Modern Electric Storage Heaters
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Lower Your Bills Through Modern Electric Storage Heaters
Electric storage heaters have long been a staple for efficiently heating homes, taking advantage of lower off-peak electricity tariffs. They charge up overnight when energy costs are lower. This stored energy is then released as warmth throughout the day.
With advancements in technology, new electric storage heaters are far more versatile and energy-efficient than standard models. They can control the temperature better and distribute heat more evenly, keeping you cosy throughout the day.
High heat retention storage heaters boast significant cost savings compared to traditional options. You can expect to see bills up to 27% lower than standard storage heaters and a whopping 47% reduction compared to electric radiator and convector systems.
How Does an Electric Storage Heater Work?
An electric storage heater works by drawing electricity during off-peak hours, usually at night, and uses it to heat up internal clay blocks. These blocks then store this heat and gradually release it throughout the day. It’s an efficient method to manage temperature and energy costs effectively.
The control on these heaters is straightforward – two dials, input and output, manage everything. The input dial determines how much electricity the heater will use to warm up, while the output dial controls how fast the heat is released. Setting the output too high might mean using up all stored heat before your day ends, so balancing these settings is key.
For those moments when you need an extra warmth boost, many storage heaters come with built-in convector heaters. They usually have a grill at the top for a quick burst of heat if the stored heat runs low. However, using this feature too often can be less cost-effective as it doesn’t benefit from the lower nighttime rates.
Why Upgrade Your Storage Heater & Electric Radiators?
Storage heating technology has come a long way since its debut in the 1960s. Newer models (especially those made after 2018) adhere to more rigorous efficiency standards and have enhanced controls.
Enhanced Heat Retention
Gone are the days when storage heaters would barely keep the chill away till noon. New electric storage heaters come packed with superior insulation techniques, ensuring the heat they store during those off-peak, less expensive hours doesn't just vanish into thin air. They hold onto it, releasing warmth steadily, which means your space remains cosy longer without needing constant recharges.
Precise Temperature Control
One of the brilliant features of today's storage heaters is their programmable thermostats. These aren't the clunky, hit-or-miss knobs of the past but precise, user-friendly controls that allow you to dictate exactly how warm you want your space to be and when. This means you're only using the energy you need to maintain your ideal comfort level, cutting down on wastage and reducing your bills. If the day suddenly turns colder than expected, you're covered without having to overhaul your settings.
Quick Boost Function
Life is full of surprises, and sometimes you need a quick fix to adjust to the unexpected. That's where the quick boost function comes in handy. Modern storage heaters include this lifesaver for those moments when you need an immediate warmth upgrade. Whether it's an unplanned get-together or a sudden drop in temperature, the boost function swiftly increases the heat output, ensuring your space remains welcoming and warm without any delay.
Automatic Operation
Modern storage heaters are designed to be user-friendly. Once you set your program, the automatic charge control takes over. It calculates the exact amount of electricity needed to meet your chosen temperature settings, ensuring efficient use of energy and potentially lowering your bills. Additionally, the thermostat automatically regulates the release of stored heat, keeping the room at your desired temperature without constant adjustments.
Versatile Design
Modern storage heaters go above and beyond in terms of design. They can elevate your space's look, proving that efficient heating can also be stylish.
Which Electricity Meter & Tariff Should You Use?
Electric storage heaters and the right electricity tariff can make a big difference in your energy bills. If you have storage heaters, you’re likely familiar with Economy 7 tariffs, designed to offer cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours. This system has evolved from the 1960s use of separate meters for heating and household electricity to today’s smart meters, which consolidate everything for easier management and billing.
While Economy 7 is a popular option, it’s not the only plan available. Different energy suppliers offer various dual-rate or “smart” tariffs. Your best bet is to have a chat with your energy supplier to figure out your current setup and explore the most cost-efficient tariff based on your usage.
Things might be a bit different in Scotland. If you have more than two electricity readings on your bill, or if your meter setup confuses you, you might have a restricted meter. These meters have unique plans with complex billing structures. Unlike standard plans, they offer cheaper electricity rates during afternoon or early evening hours, in addition to the usual overnight off-peak period. These top-up periods are controlled by a special switch to manage your storage heater’s charging.
Can You Replace Your Storage Heater Yourself?
Storage heaters, especially larger models, can weigh over 150kg due to their heat-retaining cores. Their installation isn’t just about physical handling; they need to be correctly connected to specific circuits in your home, and they’re hard-wired for safety and efficiency. This is a task for a registered electrician. Additionally, for units installed before 1974, there’s a risk they may contain asbestos. Handling or disposing of these requires a specialist asbestos contractor. Safety first always ensures a properly functioning and efficient system.
Choosing the right size heater is another aspect where professional advice is invaluable. An oversized heater not only costs more initially but can also lead to wasteful electricity use. Conversely, a heater too small won’t adequately warm your space. If you’re considering replacing your storage heater, remember to deactivate it at least 24 hours in advance. This allows its core to cool, making it safer for removal.
Installing modern, high-heat retention storage heaters can actually boost your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. This rating measures how energy-efficient your property is. If you replace them with anything that doesn’t retain heat well (like electric radiators or panel heaters), your EPC rating could take a hit. In some cases, this might even drop below the minimum legal requirement for rentals. We’re here to help guide you through your options and ensure your property isn’t just efficient but also compliant.
