GCH v Electric Heaters

mpepper

Hi

I live by myself in a 3 bedhouse with a old GCH systems that I have been told by BritishGas Engineers is not the most efficient due to age and technological advances. I only really use the 2 rooms = 2 heaters and by default the hot water.

I wondered if anyone could advise if I am better of using electric heaters in these rooms as a cheaper alternative ? If so what type ?

I also have a electric shower and therefore would only ever need to use the GCH for an hour a day for hot water for general.

Thanks for any advice in advance....

Eric

HappyMJ

If your GCH is working then it will never be cheaper to use electric heating no matter how inefficient the boiler is.

Now the maths lets say the boiler is a poor 60% efficient one so to get 6kw of heat then you need to purchase 10kw of gas at 3.5p so that will cost 35p but you only need to buy 6kw of electric at 12p so that could cost 72p. Replace the costings with the rates on your bill and check for yourself.

grimsalve

Interesting theory though, if you live on your own and only switch a fan heater on in the room you're currently in then wouldn't that be cheaper than having the central heating on?

Cardew

grimsalve wrote: »

Interesting theory though, if you live on your own and only switch a fan heater on in the room you're currently in then wouldn't that be cheaper than having the central heating on?

This question comes up time and again(i.e. is it cheaper to heat just one small room with electricity rather than have Gas CH on).

It might if you can't be bothered to switch off radiators in the rooms not in use.

samtheman1k

Also how are you going to stop condensation in those rooms you don't heat?