Replacing Storage Heaters

PaddyByrne

I live in a building that was converted to flats around 1999 and has the original storage heaters installed in the flat (I moved in just before Christmas). The flat has poor insulation due to very high roofs and large windows and the storage heaters, even turned up to full, have struggled to keep the flat comfortably warm over the winter. Having the heaters on full has also racked up a somewhat horrendous energy bill, so I'm looking at what the alternatives are.

I have read some conflicting opinions about whether changing from storage heaters on Economy 7 to electric radiators on 24h power is a sensible option. I heard from someone in my building that installing radiators from VeriSmart Heating and switching off their Economy 7 tariff reduced their heating bill by close to £1,000 a year (and that they keep the flat nicely warm). Conversely I have read some pretty terrible things about Fischer heaters on site and the technology looks very similar.

My current thinking is that I am going to get the heaters replaced but seeing the comments on Fischer heaters has made me nervous that I might just be throwing £2-3k down the drain without getting much benefit so wanted to get some more information before going ahead with the purchase, so any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Patrick

molerat

The problem with storage heaters is they are not flexible and may run out by evening, keeping the house nice and warm while you at work.
The problem with on demand electric heating is that it is expensive to run but can keep you toasty warm whilst you are home at the expense of the house being cold whilst you are out.
The cheapest electric heaters for on demand use will be just as efficient as the fancy "eco" heaters filled with fairy dust as a storage medium. Don't fall for the hype that they spout about them.

footyguy

PaddyByrne wrote: »

I live in a building that was converted to flats around 1999 and has the original storage heaters installed in the flat (I moved in just before Christmas). The flat has poor insulation due to very high roofs and large windows and the storage heaters, even turned up to full, have struggled to keep the flat comfortably warm over the winter. Having the heaters on full has also racked up a somewhat horrendous energy bill, so I'm looking at what the alternatives are.

I have read some conflicting opinions about whether changing from storage heaters on Economy 7 to electric radiators on 24h power is a sensible option. I heard from someone in my building that installing radiators from VeriSmart Heating and switching off their Economy 7 tariff reduced their heating bill by close to £1,000 a year (and that they keep the flat nicely warm). Conversely I have read some pretty terrible things about Fischer heaters on site and the technology looks very similar.

My current thinking is that I am going to get the heaters replaced but seeing the comments on Fischer heaters has made me nervous that I might just be throwing £2-3k down the drain without getting much benefit so wanted to get some more information before going ahead with the purchase, so any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Patrick

If you turn the heaters off, you will certainly save money.

But as you probably are aware, any electricity used outside the low rate will cost you about twice as much (+/- about 20% depending on your tariff)

All electrical heaters are about 100% efficient. i.e. almost 100% of the electricity you input is turned to heat.
Whether you spend £10 or £10,000 on a heater will not affect it's efficiency.

jk0

I wouldn't be replacing storage heaters from 1999. I still have some going strong here at home from the mid eighties.

If you are dead set on replacing them, I'd go for Dimplex Quantum. These are around £700 each. Be aware though that these are full of electronics. You can expect to have to replace parts expensively (£100+each) from around 8/9 years old.

sheffield_lad

I would definitely stay away from Fischer or any direct acting heaters and as the above said look into new storage heaters or stick with what you have.

Richie-from-the-Boro

562 posts in just this one thread, worth considering.

PaddyByrne

Thanks for the replies. My thoughts now are to leave the existing storage heaters but to purchase two or three additional on-demand heaters, with the intention to turn the storage heaters on only if I'm going to be in the house most of the following day (e.g. not at work) and rely on on-demand heaters for the rest of the heating needs.

For the on-demand heaters something programmable would be nice if anyone has any recommendations for good value options but I imagine I can't go too wrong spending ~£20 on a 2KW free standing convection heater.

jk0

I wouldn't turn your storage heaters off when you are away. Just turn the input down a bit, then crank up your direct heaters when you get home.

Dimplex direct heaters are quite reliable. I think I would get some 2nd hand off ebay if money is tight.

BTW, you know you need to leave storage heaters output shut overnight and while you are out, don't you?

Richie-from-the-Boro

PaddyByrne wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. My thoughts now are to leave the existing storage heaters but to purchase two or three additional on-demand heaters, with the intention to turn the storage heaters on only if I'm going to be in the house most of the following day (e.g. not at work) and rely on on-demand heaters for the rest of the heating needs.

For the on-demand heaters something programmable would be nice if anyone has any recommendations for good value options but I imagine I can't go too wrong spending ~£20 on a 2KW free standing convection heater.

Cheaper by 30% heat & water. The trick is to have enough of the cheap stuff to avoid using the expensive on demand, alternatively if you must top up the cheap stuff with on-demand.

Input full, and output damper closed tight shut. Fischer info here. Storage heater collection only here.

matelodave

You dont need a programmable heater - get a cheaper one from Argos with a thermostat and plug it into one of these http://www.tp-link.com/uk/products/details/HS100.html for only £25 and you can then programme it or even remote control it from your mobile phone

lstar337

PaddyByrne wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. My thoughts now are to leave the existing storage heaters but to purchase two or three additional on-demand heaters, with the intention to turn the storage heaters on only if I'm going to be in the house most of the following day (e.g. not at work) and rely on on-demand heaters for the rest of the heating needs.

Direct electric heating on the peak rate of E7 is about the worst thing you could do.

You would be better financially if you bought extra storage heater capacity, and just wasted it while you were at work.

Seriously, forget direct electric on E7, just get an extra NSH if you need more heat.