Are Storage Heaters Efficient?

Many homeowners turn to storage heaters when looking for an energy efficient heating solution for their home. But as we know with heating, it’s not a one size fits all solution, and with the range of storage heaters on the market, it’s important to do your research to find a storage heater that works energy efficiently in your home.

The Evolution of Storage Heaters

Traditionally, night storage heaters were designed to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs, such as economy 7. By storing heat in ceramic or clay bricks overnight, when energy costs are lower, these heaters then released heat gradually over the course of the day. While this method can be economical for some, it often lacked precision in temperature control. And many users frequently noted issues with overheating during the day or insufficient warmth in the evening.

This bring us to the modern storage heater, designed to address these issues. Unlike night storage heaters, modern storage heaters are not solely reliant on overnight charging to provide efficient heating. They do store heat in clay blocks, but this heat is released immediately. And as far as control is concerned, there are many different thermostats options to choose from with the ability to set heating schedules and wifi control. Modern storage heaters are distinguished by their ability to maintain a consistent temperature, adapt to user preferences, and respond to external conditions. This adaptability means they can efficiently manage energy consumption and heat distribution, far outpacing the capabilities of older night storage heater models and even challenging traditional central heating systems in terms of efficiency and user control.

The Advantages of Modern Electric Storage Heaters

Modern storage heaters are engineered to address the limitations of old models and exceed the performance of traditional central heating systems in several ways:

Energy Efficiency: With a minimum energy efficiency rating that exceeds most conventional heaters, modern storage heaters are designed to maximise heat output while minimising energy usage. This efficiency is further enhanced by the use of smart storage heaters that can adjust their charging schedule based on the weather, ensuring your home is always at the desired temperature without wasting energy.

Cost-Effectiveness: The ability to store heat using cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours translates into significant savings on energy bills. Moreover, the high heat retention capabilities of newly manufactured storage heaters mean that less energy is required to maintain a warm home, further reducing costs.

Environmental Impact: As we shift towards greener energy sources, the integration of storage heaters with solar panels and the reduced reliance on fossil fuels for heating needs highlight the eco-friendly appeal of these units. Modern storage heaters can significantly lower your carbon footprint, especially when compared to traditional gas heating systems.

Installation and Maintenance: Unlike the complex installation process and maintenance requirements of a gas boiler or central heating system, storage heaters offer a simpler and often more cost-effective solution. With no need for pipework, they can be wall-mounted and are generally easier and cheaper to install and maintain, requiring only a qualified electrician for setup.

Are Storage Heaters Expensive?

While the initial cost of modern electric storage heaters might be higher than that of manual storage heaters or older storage heaters, the long-term savings on energy bills, coupled with the minimum energy efficiency rating, make them a smart investment. The efficiency and energy savings of modern storage heater models often offset their initial purchase and installation costs.

Conclusion

While we offer a hybrid electric radiator, not a modern storage radiator, we believe it’s important for all our customers to understand the electric heating market And as the NEOS does have a storage element, knowledge of storage heater is crucial when understanding how the NEOS works. 

For more information on the NEOS hybrid electric heater, download our FREE heating guide!

Tags: General Guides, Comparisons.