Smart Meters And Heating

[Paigntonian]

Smart meter installed and I think it's good. But I'd be grateful if anyone could recommend a cheaper way of heating my flat. I have two electric radiators and they seem to be costing a lot. Would I be better off buying some oil-filled radiators? TIA.

[Tuvok]

I would say work out how much it costs to run both options.

Find out your unit rate that you are paying for your electric (it will be in kWh - kilowatt hours).

[Atheist]

Oil-filled radiators are heated by electricity, just like electric radiators. To produce heat for your property you need to use fuel, so you need to find the cheapest. If electricity is cheaper than gas, then use it. If coal is cheaper, then use that. If logs are cheaper, then.... If you stick to electricity then you get nowhere.
There may be factors I'm not aware of, such as off-peak rates. Maybe someone else can give you more detailed advice.

[Paigntonian]

Thanks guys.

[malagabob]

Are they storage radiators. There are times in the day when it’s cheaper to have them on and times when it’s not.. ie peak times. 8am for example.

[johnk]

Try a fan heater, They will all cost a lot.

[waterboatman]

Fan heaters are very good.

[barry1010]

Storage heaters are only cost effective if you have a dual rate meter such as Economy 7 where you pay for all the electricity you use overnight at a cheaper rate.
As you have a smart meter it should be possible for the electricity company to charge you two different rates - the meter should give them enough information for them to know how much electricity you use overnight and during the day and charge you accordingly but finding a provider prepared to do that may not be easy. Many energy suppliers simply do not offer a two tier tariff anymore and if you already have a dual rate meter they charge you the same for day and night usage.

Sadly any electric heater is going to cost a lot to run but this article has a comparison of running costs for the different types https://www.cse.org.uk/advice/advice-and-support/room-heaters

Halogen heaters are the cheapest to run but the one I had was rubbish. It only heated what was directly in front of it and not the room itself - so it seemed to me. Oil filled radiators are the second cheapest and that is what I would buy if I had no gas supply.

[gingejbee]

Re fan heaters...they can heat a smallish area quickly - but as they only warm the air, as soon as they are switched off, the air in the room cools down just as quickly. Not a long-term solution.

[Hopkirk]

Use Martin Lewis's moneysavingexpert site to ensure you are on the cheapest tariff. Electric heating is expensive.

[eve1974]

Portable gas heaters

[bhg481]

Portable gas heaters can cause condensation as water vapour is one of the by-products of combustion for any hydrocarbon. Ventilation is also very important.