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If your home is equipped with storage heaters and you’re thinking about updating them or switching to a new system, this article is for you. Read on for a complete guide to replacing storage heaters and what to expect throughout the process. Planning is key, which is why we’ve included loads of information on the best replacement for storage heaters options and the pros and cons of each.
As the name suggests, storage heaters actively stockpile thermal energy. This is usually done in the evening or overnight when the cost of electricity is lower. Also known as heat banks, storage heaters then release this thermal energy throughout the day to heat the space. Storage heaters are generally mounted on walls and resemble traditional radiators.
For many years, storage heaters were considered a cost-effective option as they consume off-peak power. It’s similar to how people used to schedule large downloads overnight when internet data was capped and unlimited broadband was a distant dream. However, the original technology is now outperformed by other heating systems. This has prompted many homeowners to consider replacing storage heaters with electric radiators and other more energy efficient alternatives – or upgrading them to smart storage heaters.
As mentioned above, basic storage heaters were considered an affordable and energy-efficient option during their heyday in the 1960s. Here’s a quick overview of how the systems work:
Storage heaters were a gamechanger in the 1940s when they were first invented. People loved the idea of using electricity to heat their homes and storage heaters were considered a stylish and modern alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
They worked well at the time as electricity companies were generating huge amounts of power to meet the needs of the energy-hungry country. Instead of shutting down power stations at night, companies discovered it was more efficient to simply keep them running. Storage heaters emerged as a clever way to use this excess heat.
Things changed again in the 1960s when national Electricity Boards started to actively promote storage heaters. More than 10 British companies started to manufacture storage heaters and sales boomed.
The 1980s saw the nation introduced to E7 off-peak rates. This further boosted the storage heater market and saw more than one million units per year sold to British households. Brits couldn’t get enough of the discount energy tariffs!
The privatisation of energy companies in the early 1990s bought the heyday to an end. New technologies emerged and while storage heaters continued to function, new sales tapered off and many people started to think about replacing storage heaters.
Many energy companies no longer offer E7 meters which makes storage heaters obsolete in some households. Without off-peak energy tariffs, there’s simply no point in stockpiling thermal energy overnight and releasing it throughout the day.
While basic storage heaters are on the way out, there’s been something of a revival thanks to smart storage heaters. These modern heaters have additional controls to maximise energy efficiency, which distinguishes them from their predecessors.
Because of their improved efficiency, many homeowners choose to simply upgrade their storage heaters. It’s the simplest option given that existing wiring can often be used. Fancy a complete change? Below, we explore some of the best replacements for storage heaters.
Conventional radiators have been used in the UK for decades. Most Brits are familiar with the gurgling sound that goes hand-in-hand with plumbed-in central heating radiators. They’re essentially hollow metal panels attached to the wall and heated with water.
Standard radiators are plumbed into the water system and powered by a boiler, heat pump or alternative system. Water is pumped through the radiators via pipes which heats up the metal panels and releases heat into the room.
Pros
Cons
Streamlined and efficient, electric radiators are becoming increasingly popular in British homes. Modern systems are highly energy efficient and convert every watt of electricity into thermal heat. This not only reduces running costs but saves energy and minimises the environmental footprint of your home. For this reason, they’re one of the most popular options for replacing storage heaters.
State-of-the-art systems feature automation technology that allows you to control setting from your smartphone. This means you can switch off your electric radiators while you’re out to save energy, then activate them just before you get home and return to a toasty house. They’re also compatible with voice control assistants like Alexa and Google.
Pros
Cons
Compatible with most homes, heat pumps can be an efficient way to heat your home, minimise your carbon footprint and reduce your energy bills. They use electricity to capture heat from outdoors and transfer it into your home.
The thermal energy captured and transferred to your home surpasses the electrical energy needed to operate the heat pump. This can make them a good alternative to storage heaters that consume a huge amount of energy.
Heat pumps are available in a variety of forms:
Each one of these has its own unique advantages. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work when it comes to heat pumps. It’s best to assess the property carefully and match it with a heat pump system that best suits its demands.
Pros
Cons
Older storage heaters are quickly becoming obsolete in the UK. Not only are they inefficient when it comes to heating homes but they’re prone to malfunctions and can be expensive to maintain. In the long run upgrading to a more modern system is usually a smart financial decision. Read on for a closer look at the process of replacing storage heaters and what to expect.
We’ve broken down the storage heater replacement process into bite-sized sections to make it easier for you to digest.
The first step is making the decision to upgrade. If you’ve started to dread the arrival of electricity bills and you’re sick of cold fingers and toes even with the heat turned right up, replacing storage heaters with electric radiators or another option should be an easy decision.
The next big decision is what alternative to storage heaters to install. Every home is different so it’s important to do your research and choose a system that fits your unique needs.
Electric radiators are generally the most popular choice when replacing storage heaters. They can be installed in the same locations as storage heaters but give your space an instant upgrade. As well as being far more energy efficient, electric radiators are sleek, streamlined and modern.
Another option is replacing outdated storage heaters with modern units. Smart storage heaters offer all the benefits of the original design that won over Brits in the 1980s, with a suite of modern upgrades. If you have an existing E7 meter they modern storage heaters can be a clever way to tap into off-peak electricity tariffs without compromising on energy efficiency. Modern storage heaters are also much easier on the eye than the bulkier systems installed several decades ago.
Replacing storage heaters with electric radiators or another alternative isn’t necessarily a complex job, but it is best left to the professionals. Enlisting the help of a trusted and well-reviewed company is the best way to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Initial cost is one of the major challenges associated with replacing storage heaters. Some households can find it difficult to justify replacing storage heater systems that work perfectly well. However, in the long run the energy efficiency of modern replacements pays for the upgrade.
There are two major costs associated with replacing storage heaters. First, you’ll need to purchase the replacement units. For example, new electric radiators or modern storage heater replacements. Next, you’ll need to pay for the labour needed to remove the old system and replace it with modern upgrades.
The costs of installing new electric radiators
If you’re replacing storage heaters with electric radiators, expect to pay around £3,500 to £4,500 for a turnkey job. This includes a professional team to remove your old storage heaters and replace them with modern electric radiators. Of course, the total cost will vary depending on the size of your home, how many new electric radiators are needed and the model you’re upgrading to.
To give you a ballpark figure, expect to pay between £200 and £300 per unit for small electric radiators with basic functionality. This doesn’t include the cost of labour. For top-of-the-range units with multiple heating elements and advanced features like Wi-Fi-connectivity, the cost per unit will be significantly higher. Some installation jobs can also be more complex than others and require additional labour hours.
The costs of installing new storage heaters
Like installing new electric radiators, the cost of modern storage heaters can vary significantly. As a general rule, expect to pay anywhere from £100 to £700 per unit for modern storage heaters. High-end models offer advanced features like automatic temperature sensors and smartphone controls. You’ll need at least one modern storage heater per room which means the larger your home, the higher the total cost.
A good contractor is the key to pulling off a storage heater replacement project that meets your needs and stays on budget. Here’s a quick look at what to look for when enlisting a contractor in Somerset for replacing storage heaters:
Looking for a contractor that works exclusively with high-quality brands like Dimplex is one of the best ways to get the most out of your new heating system.
Accreditation from organisations like the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) gives you total peace of mind your installers are professional, experienced and compliant with national Building Regulations.
Look for contractors that stand behind their work. The best replacement for storage heaters projects should come with a comprehensive guarantee of 5 or 10 years that covers both parts and labour.
When possible, it’s best to enlist the help of a contractor with a local presence. As well as enjoying friendly and personalised service, you’ll unlock access to invaluable local knowledge and insight that national companies simply can’t replicate. You’ll also get the warm fuzzies knowing you’re supporting a local business.
Reviews are one of the best ways to gauge a contractor. Jump online and have a read through customer reviews to find out more about what to expect when replacing storage heaters.
At Somerset Heating, we supply and install electric radiators and smart storage heaters as alternatives to outdated storage heaters for customers throughout Somerset. If you want to find out more about the process or get a no-obligation quote, simply call our team today on 07775 447404 and arrange a home visit.
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