A Guide to Electric Storage Heaters

By David Tait Reviewed by Cormac Breen

Editorial Manager

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. 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.

What Is an Electric Storage Heater?

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.

How Much Do Electric Storage Heaters Cost To Use?

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 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 tariff 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.

How Do I Use an Electric Storage Heater Efficiently?

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 efficiency by reflecting heat back into the room, instead of allowing it to be absorbed by the walls.

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 electric storage heaters:

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.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Electric 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 may have some value but relying on it as a form of effectively and efficiently heating a home is not recommended.