What to do about storage heaters?

[ptaylor]

Just been to look at a house that needs renovating but is has got the old electric storage heating. I am a plasterer so heating is really not my thing. Therefore i was wondering what advice people could give me about maybe changing to central heating? I know it is expensive but would it pay off in the long run? Also if people think it is best to leave them in then is there a way of upgrading them to make the system efficent?

I know it is a lot of questions but any help would be really appreciated

Phil

 

[ajrobb]

For an old house it is probably well worth installing gas-fired central heating. Use a boiler size calculator to figure out heating needs.

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk...elpful-Tools/Whole-house-boiler-sizing-wizard

http://www.sedbuk.com/whole_house.htm

Depending on the number of bathrooms, it might be worth considering a combination boiler for a single bathroom.

The factors against GFCH include annual servicing costs. For a small flat these might be more than savings using gas.

I installed a DIY central heating last year by dropping the damaged ceiling and running the pipes through the joists. I didn't leave any access to the joints as I reckon any leak will make its own access through the ceiling.

 

[Fluffster]

First question do you have gas in the block? If so a gas boiler would be the most effecient in using on a daily basis bar the install costs.

If no gas then there are electric boilers which will run a wet radiator system this has alot more flexibility over the overnight storage brick monsters.

Pete

sorry for some reason I had a flat in my head must be the storage heaters element

 

[hansthebear]

check if the storage heaters contain asbestos also before dismantling them

 

[mysteryman]

I really cannot see the point in a wet central heating system powered by an electric boiler. You might just as well have a few electric heaters around the place. With storage heaters you do at least get cheap[er] energy.

However, when I bought a house with storage heaters, the first thing I did was to remove them, and put gas in. Two really fit guys can carry them assembled, but don't come back to me if you hurt yourself!