Help with a better heating alternative

daytripper99

Hi guys,

I'm really hoping you guys can help with this.

We live in a flat that's centrally heated (so the heating is taken care by the building). However, the central heating was only started in November and even after it was started, it's nowhere neat warm enough to keep the rooms warm (even if we leave it on all day!).

We've gotten a couple of cheap Argos heaters for temporary use. However, we're finding that we're using it more and more and since we're using pre-paid electricity, we're having to recharge it for 20 quid every 2 weeks or so.

As you can imagine, this is a huge hole in our budget. We're trying to sort this out with the landlord, but we're with a company called Freshwater Properties (who are a******* when it comes to doing anything for us).

I'd like to know if there's a heating alternative that is cheaper than using cheap Argos heaters, as they suck electricity like there's no tomorrow..

Help!:(

macman

All electric heaters are 100% efficient and cost the same to run for the same rating.
If you are paying rent for a centrally heated property, then you need to make the landlord act to make the system effective. Put your complaint in writing by recorded delivery (don't phone, don't text, don't email), and give them a timescale (say 14 days) to remedy the problem.
Al you can do in the meantime is to improve your insulation.

A._Badger

daytripper99 wrote: »

Hi guys,

I'm really hoping you guys can help with this.

We live in a flat that's centrally heated (so the heating is taken care by the building). However, the central heating was only started in November and even after it was started, it's nowhere neat warm enough to keep the rooms warm (even if we leave it on all day!).

We've gotten a couple of cheap Argos heaters for temporary use. However, we're finding that we're using it more and more and since we're using pre-paid electricity, we're having to recharge it for 20 quid every 2 weeks or so.

As you can imagine, this is a huge hole in our budget. We're trying to sort this out with the landlord, but we're with a company called Freshwater Properties (who are a******* when it comes to doing anything for us).

I'd like to know if there's a heating alternative that is cheaper than using cheap Argos heaters, as they suck electricity like there's no tomorrow..

Help!:(

I'm afraid, Watt for Watt, all electric haters are equally efficient. It doesn't matter whether you spend £10 or £100 on one.

There is a difference with types of delivery - you might prefer radiant or convected heat, but I'm afraid the running costs are exactly the same.

Have you made sure your insulation is up to scratch? That can make quite a difference.

daytripper99

A._Badger wrote: »

I'm afraid, Watt for Watt, all electric haters are equally efficient. It doesn't matter whether you spend £10 or £100 on one.

There is a difference with types of delivery - you might prefer radiant or convected heat, but I'm afraid the running costs are exactly the same.

Have you made sure your insulation is up to scratch? That can make quite a difference.

What I was afraid of..

Well, our windows aren't double glazed which might be an issue but there's nothing we can do to make insulation any better.

macman

Loft insulation?
Lined curtains?
Secondary glazing?
Draughtproofing?

C_Mababejive

Dont heat, insulate (yourself) !

Pincher

Check your distribution manifold, may be it's simply set low so you don't get the flow needed.

Sneak into the boiler room, and find out the capacity of every boiler. They work in parallel, so if one or more failed you still get heat. It also means if the management company wants to save money, they can switch a few off.

In a really good set up, you have a meter per flat.
Try to keep a record if you have access.

I love building wide central heating. Saves space in the flats, economy of scale, and no need to pipe gas to the flats.