What Are Storage Heaters and How Do They Work?
Storage heaters offer a way to heat your home using electricity, specifically designed to take advantage of cheaper off-peak energy tariffs. These systems work by absorbing heat during the night when electricity is at its lowest price, storing it within a core of thermal bricks. As the day progresses and demand for heat rises, the stored energy is gradually released into the room, providing a consistent warmth without needing to draw expensive power during peak times.
- Store heat during off-peak hours for later use.
- Release stored heat gradually throughout the day.
- Benefit from lower electricity prices at night.
- A cost-effective heating option when managed properly.
The process begins with a timer, often linked to an Economy 7 or similar off-peak tariff, which signals the heater to begin drawing power. Internal elements heat the high-density bricks within the unit. The amount of heat stored can typically be controlled by the user, often via a 'charge' setting that dictates how much heat the bricks absorb. As the bricks cool, a convection fan or natural radiation gently disperses this warmth into your living space. Modern units, like the Dimplex Quantum, incorporate smart controls, allowing for more precise temperature management and improved efficiency compared to older models.
Understanding the Components
At their heart, storage heaters are relatively simple devices. They consist of an insulated casing, a core of thermal storage bricks, heating elements that warm these bricks, and a control system. This system usually includes a thermostat to regulate room temperature and a timer to manage the charging cycle. Some models also feature a fan to help distribute the heat more quickly or a boost function for when immediate extra warmth is needed, though using this function typically draws power at standard, higher rates.
The Role of Off-Peak Tariffs
The affordability of storage heaters hinges almost entirely on the electricity tariff you use. Schemes like Economy 7 or Economy 10 offer significantly lower rates for electricity consumed during a set period, usually overnight. By charging your storage heaters exclusively during these off-peak hours, you can minimise your heating expenditure. The effectiveness of this setup depends on how well your usage patterns align with the tariff's availability and your ability to manage the stored heat throughout the day.
Ensure your storage heater's charge setting is adjusted seasonally. Overcharging in warmer months wastes electricity, while insufficient charging in winter leaves you cold.
Are New Storage Heaters More Efficient?
Yes, newer generations of storage heaters are designed with significant improvements in efficiency. While the fundamental principle remains the same, modern units often feature better insulation to reduce heat loss overnight, more sophisticated control systems that prevent overcharging, and intelligent thermostats that learn your habits. Technologies like the Dimplex Quantum incorporate advanced features that manage the charging process more dynamically, responding to weather forecasts and occupancy patterns to provide heat only when and where it's needed, thus reducing wasted energy.
The core technology of storing heat has evolved to offer greater control and reduce energy waste.
Are Storage Heaters Expensive to Run?
The question of whether storage heaters are expensive to run is nuanced and depends heavily on several factors. For households that can fully utilise off-peak electricity tariffs and manage their heating needs effectively, they can indeed be a very affordable option, especially compared to direct electric heating. However, if you find yourself needing significant heat during peak daytime hours and have to rely on the 'boost' function or supplementary heating, the running costs can escalate rapidly. The efficiency of the unit itself, the level of insulation in your home, and your lifestyle all play a crucial role in the final bill.
Understanding Your Electricity Bill
The key to managing the cost of storage heaters is understanding your electricity tariff. If you're on a standard tariff, storage heaters will be prohibitively expensive to run. You need a specific off-peak tariff, such as Economy 7, which provides a block of cheaper electricity for around seven hours overnight. The daily cost is then calculated by multiplying the units used (kilowatt-hours, kWh) by the relevant rate. Using less energy during peak hours and maximising usage of the off-peak supply is paramount.
Careful management of your heating schedule is crucial for affordability.
Factors Influencing Running Costs
Several elements affect how much you spend on running storage heaters:
- Tariff Rates: The difference between your peak and off-peak electricity prices is the single biggest determinant. A wider gap means greater potential savings.
- Home Insulation: A well-insulated home retains heat for longer, meaning your storage heaters will need to release less stored energy throughout the day, reducing the need for boost functions.
- Usage Habits: How much heat you need and when you need it. If you're home all day and require constant warmth, you might end up using expensive boost functions more often.
- Heater Efficiency: Older models tend to lose heat more quickly than newer, better-insulated units.
- Thermostat Settings: Setting appropriate temperatures for different times of day and zones of your home prevents energy wastage.
Average Cost of Storage Heaters Per Month
Pinpointing an exact average cost per month is challenging because it varies so dramatically based on the factors above. However, for a moderately insulated home, a typical household might spend anywhere from £40 to £100 per month during the colder seasons, provided they are using an Economy 7 tariff and managing their usage wisely. This figure can be significantly lower or higher depending on individual circumstances, the size of the property, and local energy prices. It’s always advisable to monitor your consumption via your smart meter or energy bills to get a precise understanding of your spending.
Comparing Economy 7 Tariffs
When considering storage heaters, it's vital to compare Economy 7 tariffs from different energy suppliers. Look not only at the price per kWh for off-peak and peak hours but also at any standing charges. The savings potential of storage heaters is directly linked to the price differential between off-peak and standard electricity rates offered by providers. Many comparison websites can help you find the most suitable and cost-effective tariff for your area.
The true cost of storage heaters is in how intelligently you align their charging with off-peak tariffs and your home's heat retention.
Are Storage Heaters Any Good?
Storage heaters are effective for providing background warmth and can be an economical choice if your energy tariff is suitable and your lifestyle allows you to benefit from overnight charging. They are particularly well-suited for homes where occupants are out during the day, or where a consistent, lower level of heat is desired. For those needing rapid, on-demand heating or who are home all day requiring high temperatures, they might be less ideal, potentially leading to higher costs if boost functions are frequently used.
Storage Heater Alternatives and Considerations
While storage heaters can be an affordable heating solution, they aren't always the best fit for every home or lifestyle. Understanding the alternatives and making informed choices based on your specific needs is essential. For instance, if your home's insulation is poor, you might find storage heaters struggle to keep you warm throughout the day, forcing you to use more expensive heating methods.
When Might Storage Heaters Not Be Suitable?
Storage heaters are less ideal if:
- You require instant, on-demand heating throughout the day.
- Your home has poor insulation, leading to rapid heat loss.
- You are home all day and need consistent high temperatures.
- You cannot access or benefit from an off-peak electricity tariff.
- You are looking for a heating system that offers zoned control across multiple rooms without significant extra cost.
Exploring Other Electric Heating Options
If storage heaters aren't quite right, several other electric heating options exist:
- Electric Radiators: These are more modern and efficient than older storage heaters. They can be programmed individually and often use ceramic or oil-filled cores to retain heat, releasing it steadily. Many have advanced digital controls and thermostats.
- Infrared Panel Heaters: These work by emitting infrared radiation, directly heating objects and people in a room rather than the air. They can feel warm almost instantly, making them good for targeted heating.
- Convector Heaters: These are generally cheaper to buy but more expensive to run as they heat the air directly and continuously when switched on. They are best for occasional use in smaller spaces.
- Fan Heaters: Provide rapid heat but are very inefficient for prolonged use.
Each alternative offers different benefits in terms of speed, efficiency, and control.
Dimplex Quantum: A Modern Approach
For those considering storage heaters, units like the Dimplex Quantum represent a significant technological leap. These intelligent heaters learn your heating habits and external weather conditions to optimise the heat stored and released. They feature a compact design, improved insulation to minimise heat loss, and advanced controls that aim to reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort. They are designed to work with off-peak tariffs but offer a much more sophisticated and efficient way to manage electric heating.
When comparing, consider the total cost of ownership, including purchase price, installation (if required), and projected running costs based on your typical energy usage and tariff. For example, while Creda storage heaters are a known brand, newer models from various manufacturers may offer superior energy efficiency.
Always check the recommended room size and heat output (measured in Watts or kW) for any heater to ensure it's appropriate for the space you intend to heat.
The Role of Insulation and Draught-Proofing
Regardless of the heating system you choose, good home insulation and draught-proofing are crucial for affordability and comfort. Properly insulating your loft, walls, and floors, and sealing gaps around windows and doors, will help retain heat generated by your storage heaters (or any other heating system). This reduces the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature, thus lowering your bills and making any heating system more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storage Heaters
Storage heaters are a common sight in many homes, but understanding their nuances can sometimes be tricky. Here, we address some of the most common questions people have about these electric heating systems.
How Do Storage Heaters Work?
Storage heaters work by drawing electricity during cheaper off-peak hours, typically overnight. They use this energy to heat up internal bricks, effectively storing thermal energy. As the day goes on, these heated bricks slowly release their stored warmth into the room through convection and radiation, providing heating without requiring continuous power draw during more expensive peak periods. Newer models offer smarter controls to manage this release more effectively.
How Do You Work Storage Heaters?
Operating storage heaters involves managing their charging level and output. You typically set a 'charge' control to determine how much heat is absorbed from the off-peak electricity supply. There's also a room thermostat to regulate the temperature by controlling how quickly the stored heat is released. Many modern units have additional manual controls or even smart thermostats that learn your schedule and adjust heating automatically. Using the 'boost' function, if available, provides immediate heat but uses expensive standard-rate electricity.
What Is a Storage Heater?
A storage heater is an electric heating appliance that stores thermal energy, usually in a core of bricks, during periods when electricity is cheaper (off-peak hours). This stored heat is then gradually released into the room throughout the day to provide warmth. They are a popular choice for homes that can benefit from off-peak electricity tariffs, such as Economy 7, as they offer a way to heat a property using electricity at a lower overall cost.
Are Storage Heaters Safe?
Modern storage heaters are designed with safety as a priority and are generally very safe when installed and used correctly. They incorporate safety cut-outs to prevent overheating. Older models might have less sophisticated safety features. It is always recommended to ensure they are installed by a qualified electrician and to regularly check for any signs of wear or damage. Ensuring good ventilation around the unit also helps maintain safe operation.
Safety relies on correct installation and regular maintenance.
What is Economy 7?
Economy 7 is an electricity tariff offered by many energy suppliers that provides a seven-hour period of significantly cheaper electricity overnight. This off-peak rate is specifically designed to benefit users of appliances that can operate or charge during the night, such as storage heaters, immersion heaters, and electric vehicle charging. The daytime rate on an Economy 7 tariff is typically higher than standard tariffs, so understanding your usage patterns is key to benefiting from it.
Can you control the heat output of storage heaters?
Yes, you can control the heat output of storage heaters. Most have two main controls: a 'charge' setting that dictates how much heat the unit absorbs from the off-peak supply, and a room thermostat that manages the release of stored heat. More advanced models, such as the Dimplex Quantum, offer intelligent programming and learning capabilities for more precise control over when and how much heat is delivered, helping to prevent wasted energy and ensure comfort.