We have a 2 bed, 80's build flat on 2nd floor. No gas available. Backstory is that we've operated it as a BTL for 10 years or more, no real probs.
Just before Christmas tenant phones to say "The heating isn't working." We provided some oil filled rads to meet the emergency until I could get over there & take a look properly but in the meantime she also phones the Council Enforcement people who serve an Enforcement Notice that the Storage Rads are not a suitable form of heating (even if fixed) because they are not controllable enough.
I 'm pretty savvy with DIY stuff although I have never worked on these rads before. I also know that these are not people to cross if you can help it!
Firstly, how are these supposed to work - They are apparently 'Economy 7'?
The incoming power seems quite neat, there's a dedicated consumer unit for them, each rad with its own 'breaker.' Second question is whether the heating circuit should be powered up at all times or only when the electricity is determined to be off peak?
Also, As a test for the heating unit itself, can I just put a 3 pin plug on and plug it into an ordinary socket? Test purposes only of course.
Finally, the wider question about whether 'ordinary' Storage radiators are suitable for this application these days and if not, what do you use in similar circumstances?
All help greatly appreciated.
Just before Christmas tenant phones to say "The heating isn't working." We provided some oil filled rads to meet the emergency until I could get over there & take a look properly but in the meantime she also phones the Council Enforcement people who serve an Enforcement Notice that the Storage Rads are not a suitable form of heating (even if fixed) because they are not controllable enough.
I 'm pretty savvy with DIY stuff although I have never worked on these rads before. I also know that these are not people to cross if you can help it!
Firstly, how are these supposed to work - They are apparently 'Economy 7'?
The incoming power seems quite neat, there's a dedicated consumer unit for them, each rad with its own 'breaker.' Second question is whether the heating circuit should be powered up at all times or only when the electricity is determined to be off peak?
Also, As a test for the heating unit itself, can I just put a 3 pin plug on and plug it into an ordinary socket? Test purposes only of course.
Finally, the wider question about whether 'ordinary' Storage radiators are suitable for this application these days and if not, what do you use in similar circumstances?
All help greatly appreciated.