Electric Central Heating

[droopdrawers]

Hi,

My flat is all electric. We have some storage heaters that are adequate most of the time as we back them up with an electric fire and panel heaters in the bedrooms.

I would dearly love proper central heating but it would have to be electric.

Anyone know anything about running an all electric central heating system.

DD

[buildersmate]

What I do know is that it will inevitably cost you more to run unless you spend a decent amount of money further insulating the ceilings and walls (as a minimum).
It is simple case of economics - standard rate of electricity is the most expensive form of energy commonly available to homes (LPG runs a close second). Off-peak electricity is still nowhere as cheap as either gas or oil.
So any chnage you make to your system which reduces the amount of energy drawn off at night (in the form of stored heat in those heaters - which then release it slowly throughout the day) and increases the energy drawn by an electric boiler (which is going to be pulling off its energy during the day - at peak rates) is bound to increase your costs. Unless, that is, by insulation you can find ways of reducing the total demand or energy required from the system.

[prodraught]

Further to the very astute response above, it is no longer possible to get reputable installers of electric heating boilers. The carbon rating of these items is too high and they are generally frowned upon within the trade (i dont even think you can get them anymore without importing them). They take forever to heat up and wear elements out every 18-24 months. Most modern houses have limits on the incomming consumer unit which will not allow the electical capacity needed to power them.

If Gas is not an option, have you considered oil (it would need a tank in either a yard or garden), but is actually become more reasonable in recent years due to the riduculous price hike in gas.