Dimplex quantum

Briglsgw

Hi guys

Just thought this may be useful to some out there thinking of upgrading storage heaters.

I currently live in an all electric flat. I had dimplex storage heaters which I believe were new in 2002. Anyway they main problem I had with the heater was the heat retention. Which of course resulted in me having to use heaters in the evening to supplement at expensive day time rates. Last month I decided to upgrade to quantum heaters. Wow. What a difference. It's been fairly cold here and I have not had to use heaters to top at all. I get home most evenings at 8pm and simply turn up the thermostat and it uses the heat stored. There are various program's and settings but I like to keep things simple so can't comment on those. But these have saved me a small fortune, I'm well aware that electric heating is 100% efficient but the big difference here is that they actually retain the heat stored, which of course has saved me using heaters to top up, which has saved me money. Obviously everyone's experiences are different. And I understand these are expensive heaters however if you are in a position like me were the only option you have is electric then these are highly recommended. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm by no manner of means saying theses are the be all and end all but as storage heaters go these have got to be the best out there? Anyways just thought I would share incase anyone was thinking about them

Now just to find a way of heating the water that's suits. Would love something that gives instant hot water for bath, washing dishes ect. I don't always use hot water (electric shower) but sometimes I just want a bath without having to wait for the water to what up. I haven't a clue were to start or even look so any ideas would be fantastic

lstar337

Briglsgw wrote: »

Now just to find a way of heating the water that's suits. Would love something that gives instant hot water for bath, washing dishes ect. I don't always use hot water (electric shower) but sometimes I just want a bath without having to wait for the water to what up. I haven't a clue were to start or even look so any ideas would be fantastic

Perhaps you should have got the Quantum cylinder at the same time as the heater. Lots of well insulated off-peak hot water to enjoy.

Richie-from-the-Boro

Briglsgw wrote: »

Hi guys

Just thought this may be useful to some out there thinking of upgrading storage heaters.

I currently live in an all electric flat. I had dimplex storage heaters which I believe were new in 2002. Anyway they main problem I had with the heater was the heat retention. Which of course resulted in me having to use heaters in the evening to supplement at expensive day time rates. Last month I decided to upgrade to quantum heaters. Wow. What a difference. It's been fairly cold here and I have not had to use heaters to top at all. I get home most evenings at 8pm and simply turn up the thermostat and it uses the heat stored. There are various program's and settings but I like to keep things simple so can't comment on those. But these have saved me a small fortune, I'm well aware that electric heating is 100% efficient but the big difference here is that they actually retain the heat stored, which of course has saved me using heaters to top up, which has saved me money. Obviously everyone's experiences are different. And I understand these are expensive heaters however if you are in a position like me were the only option you have is electric then these are highly recommended. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm by no manner of means saying theses are the be all and end all but as storage heaters go these have got to be the best out there? Anyways just thought I would share incase anyone was thinking about them

Now just to find a way of heating the water that's suits. Would love something that gives instant hot water for bath, washing dishes ect. I don't always use hot water (electric shower) but sometimes I just want a bath without having to wait for the water to what up. I haven't a clue were to start or even look so any ideas would be fantastic

Quantum - excellent upgrade to an electric [only] heating and hot water system. The unvented system with a PartLb insulation
thickness of 35mm with excellent heat loss characteristics. It will give from 125 to 300 litres even when running power shower flow, however it is an expensive upgrade as a quantum hub would be needed.

Your starter for ten is to show us what you already have. If you have an PartL two element cylinder [and I expect you do] then simply having the existing water system wired into a CU through a water controller will give you 265 days of piping hot 65°C with good heat loss characteristics a year for very little cost. So what do you already have ?
______

Your existing cylinder should already be [E7] PartL spec, due to the higher than normal storage temperatures the capability of the insulation to preserve the temperature of the water the type of insulation has a very very low standing heat-loss [one kW per day (kWh/24h) on a 125 litre cylinder] permissible thermal transfer rate from the 60mm of insulating foam, modern ones have the additional benefit of recessed immersions and thermostats to reduce even further energy wastage. All dual PartL cylinders have a top up facility [see below] and is usually operated by a standard 60 minute top-up water controller such as the Horstmann unit also shown below.





The top element [top-up-day rate] will give a couple of big sinks of hot water when used, the bottom element [E7-night rate] will give a full bath and a couple of sinks of hot water. Heat loss is not linear to the volume of water, the bigger the mass the slower the loss rate, eg [figured below are 'ish' but about right] :

1 kW per day (kWh/24h) on a 125 litre cylinder
1.5 kW per day (kWh/24h) on a 250 litre cylinder
2 kW per day (kWh/24h) on a 300 litre cylinder

Briglsgw

Thanks for your suggestions. I did think about the quantum water cylinder. At the moment I have a standard immersion water heater e7 and 60min boost function. The tank itself was well insulated but I added extra when I moved in. But the issue I have is I just feel it's such a waste to heat the water on e7 as I hardly use it. Then when I do use it, there is no pattern, so not much point in planning ahead. In my old place I had a gas combi so just turned the tap on and there was hot water. I would love a system that could do that on it's own without the need to store hot water as like I say it would just be a waste.

On the quantum heaters. Last night and today was very cold here and they performed brilliantly. I only have a 2 bed flat which has recently been over clad with insulation which helps a lot. I have 2 heaters. One in the livingroom and one in the hallway. I left the bedroom doors open and the heat flowed through. Don't get me wrong the bedrooms were not very warm but they took the chill off and kept them at a reasonable temperature. Considering a third for the kitchen but think I may just be better off with an oil filled heater on a timer.

lstar337

Briglsgw wrote: »

Thanks for your suggestions. I did think about the quantum water cylinder. At the moment I have a standard immersion water heater e7 and 60min boost function. The tank itself was well insulated but I added extra when I moved in. But the issue I have is I just feel it's such a waste to heat the water on e7 as I hardly use it. Then when I do use it, there is no pattern, so not much point in planning ahead. In my old place I had a gas combi so just turned the tap on and there was hot water. I would love a system that could do that on it's own without the need to store hot water as like I say it would just be a waste.

I would say you already have the best system. You would need to be using a tiny amount of water to save money on an on-demand water heater using peak rate electric. If you really use that little water then the most sensible thing to do is turn off your E7 tank and use the kettle to heat the small amount you need.

Briglsgw wrote: »

On the quantum heaters. Last night and today was very cold here and they performed brilliantly. I only have a 2 bed flat which has recently been over clad with insulation which helps a lot. I have 2 heaters. One in the livingroom and one in the hallway. I left the bedroom doors open and the heat flowed through. Don't get me wrong the bedrooms were not very warm but they took the chill off and kept them at a reasonable temperature. Considering a third for the kitchen but think I may just be better off with an oil filled heater on a timer.

Nice to hear they are performing well for you. When I had NSH I loved the idea of these heaters and really wanted to try them, but the cost was over and above what the landlord wanted. I'm not bitter though, since I moved I now have GCH and an A rated house to live in.

Briglsgw

Well thanks so much for your suggestions I think the best option would just be to stick with what I have for now.

The idea of NSH is great in theory, I thought I was in for a treat when I moved in here, all day heat at cheep rate electric sounded fab. How wrong was I lol. Thankfully these new ones are great and I like the nice constant temperature they keep and more importantly the bills are better. But I am still a tad jealous of your GCH lol.

Thanks again guys

delboy61

I have had the Quantum heaters installed on the 3rd of November 2013 I have only used 9085 units compared to 12275 units used the previous year (2012) I have saved over 3190 units this year. a saving over £300

delboy61

Briglsgw wrote: »

Hi guys

Just thought this may be useful to some out there thinking of upgrading storage heaters.

I currently live in an all electric flat. I had dimplex storage heaters which I believe were new in 2002. Anyway they main problem I had with the heater was the heat retention. Which of course resulted in me having to use heaters in the evening to supplement at expensive day time rates. Last month I decided to upgrade to quantum heaters. Wow. What a difference. It's been fairly cold here and I have not had to use heaters to top at all. I get home most evenings at 8pm and simply turn up the thermostat and it uses the heat stored. There are various program's and settings but I like to keep things simple so can't comment on those. But these have saved me a small fortune, I'm well aware that electric heating is 100% efficient but the big difference here is that they actually retain the heat stored, which of course has saved me using heaters to top up, which has saved me money. Obviously everyone's experiences are different. And I understand these are expensive heaters however if you are in a position like me were the only option you have is electric then these are highly recommended. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm by no manner of means saying theses are the be all and end all but as storage heaters go these have got to be the best out there? Anyways just thought I would share incase anyone was thinking about them

Now just to find a way of heating the water that's suits. Would love something that gives instant hot water for bath, washing dishes ect. I don't always use hot water (electric shower) but sometimes I just want a bath without having to wait for the water to what up. I haven't a clue were to start or even look so any ideas would be fantastic

I have had the Quantum heaters installed on the 3rd of November 2013 I have only used 9085 units compared to 12275 units used the previous year (2012) I have saved over 3190 units this year. a saving over £300

Briglsgw

That's a great saving. I'm not sure how much units I have used or saved but I do know they have saved me money. There was a pre pay meter when I moved in here and I have never bothered to change it. (I know I should) and this time last year I put 50-60 pounds a week into the meter. This week has been much colder here and I have put in 30 on the Monday and today (sat) there was still 5 pound odds left before I topped it up, so I'm very happy. Just the simple fact that I can come home turn the dial and its warm without having to plug in different heaters to heat the place up is great.