If you grew up in the 60s and 70s, storage heaters may be a nostalgic heating method from your childhood. These white heaters are a common sight in many homes across the country and have been providing users with an economical method of home heating for years. You may already be familiar with how these heaters work, but for those not in the know, here’s an overview of how they operate.
Their name is pretty self-explanatory to a degree, as storage heaters work by storing heat, but what you may not know is that they work alongside specific electricity tariffs designed to offer cheap night-time electricity. These tariffs – like Economy 7 or Economy 10 – give users cheaper night energy rates to incentivise using electricity at times when demand is lower. Storage heaters use these cheaper night rates to draw power overnight and heat thermal bricks within the heater body. The bricks retain this warmth until it’s ready to be released and provide a stored amount of cheap heat to use throughout the day.
The low running costs and simple controls of storage heaters earnt them huge popularity during the initial years of their launch, and their robust housings have meant that many early adopters of this system have been using the same heaters ever since. Though there’s nothing wrong with this per se, older models of storage heater are notoriously inefficient when compared to current generation models, so it’s definitely worth looking at upgrading if you’re already using this system. Modern storage heaters have been built to address many of the common complaints associated with these heaters. They have better thermal retention to reduce heat leakage, increased controls and accuracy to maintain room temperature, and even a top-up function to boost heat levels if heat runs out.
Our selection of storage heaters at Heatingpoint range from basic manual models, to products with fan-assisted functionality. Whether you’re looking to replace your existing storage heaters or if you’re researching to see if this heating system is right for you, take a look at the range we offer below.
Manual Storage Heaters
Contemporary manual storage heaters have retained the same easy-to-control input and output dials at the top of the heater as their predecessors. They’re the preferable option if you want total control over your heater and would rather make your own adjustments rather than leaving it up to an automatic model. The biggest difference you’ll notice about modern storage heaters is how much slimmer they are in comparison. Improvements to this technology have afforded them with a more compact housing which means they can be installed in spaces that were traditionally too small for storage heaters. Current-gen storage heaters have smart, white housings that are very easy to keep clean and are incredibly hard-wearing – a fantastic low maintenance option. Our lowest priced manual storage heater is £189.99 and we offer a large variety of brands and wattages.
Automatic Storage Heaters
Though storage heaters are economical, manual models can be very energy inefficient as they will continue to draw electricity even when they reach the maximum capacity of heat storage. A way to combat this energy waste is by installing automatic storage heaters. These heaters use an automatic charge regulator which will stop the heater from charging unnecessarily and will help to keep your energy use as low as possible. Automatic storage heaters provide the easy control of a manual model but with this additional energy saving feature to reduce running costs – they could even save you up to 15% on your bills. We offer automatic storage heaters from £229.99.
Combination Storage Heaters
A disadvantage to storage heating is that it requires you to predict your heating needs beforehand, which isn’t always possible considering the fickle nature of weather conditions in the UK. You may have your storage heater charge on low in the anticipation of a hot summer’s day, and instead wake up to torrential rain and a sudden cold snap. In this situation, it’s very easy to run out of heat during the day and it can mean you’re left with only two options: stay cold or use a top-up heater that will be using inflated day-time energy rates. Neither of those choices are particularly appealing, so if this is a recurring issue, you will be well-served by investing in a combination storage heater. These heaters have a reserve charge feature which allow you to boost your heating should you run out. This combined heat boost function alongside its standard charge capacity provides an effective safety buffer should you find you need to adjust to abrupt changes in temperature. Prices for combination storage heaters begin from £319.99.
Smart Storage Heaters
Smart storage heaters offer the top-up heating of a combination heater but with additional ‘smart’ functions to make their use as simple as possible. These heaters use highly sensitive thermostatic controls to monitor room temperature and adjust output accordingly to keep a steady supply of heat. Smarter charging and energy release management means that these storage heaters typically use around 30% less energy compared to standard storage heaters. Other features include a digital programmer to set times of the day when the heater will not need to be in use and user-set charging periods for greater control. Smart storage heaters are available from £379.99.
Fan-Assisted Storage Heaters
Though fan-assisted storage heaters are more expensive, the level of convenience they offer more than makes up for their higher pricing. Like combination heaters, fan-assisted heaters can provide effective top-up heating if you start to run out of supply, however they also have the additional benefit of incorporating an automatic room temperature controller. This controller will be able to sense when temperature levels have dropped too much and engage the fan heater to ensure comfort levels are maintained. This no hassle heating method lets you leave temperature maintenance up to your heating system without worrying about running out of heat too quickly. Fan-assisted storage heaters also have high-grade thermosolid insulation for superior thermal retention and improved efficiency. We also offer commercial fan-assisted heaters for open-plan spaces that require a greater level of heat output. Our fan-assisted storage heaters start from £629.99 and commercial models begin from £799.99.
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Replacing old storage heaters is an excellent way of making your home more energy efficient and you can even replace them one at a time to spread the cost. If you’re considering fitting storage heaters in your home and want more information, why not take a look at our in-depth buying guide which covers many frequently asked questions. If your query isn’t covered by our guide or you want to discuss your home heating project with an expert, don’t hesitate to give our team of Heatingpoint advisors a call on 0330 880 7008.