Going All Electric?

[MacB]

I am contemplating this for next year, currently have gas combi boiler. Yes I am aware of the 4 to 1 electric to gas price however there are other factors if I keep gas:-

1. I need to move/replace the existing boiler
2. I need to move the existing gas meter by about 30ft
3. I need to replace all the rads and probably most of the pipework

On the electric side:-

1. I need a full rewire etc anyway
2. the electric meter needs moving but this would be same location just internal to external wall

I roughly calculate that by going electric I save enough to cover 3-4 years of the electric/gas price difference. That's based on current gas useage however I haven't factored in being able to control heating on a room by room basis which should be a noticeable further saving.

Further down the line, or even later next year finances permitting, there is a plan for solar. This would also be used to heat a new electric tank...the shower would be electric anyway.

Has anyone got experience of doing similar or any of the new integrated electric systems?

 

[screenman]

I wonder how that would affect the future resale value.

 

[BurningLegs]

I agree with @screenman - some buyers will be put off by a property with electric heating, especially storage heaters.

What electric heating are you planning?

There are some good electric options that have low running costs (but cost as much or more to install than a gas system). I am thinking of ground or air source heat pumps.

 

[welsh dragon]

In large parts of Wales, electricity is the only form of power you can have unless you plumb for LPG or oil both of which are expensive to install and run. I am all electric and also have a wood burning stove. Having economy 7 will help, as will having timers on your washing machine, tumble drier, dish washer, hot water etc. And of course, you can always shop around for better deals and prices. Of course my experience is of someone who lives in a very rural part of Wales but i do know quite a few people in Birmingham who also are all electric. It doesn't seem to have affected the price or value of their home.

 

[raleighnut]

I'd say go for it if you have a chimney and can install a (Defra approved exempt appliance) woodburner, we did and save around £300 on the gas bill, admittedly we spend £200 on logs but it's still an overall saving.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

We're all electric but with an air to water heat pump. Low bills but a ridiculously high installation cost, we did qualify for an annual grant which helps.

 

[bikingdad90]

You mention moving the meter from internal to external. Will the entry point for the gas/electric need moving to do this? The National Grid are two manned so it maybe expensive if you do.

Your gas/electric supplier will then move the meter as a separate job.

 

[NorthernDave]

Where I live is all electric - built in the 60's when it was the fuel of the future.
Something about Sellafield producing so much cheap electric that it wouldn't be worth metering?
I've lived in homes with gas and electric prior though and although I did have a few concerns I soon adapted and don't really think about it.

There are people who live nearby who've had gas put in (there is a main, apparently...) and a couple more who run LPG tanks, but most people seem happy with electric only.

 

[Racing roadkill]

I am contemplating this for next year, currently have gas combi boiler. Yes I am aware of the 4 to 1 electric to gas price however there are other factors if I keep gas:-

1. I need to move/replace the existing boiler
2. I need to move the existing gas meter by about 30ft
3. I need to replace all the rads and probably most of the pipework

On the electric side:-

1. I need a full rewire etc anyway
2. the electric meter needs moving but this would be same location just internal to external wall

I roughly calculate that by going electric I save enough to cover 3-4 years of the electric/gas price difference. That's based on current gas useage however I haven't factored in being able to control heating on a room by room basis which should be a noticeable further saving.

Further down the line, or even later next year finances permitting, there is a plan for solar. This would also be used to heat a new electric tank...the shower would be electric anyway.

Has anyone got experience of doing similar or any of the new integrated electric systems?

I went electric only in my last property. It worked out as being over 1500 quid a year cheaper, on average, over 5 years. I'm not having gas ever again.

 

[MacB]

The gas meter and boiler are in the way of plans so would need moving, I understand the meter is a particularly pricey move.
The electric meter would be replaced FOC and I'd prefer it outside but it can go inside in same place.
Yes a woodburner is an option - end terrace and chimney on external wall - but don't know if I am keen

There's also personal taste/preference, I would prefer not to be burning gas, or wood and would also be considering battery storage solutions along with the solar panels.

I wasn't thinking storage heaters, just electric on demand rads but programmable per room. Possibly an electric fire/heater in front room, a wall mounted LED one that mimics a real fire.

 

[cyberknight]

Gary Numan went all electric but his friends always kept coming around to recharge their batteries.

 

[screenman]

I went electric only in my last property. It worked out as being over 1500 quid a year cheaper, on average, over 5 years. I'm not having gas ever again.

Blimey you saved more each year than my combined bill on this reasonable sized detached house, was it a huge mansion?

 

[Sharky]

I'm sure I read somewhere the other day that gas for heating in the home is going to be phased out, along with all other fossil fuels.

 

[sight-pin]

I was expecting to see a couple of new electric bikes.

 

[Sandra6]

We lived in an all electric house, admittedly they were the old style storage heaters and the hot water was by way of an emersion heater, I wouldn't go back by choice.
It cost a fortune. The house wasn't as warm as with gas central heating. And you're left freezing if there's a power cut.