On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 15:51:15 +0000, Peter Parry
wrote:

On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 13:46:07 +0000, The Natural Philosopher
wrote:


In terms of being a conveniently located heater, of attractive design (in a
traditional setting), that is actually MORE efficient than an oil or gas
boiler,

They are not more efficient than a modern oil or gas boiler - the
range cooker industry even had to negotiate a category of their own
for water heating because they found it difficult to reach even 85%
efficiency, most still wallow around 75%.

We weren't discussing water heating. Other than as a backup in case
of electricity failure, it isn't interesting to heat water cylinders
at a rate of 3-5kW.

In terms of space heating, if one compares flue temperatures at exit
from the house it is clear that a gas Aga with conventional flue is
very efficient.




But if at all possible, hedge yor bets. If you are on gas, get a gas
hob as well - the gas aga companion is actually nice - electric ovens, gas
hob, and a gas aga is the best of all worls..and on oil with no gas the
electric companion is also advantageous.

Something else which needs to be factored in is price.

Why?

A new four
oven gas Aga today costs over GBP 7,000. If you want the companion
module - a simple double oven and hob it adds a staggering GBP 2,600.
On top of that you need to add the cost of reinforcing the floor.

Why would you need to reinforce a concrete floor?



GBP 9,600 for a cooker which then costs a further GBP500 a year to
run simply isn't worthwhile when set against its mediocre
performance.

1) At the measured rate of 700W, at a gas price of 2p a unit, that
adds up to around £120.

2) You may have had mediochre performance with some old model at some
point in the past. I achieve rather better.




--

..andy