Storage heaters vs electric radiators

Imperator

Hello, first post on here! Have been a spectator on this forum for a little bit now so thought I'd sign on and fire away with a few things!

Recently purchased a 1 bed flat, that I'm currently renovating (everything was very dated when I bought it).

It had two storage heaters, Dimplex 3.4kw + 2.5kw, both needed replacing. Was a bit of a struggle to get rid of them (each weighing in excess of 100kg). Ended up taking them apart and carrying it down the stairs in my block (2nd floor flat) brick by brick, literally!

Have been looking at a few things that can replace them, either like for like storage heaters or some electric radiators that I came across.

I don't think I could physically lift, let alone carry two intact storage heaters back up the stairs in my block (was bad enough taking the old ones down in pieces). So was wondering about these electric radiators that are roughly the same cost as some new storage heaters, yet a fraction of the weight.

Now I'm only ever in after work in the evening and at the weekends so the usage wouldn't be as high. But am aware that these electric radiators don't work on E7 which is what I have at the moment for heating and hot water (exc shower). Is it just a case of changing the meter to a standard tariff to accommodate these electric radiators (should I decide to get them) or is it a bit more complicated than that?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.

You might not even need to change your meter. If you switch to a 'normal'(24/7) tariff with some companies they simply add the two readings together. e.g. 1000kWh on the off-peak meter and 3000kWh on the daytime meter is treated as 4,000kWh.

Given your circumstances it might make sense to buy panel heaters etc with timers, but bear in mind you will pay a lot more for your hot water.

If you do go that way, also bear in mind that even the cheapest electrical heaters give out exactly the same heat as the most expensive.

It would be a good idea to buy a £10 fan heater from Argos to boost your heating when required.

macman

If you come off E7 then your heating costs will be at least 250% higher on single rate-and no more efficient.

Imperator

Thanks for the advice. So really from a financial point of view storage heaters are probably the way to go, so that my heating costs don't go through the roof. Despite the fact they way a bloody tonne!

I had some Dimplex, as stated in my original post, but have come across Creda that are a bit cheaper. Is there much difference or am I just paying for the name?

ellie99

Imperator wrote: »

I don't think I could physically lift, let alone carry two intact storage heaters back up the stairs in my block (was bad enough taking the old ones down in pieces). So was wondering about these electric radiators that are roughly the same cost as some new storage heaters, yet a fraction of the weight.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you would have to carry them up the stairs fully assembled.

Several years ago when I had some fitted, the electricians had a pile of bricks ready to go in the heaters, the heaters didn't arrive with the bricks already in them.

rustyboy21

Imperator wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. So really from a financial point of view storage heaters are probably the way to go, so that my heating costs don't go through the roof. Despite the fact they way a bloody tonne!

I had some Dimplex, as stated in my original post, but have come across Creda that are a bit cheaper. Is there much difference or am I just paying for the name?

They are both the same company by the looks of it. Most likely built in Ireland.

http://www.gdcgroup.co.uk/index.htm

Imperator

ellie99 wrote: »

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you would have to carry them up the stairs fully assembled.

Several years ago when I had some fitted, the electricians had a pile of bricks ready to go in the heaters, the heaters didn't arrive with the bricks already in them.

If true, that would be a relief! That was mainly one of my worries, I'd better look into it.

lemon26

Hi! I have recently replaced all eight of my storage heaters (old Dimplex ones) and my bricks came seperate to the heaters, in boxes of two.

I looked around and ended up getting storage heaters made by a company called Elnur. They were cheaper than Dimplex etc. and have a five-year warranty. Obviously, only time will tell how good the warranty is, assuming I need it.

Customer service wise, one of the front covers was slightly scuffed and it was replaced by special delivery the next day - I can't imagine how much that must have been!