Mix & Match Dimplex Heaters

EnergyRich

Hi, Apologies for yet another twist on the storage heater replacement question. I've read through many previous posts in the forum on this and hopefully I'm not repeating too much.

I have a (probably bog-standard) 90s build 2 bedroom flat, which is kitted out with Dimplex headers, a 2.4KW storage heater with booster in the living room, a storage heater without booster in the hallway, a storage heater with booster in one of the bedrooms (not sure why) and a panel heater in the other bedroom.

I'm looking to upgrade them as they mainly seem to release the heat during the day when the flat is empty rather than in the evening when it's needed. Also, I want to get something that looks better, as the old models are very visibly ugly in a small flat.

I've got the impression from reading through posts here that the Quantum system is overkill for a 2-bed flat. I've been quoted for replacing everything with a Duo in the living room, EPX panel heaters in the bedrooms and a XL in the hallway (which is more or less the same as what's there). Does this seem reasonable or would the Quantum be worth considering? And is there any better alternative than another XL storage heater? (perhaps it's worth adding a power socket to run another Duo instead...?)

Many thanks,

Richard

CashStrapped

Aesthetics is a personal choice. If you feel you should replace a whole system regardless of operating costs, that it up to you.

Your existing storage heaters are the most cost effective heating solution. Standard panel heaters (if that is what you are referring to) will cost a fortune on an e7 tariff.

Out of interest, you say that your storage heaters release heat throughout the day before you get home. Are you leaving the output dial set permanently? This is a common mistake. The output dial should always be set to the lowest setting/off and only turned up when you need the heat. You may already know that, but I thought I should check.

Richie-from-the-Boro

The output dial should always be set to the lowest setting/off and only turned up when you need the heat

In a dwelling designed properly with sufficient stored cheap heat, the output dial should be set at zero and never ever moved in its lifetime.

Richard, you need more stored heat. Replacing the current 17.85kWh with an alternative 23.8kWh model or alternatively add a small 11.9kWh to your existing 17.85kWh for an even more substantial improvement in the amount of stored cheap heat available to you. You can always turn them down, you can never turn an inadequately sized one up - .......

EnergyRich

Yep, accept I'm paying for looks.

I didn't think storage heaters in bedrooms made much sense ? Doesn't turning a decent panel heater with an thermostat on for a few hours in the evening do the job better ?

Richie-from-the-Boro

EnergyRich wrote: »

Yep, accept I'm paying for looks.

I didn't think storage heaters in bedrooms made much sense ? Doesn't turning a decent panel heater with an thermostat on for a few hours in the evening do the job better ?

It does, and it along with bathroom & kitchen is a much more economic and responsive solution in the current and forseeable future if night store is not already installed, replacing an existing working NSCH with like for like is almost always going to be massively cost ineffective. Looks are an emotional debate, and replacing non living area storage for panel heating is running cost effective but of course capital is wasted. Best of luck.