Storage Heater Cost/Benefit Calculation Check

ch_152

Cheers for the replies all, useful stuff. To mop up a few bits:

- The plug in units are oil-filled radiators.
- @QrizB / @matelodave Fair points. In reality, I think I often only ran them at like half or 3/4 power for probably only 1 to 1.5 hours in the morning/evening. I was trying to be pessimistic in my calcs - this would only decrease the financial benefit of the storage heaters.
- @squirrelpie Unfortunately it's a leasehold flat so no opportunity to add insulation - though I have done my best to reseal around windows where they weren't so good etc.
- @wrf12345 / @Swipe electric blanket is a good shout actually.


I suppose one thing this doesn't account for is that, indeed, the storage heater will let out a little heat throughout the night/day just to keep things ticking over - which I do see as a benefit in general. Especially in the living room during the day (bedrooms less important). But also definitely a waste throwing heat into the horribly insulated bedroom all day long when I'm not in there.

I don't mind sleeping with it on the cooler side, but my bedroom was showing up at 12/13 degrees at points when it was very cold this year...


FrugaiMacDugal said:

You should be sleeping then, a panel heater maybe an hour before bed and rising, just to take the chill off the room, all that's needed.

Do you know how storage heaters (are intended to) work?

FrugaiMacDugal

ch_152 said:

FrugaiMacDugal said:

You should be sleeping then, a panel heater maybe an hour before bed and rising, just to take the chill off the room, all that's needed.

Do you know how storage heaters (are intended to) work?

Basically they charge up on the cheap night rate and spew heat out during the day.

As you mentioned Quantums here's a read for you.

QrizB

ch_152 said:

- @wrf12345 / @Swipe electric blanket is a good shout actually.

FWIW I have an electric underblanket that I use in the depths of winter, despite having gas CH. It avoids that "getting into a cold bed" moment!

FrugaiMacDugal

ch_152 said:

Hello all.

was hoping to get a sanity check on my calculations, and to make sure there's nothing else I'm missing...

So the saving by installing the storage heater in that room would only be ~£57. New, the Quantum QM100RF is over £800, and even second hand are upwards of £400. Plus electrician bills to wire up.

So it seems like it's definitely not worth the investment (while I do like this flat, I won't be living here forever)? Or have I missed something?

Reread your OP, you asked for a sanity check, seems the cost of installing the Quantums would take years to recover, therefore, as it's not to be your forever home, total insanity.

Best suggestion, £20 electric blanket, very low running costs, save £££s.

ch_152

FrugaiMacDugal said:

ch_152 said:

Hello all.

was hoping to get a sanity check on my calculations, and to make sure there's nothing else I'm missing...

So the saving by installing the storage heater in that room would only be ~£57. New, the Quantum QM100RF is over £800, and even second hand are upwards of £400. Plus electrician bills to wire up.

So it seems like it's definitely not worth the investment (while I do like this flat, I won't be living here forever)? Or have I missed something?

Reread your OP, you asked for a sanity check, seems the cost of installing the Quantums would take years to recover, therefore, as it's not to be your forever home, total insanity.

Best suggestion, £20 electric blanket, very low running costs, save £££s.

Yeah, that does seem to be the sensible conclusion.

Rosie1001

I love my electric blanket , I’ve been using  one since I was around 10 years old , I am not the typical Geordie Lass who doesn’t feel the cold , I do ! 

plus you can get electric throws now to use in living room etc 

sometimes warm the person not the room works well , however a very cold home can cause illnesses especially in colder months …