Economy7, GFCH, Underfloor, which is best?

WavyDavy

Hi,

We have just put an offer in on a house that has Economy 7 storage heaters. I haven't had any experience of these in the past so I have a few questions:

1) Cost wise, how does this system compare to standard Gas Fired Central Heating?
2) How does it compare to underfloor type heating?
3)How much would it cost us to install underfloor heating if we decided to go down that route?
4) What are the drawbacks/advantages of E7?

Thanks for any help:beer:

WavyDavy

irnbru_2

WavyDavy wrote:

4) What are the drawbacks/advantages of E7?

Is it a recent E7 install?

In a previous thread someone stated that a lot of installs are under spec. That is, the cost of install has resulted in smaller radiators than are actually required.

It doesn't work on demand - so you can't boost it - you'ld need an E10 system.

It's ideal:

If you don't have access to gas.
If your daytime electricty usage is low.

I'd make sure your house is properly insulated before contemplating changing the heating system.

WavyDavy

Thanks for info - the current owner said that they had it put in over 10 years ago - there isn't a heater in every room (i.e. none in two of the 3 bedrooms) which struck me as odd. They looked like "normal" sized units and it isn't a big house so I didn't think about size being important (in this instance!).

It is also a terraced house which are cheaper to heat (so I've been told!) and I will be sorting out insulation if not already done....

However, My girlfriend works shifts so is in the house during the day sometimes and I work from home at least one day a week (computer/printer/kettle all get hammer at this time!).

There is gas as there is a gas hob in the kitchen....

Cardew

I posted this link on another thread:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/...xpright12.html

Well designed modern storage heating is much better than it used to be.

Although not as 'user friendly' as conventional Gas systems, and slightly more expensive to run, it doesn't require the expensive safety and servicing contracts of gas. On a small house this can be a large proportion of the annual spend.

Obviously you will need to be on Economy 7(or one of the tariffs that allow a daytime top up.) and get used to using cheap rate electricity where possiple - washing machines etc on timers.

The pricing tariffs for Economy 7 vary widely and you should look very closely at all the companies to get the best deal.

It will cost a lot of money to install Gas CH and it will take you a long time to recoup that money.

WavyDavy

Thanks for that - unfortunately the link you posted has expired so I'll never know!

Think you are right to say that the outlay for GCH would be too great and take too long to recoup to make it worth our while to do.

Will just have to use the extra expense as an excuse to batter the asking price of the house down;)

Cheers