Any advice re changing to a combi boiler?

LouE

We currently have a large cold water tank with a large hot water tank underneath it, in our hall cupboard. But after replacing our bathroom we discover that now we dont have a bath anymore we dont think we need as big tanks as this for the bathroom and kitchen sink. The shower and toilet come from the mains, so would we be better to change to an electric combi? we dont have gas in our building, and currently have storage heaters which we really dislike.

So another question is can we run radiators from an electric conbi, i beleive its called a wet heating system?? If so how does it work, how do the radiators heat up? is there elements in the radiators?

I hope someone here can help ta

penrhyn

Works the same as Gas CH, you have a pump which circulates hot water through the radiators.

HappyMJ

You would also need a very high powered electric combi to provide hot water on demand. You would be much better off with a cylinder and an immersion heater providing hot water heated using cheap night electricity.

jalexa

LouE wrote: »

The shower and toilet come from the mains, so would we be better to change to an electric combi?

Are you saying the shower is already an electric shower? If so I would keep it as a characteristic of a "combi" (whether gas or electric) is that if it goes faulty both heating and hot water are lost.

If you are the home owner then its your investment decision. Spring is a good time to do nothing. Instead start researching the options. There is really no "cheap" way to heat a house with electricity, however more sophisticated systems may offer more control (and comfort) than storage radiators. OTOH modern storage radiators are simple and relatively reliable.

You can't get a sensible answer unless you post information about your house construction and standard of insulation.

macman

You may 'dislike' storage heaters, but they cost 4p per kWh to run as opposed to about 12p per kWh for any form of electric heating using a single rate tariff.
What is it you dislike about them?
I'd think long and hard about coming off E7, but it will largely depend on your lifestyle. If you are out all day at work, then storage heaters are not very suitable if the stored heat is not available when you come home, and on into the evening.

C_Mababejive

I think you should retain your hot water system and continue to have it fuelled by E7 off peak electric. Also ensure that it is insulated,as are all pipes to /from it in the vicinity.

Think about this...standard rate electric will NEVER be cheaper than gas since it is a secondary fuel.