Replace electric storage rad system

mushypeasman

My heating engineer tells me my 10 year old Credanet system is on its last legs and is no longer economic to repair long term. I am in an all electric flat with night storage radiators. Question is, what do I replace them with? I have read some forum threads on this but they are from 2007. What is on the market that works and is reliable? Surely there must be something more efficient and modern looking on the market now? A web search didn't bring me much. All comments appreciated.

albyota

is it storage heaters you want to stay with?

mushypeasman

I hadn't really thought beyond storage rads, but now you mention it is there a better option? I have Economy 7 (or 10?) tarif I think, it stores at night.

albyota

how many rads?, cos it would be more cost effective to replace with the same, however there are other options.....

mushypeasman

10 in which includes 2 in bathrooms which I would prefer to replace with heated towel rails.

albyota

a few questions....are you on mains gas?, would you like to have a wet central heating system with radiators?..... have you considered the rise in cost of fossil fuel?.... would you consider something that doesn't cost the earth to run? and have you heard of an air to water heat pump?.....ask me ....go on...

mushypeasman

No gas, no to a wet system. Due to site restrictions I can't do anything that will be visible or affect the structure of the building.
Go on then, tell me.....

albyota

With those restrictions, it'll have to be storage heaters then...., I'm sorry to get your hopes up. at least you have economy 10, the newer storage heaters are very sightly more efficient than the older ones but will still be difficult to control as you know. I'll have a think!

mushypeasman

Albyota, thanks for your input. Other than the Credanet rads being big and ugly and (fans) noisy, and the fact the system is no longer in production, the operation and running costs were OK. Is trhere a current equivalent? Those 2007 threads mentioned, not too complimentary, the Kalirel system, is that still around/improved? I have heard mention of continental gel systems.....?

albyota

no...no... AFAIK Kalirel are not storage heaters as such they are just very expensive panel heaters so have to be run on a daytime tariff......( shhhhh cardew will be here in a minute stating the obvious) Dimplex and Creda are still manufacturing slimline SH's with convectors and fan assisted, but cost more at that level of convenience. try...
http://www.electricshop.com/Storage-Heaters/Dimplex-XLS18N-255kW-80cm-Storage-Heater/invt/4040dim110260a
or TLC, Edmunson Electrical, or a decent electrical wholesaler, or email me for advice.

mushypeasman

Thanks for the clarification. Will check out those suggestions and let you know what I find.