Is electric or gas cheaper for hot water and heating?
Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 2.58 PM
I have a big mid terrace house with electric storage heaters, a loft conversion including bathroom. I have two electric meters (gas mains run into the property but never used and gas meter was removed 24 years ago). I have no hot water on tap, a cold house in winter and huge electric bills.
I need good advice, would converting to gas be a cheaper option? How long would it take removing current system and replacing, also how messy would this be?
Would it be possible for an electrician to remove one electric meter? I was told the panel they are on is not up to current standards, could this be fixed at same time?
I need to keep costs down as much as possible but understand cheap does not always work out long term.
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Mains Gas has the cheapest running costs compared to any other fuel for hot water and central heating. It is relatively cheap to install but the upheaval is fairly large.
Storage heaters are awful and e7 is not really cheap electricity unless you use very little electricity during the day, because they charge you a higher rate than normal users have during the day.
Only your energy supplier can remove the e7 meter which is usually free if you get rid of your night storage system
There are a few fantastic electrical heating appliances in the market most particularly German dynamic ceramic cored heating with intelligent programming. Not many companies know much about them and people shy away because the are more expensive than traditional electrical heating systems (which are rubbish because there cheap). They are still cheaper to install than oil heating etc and usually mains gas.
If your electrical system is out of date and hasn't been properly maintained and checked every 5 years, get it seen to by a qualified professional who will insist on carrying out a electrical installation condition report before changing the consumer unit. That person will also insist on fixing any other faults at the same time.
Hope that helps
