Storage heaters - ok, or what to replace with?

[Rockatansky]

For the first time in a very long time I'm going to be moving house.

New house ticked a lot of the boxes - big garage etc - but I'm a bit concerned that it's heated by electric storage heaters.

My experience of these is somewhat dated and not positive, but I don't know if the modern ones are any better. The ones in question have all been installed around 3 or 4 years back. The present owner insists his bills are reasonable, he's on some sort of off peak tariff.

So, until I'm in there I'm not sure whether they'll bankrupt me or not, but if you were to install a central heating system in this (political) climate what's the best option?

I think there's mains gas in the street, but is that out of favour? Biomass? Solar to offset consumption?

Never had to think about any of this before, so I'm clueless

For context, 4 bed detached villa, 1990s vintage.

[Rockatansky]

mnbvcxz123 said:

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You presumably don't have mains gas or they would already be using that? If you do then switch to gas obviously.

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So if they are modern HHR storage heaters I would try and live with them for a few years on the best economy 7 tariff you can get. Off peak electricity and oil are actually quite close in price at the moment, and electricity has no servicing costs... Then wait and see if the future becomes a little clearer, perhaps you will buy an ammonia tank and boiler, or roll out lino with built in heating pipes from a heat pump, you just can't know. Good luck.

Thanks for your reply, and for all the other replies too - food for thought!

I think there may be mains gas, but I need to establish that for sure, in the meantime the storage heaters (that I took notice of) are Dimplex XLE, not Quantum.

I allowed a bit of headroom in our offer to potentially pay for heating work, but if it all has to be undone in a few years then it might be best to sit it out.

Lots to think about..

[Rockatansky]

trixical said:

Mains gas isn't necessarily an option even if it's very close by, there was someone on a thread a few months back who had got the gas supply to their door but couldn't find anyone who would install a meter and take on the supply, not sure if they had any luck since.

I remember reading that, I'll not take it for granted that I can arrange connection.

[Rockatansky]

I've now had it confirmed that there is no mains gas, so that's that out of the mix.

If it wasn't for impending bans making me wonder what's next then I think I'd favour oil.

Still a long road to go purchase wise, so lots of time to research & think.

Thanks again for all your comments.