Storage heaters v panel heaters on Economy 7/THTC tariff

BulliJudd4

I live in a 3-bed, semi-detached home. 20 years old, well insulated (walls and loft). No mains gas, so heating is via electric storage heaters (downstairs) and electric panel heaters (upstairs). The setup/tariff is Total Heat, Total Control, which is basically a Scottish Economy 7.

The storage heaters are inefficient, ugly and - crucially - I have next to no control over them, so am looking to either upgrade them or replace with panel heaters.

I know storage heaters are all '100%' efficient and so on, but understand that more modern versions 'leak' less and have much more controlability about them and are (on the whole) cheaper to run than storage heaters.

Considering the current setup with off-peak supply to the storage heaters, is there any scenario in which replacing the storage heaters would be a good idea, bearing in mind control-ability is almost as important to me as cost?

I'm also looking into the heat pump option, but that will obviously involve a greater initial outlay, so for now any info about the storage heater v panel comparison will be appreciated!

Gerry1

This shouldn't be in the Other Fuels section, which is probably why there weren't any replies. Try reposting it.

jk0

BulliJudd4 wrote: »

Considering the current setup with off-peak supply to the storage heaters, is there any scenario in which replacing the storage heaters would be a good idea, bearing in mind control-ability is almost as important to me as cost?

I don't believe there is. Quantum heaters are hideously expensive, and I doubt you would re-coup their cost in lower energy costs. Certainly don't entertain non-storage heating.

Cardew

Totally agree with the post above.



Unfortunately there are no comparison tests I have seen on the typical savings newer storage heaters give over older models. (They do of course produce the same amount of heat for the same electricity consumption.)

Benight

BulliJudd4 wrote: »

I live in a 3-bed, semi-detached home. 20 years old, well insulated (walls and loft). No mains gas, so heating is via electric storage heaters (downstairs) and electric panel heaters (upstairs). The setup/tariff is Total Heat, Total Control, which is basically a Scottish Economy 7.

The storage heaters are inefficient, ugly and - crucially - I have next to no control over them, so am looking to either upgrade them or replace with panel heaters.

I know storage heaters are all '100%' efficient and so on, but understand that more modern versions 'leak' less and have much more controlability about them and are (on the whole) cheaper to run than storage heaters.

Considering the current setup with off-peak supply to the storage heaters, is there any scenario in which replacing the storage heaters would be a good idea, bearing in mind control-ability is almost as important to me as cost?

I'm also looking into the heat pump option, but that will obviously involve a greater initial outlay, so for now any info about the storage heater v panel comparison will be appreciated!

I think you've answered your own question, haven't you?

You ask "is there any scenario in which replacing the storage heaters would be a good idea, bearing in mind control-ability is almost as important to me as cost? "

As for running costs, new storage heaters will cost the same to run as old storage heaters on a heat output basis, which you already seem to know as you say "I know storage heaters are all '100%' efficient and so on"

However, you also say "The storage heaters are inefficient, ugly and - crucially - I have next to no control over them"
I'm not sure how they are inefficient when you say they are 100% efficient? :huh:

So concentrating on the "ugly and - crucially - I have next to no control over them", you have expressed and also say that you "understand that more modern versions 'leak' less and have much more controlability about them and are (on the whole) cheaper to run than storage heaters", then given the content of your post, then yes it does sound like a good idea, doesn't it? :huh:

The only thing to consider is the cost of purchasing new heaters.