Storage heaters - to replace or not

ouroboruss

So I have a bunch of ancient storage heaters that need replacing. Is it worth it?

For multiple reasons I'd rather not go into, electric heating is the only option but are normal electric heaters going to be a cheaper alternative?

Has anyone else made the switch? Any advise you can give?

mmmmikey

The owner of the bungalow I bought had spent the best part of £10k installing Fischer Future Heaters. I took them out an replaced them with reconditioned old fashioned storage heaters, halving my bill and saving £1000 a year. I shudder to think what the cost would be if I still had the electric radiators. So getting rid of the storage heaters could be a costly mistake. There are very limited situations where standalone heaters can work out cheaper, but it's very much the exception rather than the norm. If the storage heaters need replacing, good electric options include modern high heat retention storage heaters or a heat pump. If cost is an issue there are grants available, or you could buy the heaters used and replace them one at a time.

Gerry1

Don't even think of using any heater that uses daytime electricity, apart from a heat pump.  It'll bankrupt you !

Possible exceptions are bedrooms that are not used in the day: you might get away with panel heaters used sparingly just before going to bed and getting up if they stay warm enough with the doors left open.

Why do the existing NSHs need to be replaced?  They're easy to repair and spares are cheap.

High Heat Retention NSHs save money by not leaking heat when it's not needed, e.g. overnight and when you're out.  Clever controls also make savings because you can programme the required room temperatures and times accurately.

However, HHR NSHs aren't cheap to buy and install.  You'll have to work out the likely energy savings (perhaps 15-20%?) over the period you expect to be in residence.

If you own the property you also need to consider a future buyer's opinion.  If you only fit trendy panel heaters filled with moondust or whatever that use day rate electricity, most purchasers would run a mile !

Netexporter

ouroboruss said:

So I have a bunch of ancient storage heaters that need replacing. Is it worth it?

For multiple reasons I'd rather not go into, electric heating is the only option but are normal electric heaters going to be a cheaper alternative?

Has anyone else made the switch? Any advise you can give?

Have you considered a heat pump? You should get at least 3kWh of heat for every kWh of electricity consumed. There's a £7500 grant available. There are also schemes, like ECO4, which you might be eligible for, where you could possibly get one for nothing (and free solar panels).

FreeBear

Netexporter said:

ouroboruss said:

So I have a bunch of ancient storage heaters that need replacing. Is it worth it?

For multiple reasons I'd rather not go into, electric heating is the only option but are normal electric heaters going to be a cheaper alternative?

Has anyone else made the switch? Any advise you can give?

Have you considered a heat pump? You should get at least 3kWh of heat for every kWh of electricity consumed. There's a £7500 grant available. There are also schemes, like ECO4, which you might be eligible for, where you could possibly get one for nothing (and free solar panels).

The £7500 Boiler Upgrade grant is only available if you are replacing a gas or oil boiler. If you are already electric only, then it isn't an option.

There is (was ?) some council run programmes funded by central government as part of the Warm Homes scheme. Not sure if these are still running, but certainly worth checking.

Swipe

I believe there is some help available to get old storage heaters replaced but you do need to be in receipt of certain benefits. Have a google and you should find the info. Beware of any scams though. 

tamste

I'm in a similar position, ie just moved into a bungalow heated by 40+ year old storage heaters. No mains gas.
Still working this through, but heat pump not looking attractive as will require a full wet system installation so leaning towards replacing with modern storage heaters
Now that I'm just about decided, it's whether I go for SSH or HHR model. I know HHR will improve the EPC, but that is not the main consideration for me. It's about getting modern controllable heating in place.

GibbsRule_No3.

My HA installed Dimplex Quantum’s the other year. I was sceptical as my old !970’s NSHs worked but these new DQ are easy to use and control, agree they don’t leak heat, so even the bedroom can be used, since I don’t like a hot bedroom during the night but waking up in the morning is nice now as they are set to come on for an hour. Granted I did not have to buy them, my rent was raised but i probably saved on the electric through the control.