How Much Do Storage Heaters Cost in Ireland?

By Cormac Breen

Content Manager

Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.

Storage heaters in Ireland cost from as low as €200 for a basic model, to over €1,000 for more advanced models. The average cost for a 400W electric storage heater is about €1 per day based on the average, standard rate of electricity in Ireland. For more powerful models, this cost can rise to €2 to €3 per day. Storage heaters work by using cheaper nighttime electricity, unit rates, to heat small bricks inside the heater. The heat generated is then released slowly the following day to heat the room where the heater is located.

How Much Do Electric Storage Heaters Cost?

The cost of electric storage heaters in Ireland can vary widely, depending on factors such as:

• Size
• Brand
• Features

Below, you'll find a table that gives an overview of the estimated costs of some popular storage heaters available in Ireland:

It's also important to consider the installation costs, which can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the need for any additional electrical upgrades.

Typically, installation might cost anywhere from €100 to €300.

How Do I Choose the Right Storage Heater?

The cost of a storage heater is only one factor to consider.

To ensure you choose the right model for your home and needs, you should also think about the following:

• Room Size (Wattage): To heat a room efficiently, you need a heater with the correct power output (wattage). As a general rule of thumb, you should account for around 10 watts per square foot of floor space. For example, a 100 square foot room would require a 1000W storage heater. Installing an undersized heater will mean it struggles to heat the room effectively, while an oversized one will waste energy.
• Features: Modern storage heaters come with advanced features that can improve both efficiency and convenience. Look for models with programmable timers and thermostats to control the charging and release of heat, ensuring you have warmth when you need it without wasting energy. Smart controls, Wi-Fi connectivity, and "learning" capabilities are also available on top-of-the-range models, allowing for greater control via a smartphone app.
• Installation: While storage heaters don't require complex plumbing like gas or oil systems, they do require professional installation. The cost of installation, which can range from €100 to €300, should be factored into your total budget.

How Much Do Storage Heaters Cost to Run per Day?

A typical, 400W storage heater in Ireland can cost about €1 per day to run.

As they rely on electricity to generate heat, how much they cost to use will be dependent on two factors:

1. The unit price of electricity.
2. How powerful the storage heater is.

Below, you will find a table that estimates the cost of running a storage heater based on an average standard electricity unit rate of 0.35c kWh.

Estimated costs are based on an average unit rate of 0.35c kWh and are designed for illustrative purposes.

As we can see, the cost of running a storage heater can quickly add up, especially with more powerful models.

Given that storage heaters store heat during the night, to get the best value from them, you must be on a night saver or smart electricity plan and therefore able to use cheaper nighttime rates.

Below you will find an alternative estimated price table based on an average nighttime rate of 0.18c kWh.

Estimated costs are based on an average night rate of 0.18c kWh and are designed for illustrative purposes.

As you can see, by switching to a nighttime rate, you can reduce the cost of your storage heater by almost 50%.

Despite this, storage heaters in Ireland are still a relevantly expensive means of heating a home, given that you will need 2 or 3 or possibly more placed in the rooms that you want to heat.

Are Storage Heaters Efficient?

How efficient your storage heater is will depend on factors such as:

• How old your storage heater is: Modern models tend to be more efficient and better at retaining heat.
• Brand: Some modern brands have programmable thermostats and timers, allowing for more efficient use.
• Home insulation: The level of insulation in your property will place more or less demand on your storage heaters to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Size: Make sure to have the right size heater for the room you are heating.

In order to use your storage heater safely and efficiently, there are definitely a few things you should keep in mind.

• Don't Cover the Vents
  Do not cover the vents of your storage heaters. Doing so will prevent heat from being radiated or dispersed into the room, and could also cause a fire.
• Don't Let Curtains Get Too Close
  If your storage heater is below a window, do not have long curtains over the window. Curtains around or on top of the heater could present a fire hazard.
• Don't Forget About Efficiency
  Installing some radiator reflector sheets behind your storage heaters is an economical way to increase their energy efficiency by reflecting heat back into the room, instead of allowing it to be absorbed by the walls.

How Do Storage Heaters Work?

Storage heaters, also known as heat banks, are wall-mounted heaters that draw electricity during the nighttime and store it as heat in a bank of ceramic or clay bricks inside the heater.

This stored heat is then released over the coming day. It takes about 7 to 8 hours of charging to release about 7 hours of heat.

They are known as a 'dry' heating system as they heat the air around them as opposed to a 'wet' system like oil or gas which heat water that is then pumped into radiators around the house.

There are five different types of storage heaters:

1. Manual Storage Heaters
   The most common and cheapest type, they absorb and slowly release heat energy. They lack a thermostat or timer, leading to potential heat shortages in the evening. Inefficient for those who need heating later in the day.
2. Automatic Storage Heaters
   These heaters automate the storage and release of heat, with a timer function and a thermostat to prevent overheating. They ensure heat availability throughout the day, addressing the limitations of manual heaters.
3. Automatic Combination Storage Heaters
   Combining automatic storage with a convection heater, these heaters offer flexible heating modes. They are useful for 'topping up' heat if the stored heat runs out prematurely.
4. Fan-Assisted Storage Heaters
   Similar to manual or automatic heaters, but include a fan to distribute heat more evenly. They typically feature automatic functions like timers and thermostats, helping to eliminate hot and cold spots in rooms.
5. Quantum Storage Heaters
   The most advanced, they offer manual and digital control, are up to 27% more energy-efficient, and include a fan for heat distribution. Features include learning user heating habits, smart thermostat capabilities, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smartphone control.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Storage Heaters?

While storage heaters have some positives, on balance they are not the best way to heat your home as they can be expensive to run, inefficient and require night meters to avoid high heating costs.

They can also be seen as an outdated means of heating a home when compared to modern equivalents such as underfloor heating.

The addition of a storage heater in a room where you need additional heating to supplement your central system September have some value but relying on it as a form of effectively and efficiently heating a home is not recommended.

Are There Alternatives to Storage Heaters?

While storage heaters can be a cost-effective solution for some, they may not be the best option for everyone. 

Before making a final decision, it's worth considering other home heating options available in Ireland:

• Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are an increasingly popular choice in Ireland. They are highly energy-efficient, drawing heat from the air, ground, or water to warm your home. While the initial installation cost is high, they can significantly reduce your long-term energy bills.
• Gas Central Heating: Gas heating is a common and reliable choice for many homes. It provides on-demand heat and is very effective at warming a whole house. However, it requires a gas supply and is not suitable for properties without a connection to the gas network.
• Electric Radiators: These are similar to storage heaters as they use electricity, but they heat up instantly. They can be a good choice for supplementary heating in a room but are generally more expensive to run than storage heaters if used for prolonged periods.
• Underfloor Heating: For new builds or major renovations, underfloor heating is an excellent option that provides warmth evenly across a room. It can be powered by electricity or a "wet" system connected to a boiler or heat pump.

By Cormac Breen

Content Manager

Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.