Dual fuel radiators

SMcGill

I’m thinking about installing these in the lounge and main bedroom so that I can keep them warm when the main central heating is off. Does anyone have experience with this type of radiator? I know could just pop an oiled filled radiator in each room but would prefer not to, dual fuel rads seem a neat solution but I don’t have any experience of their reliability or efficiency.

lohr500

Are you using gas for your central heating?

I don't know much about dual fuel radiators, but if they have an electric heating element in them like our bathroom towel rail, they will be thermostatically controlled and will use a maximum of whatever kW they are rated at per hour used.
Generally speaking electric heating using peak rate electricity is the most expensive option.

You may be better closing the valves in the other rooms, or if you don't have them already, fitting thermostatic valves in the other rooms. Then using the gas boiler.

In the bedroom, an electric blanket will be far more cost effective than running a radiator.

macman

They'll be about 350% more expensive to run, though slightly more efficient. And it will take you years to recoup the capital cost anyway.
Why would you do this?
And do you need both the lounge and main bedroom heated simultaneously?
Not clear how large the property is, but have you considered some sort of zone control?

FreeBear

lohr500 said: In the bedroom, an electric blanket will be far more cost effective than running a radiator.

Lidl currently have some in stock at £23 - Just the right size for a single bed and only consume a maximum of 60W.

I use mine on heat setting No.2, so probably using just 20W. It is enough to keep me and the cat toasty.

SMcGill

No votes for dual fuel radiators then! I’ve just moved to a small cottage so I’m looking at heating options as the boiler needs replacing and most radiators have no thermostatic valves. 

I don’t know much about about zone control so thanks for mentioning that, I have a couple of heating engineers booked in to come and quote so I’ll see what they say. In the meantime I will take your suggestions on electric blankets

ariarnia

i think your in a really good position then. you have about a month of possibly really cold weather left before it starts to (hopefully) warm up in feb.

i dont want to repeat what everyone else has said about electric heating so instead id like to recommend this long running thread for not heating ways you can prepare your new home for next winter. a really good mix of tips for things like electric blankets and throws  

(the start of the thread from 2007) https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/531601/preparing-for-winter/p1

(the latest pages) https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5122360/preparing-for-winter-v/p596