Electric heating jargon buster

As interest in electric heating surges, Caroline Shaw, Channel Marketing Manager at Dimplex UK, supports electricians by breaking down the core terminology they need to know.

Low-carbon heating is increasingly being adopted across the UK, bringing electric systems into more new-build and retrofit projects than ever before. That also means new terms and technology to understand and bring into daily conversations when you’re researching solutions and discussing options with customers.

This jargon buster is a quick reference to help you make sense of common terminology and phrases you’ll come across when specifying and recommending electric heating systems.

HIGH HEAT RETENTION (HHR)
This describes the latest generation of storage heaters, which retain heat for longer and release it steadily throughout the day. By using well-insulated cores and intelligent controls, HHR products, such as Dimplex Quantum, deliver more consistent comfort and make better use of lower-cost electricity. For customers, that means warmth that lasts and systems that respond more predictably to demand.

TIME-OF-USE TARIFFS
These are electricity tariffs where the price changes depending on when energy is used – usually cheaper overnight, higher during the day. Modern storage heaters are designed to take advantage of these by charging when rates are low and releasing heat when it’s needed. As smart meters become the norm, these tariffs will play a bigger role in how electric heating delivers value.

ADAPTIVE START
A smart heating feature that calculates how long a room takes to reach the desired temperature and automatically adjusts the heater’s start time. This ensures the space is warm at the right moment, maintaining consistent comfort while avoiding overheating. Optimising heating schedules reduces energy waste and improves efficiency.

BOOST AND AWAY MODES
Two simple features that make a big difference day to day. Boost gives a quick burst of extra heat when needed, while Away maintains a low background temperature when a property is empty, saving energy but preventing the room from getting too cold.

OPEN-WINDOW DETECTION
Open-window detection is a smart heating feature that senses sudden drops in room temperature, which usually happen when a window or door is opened. The system temporarily reduces or pauses heating to prevent energy waste. Once temperatures stabilise, normal heating resumes, helping save electricity, improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary wear on the heater.

CONNECTED HEATING CONTROLS 
Modern electric heaters can be connected through apps or hubs for simple control, scheduling and tracking. This enables users to adjust settings remotely, create personalised heating schedules and monitor energy usage in real time. For example, the Dimplex Control App, via the Dimplex Hub, brings all this together, making it simple to manage heating and schedules across multiple rooms or properties.

FAR-INFRARED
A far-infrared panel heater uses long-wave infrared energy to deliver gentle, targeted warmth directly to people and surfaces. It’s often used in well-insulated homes or light-commercial settings where precise, zoned heating is needed. These heaters are typically slim and discreet, and can be installed flexibly on walls or ceilings, making them a versatile option for spaces that benefit from focused radiant heat rather than whole-room air heating.

SMART WHOLE-HOME SYSTEMS
A smart whole-home system is a combination of complementary electric space and water heating products that optimise energy usage and comfort. Most smart systems can also be managed remotely via smartphone apps, providing convenience and allowing users to amend their heating schedule remotely. For example, when integrated with the Dimplex Control Hub, Quantum HHR storage heaters can be combined with a Dimplex Edel Hot Water Heat Pump to supply hot water, creating a seamless whole-home, low-carbon system.

Staying in the know

As new technologies like adaptive controls and smart tariffs become standard, electricians who explain electric heating in plain, straightforward terms have an opportunity to stand out. 

Smart whole-home space heating solutions are poised to play a prominent role in the transition, so now is the time to stay up to date with these cost-effective routes to compliance with the latest and upcoming building regulations. 

Enhanced knowledge and clear communication build confidence and trust, helping homeowners understand how these systems work and the practical benefits they deliver. In doing so, installers demonstrate their expertise and showcase the true value of modern electric heating – consistent, reliable comfort, intuitive control, and running costs that are both efficient and cost-effective.

dimplex.co.uk

This article appeared in Electrotechnical News January/February 2026 edition – read it here