Storage Heater Recommendations?

[Charlie_]

As part of a conversion from a town house to a kind of HMO I have been asked to quote for all electric heating + electric showers (5).
Qualifies for ‘comfy heat tariff’.
I have put forms in to upgrade from 1 to 3 phase.
I’m looking at the Dimplex Quantum range, because it’s a brand with a good reputation,etc.
Also has anybody done any comparisons with gas for running costs?
My initial thoughts are that even with half price tariff the electric heating costs will be substantially more expensive than gas?

 

[pirate]

Fitted a bunch of these recently:

Infrared panel heaters from Herschel: Inspire and Select XLS ranges

Herschel infrared panel heaters combine low running costs, stylish design & healthy heat. Save in style & comfort this winter. Click here for more.

www.herschel-infrared.co.uk

They are easy to fit, wall or ceiling, and seem very efficient, save floor space too...but you can't air your knickers on them, obvo...

 

[STM]

I've fitted quite a few dimplex XLE's, and a few quantums. I think they're really good heaters if I am honest. The XLEs are easier to fit than the quantums I find too.

 

[Charlie_]

Do the quantum need 2 separate power supplies?

 

[STM]

The ones I fitted did mate, I haven't had a look though to see if Dimplex do a standard off peak one, don't think they do. I tend to fit the dual supply ones in place of the older single supply ones, always a bit of a pain when there is no S/O close by for the 24hr supply.

 

[richy3333]

I'm ashamed to say I've fitted loads of electric solutions.
My experience of Dimplex customer services is poor to say the least. The Quantum's are rebadged, updated, up talked modern looking items but the technology/principle is still 50 year old with a digital display. I agree they are fiddly to fit. Yes they need 2 feeds for off peak and peak boost.

Rointe are fine, thermostatically controllable and programmable. Plenty of other Rointe type solutions around at the wholesalers.

 

[Zerax]

Having been through the whole storage heater/economy 7 setup a few times... my conclusion is still that it's a massive scam... the electricity rates available simply don't make it economical and unless you're super careful and ---- about every single kWh used, will cost you alot more. I'd spend the cash on simple panel heaters with room stats and central app control.... That's after I'd put as much insulation in the place as is humanly possible !

 

[Octopus]

Do the quantum need 2 separate power supplies?

Courtesy of LOT 20 regulations I think you find ALL storage heaters now need peak and off peak supplies.

Rointe claim their heaters are LOT 20 compliant, but Dimplex disagree!

 

[pirate]

Zerax, good viewpoint there, I agree...the infrared panels are lightweight, so not storage rads, but they can be hung like pictures, ceiling mounted or even free-standing. A dedicated circuit is preferable, especially when you factor in the stat/s, but if you are replacing existing storage rads of traditional design it's a breeze...and for new installations it's even easier.

 

[suffolkspark]

Just a note on the newer storage rads, the heat outlet is now at the bottom, so where before heat used to escape through the little flap at the top when your at work all day, it now cant, and relys on a fan to blow the heat down through the bricks and out a vent at the bottom, so they certainly hold onto that heat until the times required. I dont think we will be seeing them last 20-30 years each though like we do the old type as theres a fan, touchscreen, and PCb with relays etc all in there now