Central Heating

[CarolAK]

We are moving to an all electric house, can anyone suggest a type of electric central heating that will not 'break the bank', we are retired so at home during the day.

[secretspirit]

I think the only choices are night store heaters or convector heaters. I could be wrong but this type of electric heating isn't classed as central heating because the input and output of heat on each one is individually controlled. Another option is electric warm air heating (with vents in the walls) although it could be more expensive but it does have the advantage of being more inoffensive to the eye and not restricting positions of furtniture etc. The other two options are oil fired central heating (expensive to install and run) or an LPG system, which is calor gas.

[secretspirit]

I forgot to say that from experience, if you go for the electric heaters, you will probably find convectors more useful because if you have a night store heater on during the day there is not much heat stored for the evening and you can be very cold with no means of getting further heat. I found them a nightmare to be honest and not to stereotype but as you get older you'll probably need more heat than I did aged 18!

[lizziebag]

This is a pasted item from another discussion website which I thought might be of interest even if you are not in Scotland.''I have just completed an excercise for Link on electric wet central heating systems for properties in Luss, a small village on the banks of Loch Lomond. Luss does not have mains gas and the current properties are fitted with back boilers using solid fuels.

After fairly exhaustive investigations, we have chosen the Fifas Direct flow boiler. The system runnings costs have been estimated at approximately �50 - �70 per month during winter periods, obviously dependent on a number of factors such as usage, heat levels, thermal insulation levels of the building and size of house. I have looked at a number of systems (electric and other) and the back up service Fifas have offered in assisting us to do these 21 properties so far has been second to none.

However, the big advantage we have in Scotland in using the Fifas Boiler is the electrical tarrif. Scottish Hydro are actively promoting the Fifas Boiler and have in conjunction with Fifas developed a specific tarrif, Economy 10. This tarrif has three economy periods during the day (approximately 10 hours) where all electrical consumption within the property converts to the economy tarrif.

The times are approximately

7.30am - 10.00am;
2.00pm - 4.30pm;
7.00pm - 10.00 pm.
The advantage in this is that tumble driers etc all run on the lower tarrif during these periods.

I dont think this tarrif is available south of the Border, yet!

If I can be of any further assistance please contact me on 0131 557 0350 or David Lee at Fifas. ''