Using Economy 7/ changing to gas

bluefinch

Hi,
My partner and I are in the middle of buying a top floor (2nd) ex local flat in London which is run on Economy 7 but we're worried that using the lights, hot water, appliances such as laptops and kettles (not to mention cooking) could cost an awful lot. The flat currently does not have gas and uses storage heaters. Is this normally the case and is it also possible to convert to gas (apparently the bottom floor flat has been connected)? How much does it cost roughly (bearing in mind its a one bedroom) and who would we need to contact to get permission for any works done)? We are currently renting a two bed and use a fixed rate dual tariff which turns out to be fairly reasonable (about £46 a month for both). Is this comparable to running the whole thing just on Economy 7?

Thanks for any advice!

snowscreamer

I imagine it will be pretty expensive as in effect you would be installing an entire new central heating system. The cost doesn't stop with having the gas connection made. You will have to pay for:

* gas connection to the flat
* gas boiler and installation (combination boiler probably best for a flat, saving need for separate hot water tank)
* hot water system pipework changed to connect to boiler rather than existing hot water tank, existing hot water tank removed
* new radiators and pipework for every room

Probably best to contact a local plumber and get a quote? Most plumbers would be able to liaise with the gas network to have the connection organised and will know rough costs for that.
We had to convert our new house from electric central heating to oil central heating and we arranged a second viewing and the plumber came along and costed it all up.

I imagine there will be quite a saving on having gas CH as opposed to storage heaters and without a doubt it will be more convenient and warmer in the evenings going that route. It will also put up the value of your flat when you come to sell. However if you intend to stay at the flat less than 5 years it's probably borderline whether it's worth doing.

Good luck!

macman

E7 is the most economic all electric system,but it will still cost you more than dual fuel. You'll then probably need to change the E7 metering over to single rate,
You'll need the freeholder's permission to install mains gas.
The upside is that it will certainly add value to the property.

HappyMJ

If you don't pay much on a dual fuel bill (£46 a month) then you won't pay much on an E7 bill. Yes it's more expensive but not "that" much more. You will save by not having standing charges on gas which is offset by the higher day charge on the electricity but if you slightly change your lifestyle by washing clothes at night then you can actually save more.

I estimate your E7 bill based on your previous usage might only be about £60 per month. A service contract or saving towards eventually replacing the boiler could easily cost £14 a month.

Gas central heating is much cheaper in a bigger property where the bills are closer to the average of £120 per month. E7 heating might cost you £180 per month in that type of property and the extra costs easily offset the savings.

Aquamania

bluefinch wrote: »

Hi,
My partner and I are in the middle of buying a top floor (2nd) ex local flat in London which is run on Economy 7 but we're worried that using the lights, hot water, appliances such as laptops and kettles (not to mention cooking) could cost an awful lot. The flat currently does not have gas and uses storage heaters. Is this normally the case and is it also possible to convert to gas (apparently the bottom floor flat has been connected)? How much does it cost roughly (bearing in mind its a one bedroom) and who would we need to contact to get permission for any works done)? We are currently renting a two bed and use a fixed rate dual tariff which turns out to be fairly reasonable (about £46 a month for both). Is this comparable to running the whole thing just on Economy 7?

Thanks for any advice!

Before you go any further with the purchase, I strongly urge you to make the necessary enquiries (and that is not to anonymous users on the internet)

First off, is gas available in the area?
Second, can you have gas in the property? There are sometimes issues with flats. e.g. to get the supply to your second floor flat, then there must be a pipe transporting it there. That will presumably have to run up the outside of the building and over other peoples flats. Check with the landlord/managing agent.
Third, get some quotes.

Do come back and let us know how you get on ...

jrio

Hot water would be heated on the night rate, which is also when you should put your washing machine on. Kettles, laptops, lights etc are going to be a minor cost. The biggest cost of electric during the day would be any cooking you do, mainly if you use an oven extensively, and possibly large screen TV.

I've got a one bedroom flat in London and historically day usage has been about 4.5 units a day. Over the last year I've managed to get that below 3 units giving an Economy 7 usage of 70%. For the year(Sept to Sept) I estimate I will have used 3900 units for a cost of around £400. CH would give more convenience over having to charge up the storage heaters in advance, but I doubt it would save much.