All electric flat w/ Electric heaters (Not night storage). Best option for hot water?

Gerry1

APCElectrichomeowner said:

Longer term, I am still very much considering the benefits of either an electric shower, or a electric combi boiler for water purposes only.

Bankruptcy isn't a benefit...

APCElectrichomeowner

@Gerry1, you're right, bankruptcy isn't. But with electric (not night storage) radiators, being a single person in a flat with limited hot water needs, it naturally makes me wonder whether an electric boiler for water as I need it, makes more sense than heating 150L of water every single night...

There's almost no way I can live with the convenience of on demand heating and not pay a premium until the price of electricity drops, so the question is just - what's going to make the most sense with that set up?

Swipe

Electric shower for 2 min speed showers and a kettle and bowl for washing up. Job done.

APCElectrichomeowner

@Swipe
 Thank you, but I don't personally consider that practical, unless I could get an electric pump for the kitchen/bathroom sink as well. I'm not in a position where I'm really unable to pay bills, I just want to figure out the most logical electric boiler set up for on demand hot water. 

I don't really understand - why would an electric shower, that only serves one specific use case, be better than a boiler which does the same job but for the whole flat? or am I getting that completely wrong?

Swipe

You could buy a water heater for your kitchen that holds a small amount of heated water and then heats the rest on demand if that's what you mean. The cost to run that wouldn't be excessive. Not sure it would work out any cheaper than heating a tank of water overnight on E7 though. The mistake you made was calling it an electric boiler, hence the bankruptcy comments.

Gerry1

Even if you did consider it practical, potential buyers might not.  It all depends on whether this is a forever property or just for a few years.

Many potential buyers would run a mile if they read 'electric combi boiler', some because it's an unfamiliar item, others because they know how expensive the running costs will be.

APCElectrichomeowner

Thanks both. @Gerry1 - that is a very valid point. I need to go do some research. I guess it boils down (sorry) to the running costs of an electric shower + kitchen heater vs. an electric on demand boiler. My presumption was that the boiler would make the most sense, but I should probably seek professional help here (in more ways than one). 

Gerry1

There are lots of variables so it's hard to give definite advice but I'd investigate a Dimplex  Quantum or two for the living room and hall.  Leave the bedroom doors open except when in use and they'll probably be warm enough to prevent mould and damp, and can be topped up briefly using the panel heaters.

Even if you use the place as a dormitory or are frequently away you'll still need basic heating to avoid problems unless you have neighbours above, below and to most sides / rear.

Quantums aren't cheap to install but might be a good investment because they're a known item from a long established company and are well regarded.

APCElectrichomeowner

@Gerry1 please correct me if I'm wrong, but are Quantums not NSH? I'm quite skeptical of these generally and was honestly hoping to stay away from them if I could. 

Gerry1

Yes, Quantums are High Heat Retention NSHs.  They're like a vacuum flask compared to the old style simple Box of Bricks ones which were more like hot water bottles.  They wasted heat overnight and during the day if you were out.

My experience of NSHs was many years ago but @redfraggle is another 'go to' expert on Quantums.