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Electrical heating in Belgium
Dear all,
I have found a duplex of 160 m2 next to Madou metro station. It costs 255,000 euros which is a good price. The catch is that all the appartment is heated only with electricity and I don't think there is a possibility to switch to gas because the building has no chimney.
Do any of you have any experience with electrical heating? how much it would cost to heat a duplex of 160m2 and if it's worth investing into such appartment?
Please let me know if you have the time.
Anamaria
Two words: STAY AWAY
why?
did you follow the current electricity prices in the past years? There is only one way = up!
Very old fashioned heating method. These systems were installed mostly in the 60ties / 70ties when (nuclear) electricity was promoted being cheap and best.
You will never get it warm in (really) cold times? The electricity systems are based on cheaper 'night power production', load up during the night and pass their power during the day ..in any case if there is a quick change of temperature during the day, e.g. in winter, think the past weeks ..the appartment will be remain cold as the system did not load enough power the night before.
Also, these buildings are mostly no longer conform with today's insulation requirements - which needs more money to improve to the necessities.
I think there is a reason being soo cheap in BXL centre for such an appartment size.
Agree, Wouldn't touch. We only use small space heaters in an attic area where the room is well insultaed and it is a small space that wasn't worth the cost of a full install for radiators, but nice as a study center for the kids. Never would consider for full place.
You could do a cost analysis:
1. Aside from the heating system, calculate how much are you saving by buying this apartment.
2. Calculate the savings per year for let's say 15 years.
3. Ask Electrabel perhaps to tell you the cost difference to heat by electricity versus gas for your sized apartment and your desired temperature. Calculate the extra cost per year.
4. Compare savings to extra costs!
Note: Electricity is going up, but over the long run it is hard to say what will happen. Most renewable energy sources create electricity. Gas may become scarce in the years ahead. Hard to predict...
You have the right to ask to take a look at the last bills. Ask and you will have the answer.
