Modern electric radiators or gas central heating?

matelodave

As others have said it's no contest, go for mains gas if it's available.

I've got an air source heat pump and even on a decent single rate tariff of 12p/kwh it costs me around 4p/kwh to run it. However, even though I'm more than happy with it, I'd swap it in an instant in the unlikely event that gas did become available where we live.

Do not be persuaded by anyone that modern electric radiators with magic dust, super clay, golden oil or any other exotic filling are cheap to run. They are no cheaper to run than anything you can buy from Argos or B&Q.

Likewise avoid electric wet central heating which is even more costly to run.

Kernel_Sanders

Gerry1 wrote: »

But can a heat pump at 13p/kWh compete with gas at 2.5p/kWh?

You'd have to get out five times what you put in, which seems a tall order.

How do the costs of installing and maintaining each system compare?

Cardew

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

How do the costs of installing and maintaining each system compare?

Depending how big the property. With the OP's 5 bed detached, the costs for even a Air source HP are likely to very high £12,000 - £15,000?? Bear in mind that it will require Large radiators. Also as the house is over 40 years old the amount of subsidy(RHI) could be Zero.


As said - no contest - get gas.

Mattster1974

We have electric central heating, it's a 7KW system (maintenance free) and came with the house due to no gas supply in our village. The house is 10 years old 2 bed and well insulated and in Jan it's costing me around £120 per month on my smart meter. This is heating to 19oC. My average monthly bill is around £95
I'm using a nest which has made a huge difference and am currently switching to octopus energy for the variable rates. I