Alternatives to storage heaters ?

Somerset

I've bought a flat with two clapped out storage heaters in them. What are my alternatives for heating ? there's no gas in the building. Also I don't want to spend a fortune. The guy downstairs ( I popped down for a chat ) seems to have about seven heaters, radiator sized but mobile. His flat was warm but they they didn't grab me.

Do people think storage heaters are a good idea or maybe old-fashioned ? Also would you use a household name like Brit Gas ( if they do them ) to buy/install them ? Do they have to be professionally installed ? Plus any brands/makes recommended ? What kind of money are we talking about ?

Sorry for all the questions. Just I assumed the storage heaters in there would work, but now they don't I don't know if buying replacements is the right way to go.

robby-01

you can have a wet system installed that is powered by electric.It uses conventional radiators and pipework but is heated by electric rather than gas.Used in a lot of new build apartments

Somerset

robby

What sort of price would that be - rads in living room, bedroom & kitchen ?

Thanks

tomstickland

Night storage will be loads cheaper than electric convection heaters / oil filled radiators because Econ7 is about 2.5p per unit and regular electric is 12p per unit.

Somerset

Iwant to do the best job for the flat without going overboard price-wise. Tbh I thought without gas I couldn't get normal central heating. It sounds like there's an equivilant with electricity, is that right ?

The storage heaters might be the cheapest option since the 'connections' are already there. But they just seem old-fashioned to me. They weigh a ton and are pretty large pieces of kit.

This flat is going to be a rental. I don't mind spending the money but am not sure what's the best system to go with. I would have thought 'electric' central heating would add value to the flat, but am only at the 'researching the subject' stage.

All thoughts appreciated.

Torry_Quine

i have had storage heaters for several years and they heat my house well and are very economical. they were fitted by my local electric company

baldelectrician

if you have all the kit in for storage heaters then install new ones where required, if you have dimplex heaters they have most spares available. I fitted a new thermostat and cutout this morning. The thermostat assembly wasn't cheap (over £40) but cheaper than changing a heater at £280.

arielsmelody

I've lived in houses with enormous night storage heaters, but our current house has modern Dimplex ones which are much nicer-looking. We are planning to replace it, but it does work well enough when you get used to it. The worst thing is that you can't throw all the windows open in the morning for some fresh air without thinking, because you need to keep the heat in as much as you can.

Somerset

The consensus seems to be storage heaters - Dimplex ones - and buy them from the local electricity company. Will they take away/dispose of the old heavy ones too ?

Thanks

robby-01

http://www.dimplex.co.uk/consumer/elec-central.htm
try this site .
Dont know what full cost of system is as I just did electrical work for a plumbing company on a sub contract basis.
Was impressed with system when finished though,not as good as gas but light years ahead of storage heaters.

tomstickland

It uses daytime electricity though, whereas storage heaters allow the use of electricity that's at least 1/4 of the price.