Independent testing of Dimplex’s Quantum heating system using the recently released SAP2012 has reaffirmed that Quantum combined with panel convector heaters can deliver significant running cost savings when compared with other electric heating systems:
The new modelling shows that Dimplex Quantum can reduce running costs by up 27 per cent when compared with a standard storage heater system and up to 47 per cent when compared with an electric convector or radiator system. It was undertaken by Advanced Control Partnerships Ltd, a consultancy run by a BRE Trust Fellow and member of BRE and DECC’s SAP Scientific Integrity Group.
SAP2012 – the only Government approved energy performance assessment method - was used to calculate the space heating running costs for three property types with two different levels of insulation. A heating system comprising a mix of panel convectors and Dimplex Quantum, which stores low-cost energy during off-peak periods, came out on top every time.
Chris Stammers, marketing director at Dimplex, said: “We knew from our own calculations that Quantum was up to 27 per cent cheaper to run than a standard storage heater system but this latest independent assessment reaffirms the cost-saving credentials of the Quantum off-peak heater for homeowners and social housing tenants who are struggling to cope with rising energy bills.
“More importantly, for the first time it gives us a direct comparison of Dimplex Quantum against a heating system comprised exclusively of electric radiators.
“Most properties which combine Quantum heaters in the main living areas with panel convector heaters such as the new Dimplex Q-Rad electric radiator in bedrooms, will have running costs which are nearly half that of a house which has direct acting heaters in every room and operates on a standard tariff. Contractors must be aware of the impact that it could have on their customers’ bills if they specify an inefficient heating system.”
The results:
40m2 one-bedroom flat (built with typical 1960s Building Regulations):
Heating system Annual running cost
Direct acting electric radiator £902 (Standard Tariff)
Manual charge storage heating and panel convector heaters £664 (E7 Tariff)
Quantum and panel convector heaters £494 (E7 Tariff)
40m2 one-bedroom flat (refurbished with typical 1990s Building Regulations):
Heating system Annual running cost
Direct acting electric radiator £523 (Standard Tariff)
Manual charge storage heating and panel convector heaters £371 (E7 Tariff)
Quantum and panel convector heaters £291 (E7 Tariff)
65m2 two-bedroom flat (built with typical 1960s Building Regulations):
Heating system Annual running cost
Direct acting electric radiator £1,399 (Standard Tariff)
Manual charge storage heating and panel convector heaters £985 (E7 Tariff)
Quantum and panel convector heaters £745 (E7 Tariff)
65m2 two-bedroom flat (refurbished with typical 1990s Building Regulations):
Heating system Annual running cost
Direct acting electric radiator £849 (Standard Tariff)
Manual charge storage heating and panel convector heaters £575 (E7 Tariff)
Quantum and panel convector heaters £455 (E7 Tariff)
90m2 three-bedroom semi-detached house (built with typical 1960s Building Regulations):
Heating system Annual running cost
Direct acting electric radiator £2,099 (Standard Tariff)
Manual charge storage heating and panel convector heaters £1,542 (E7 Tariff)
Quantum and panel convector heaters £1,124 (E7 Tariff)
90m2 three-bedroom semi-detached house (refurbished with typical 1990s Building Regulations):
Heating system Annual running cost
Direct acting electric radiator £1,248 (Standard Tariff)
Manual charge storage heating and panel convector heaters £857 (E7 Tariff)
Quantum and panel convector heaters £663 (E7 Tariff)
