Renting a flat with no central heating.

PopeSock

I've been flat hunting - I'm posting this here because it's energy related - and have seen a flat I really like. It's above a shop but it seems just right, at least if I can haggle the rent down slightly. Only problem is, there's no central heating.

The heating is done via wall-mounted electric heaters, and for hot water there are those little water heating things next to the taps, like the ones you sometimes see in offices.

I'm looking at another flat soon, but this seems good, except for the lack of central heating. I don't know what the flat's energy rating is yet, but would I be a fool to go for this without central heating?

Are electric wall heaters a lot worse than central heating? And is it going to cost me far more in electric than it would for the equivalent gas? What about pipes freezing?

Advice would be appreciated.

EDIT: It's right below the roof. There's no flat above it. There are flats/shops on each side. I'm not sure what E7 electricity means.

camptownraces

We can't really tell you without more detail.

Are the wall mounted heaters on E7 electricity?

Is there an electric shower, as well as the hot water to kitchen and bathroom taps?

Above a shop, yes, but is it right below the roof, or is there another flat above it?

Is it in a row of flats above shops? (in which case there should be good insulation from each side)

Whether pipes are liable to freeze depends on where they are, and whether they are insulated or not. You might want to know whether there is a cold tank (in the roof)

System

Electric storage heaters are work of the devil!

You have no control on when they pump the heat out. The place is roasting first thing and in the evening its freezing. So if you are out for most of the day, you will not gain anything

I have rented a place with storage heaters with my ex and the place was freezing cold when we got home from work. I remember the winter quarter bill - this was 2004 prices - £434. Guessing its around £620 now! The place looked similar to this but was 2 bed http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-48735431.html
My 2 bed flat's leccy cost me £560 last year. Though I do have a heat source pump.

If anyone is undecided over 2 properties to rent - one has storage heaters and the other has central heating and is £25pcm more - go for the latter as you will actually benefit from the heating. Some cases, it would cost you more than £300 extra in electricity for the storage heaters.

jimbog

Maybe get a mobile calorgas heater?
http://www.charliesdirect.co.uk/mansion-portable-gas-heater?gclid=Cj0KEQjw0fOoBRDn88Pol8bqhN0BEiQARGVJKlrjjXCYl3ZmD91tlvOrd1It7JfAIWNobatmHKL-1eMaApHU8P8HAQ

ognum

You will find many flats with electric heating, even new builds. Ask to see last years bills!

Red-Squirrel_2

I live in a 1 bed flat heated by only electric wall heaters (not storage heaters) and it costs £50-60 per month depending on how bad the winter is that year. I'm careful, but don't let myself freeze.

Is there no hot water tank/boiler?

E7 means an economy 7 meter, where the rate for your electricity is cheaper for 7 hours each night, usually around midnight to 7am but not always exactly those times. I use it to heat my water for the day and to run the washing machine and dishwasher cheaply.

Loads of new build flats are heated like this, I presume because gas supply is a bit of a risk in high density housing!

PopeSock

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

Is there no hot water tank/boiler?

Loads of new build flats are heated like this, I presume because gas supply is a bit of a risk in high density housing!

I was told it didn't, though I'll double check, along with the E7 rating and the energy efficency of the flat. The sink's hot water came from one of those wall mounted things you usually see in office staff rooms etc. Like this, but a bit squarer... so the cold tap was separate. Maybe other places have this, but I've never seen any house have one of these.

WattoS84 wrote: »

How olds the building?

.
I'm not sure exactly, but at least thirty years old.

WattoS84

How olds the building?

jbainbridge

If they're E7 storage heaters and the place is well insulated, perhaps. If they are just panel heaters plugged into a socket - don't! You'll be fine during the summer but come the winter the bills will be incredible.

There's no reason why flats shouldn't have gas. In fact I'd even want it for cooking, never mind heating.

dimbo61

Many flats have electric only heating and no gas at all in the building due to the risk of Gas explosion !
How good the system is and modern panel heating with timers+ temp controls can be very good.
Has the flat got cavity wall insulation ? Modern double glazing with trickle vents, loft insulation, and insulation between shop and flat.
Check the EPC as all rental properties must show this on the advert.
F and G are bad A,B and C are good.
Little boiler as shown in photo is OK for washing your hands but you need a good 9KW electric shower for your morning wash.

Yolina

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

I presume because gas supply is a bit of a risk in high density housing!

It's cheaper for developers not to bother putting gas in My flat has gas, however all the more recent builds in my area, including some houses, don't.