Old storage heaters can leave you cold and satisfied, while still paying the same high energy bills at the end of each month. You are not alone in this situation, thousands of homeowners across the UK are finding themselves in the same position, which is why government grants to replace storage heaters have skyrocketed in popularity, as they can completely upgrade your heating system for free.
With rising energy costs and the rush towards net-zero emissions gaining momentum, the UK government has spent large sums of money through the ECO4 initiative to assist domestic buildings in replacing outdated, inefficient heating units with smart, new ones. With £4 billion in funding until March 2026, this is one of the biggest offers of free heater replacements in the history of Britain.
Ready to find out if you’re eligible for a free storage heater upgrade? Fill out our 1-minute eligibility form and you could be getting a warmer home with more effective heating in no time!
Are Storage Heaters Efficient in 2025?
The performance of storage heaters depends entirely on which generation you’re using. If you’re burdened with storage heaters installed more than 10 years ago, odds are you’re paying the price of utilizing old technology. The good news is that there are newer alternatives out there with performance a big step ahead.
Old storage heaters, especially those fitted prior to 2010, have a number of serious inefficiencies which render them costly and unpleasant to use:
1. Heat Loss Issues: Old storage heaters lose a great deal of heat throughout the day and end up using up all their heat by night when you require it the most. This forces most homes to use costly day-time electricity in an attempt to charge their heating.
2. Lack of Control: Storage heaters are much less capable of controlling both time and temperature when compared to new heating systems. You’re basically making an educated guess on tomorrow’s heating requirements the evening before, which has you humid on nice days and having too little heat on cold days.
3. Potential Safety Risks: Storage heaters produced prior to 1974 potentially contain asbestos, which poses possible health hazards, requiring it to be professionally removed.
4. Ineffective Storage of Heat: Insulation in old models decays over time, hence leaking heat and using more electricity to achieve the same levels of comfort.
New Storage Heater: New Innovation
The market for storage heaters has experienced a revolutionary shift in recent years. The newer ECO storage heaters are 27% more efficient than their older counterparts and have features that puts them far ahead. One of the best new innovations is the intelligent heat controls. The newer storage heaters can achieve 90% of the heat they need through low-cost off-peak power, while older models waste heat when not in use. With their increased insulation they have higher high heat retention (HHR). They also use more efficient insulation materials and construction to retain heat over extended periods of time to supply consistent heat during the day.
Modern models also have programmable thermostats, WiFi remote control, adaptive start modes, and even open window detection to optimize energy usage. Regulatory compliance also means that all new electric storage heaters need to have a minimum energy efficiency rating of 38% for outputs above 250W to ensure that they are up to current environmental standards.
The Cost Reality
Placed alongside reasonable tariffs like Economy 7, modern storage heaters can achieve real savings. High-performance high heat retention products like the Dimplex Quantum can save between 27% to run compared to traditional storage heating systems.
But the efficiency equation is flipped when you look at the whole picture. Contemporary heat pumps and free electric heaters offered are more cost-effective overall, giving us instant heat when needed instead of attempting to estimate your heat need 12 hours prior.
Sick of trying to estimate how much heat you’re going to need? Find out if you are eligible for a free brand new, A-rated combi boiler that meets your needs without the high bills! Fill in our simple eligibility form and find out if you qualify for a free boiler upgrade today!
Qualifying homes can get fully free replacement storage heaters if it is more suitable to their demands.
Storage heater replacement grant typically includes the full disposal of old, less efficient storage heaters, delivery and installation of modern, high heat retention storage heaters, and all labour fees and installation materials.
- Installation of electrical work on new equipment
- 12-year manufacturer guarantees on new equipment
Top Advantages of Replacing Your Old Storage Heaters with Free Electric Ones
Swapping out your existing storage heaters with new electric heating systems via the ECO4 scheme provides you with more than simple cost savings. Here is what you will be getting when you make the switch:
1. Huge Energy Bill Reductions: Modern storage heaters can save up to 47% compared to electric convector systems. For the average household, this translates to annual savings of £300-£500.
2. No Upfront Costs: Unlike private installations that can cost £700-£1,500 per unit, ECO4 storage heater grants cover 100% of the upgrade costs, including removal, supply, installation, and warranties.
3. Instant Savings: From the first month on the new system, you will be saving on your bills, because efficient use of electricity and more management of the heat are built into the advanced heaters.
4. New heaters retain heat for longer through advanced insulation, eliminating the usual danger of running out of heat in the evening.
5. In contrast to outdated storage heaters that forced you to predict the heating requirements 12 hours ahead, new devices provide programmable thermostats, Wi-Fi connectivity, and adaptive start that helps you better plan ahead.
6. Zone Capability for Heating: Most new devices allow you to heat rooms as required, as opposed to heating the entire residence whether anyone is home or not.
7. Even Heat Dispersion: Fan-assisted heating makes rooms warm with uniform heating, eliminating cold spots, and providing greater comfort in general.
8. Better Indoor Air Quality: Electric heating options do not dehydrate air or lead to circulation issues like standard storage heaters. Enhanced humidity and uniform temperature control make a healthier living space, especially suitable for families with newborns or elderly occupants.
9. Low Carbon Footprint: The new electric heating system is 100% efficient, translating all units of electricity directly into heat without any waste.
10. Better EPC Rating: Replacing old storage heaters with new ones can enhance the Energy Performance Certificate rating of your property, which might shift you from an E or F rating to a D or C rating. Properties featuring contemporary, high-efficiency heating systems are more desirable to homeowners and can fetch higher sale or rental values.
11. Future-Proofing: New electric systems can support renewable energy technologies such as solar power, so your property is ready for the net-zero emissions transition.
New Storage Heaters: Long-Term Reliability
Newer storage heaters are designed to last 15-20 years when properly maintained, as opposed to the outdated units that may break down after 10-12 years. Electric heat systems also require less maintenance than gas systems, with lower long-term costs and hassle, which means your system will run efficiently for longer.
Home Energy guide only works with reliable energy grant providers that arrange long-term warranty protection. New products come with full 12-year warranties, providing peace of mind and protecting your investment.
Who Qualifies for Free Storage Heaters?
Homeowners on qualifying benefits, with an EPC rating of D,E,F or G. The scheme prioritizes low income households.
Once you have confirmed your eligibility with our free checker, we will contact you to set up a survey. The survey will allow you to get the maximum number of benefits provided under the scheme. This is a free no-obligation visit.
Once approved, we will arrange your installation by approved, Gas-Safe registered fitters who are experts in ECO4 upgrades. Most jobs are completed within 1-2 days, and you’ll be experiencing greater efficiency and lower bills straight away.
Ready to transform your heating system? Start with our eligibility test today – only 1 minute to fill in and could save you thousands on your bill. Explore different government grants to replace storage heaters and save on your bills now! Contact us to explore other heating options funded for free under the ECO4 scheme, from condensing boilers to solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Home Energy Guide - Your Trusted Partner
Getting government funding to replace storage heaters can be an enjoyable and seamless experience when you choose the right partner, helping you avoid a stressful ordeal that takes away the benefits you’re entitled to. We’ve positioned ourselves as the best at Home Energy Guide to assist UK homeowners in getting the best with free heating upgrades by partnering with the best energy grant provider, helping bring unique solutions to your personal needs. Contact us to learn more or for any enquiries!
