Switching From Gas To Electric Heating In A Flat

We're currently refurbishing a small, one-bedroom flat on the top floor of a building in Harrogate (just north of Leeds for those less familiar). Despite having a modern, fully functioning four-year-old Vaillant gas boiler, we've made the somewhat bold decision to remove it entirely and switch to electric heating.

Why make such a drastic change?

The property itself was fine, but looking quite tired, and with an EPC rating of E, it was due for an upgrade. Now, we regularly refurbish properties, and while there's been much talk about future EPC rating changes, that wasn't our motivation here. We believe tenants increasingly value energy efficiency, so we're always keen to stay ahead of the curve.

Admittedly, removing a nearly new boiler wasn't easy - typically, you'd expect a boiler to last at least 10-15 years - but having previously experimented with modern electric heating in another rural property (with promising early results), we felt confident it was the right choice.

One significant benefit was reclaiming valuable space. The boiler had taken up an entire cupboard in the bedroom, and by removing it, we gained extra room and a usable wall.

Insulation is absolutely key to making electric heating viable. Forget minimum legal requirements - we went above and beyond. We've used a combination of Kingspan insulation and thermal laminate plasterboard on ceilings. At the same time, the walls have additional stud walls packed with loft insulation and topped off with thermal laminate boarding. The loft space received a double layer of the thickest insulation. By the end, you'll probably only need a candle to heat the place!

Here's what we're installing:

• Living Room: Dimplex Quantum RF HHR Storage Heater QM150RF
• Bedroom: Dimplex Quantum RF HHR Storage Heater QM70RF
• Bathroom: 300W Chrome Electric Towel Radiator, temperature-controlled and always on at a low level
• Hot Water: Redring Powerstream 12kW Instant Inline Water Heater RPS12. (In hindsight, a 9.5kW version would've sufficed.)

We're using a smart meter set to dual-rate once ready, allowing the heaters to charge during lower-cost off-peak hours (typically midnight to 7 am). Though electricity rates can be higher than gas, the enhanced insulation and absence of daily gas standing charges should keep costs competitive overall.

If you still picture old-style, inefficient storage heaters, think again. Modern Quantum heaters are far more efficient, have boost functions, and incorporate fans for rapid heating during cold snaps. They're even government-approved for achieving an EPC rating of C when paired with heavy insulation.

A tip if you're doing similar work: EPC assessors won't inspect insulation behind walls once they're sealed. So we always invite the assessor before plastering, leaving a couple of boards off for them to inspect, measure, and photograph the insulation.

Would we make this choice everywhere? Absolutely not. Where there is already a gas boiler installed, gas central heating remains the best option for larger homes. But for small flats designed for single occupants or couples, modern electric heating, done right, can be ideal.