Is the NEOS Electric Radiator Good for Supplementary Heating?

You might be wondering: “Can I use a NEOS electric radiator just to top up the heating in one room?” It’s a common question, but the answer isn’t straightforward. Let’s explore whether the NEOS is suitable for supplementary heating.

What Is Supplementary Heating?

Supplementary heating means adding extra warmth to a room that already has a primary heating source. For example:

• A conservatory with underfloor heating that needs a boost

• A bedroom with a gas radiator that doesn’t quite keep up

• A home office where you want extra warmth without heating the whole house

The NEOS Design Philosophy

The NEOS electric radiator is designed and sized to heat entire rooms to a comfortable temperature. When we calculate which radiator you need, we base it on:

• Your room’s dimensions

• Insulation levels

• Glazing type

• Heat loss characteristics

The radiator we recommend is sized to bring your room from cold to comfortable, not to provide supplementary warmth on top of existing heating.

Why Supplementary Use Isn’t Ideal

1. Sizing Challenges If you already have heating in a room, adding a NEOS radiator sized for the full room would likely overheat the space. But sizing down to provide only “top-up” heat means the radiator isn’t working as designed.

The NEOS operates most effectively when it’s the primary heat source, cycling on and off to maintain your desired temperature using its soapstone storage core.

2. Return on Investment The NEOS electric radiator is a long-term investment with a 25-year guarantee. It’s engineered for durability, efficiency, and whole-room heating.

Using it as supplementary heating in a room that already has adequate primary heating doesn’t offer the same return on investment. You’re paying for a premium heating solution to do a job that a simpler, cheaper heater could handle.

3. Conflicting Systems If you run two heating systems in the same room (e.g., gas radiator + NEOS electric radiator), they’ll compete with each other:

• Temperature sensors may give conflicting readings

• One system may cycle on while the other cycles off

• You won’t get the full benefit of the NEOS storage technology

When Supplementary Use Might Work

There are specific scenarios where a NEOS radiator could work as supplementary heating:

Conservatories or Extensions If you have a conservatory or extension that’s poorly connected to your main heating system, a NEOS radiator could provide reliable warmth without extending your existing pipework.

Seasonal Use If you have a room (like a guest bedroom or home office) that you only heat occasionally, a NEOS radiator gives you independent control without heating your entire home.

Transitioning from Gas If you’re planning to phase out gas heating over time, installing NEOS radiators room by room as supplementary heating initially, then switching off the gas system later, could be a strategic approach.

Better Alternatives for Supplementary Heating

If you genuinely need supplementary heating for a small space or short-term use, consider:

• A smaller, portable electric heater for occasional use

• Improving insulation in the room to reduce heat loss

• Adjusting your existing heating system (e.g., thermostatic radiator valves)

When to Choose the NEOS

The NEOS electric radiator is ideal when:

• It’s the primary (or only) heating source in a room

• You’re replacing an inadequate or broken heating system

• You’re building or renovating and need reliable, long-term heating

• You want independent room control without a central boiler

Speak with Our Team

Every property is different, and there may be specific circumstances where the NEOS works as supplementary heating. The best approach? Talk to our team.

Our heating engineers will assess your room, understand your existing heating, and give you honest advice about whether the NEOS is right for your situation, even if that means recommending a different solution.

The Bottom Line

The NEOS electric radiator is designed as a primary heating solution, not supplementary heating. It offers the best return on investment and performance when it’s the main heat source in a room. For supplementary heating needs, other options may be more suitable.

Since 2014, thousands of customers across the UK have chosen Trust Electric Heating for honest advice and heating solutions that actually fit their needs.

Need Honest Advice?

Not sure if the NEOS is right for your situation? Let’s talk. 

Call 0800 5999 109 or email [email protected] for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Trust Electric Heating, honest advice, every time.

Scott Conor

Chief Technical Officer

In 2012, Scott founded Trust and invented the NEOS electric radiator after finding a gap for a more innovative and cost-effective electric radiator within the industry. He’s the driving force behind Trust’s research and development, using market-leading strategies to keep customers warm for less.

Meet the Team | More Blogs from Scott

Tags: General Guides.