Passive homes represent the gold standard in energy-efficient building design. With exceptional insulation, airtight construction, and minimal heat loss, passive homes require very little energy for heating. But does that mean the NEOS electric radiator is suitable?
Absolutely. In fact, electric radiators like the NEOS are an ideal heating solution for passive homes.
A passive home (or Passivhaus) is built to rigorous energy efficiency standards:
Exceptional insulation (walls, roof, floor)
Triple-glazed windows
Airtight construction
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
Minimal thermal bridging
The result? A home that requires up to 90% less heating energy than a conventional property.
Passive homes are designed to need very little heating. When heating is required, it needs to be:
Efficient (no energy wasted in conversion or distribution)
Controllable (precise temperature management)
Clean (no combustion, no emissions inside the home)
Low-maintenance (no servicing, no breakdowns)
The NEOS electric radiator ticks all these boxes.
In a passive home, insulation is so effective that heat loss is minimal. This means:
Smaller radiators are sufficient (lower kW output needed)
Radiators run less frequently
The NEOS soapstone core’s heat retention is even more effective
Because passive homes retain heat so well, the NEOS electric radiator’s ability to continue warming your room after switching off becomes even more valuable. The stored heat in the soapstone core circulates longer before the radiator needs to switch on again.
Passive homes benefit from precise temperature control. The NEOS electric radiator measures room temperature at floor level (the coldest part of the room) and maintains consistent warmth without overshooting.
Each radiator is independently controlled, so you can manage temperatures room by room—perfect for passive homes where different spaces may have different heating needs based on solar gain, occupancy, and usage patterns.
Passive homes are built with sustainability in mind. The NEOS electric radiator complements this philosophy:
No fossil fuel combustion
No carbon emissions at point of use
Can be powered by renewable electricity (solar, wind)
25-year lifespan reduces waste and replacement cycles
British-made, reducing transport emissions
As the UK electricity grid becomes greener, electric heating in passive homes becomes increasingly carbon-neutral.
Passive homes prioritise simplicity and minimal thermal bridging. Gas central heating requires:
A boiler (potential heat loss point)
Extensive pipework (thermal bridging risks)
Penetrations through the building envelope (airtightness challenges)
The NEOS electric radiator eliminates these concerns. Each radiator is an independent unit with no interconnected systems. Installation is simple, and the building’s airtight envelope remains intact.
Because passive homes require so little heating energy, the higher unit cost of electricity becomes less significant. A passive home might use 80-90% less heating energy than a conventional home, which means:
Lower overall energy bills despite higher electricity unit costs
The NEOS soapstone storage technology reduces consumption further
Total heating costs remain very low
In a passive home, you’ll need smaller NEOS radiators (lower kW output) because heat loss is minimal. Our heating engineers calculate the exact size based on your passive home’s specifications, ensuring you’re not over-sizing (wasting money) or under-sizing (inadequate heating).
The NEOS electric radiator is an ideal heating solution for passive homes. Its efficiency, controllability, sustainability, and low-maintenance design complement the high-performance building standards of passive construction.
If you’re planning a passive home project and need heating advice, we can help.
Call 0800 5999 109 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Trust Electric Heating, sustainable heating for sustainable homes.
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
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