New storage heaters - which ones?

Riablo

I am a landlord looking to install new high heat retention storage heaters in a 1 bedroom bungalow.

We have recently bought the property and it only has plug in heaters which are insufficient. The EPC is low (F and needs increasing to E or above so we can rent the property out). The EPC assessor suggested using high heat retention storage heaters as there is no gas at the property.

Open plan lounge/kitchen 4.74m x 4.17m (approx 20m2)
Bedroom 3.21m x 2.62m (approx 8.5m2)

Any recommendations for storage heaters? We do not need fancy ones that link to apps on phones or are particularly attractive. Our primary concern is keeping the property warm at a reasonable price (both usage and purchase costs) and the heaters must be the kind that will increase the EPC rating. Ideally we are looking to spend as little as possible (aren't we all!), but we don't want false economy if it is worth spending a bit more for greater EPC gains or a much better heater in the long run.

The property is solid brick construction, dry lined and insulated with double glazed windows and 300mm loft insulation.

Any advice much appreciated and also any ideas of where to buy at a good price. We will be getting the heaters fitted and checked by an electrician so happy to consider reconditioned/second hand if the savings justify it, or buying new if there isn't much to be saved. B-grade would also be fine. Main thing is good quality heating, a warm bungalow for the tenants and a good EPC rating.

Thanks in advance.

Le_Kirk

Does the property benefit from Economy7 or similar high/off peak electricity? If so, just ask Auntie Google and you will find THESE. If not, you will find the cost of running them using high/normal electrify prohibitive.

Riablo

Thanks for the reply.

We are having the meter switched to Economy 7 so storgae heaters look to be the best option.

Is there any advantage (heat/EPC wise) to having the expensive Quantum heaters? Quote has come in at over £1200 for two heaters to heat a 1 bedroom apartment which seems a bit steep, especially if we are just paying for snazzy features as opposed to just a good quality heater. We dont need it to link to apps etc.

ed110220

I'd consider using split air conditioners (probably two for a small house like this) as air source heat pumps. Wouldn't be on economy 7 so the unit price for the electricity will be higher, but ASHP offers significantly higher efficiency and the benefit of offering the heat when it is actually needed.

Storage heaters rightly have a horrible reputation and will be a big no no for a lot of people, being seen as a cheap (to install) and nasty solution, that's expensive and inconvenient to use.

The green and ethical forum on here has a lot of discussion of ASHP with people who have more experience of it.

Riablo

The annoying thing is that the EPC assessors I've spoken to have said that the only way they think we can increase the EPC is to use high heat retention storage heaters, even though they probably aren't the best option for heating the bungalow :-( it seems a ridiculous system!

We have found out that the property was wrongly assumed to have no cavity wall insulation when it got the low EPC rating so I am considering having it reassessed and providing it can achieve an E rating we would be free to install the heating we want rather than being limited by EPC favourable heating.

Jackmydad

I don't know the details, but as I understand it, if you are looking to increase the EPC, there are only certain models of storage heater that are acceptable.
I'd have a word with the EPC guy you employed.

tonyh66

have you considered (room for) oil CH? much much more controlable. Last place I bought had storage heaters, great for morning heat, rubbish if you were in the house after work.

jk0

My tenants have trouble working ordinary storage heaters. I think Quantum heaters would leave them completely baffled.

knightstyle

Get basic modern storage heaters and use them on low settings just to keep the place aired and damp free. Then use radiant heaters to boost the temp in the room you are in, not forgetting to turn it off when you leave.
That should be the cheapest way to heat and should improve the EPC.

Jackmydad

knightstyle wrote: »

Get basic modern storage heaters and use them on low settings just to keep the place aired and damp free. Then use radiant heaters to boost the temp in the room you are in, not forgetting to turn it off when you leave.
That should be the cheapest way to heat and should improve the EPC.

Normally I'd agree, but as I said earlier, "ordinary" storage heaters won't help with raising the EPC.
There's a bit about it here. (No affiliation)
https://www.greenvisionenergy.co.uk/smart-storage-heating-guide
According to that to raise the EPC, the storage heaters have to be BEAB approved.
The only reason I know about it is we had this done last year for a let.

Whybrew

If you are considering running storage heaters on economy7 please do not use EDF. I am metered by them in a flat for the over 60's with only electricity. EDF turn to economy at 11pm and then turn it off at midnight when our water heater and night storage heater are using maximum electricity use and EDF switch back to their very high day rate. At 1am they switch to night rates again until 7am. Just beware because other suppliers may be as bad.