Srorage Heaters vs Electric Radiators

ros_minsky

Hi, I live in a small flat (owned) which only has electricity on Economy 7.  I need to replace at least one of the three storage heaters but am wondering if this is the way forward for me.  I am at home quite a lot during the daytime but, obviously, am finding the storage heaters run down by the afternoon.  Is it feasible to have some storage and some elec radiators?  I am looking at Rointe as they are cheaper than replacing storage heaters but am aware they will cost me dear during daytime hours.  An practical advice would be appreciated.

Gerry1

Make sure that one of more elements in your storage heaters have not failed.  When it's cold one evening and the cheap rate period has just started, switch absolutely everything off except one storage heater.  Turn up its input control to maximum and count the number of flashes per minute on the meter on the wall.  It'll tell you the value of each flash (impulse), it's often 1000 Imp/kWh, so you can work out the wattage in use.  Have a look at the plate on the heater, e.g. if it says 3.6kW but your meter is telling you it's only 2.4kW then you know one of the three elements has failed.

Don't even think of Rointe of any other heaters that use full price electricity; you might as well use a £15 fan heater from B&M, it'll cost you the same (i.e. a LOT).

If you're planning to stay there a while, add or replace another storage heater.  You could try a clever, well insulated fan assisted one such as Dimplex Quantum, but as you're there in the daytime the savings won't be so great and the payback time will be longer, so a simpler type might be better, or even a second hand one (not really ancient or it could contain asbestos, so check first).