Storage Heater Costs & Alternatives

It sounds like you're in a really tough situation, and it's completely understandable that you're looking for solutions. High electricity bills, especially when you're on a single income, can be incredibly stressful. The quoted price of £11,400 to replace your eight storage heaters with a new system does seem substantial, and it's wise to question if it's the most cost-effective approach. Let's break down the world of storage heaters, their costs, and what alternatives might be better suited for your home.

Understanding Your Current Situation: The Drawbacks of Old Storage Heaters

Your experience of having ancient storage heaters that don't keep your medium-sized, brick-walled 1954-built detached house warm, despite running on Economy 7, is unfortunately quite common. Old storage heaters, while once a viable option for homes without gas, often fall short of modern efficiency standards. They were designed to absorb heat during off-peak hours and release it throughout the day. However, their effectiveness can be hampered by several factors:

• Inefficient Heat Retention: Older models may not retain heat as effectively as newer ones, leading to a rapid cool-down.
• Poor Control: Many older units lack sophisticated thermostats and timers, resulting in overheating at times and insufficient heat when you need it most, particularly in the evenings.
• Heat Loss: In older, less airtight homes, heat can escape quickly, especially in two-storey properties where heat rises and dissipates through the roof and walls. Poor insulation exacerbates this.
• Lack of Modern Features: Unlike new storage heaters, older models don't have features like open window sensors or precise 24/7 programming, which are crucial for energy saving.
• Potential Asbestos Content: As mentioned, some older storage heaters (typically pre-1974) may contain asbestos, posing a health risk if disturbed. Upgrading also addresses this health concern.

How Do Storage Heaters Actually Work?

Storage heaters, sometimes called 'heat banks', function by using electricity during off-peak hours (like Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs) to heat up internal ceramic or clay bricks. These bricks store thermal energy, which is then released gradually during the day to warm the room. The idea is to leverage cheaper overnight electricity rates to provide daytime heating. Modern storage heaters have improved significantly, often featuring:

• Digital Programmers: Allowing precise control over heating schedules.
• Open Window Sensors: Automatically shutting off heating if a window is detected as open.
• Electronic Room Temperature Controls: Maintaining a consistent, desired temperature.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Enabling remote control via smartphones.
• Fan Assist: Some models use a quiet fan to distribute heat more effectively around the room.
• Intelligent Charge: This feature optimises how much heat is stored based on predicted needs, improving efficiency.

The Cost of Storage Heaters: Purchase and Installation

The price of storage heaters can vary considerably:

Please note: These are estimates. The cost of installation will depend heavily on your location, the complexity of the wiring, and the specific electrician's rates. It's crucial to get at least three quotes from qualified electricians. For a system of eight heaters, you could be looking at £560 to £1,200+ just for installation, on top of the unit costs.

The £11,400 quote you received for a complete new system for eight heaters suggests it might include more than just the heaters themselves – potentially rewiring, upgrades to your electrical system, or perhaps a different type of electric heating system entirely. It's essential to get a detailed breakdown of what this quote covers.

Are Storage Heaters Expensive to Run?

Even with off-peak electricity rates, electric heating is generally more expensive per unit than gas. For storage heaters, running costs depend on:

• Electricity Tariff: The specific rates of your Economy 7 or similar tariff.
• Heater Efficiency: Modern, efficient models will cost less to run than older ones.
• House Insulation: A well-insulated home requires less energy to heat.
• Usage Habits: How much you rely on the 'boost' function (which uses expensive daytime electricity) significantly impacts costs.

A rough estimate for running a 1.4kW storage heater on an Economy 7 tariff (at around 13.62p/kWh) could be about £41 per month in winter. With eight heaters, this could easily escalate. Your £1000+ monthly bill in winter suggests a significant issue, possibly a combination of old, inefficient heaters, poor insulation, or even a fault.

Reasons to Upgrade Your Storage Heaters

Given your situation, upgrading is almost certainly a good idea. Here’s why:

• Improved Comfort: Modern heaters provide more consistent and controllable heat, addressing the evening cold issue.
• Energy Efficiency: New models use less electricity to produce the same amount of heat, leading to lower bills.
• Cost Savings: While the upfront cost is high, the long-term savings on your energy bills can be substantial.
• Enhanced Control: Programmable timers and thermostats allow you to tailor heating to your lifestyle and needs.
• Health and Safety: Eliminating potential asbestos in older units and benefiting from modern safety features.
• Environmental Benefits: More efficient heating means a lower carbon footprint.

Alternatives to Traditional Storage Heaters

Since you don't have gas, electric heating is your primary option. However, you don't have to stick with storage heaters. Consider these alternatives:

1. Modern Electric Radiators (with high thermal retention)

These are often considered the best direct replacement for old storage heaters. They work similarly by storing heat, but use advanced technology:

• How they work: They typically contain an energy-efficient thermal fluid or ceramic elements that heat up quickly, retain heat, and spread it evenly. Many have sophisticated digital controls, thermostats, and programming capabilities.
• Pros: Offer precise temperature control, programmable schedules, quiet operation, and can be more responsive than traditional storage heaters. Many are designed to work efficiently with Economy 7 tariffs. Some have Wi-Fi control.
• Cons: Can still be more expensive to run than gas central heating. The initial purchase and installation cost can be high, though often less than a full new storage heater system if you're just replacing individual units.
• Cost: Expect to pay from £200 to £600+ per radiator, depending on size and features. Installation costs would be similar to fitting new storage heaters.

2. Infrared Panel Heaters

These heaters warm objects and people directly, rather than just heating the air.

• How they work: They emit infrared radiation, which is absorbed by surfaces in the room, providing a more direct and comfortable heat.
• Pros: Can feel warmer at lower air temperatures, potentially saving energy. Very slim and can be wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted, saving space. Silent operation.
• Cons: If the room isn't well-insulated, the heat can escape quickly. They don't provide residual heat in the same way as storage heaters. Can be less effective in very large or draughty spaces.
• Cost: Prices range from £100 to £400+ depending on wattage and features. Installation is usually straightforward.

3. Fan Heaters / Convector Heaters / Oil-Filled Radiators

These are more traditional electric heaters:

• How they work: Fan heaters use a fan to blow air over a heating element. Convector heaters use natural convection to circulate warm air. Oil-filled radiators heat oil within a sealed unit, which then radiates heat.
• Pros: Relatively inexpensive to purchase and easy to install (often just plug-in). Provide instant heat.
• Cons: Can be very inefficient if used as a primary heat source, especially on peak electricity rates. They tend to heat the air, which can then escape quickly. Running costs are typically much higher than storage heaters or modern electric radiators.
• Cost: From £30 to £150 for basic models.

Recommendation: Given your reliance on electric heating and the need for efficiency, modern electric radiators with high thermal retention are likely your best bet as a replacement for your old storage heaters. They offer a good balance of efficient heat storage (especially if you can still utilise off-peak tariffs) and controllable, comfortable warmth.

What About Solar Panels?

Integrating solar panels with your heating system is an excellent idea, particularly if you're investing in new electric heating. Solar panels can generate electricity during the day, which you could then use to directly power your new electric radiators or other heaters, reducing your reliance on the grid and potentially lowering your bills further. You could even use the solar-generated electricity to charge your new storage heaters during the day if they have that capability.

Addressing the High Bills: Next Steps

1. Get Detailed Quotes: Insist on a full breakdown for the £11,400 quote. Understand exactly what system they propose and why it costs that much. Get at least two more quotes for a similar system, and also for alternative electric heating solutions like modern electric radiators.
2. Home Energy Audit: Consider getting a professional energy audit of your home. This can identify specific areas of heat loss and recommend insulation improvements (loft, cavity wall, floor insulation) that will make any new heating system more effective and cheaper to run.
3. Check Your Tariff: Ensure you are on the most suitable electricity tariff for your needs. If you are considering modern storage heaters or electric radiators that charge overnight, Economy 7 or a similar time-of-use tariff is essential.
4. Prioritise Insulation: Before or during the heating upgrade, focus on improving your home's insulation. This is often the most cost-effective way to reduce heating bills.
5. Consider Grants/Support: Investigate if there are any government grants or local authority schemes available to help with the cost of insulation or heating upgrades, especially for those on lower incomes or with children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much does it cost to replace one old storage heater?

A1: You can expect to pay anywhere from £200-£600 for a modern replacement storage heater or electric radiator, plus installation costs of £70-£150 if existing wiring is suitable.

Q2: Are modern storage heaters cheaper to run than old ones?

A2: Yes, significantly. Modern storage heaters are far more energy-efficient, with better controls and insulation, leading to lower running costs compared to older models.

Q3: Is Economy 7 still worth it with modern heaters?

A3: Yes, if you are using heaters that charge overnight (like modern storage heaters or some electric radiators), an Economy 7 or time-of-use tariff can still offer savings, provided the off-peak rate is substantially lower than the peak rate.

Q4: What is the best electric heating system if I don't have gas?

A4: For primary heating without gas, modern electric radiators with good thermal retention and smart controls are generally considered the most efficient and comfortable option. Infrared panels can be a good supplementary or alternative option for specific rooms.

Q5: Can I install electric radiators myself?

A5: While some electric radiators are plug-in and easy to install, those designed to replace storage heaters or be hard-wired should be installed by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

It's a big decision, but by gathering more information, getting multiple quotes, and focusing on efficiency and insulation, you can find a heating solution that keeps your home warm and your bills manageable. Good luck!