Why switch to electric?
We've frozen electricity prices for another winter. That's almost four years without a price rise. Why not switch to efficient, environmentally friendly, low cost electric heating? More and more islanders are benefiting from electric heating as an alternative to gas and oil. Whether you want a complete new system or simply change your boiler, electricity offers a simple solution for every heating need.
To book an appointment for a free, no obligation electric heating survey please click on the 'Get a quote' link or call 505460.
I have a gas boiler, what are my options?
Most boilers can be easily replaced with an electric equivalent
without too much disruption. If you have a combi boiler, you will
need to install a hot water cylinder too, as an electric combi
boiler isn't available at present.
Alternatively, you could install a highly efficient ground
source or air source heat pump.
I have an oil boiler, can I change to electric?
Most boilers can be easily replaced with an electric equivalent
without too much disruption. If you have a combi boiler, you will
need to install a hot water cylinder too, as an electric combi
boiler isn't available at present.
Alternatively, you could install a highly efficient ground
source or air source heat pump.
Your oil storage tank can be removed too.
I don’t want to install storage heaters as I already have radiators, can I just change my boiler?
Yes, you can easily replace your existing gas or oil fired
boiler with an electric equivalent. The conversion is usually
simple and straightforward. If you have a combi boiler, you will
need to install a hot water cylinder too, as an electric combi
boiler isn't available at present.
Alternatively, you could install a highly efficient ground
source or air source heat pump.
I want the lowest possible running costs, what do you suggest?
A ground source or air source heat pump is the most efficient
heating appliance on the market. Using heat from the ground or
surrounding air, this clever appliance converts this heat into
useable heat for use inside your home.
For every 1kW used to convert the heat, you can get up to 3kW of
useful heat back.
What is the cheapest option to install electric heating?
Apart from plug-in heaters, night storage heaters are generally
the most economical to install as they only require simple
wiring.
I am building a new property, what are my options?
If you have the budget, a heat pump, combined with underfloor
heating is by far the best option in terms of efficiency, comfort
and environmental impact. Having said that, an electric heating
solution is available for all heating needs. Click here for
more details.
What is the most energy efficient system available?
A ground source or air source heat pump is the most efficient
heating appliance on the market. Using heat from the ground or
surrounding air, this clever appliance converts this heat into
useable heat for use inside your home.
For every 1kW used to convert the heat, you can get up to 3kW of
useful heat back.
What are my running costs likely to be?
It is difficult to estimate running costs accurately as many
factors, such as seasonal temperatures, home insulation levels and
individual preferences, will affect what you use.
If you currently have a gas or oil fired central heating system,
you will be able to ascertain your annual fuel consumption from
your bills.
Alternatively, contact your energy supplier and ask them for
your last 12 months' usage in units (gas) or litres (oil) and any
standing charges'
Once you have this information, we will be able to give you a
relatively accurate comparison for an electric system.
Do you offer any finance packages?
Yes, two finance packages are available
Five years' interest free credit for installations costing up to £6,000
Five years' low interest credit for installations costing more than £6,000
How often do I have to maintain an electric heating system?
Generally, electric heating appliances do not require any
specific annual maintenance.
I want to have underfloor heating, what types of system are available?
There are two main types of underfloor heating; water and
electric cable.
In a water system, warm water is piped from the boiler and runs
throughout the floors of the property.
In an electric cable system, the cables themselves are run
throughout the property and give off heat.
Normally, underfloor heating is installed at the time of
construction, as it is more difficult to install into existing
properties.
A third option is underfloor matting. However, this is more a
floor warmer rather than a heating option. It is generally
installed in bathrooms.
I have storage heaters fitted, can I add some more?
Yes you can, as long as the supply feeding your property is
large enough. Click here for more details.
I am thinking about installing solar panels, I believe there are two different types?
Yes there are, Solar Photo Voltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal
PV panels produce electricity and thermal panels produce hot
water
PV cells are made from layers of semi-conducting material,
usually silicon. When light shines on the cell it creates an
electric field across the layers. The stronger the sunshine, the
more electricity is produced. Groups of cells are mounted
together in panels or modules that can be mounted on your roof.
Solar water heating systems use solar panels, called collectors,
fitted to your roof. These collect heat from the sun and use it to
heat up water that is stored in a hot water cylinder. A boiler or
immersion heater can be used as a back up to heat the water further
to reach the temperature you want
Both systems will ultimately provide 'FREE' energy however,
installation costs can be high.
If I have an electric boiler installed, will you have to run any new cables?
Normally yes, but how much will depend upon where the boiler is
located. Our estimator will advise you on this in more detail when
he visits your property.
Will I have to have a new electric supply from the road?
Generally no, but our estimator will be able to advise on this
in more detail when he visits your property.
Can I reuse my existing timers and controls?
If they are compatible with the new system and they appear to be
working OK, then yes, we can often reuse them.
Does an electric boiler system operate differently than gas or oil?
Not really, the general principle is the same. You use a fuel
source to heat water in a boiler and distribute the heat around the
home.
There is one noticeable difference. An electric boiler does not
need a flue or chimney and therefore no heat is wasted as with gas
and oil fired boilers.
Can I switch my boiler off in the summer and use my immersion heater?
Yes you can. Lots of customers take advantage of low cost hot
water during the summer months and switch their gas or oil fired
boilers off.
Call our Customer Care Team on 505460 for more details.
What is the best tariff to be on?
We have a range of tariffs to suit all heating applications. The
best advice is to decide on your preferred system and then choose.
Click here
for more details.
How do I get some advice?
If you can't find the answer to your question here, or would
like to talk to someone about your specific requirements, please
contact our Customer Care Team on 505460.