Portable heaters

[leah_1902]

Does anyone has a portable heater?

How does it work? What brand is the best? I am currently trying to find a portable heater for my flat because as the weather gets colder, I don't want to rely on the radiators for central heating so much. I have been to Argos my local one and briefly spoke with someone there for advice on Saturday and also searched online but I don't know how to proceed. Is it worth it? My ancient boiler often stops working. Because I have small children, I think I really need one that has wheels. And a anti tip switch is also preferred strongly. Just in case.

I want a fairly reliable one. It also must be relatively cheap and easy to use. Is it worth buying a plastic covering to hide it or not? I have also read some descriptions of electric portable heaters. I live in a small flat with two little children so I ideally need a safe portable heater if they even exist. It would live in my bedroom and be turned off at night. I don’t want them hurting themselves. But my son does get extremely cold. I have seen him shiver even when he has a coat on during the day time if we are at home. Can you use DFG for this?

What are my options? I’m not willing to spend more than £100 on any type of movable heater. Do Halfords sell heaters? Or should I look elsewhere? It often gets very cold at night and we don’t like to use central heating. I have considered a heating blanket. But that might not work as well however. Recommendations will be gratefully appreciated thank you.

[Chris From The Gulag]

Three review links for you , Leah :

https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/home-ap ... en-heaters

https://www.bestreviewer.co.uk/top-10-b ... c-heaters/

https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/electri ... ric-heater

As for running costs , fairly expensive on all tariffs ... and NOT recommended if you are on a prepayment meter !

[Pet66]

Have a look at oiled filled radiators Argos have them. I had one as a stand by and it was quite efficient. Mine was on wheels and had a timer but you dont have to have one. Other places do them of course like currys and amazon. Apparently the oiled filled radiators are better re energy efficiency. My friend has a convection heater with a timer in her caravan which is is very pleased with.
De' longhi and dimplex are recommended makes.

[leah_1902]

Three review links for you , Leah :

https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/home-ap ... en-heaters

https://www.bestreviewer.co.uk/top-10-b ... c-heaters/

https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/electri ... ric-heater

As for running costs , fairly expensive on all tariffs ... and NOT recommended if you are on a prepayment meter !

Thanks! We are not on a prepayment meter however I’ll bear that in mind.

[bowlingbun]

Investigate grants as your son is disabled so you can get the boiler replaced by a combi boiler. I cannot tell you how it has completely changed my 110 year old cottage!

[leah_1902]

Have a look at oiled filled radiators Argos have them. I had one as a stand by and it was quite efficient. Mine was on wheels and had a timer but you dont have to have one. Other places do them of course like currys and amazon. Apparently the oiled filled radiators are better re energy efficiency. My friend has a convection heater with a timer in her caravan which is is very pleased with.
De' longhi and dimplex are recommended makes.

We are going heater shopping tomorrow. What questions do I ask of the salesman? We dont have a Curry's shop in town however. And thank you!

[leah_1902]

Investigate grants as your son is disabled so you can get the boiler replaced by a combi boiler. I cannot tell you how it has completely changed my 110 year old cottage!

Can you get a winter fuel payment?

[bowlingbun]

Only for over 65s I think. A grant would be better.

[Chris From The Gulag]

Winter fuel payments ?

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/wh ... el-payment

Who can get it

Winter Fuel Payment is not means tested. You can get it if you’re working or claiming a benefit.

You can automatically qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2019/2020 if both the following apply :

you have reached the qualifying age which means you were born on or before 5 April 1954.

you normally lived in Northern Ireland or Great Britain on any day throughout the week 16 to 22 September 2019 - this is known as the 'qualifying week.'

You will not qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment if, throughout the week of 16 to 22 September 2019, you :

were in prison.

were in hospital getting free treatment for more than 52 weeks.

needed permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states that you cannot claim public funds.

have lived in a care home for the whole time between 24 June and 16 September 2019 and were receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

You may still be able to get Cold Weather Payment, even if you do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payment.

[Pet66]

I would ask which is the safest and economy efficient. Mine never tipped, but should it have of, it had automatic switch off.
The salesperson will tell you the pros and cons, as they will want the sale!!
I do agree with Bowlingbun. My combi boiler is great. Don't know if you could get help to get one. Worcester Bosch is one of the best. Definitely worth checking out your rights.