Weighing up the comparative costs of two home-heating options

AL_n · 2012-08-16T14:23:38+00:00

Hello all, I'm trying to determine the cost-benefits (if any) of installing a regular combi-boiler central heating system in my 3-bed semi. The pipework has already been installed by a previous owner. All I need to do is buy a boiler hand get it plumbed in. I can istall the rads myself. I already have some rads. The boiler will be sited very close to an existing 25mm gas supply pipe.It looks like I could obtain an A-rated combi boiler plus flue kit for under £500 (Lamborghini Extrema 30C for example). I already have some radiators I can use.The alternative method of heating the house would be to use electric fan heaters, switched on manually, in any room I happen to be using at any time. I am the only resident. I think it's safe to assume that electrical heating will continue to be more expensive than gas over the next decade, however, the fan heater option means I am only heating one room at a time.Regarding heated tap-water, I am currently using an immersion heater, switching it on manually, for one hour before I need to take a bath or shower. If I installed a combi boiler, I would no longer need to use the immersion heater.Can anyone give me any clue as to how long it would take to recoup about£700 in saved fuel costs if I install the gas-fired C/H system?Many thanks!Al