Cheap electric heaters - worth it?

Albermarle

Sounds like they're convector type electric rads, being wall mounted.
Similar to a property I used to rent. 
As long as they work, maybe add an oil filled 
free standing rad to help in the main living area.
That's what was supplied in my property.

Yes it does sound like wall mounted convector heaters.

OP - As well as a thermostat ( hopefully they have one) these type of heaters usually have switch for Off/ Low/High ( or something similar)

Typically the Low is using one KWH and the high two KWH , so try and avoid using the high if possible.

Free standing oil rads are good as they are cheap to buy, safe to leave on and you can sit right next to them if you want. A small one will be rated less than one KWH and with a thermostat set not too high will be quite economical.

danrv

Isoei said:

Would help with running my hot water a bit more efficiently too, as I've just been keeping the boost off until I need hot water (not that the bottom immersion tank which heats overnight provides much... might need to look at that...). There's no time function visible on the boiler, just three wall switches (pump, always on; boost (top tank), only used when needed; bottom tank).

Looks like Economy 7 if there's a boost switch. That does use expensive day rate though so best avoid using it.
Overnight heating on cheap rate is best and should give enough hot water to use during the day.
Normally there would be a timer for this. The pump function might be for low pressure.

markin

Are bills included? Otherwise it should say if its an E7 tarrif, and have 2 meter readings on the bill.

twopenny

When my heating broke down last year I used a small fan heater that can be used flat or on it's edge.

It's light and easy to move. They are about £12 or maybe a bit more now but not what it says on the net. Look locally, diy stores and such.

Igenix though there are other brands now the same shape.

https://www.igenix.co.uk/product/2kw-fan-heater-ig9010/

On a small table in the bedroom for dressing or before bed for half an hour, switched off, carried to another small room to heat while I got breakfast to sit  and eat, do some work. I just moved it with me while I was there.

Bit of a pain but not difficult once in a routein.

It generated enough heat to be comfortable very quickly.

I found it better at heating than oil filled.

It also does cold air so if desperate in heatwaves it can also be used.

If you;re going to cut back on heat some of the old tricks still work.

Put your clothes for the morning on your duvet with a light throw or such over. Lovely and warm in the morning.

Ditto nightwear in the bed if you use an electric blanket.

Thick curtains + thermal linings. You can buy linings seperately quite cheaply and heavy curtains from a charity shop.

A layer of clingfilm over windows even if double glazed. Moisten the frame and stretch the cling film. Done once which is just as well as the air turns blue when trying to get it on.

Fleecy lounge wear - remember Onsies? Heavenly warm. You can get a two piece in the fabric now, just check it's warm stuff there's alot of imitations

My friend has a heated throw on her sofa to snuggle under which should only cost pence to run. Very tempted but think it would feel very cold coming out from it to make a cup of tea etc.

Thermal underwear, leggings under jeans, even vests still hate them but they are pretty now and still work well.

Exercise! You are much warmer for some time if you've had some exercise.

Remember keeping warm and well regardless of weird personal and house looks is better than grumpy expression and a red nose with a cold.

though got to say, when I went a winter heat free I had less colds and sinus probs than in a cosy hot house.

Emily_Joy

twopenny said:

Thermal underwear, leggings under jeans, even vests still hate them but they are pretty now and still work well.

Exercise! You are much warmer for some time if you've had some exercise.

I often wear a 100% wool vest under a t-shirt in winter. The colleagues are sometimes very surprised that I am not cold. In fact, wearing wool or fleece next to your body under cottons is much warmer than another way round.

Isoei

Albermarle said:

Sounds like they're convector type electric rads, being wall mounted.
Similar to a property I used to rent. 
As long as they work, maybe add an oil filled 
free standing rad to help in the main living area.
That's what was supplied in my property.

Yes it does sound like wall mounted convector heaters.

OP - As well as a thermostat ( hopefully they have one) these type of heaters usually have switch for Off/ Low/High ( or something similar)

Typically the Low is using one KWH and the high two KWH , so try and avoid using the high if possible.

Free standing oil rads are good as they are cheap to buy, safe to leave on and you can sit right next to them if you want. A small one will be rated less than one KWH and with a thermostat set not too high will be quite economical.

Looking at the radiators, they have the usual on/off switch, and then a dial on top, number 1-6. Turning it up to about 4 doesn't produce much effect - lukewarm at first, before cooling down to cold again. It's only after no. 4 that I hear it click and it start producing heat you can feel. I wonder then if the higher setting is the one that works (and as you say, higher kWh and therefore more expensive). Or there's an issue with them. Might be ok to run if only for an hour to prevent the flat freezing entirely, but not all the time.

twopenny said:

When my heating broke down last year I used a small fan heater that can be used flat or on it's edge.

It's light and easy to move. They are about £12 or maybe a bit more now but not what it says on the net. Look locally, diy stores and such.

On a small table in the bedroom for dressing or before bed for half an hour, switched off, carried to another small room to heat while I got breakfast to sit  and eat, do some work. I just moved it with me while I was there.

Bit of a pain but not difficult once in a routein.

It generated enough heat to be comfortable very quickly.

I did consider that, and it would probably be good for the short-term. I've seen low wattage (500w) plug in heaters on Amazon etc that would suit this purpose, but I can imagine the area of effect would be limited (so great if I'm sat working etc) and would dissipate very quickly, compared to oil-filled types. Again, another good suggestion. Thank you all so far

moneysaver1978

Just a thought - do you know what EPC is of your flat? Might be worth checking https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance and no harm in checking if you (or landlord) qualify for discounted or free insulation.

Albermarle

Isoei said:

Albermarle said:

Sounds like they're convector type electric rads, being wall mounted.
Similar to a property I used to rent. 
As long as they work, maybe add an oil filled 
free standing rad to help in the main living area.
That's what was supplied in my property.

Yes it does sound like wall mounted convector heaters.

OP - As well as a thermostat ( hopefully they have one) these type of heaters usually have switch for Off/ Low/High ( or something similar)

Typically the Low is using one KWH and the high two KWH , so try and avoid using the high if possible.

Free standing oil rads are good as they are cheap to buy, safe to leave on and you can sit right next to them if you want. A small one will be rated less than one KWH and with a thermostat set not too high will be quite economical.

Looking at the radiators, they have the usual on/off switch, and then a dial on top, number 1-6. Turning it up to about 4 doesn't produce much effect - lukewarm at first, before cooling down to cold again. It's only after no. 4 that I hear it click and it start producing heat you can feel. I wonder then if the higher setting is the one that works (and as you say, higher kWh and therefore more expensive). Or there's an issue with them. Might be ok to run if only for an hour to prevent the flat freezing entirely, but not all the time. More likely is that it is not really that cold yet so below 4 the heater is turning itself off. When the temperature is colder outside you will probably find on 4 it will keep switched on most of the time.

twopenny said:

When my heating broke down last year I used a small fan heater that can be used flat or on it's edge.

It's light and easy to move. They are about £12 or maybe a bit more now but not what it says on the net. Look locally, diy stores and such.

On a small table in the bedroom for dressing or before bed for half an hour, switched off, carried to another small room to heat while I got breakfast to sit  and eat, do some work. I just moved it with me while I was there.

Bit of a pain but not difficult once in a routein.

It generated enough heat to be comfortable very quickly.

I did consider that, and it would probably be good for the short-term. I've seen low wattage (500w) plug in heaters on Amazon etc that would suit this purpose, but I can imagine the area of effect would be limited (so great if I'm sat working etc) and would dissipate very quickly, compared to oil-filled types. Again, another good suggestion. Thank you all so far

I would not buy a plug in heater off Amazon, or from all these adverts you see on the internet.
Just buy one with a flex and a plug from a known retailer like Argos etc.