Electric only Flat Heating Options

gundanium1

Hello!


In January I move into a new flat, 19 year old building with double glazing and good insulation. It currently has old storage heaters and economy 7. What I am trying to work out it what is the best electric radiators to get, based on efficiency and cost? Cannot get gas and not wanting to shell out for an electric boiler system.


I work 9-5 Monday through Friday and have a lot of gadgets, so economy 7 seems pointless as the heating will mostly be out by the time I get home, then I will be using more electricity for tv, pc etc. so will be at the higher tariff. Seen a lot of electric radiators that claim to be worthwhile, and I don't mind spending a reasonable amount to get them, but really unsure as to which ones are worth it.
Anyone have knowledge on this?

ASavvyBuyer

Depends on the size of your flat and practicalities, but it may be worth looking at getting a Air Conditioner/Heat Pump. They are very efficient at transferring heat from the air outside into usuable heat inside. Usually at least 4 times what they use in electricity comes out as heat. We have recently had one installed and it works a treat. Modern models are very quiet too.

Other electrical radiators can only be 100% efficient; doesn't matter if you pay more, they still have the same efficiency. So be careful of the claims by some manufacturers.

gundanium1

Yes I had looked into Heat Pumps and was interested, but unfortunately it is a 3rd floor flat and the building is factored. So not convinced they will let me fit one to the outside.


For electric radiators, I'm guessing the only reason you pay more is if it comes with additional features like a smart control thermostat?

Cardew

Heat pumps will almost certainly not be allowed for a 3rd floor flat.

Provided they are working correctly, your old storage heaters will be as efficient as any other electrical heater.

As said above any electrical heater, from a £10 fan heater upwards will be adequate to supplement the heating if required.

Why not try it for a year and make a decision after that period, rather than spending £thousands on new heaters.

P.S.
Don't forget E7 will be heating your hot water

bumpercars99

gundanium1 wrote: »

Hello!


In January I move into a new flat, 19 year old building with double glazing and good insulation. It currently has old storage heaters and economy 7. What I am trying to work out it what is the best electric radiators to get, based on efficiency and cost? Cannot get gas and not wanting to shell out for an electric boiler system.


I work 9-5 Monday through Friday and have a lot of gadgets, so economy 7 seems pointless as the heating will mostly be out by the time I get home, then I will be using more electricity for tv, pc etc. so will be at the higher tariff. Seen a lot of electric radiators that claim to be worthwhile, and I don't mind spending a reasonable amount to get them, but really unsure as to which ones are worth it.
Anyone have knowledge on this?

I wouldn't give up on your E7 too quickly especially if insulation in your flat is good.

Have you given it a try? How warm is your flat when you get home from work? I've previously made E7 work well for me while doing a 9-5. My current flat is gas, but it also stays warm easily and I'd imagine E7 would work well here too

Forget your usage on petty things like the tv, the real cost of energy is in heating and hot water so if getting these right means using peak price energy for the computer well never mind.

I'd really encourage you to try and get the E7 working for you if you can. Definitely don't do anything drastic like rip it all out without giving it a real chance. While it might sometimes be irritating, having to pay your electricity bill after ripping them out is likely to be irritating as well!

Richie-from-the-Boro

E7 is and has always been the cheapest 'all electric' water & space heating option. 50/50 split, learn how to use NSH and get on the best tariff for your area code. Best of luck.

Owain_Moneysaver

You can get ASHP which don't have outside parts and just need two holes through the wall (like tumble dryer vents) Example

But it's likely that storage heaters will be adequate for keeping your flat warm even if you do need a bit of top-up heat in the evening. Or you can use fan assisted storage heaters which have better insulation and can be timer controlled for heat output. Such as Enlur ADL - discontinued but still available

lstar337

Switching from E7 storage heating to anything else is foolish in my opinion.

There are many threads on this forum explaining why, use the search function to find them.