Move away from Economy 7

[bobbych]

Hi

I am about to buy a property which is on an E7 Tariff with old Night Storage heaters. I want to change the night storage heaters for new Electric heaters using the same electrical supplies to be used during the day and move to a normal Tariff. It is my understanding that the electrical supply to the storage heaters is only on during the low night rate and switched off during the higher day rate. What needs to happen to ensure the electrical supplies are available 24/7 at these outlets? I assume there is a controller? I have not been able to see the electrical CU and meters yet as I have limited access. In time i intend to have a wet Ch system installed.

 

[Midwest]

It would depend on the metering and how the E7 has been installed, might be as simple as re-routing the meter tails.

Afraid some pics, will be the only way we could speculate.

Incidentally, why not keep the E7 until you have your new wet system installed? Standard tariff electric heating is going to be expensive.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I agree with Midwest. At the very least, you will need some re-configuaration work done on the off peak fuseboard (it may need changing to meet today's regulations), then you'll need the supplier to change the metering arrangements and tariff to a 24-hour only arrangement. plus you'll need to shell out for panel heaters etc.

Better to keep what you have, for now, save the several hunderd pounds for rejigging it, and get your wet CH system installed.

 

[bobbych]

Thanks for the replies, something to think about. If I can get some pics soon i will post them.

 

[The Ghost]

I think many people do not realise that economy 7 can be quite expensive. Because you are getting the cheap night rate you get a high day rate and it is only worth it if you are using 4Kw or more at night. If you go on the normal tariff electric heating is very expensive. Check the tariff prices carefully before making any decisions.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Also check which suppliers require a separate meter for E7, and which don’t.

 

[Midwest]

My eldest had electric heating in a very recent two bed flat, fully insulated etc. Heated just his bedroom & kitchen. Still cost the same as my gas heated 30 year old 4 bed hse.

 

[PEG]

My eldest had electric heating in a very recent two bed flat, fully insulated etc. Heated just his bedroom & kitchen. Still cost the same as my gas heated 30 year old 4 bed hse.

Sounds like poor insulation and/or multiple door operations.
Taken to extremes,you can heat a full sized property for 4,with a single 100 watt lamp

Seen the air-swap,heat-exchange gear demonstrated...very impressive,but difficult to retro-fit.

Probably harder to fit in new-builds,in the UK,due to specific need for the trades to work together,to a high standard....not seen much evidence of THAT,getting more likely,over the years...

 

[Midwest]

Sounds like poor insulation and/or multiple door operations.
Taken to extremes,you can heat a full sized property for 4,with a single 100 watt lamp

Seen the air-swap,heat-exchange gear demonstrated...very impressive,but difficult to retro-fit.

Probably harder to fit in new-builds,in the UK,due to specific need for the trades to work together,to a high standard....not seen much evidence of THAT,getting more likely,over the years...

It was one of those new builds, highly insulated allegedly and with heat exchange air handling.

Heated hot water, and electric shower. Still approximately the same running costs as our place.

He left his bedroom heater on one weekend he was away; his fuel DD got raised.

 

[bill01803]

I have a couple of customers who were sold 24/7 electric heaters to replace their storage heaters by an other spark and to their cost found it more expensive to run.