. This level of control makes the NEOS customisable to your home and lifestyle.

7. Aesthetic Integration

The sleek, modern design of NEOS radiators means they can seamlessly blend into various decor styles, especially with the added benefit of 1625+ colour options, 2 different finishes, and 3 different models. Aesthetics are an important consideration for large rooms where the heating solution is likely to be prominently visible.

These features combine to create a heating system that’s not just more efficient than traditional storage heaters, but also more aligned with the way we live and use our spaces today.

Selecting the Right Size Heater for Your Large Room

Choosing the appropriate heating capacity for a large room is crucial for ensuring comfort and efficiency. The NEOS range offers various sizes to accommodate different spatial requirements, but how do you determine which is right for your space? Several factors come into play:

Room Dimensions: The square footage of a room is the primary consideration when assessing the require heat output, including ceiling height since heat rises.

Insulation Quality: Heat is much better retained within well-insulated rooms, meaning they may require less heating power.

Windows and Drafts: Large windows tend to be a significant source of heat loss. Drafts around windows and doors also pose a threat to heat loss meaning heating the room is made more difficult.

Room Usage: Rooms that are consistently used throughout the day may benefit from a higher-capacity heater, while rooms that are used less frequently may be better suited to a smaller unit with smart heat controls.

External Walls: Rooms with more external walls are more susceptible to heat loss than those surrounded by other heated rooms.

The NEOS has 3 ranges; the standard, the vertical, and the junior (horizontal). Each of these offer a range of sizes, allowing customers to find the perfect solution for their space. The options are as follows:

Standard range: 800w, 1000w, 1600w, 2000w, 2500w

Vertical range: 1600w, 2000w, 2500w

Junior range: 1600w, 2000w, 2500w

For accurate sizing of your space, we recommend consulting heating professionals who can provide an accurate and detailed calculation. Here at Trust, we’ll send one of our heating advisors out to you FOR FREE, to measure up your space and leave you with a no-obligation quote. This is so that we can leave you with an accurate cost and enable you to make an informed decision. To book a consultation, click here.

The Economic and Comfort Benefits of Upgrading from Storage Heaters

While the initial investment in a system like the NEOS electric radiator may be higher than maintaining existing storage heaters, the long-term benefits often justify the upgrade:

Energy savings - The precise control and smart features of modern electric radiators can lead to significant energy savings over time. By heating only when necessary and adapting to real-time conditions, these systems can substantially reduce wasted energy. A great example of this is the soapstone core within our NEOS electric radiator, releasing stored heat for a further 20-40 minutes AFTER electricity is switched off.

Improved comfort - The ability to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the day enhances the livability of large spaces. This can be particularly noticeable in rooms that serve multiple purposes or are used at varying times.

Increased property value - Modern, efficient heating systems can be a selling point for properties, potentially increasing their market value. This is especially true for large rooms where comfort and energy efficiency are key considerations for prospective buyers or tenants.

Reduced maintenance - With fewer moving parts and more reliable technology, modern electric radiators typically require less maintenance than older storage heater systems. This can result in lower long-term costs and less disruption to your living space.

Heating Large Spaces: what’s the best solution?

While storage heaters for large rooms were once a practical solution, their limitations (lack of control, inconsistent heat distribution, and energy inefficiency) make them less suited to modern homes. Large rooms need a heating system that adapts to real-time needs, provides consistent warmth throughout the day, and minimises energy waste.

Modern electric radiators, like the NEOS, offer on-demand heating, eliminating the issue of overheating in the morning or losing warmth by the evening. They use electricity only when needed, improving energy efficiency and reducing waste. Unlike storage heaters, they also work seamlessly with smart tariffs like the Octopus Cosy Tariff, helping to lower electricity costs. Their sleek, compact design saves space while enhancing the room’s aesthetics, making them a more practical and stylish choice for larger living areas.

If you’re still relying on outdated storage heaters for large rooms, now is the time to switch to a smarter, more efficient heating solution. Get in touch today to discuss and find the perfect heater for your space.

Tags: General Guides.