Gas central heating vs Economy 7 heaters-which is better?

dimbo61

You often find economy 7 heaters in older houses or flats ( no Gas heating due to risk of gas explosion!!!)
I had them ripped out the day I bought my property but we also ripped out the kitchen/bathroom and nearly everything else :-)
Fitted modern combi boiler and all new rads. If you buy a flat you may have no choice but to stay with electric heating but things have improved over the last 30/40 years so if its OLD consider replacement.

Angelicdevil

I have an E7 heater in my bedroom and it works brilliantly in my flat. It is well insulated though!

I have an electric fire (modern, good looking) in the living room which has a timer and thermostat. So that's almost like gch in regards to controllability.

In the bathroom I installed underfloor heating which also affects the air temp and for £0.05 for 2 hours at 25 degrees C I get plenty of heat circulating.

My clothes dry overnight without any problems, no damp etc.

And I've only had to have the heating on over the really cold days (sub 0 temps in the day).

I'd say don't write them off but gauge how well insulated the flat is!

P.s. my electric bill has only been £45 a month this winter.

kBHX

I'd never consider a property with electric storage heaters again. Its impossible to control the heating properly. In the winter months its freeeezzzing!

For drying clothes you could always use the immersion / airing cupboard. I have a neat set of hanging rails installed in mine, works perfectly.

embob74

Having moved from a modern house with GCH to an old house with E7 heating the difference is quite stark.
I am used to a hot house with controllable heat and E7 just doesn't hit the mark. Our heaters are very old though so no boost option and the controls don't turn to lower the temperature. We have a wood burner which heats the living room and hall and that has been in use constantly to keep warm but that could be due to it being an old house.
Our electric bills are about £150 per month as we have no gas option. Add another £20 a week on coal and it's not a cheap or efficient option. Might be better in an insulated house/flat which has properties either side/above/below.

If I had the choice I would opt for GCH every time and I do think it would be a factor if buying a property. I am mindful of the fact that gas is likely to keep rising in cost though so maybe a few years down the line electric will be the more affordable option.