2007-03-19 22:30:11 · 7 answers · asked by Stef 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I live in Scotland and I think solar might be a bit of an issue.
2007-03-19 22:49:33 · update #1
The Most proven reliable and easy to fit system is a gas central heating system. Modern boilers are around 90% efficient and most are very reliable. The system will last 15-25 years and will give good heat distribution providing it is installed properly. There are upgrades that can be added to give better control and other things such as mains pressure hot water all at extra cost of course! For a standard 2 bed flat expect £2500.
2007-03-20 05:05:26 · answer #1 · answered by James T 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check out what price forecasts for gas and electricity will be.
In the US, electricity is skyrocketing, while gas is coming down slightly.
In general, gas is best, even though it is the least efficient. About 1.2 watts (of the equivalent in gas) to make 1 watt of heat. electric heating is 1W to make 1W, and heat pump is about 0.33W to move 1W of heat (heat pumps dont use energy to create heat, they use energy to move energy).
The problem is that the gas heat feels a lot warmer than heat from a heat pump. That's because the air is warmer. Heat pump heat (the air coming from the vents) is actually cooler than body temperature, but warmer than the room temperature, and can feel cold to some people because of this. And when it gets too cold for the heat pump to operate efficiently, then an electric heating coil is used instead.
2007-03-20 15:05:18 · answer #2 · answered by H_A_V_0_C 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Definitely look into a heat pump. When the outside temperature is zero degrees C. or more the heat pump can be very efficient. Some units can transfer 3 BTU of heat for every 1 BTU of electrical energy used. Your Utility company can supply you with all of the information you need.
2007-03-20 10:35:41 · answer #3 · answered by indyacom 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've had underfloor electric, electric storage radiators and gas. Both electric options, if you didn't want to freeze, were horrendously expensive to run. Gas central heating with normal radiators wins hands down on economic grounds even with the gas price hike.
2007-03-20 05:39:33 · answer #4 · answered by Del Piero 10 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
solar is the best but it will cost at first, but you cannot predicate what the costs of gas and electric will cost in the near future and they are going up everywhere , but once the solar heating is paid for that's it , good luck
2007-03-20 05:44:53 · answer #5 · answered by jim m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the warmest heat you will find is gas...and generally the cheapest.
2007-03-20 09:49:44 · answer #6 · answered by Larry M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
gas .
2007-03-20 05:41:54 · answer #7 · answered by steven e 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋