New flat-all electrics!!!

koolkat66

I have just moved into a two-bed housing association ground floor flat which has a number of issues. It has three walls exposed, very low ceilings and many small windows, which cannot be fully opened, double-glazed. I have an Economy 9 tariff with EDF (with a two hours boost in the afternoon). No gas connection. The electricity meters are locked into a communal basement and I have not access to it, therefore I am unable to control my electricity usage.
In the kitchen/ living room, a fairly large room, there is a new storage heater.
Hot water is with an immersion heater (it is huge and it only provide water for the sink, as the shower is actually an electric shower, so I only switch it on every three days).
In the two small bedrooms there is not heating at the moment.
The flat is damp, with a humidity reading range of 59-72 %.
In the ceiling there is some kind of air circulation system, which is very noisy when switched on. I am not sure what it is (they gave me no information). It looks like it circulates air from one room to the other.
How can I reduce the dampness without causing my electricity bill to get out of control?
I would need to purchase a dehumidifier, which I understand will need to be on nearly 24/7. What kind of heating system would work well in a small space, would help drying the air as well and can be used during the peak tariff without breaking the bank? Gas, oil filled, electric panels? Is there a way to monitor electricity consumption without accessing the meters?

I feel daunted by the idea of living in this beautiful flat, which seems to have so many issues. I have many more questions but I will try to address them to the correct discussion board one at the time.

Cristina

daveyjp

Is it a new build flat or just new to you?

koolkat66

It is not new, in fact is very old, a listed building.
Cristina

Swipe

I wouldn't say 59-72% rh is too bad at all. It certainly doesn't warrant the purchase of a dehumidifier. Now if you were getting up to 89% like in my north facing bedroom some mornings when I wake up, I'd call that damp.