Night storage heaters explained

What are night storage heaters?

Also known as electric storage heaters, night storage heaters are a type of electric heating system. Storage heaters were considered an innovative technology in the 1950’s. As electric heating became more popular, the UK’s electricity boards struggled to meet demand. Electricity usage was high during the daytime, but very low overnight. As power stations couldn’t be powered down completely. the electricity boards created demand for electricity at night.

Domestic night storage heaters were developed to solve this problem. Storage heaters work by using electricity overnight to heat thermal bricks inside the heater. This heat is then released during the day.

Night storage heaters work with cheaper, off-peak tariffs set by the electricity boards, such as Economy 7.

What do storage heaters look like?

Most storage heaters are large, rectangular boxes that are wall-mounted with floor-standing feet. They are usually very bulky and heavy, due to the weight of the storage bricks they contain. They have vents or grills for heat distribution, and come in various sizes.

How do night storage heaters work?

Night storage heaters contain ceramic or clay bricks, which retain heat. They use electricity to heat up these bricks overnight. This heat is released gradually throughout the day.

Night storage heaters are specifically designed for homes with time-of-use electricity tariffs like Economy 7 or Economy 10, which offer cheaper rates of electricity overnight.

Are night storage heaters expensive to run?

Night storage heaters were hugely popular in the late 20th century, however they don’t meet the needs of modern lifestyles. Although they run on a cheaper, night-time rate of electricity, you will be paying a premium for the electricity you use at all other times, effectively minimising any cost savings. Traditional night storage heaters don’t have a thermostat and they are not controllable, meaning you could be heating your home when it doesn’t need it. Overall, we would consider traditional night storage heaters costly to run in today’s cost-effective world.

Are night storage heaters being phased out?

The popularity of night storage heaters has been on a steady decline in recent years, due to advancements in energy-efficient heating. While storage heaters are still available, newer alternatives such as ELKATHERM® electric radiators offer a significant improvement on efficiency and control.

The UK Government has indicated that the Economy 7 tariff is being phased out, in alignment with their plans to close all coal-based power stations by 2030. The future of storage heaters may face challenges due to the absence of cheaper tariffs and rising energy costs.

Are storage heaters safe?

When properly installed and maintained, storage heaters are generally safe to use. However, they should be regularly inspected for signs of wear or damage to ensure safe operation. It’s also important to never cover the surface of the heater, or to put things too close.

Can storage heaters cause headaches?

There is no direct evidence linking storage heaters to headaches, however poor ventilation or indoor air quality issues in poorly insulated spaces could potentially contribute to headaches or discomfort in some individuals.

Can storage heaters affect asthma?

Not directly, however inadequate ventilation or excessive dust accumulation in poorly maintained heating systems could exacerbate symptoms in some individuals.

Can night storage heaters catch fire?

While rare, night storage heaters could pose a fire risk if improperly installed, maintained, or used. Blocking ventilation by covering the radiator can increase the likelihood of a fire.

Do night storage heaters contain asbestos?

Asbestos was widely used until the 1970’s due to its insulating properties. For night storage heater designers, it made the perfect material for storing heat overnight. We now know about the serious health implications associated with asbestos, and the use of asbestos has been banned in many instances.

It’s not thought that the asbestos within older storage heaters poses a health risk, as long as the heater is not damaged or dismantled. If the heater is damaged or dismantled, asbestos could be disturbed and released into the air. If asbestos fibres enter the lungs, it can lead to the development of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, a form of cancer.

What can I replace night storage heaters with?

There are several modern alternatives to night storage heaters, including modern electric radiators. HeatElectric can take the hassle out of replacing your storage heaters. We offer a complete turnkey service, removing your old heaters and installing modern, energy efficient ELKATHERM® electric radiators.

Night storage heaters or electric radiators?

Night storage heaters have had their day, due to many factors:

• Inefficient
  Many night storage heaters lack modern energy-saving features (such as programming and open window detection), leading to lower efficiency and higher energy consumption.
• Limited temperature controls
  The lack of temperature controls means you can’t set room temperatures to suit your individual preferences. You could be wasting heat, and therefore money.
• Heat loss
  Poor insulation and outdated design can result in significant heat loss during storage and release.
• Aesthetic
  Storage heaters tend to be bulky and not aesthetically pleasing compared to modern electric radiators, occupying more space than necessary.
• Asbestos risk
  Some older heaters may contain asbestos, posing a serious health risk if disturbed or damaged.
• Uneven heat distribution
  Outdated heating elements and airflow mechanisms may lead to uneven heat distribution, resulting in hot and cold spots.
• Limited control over charging
  The lack of programmable timers or controls means users have little control over when and how much heat is stored, leading to potential energy wastage.
• Noise
  Some models may be noisy when in operation – especially those with fans inside – which can be disruptive in homes.

Best replacement for night storage heaters

Replacing your night storage heaters with ELKATHERM® electric radiators brings many benefits:

• Energy efficient heating
  ELKATHERM® electric radiators boast a German A++ energy efficiency rating, ensuring you benefit from cost-effective heating throughout your home.
• Fluted design
  ELKATHERM®’s advanced radiator technology uses a massive five times surface area to provide radiated heat and convected warmth around the room. This ensures you won’t be left with cold spots.
• Silent operation
  ELKATHERM® radiators don’t use a noisy fan, so you won’t be left with uncomfortable dry air associated with night storage heaters – just a comfortable, peaceful home environment.
• Power modulation
  ELKATHERM® radiators don’t have to be used on a time-of-use tariff, such as Economy 7. You can use them any time of day or night efficiently and cost-effectively. Once an ELKATHERM® electric heater has reached it’s set temperature, it will typically only draw between 15-17 minutes of electricity per hour to just top up the core and maintain a cosy home.
• Stay in control
  Control each room individually, selecting times and temperatures to best suit your lifestyle. No more wasting heat in rooms you aren’t using! There’s a range of control options available, including our latest smartphone app, eComfort.
• Beautiful modern design
  ELKATHERM® radiators are available in over 60 different shapes and sizes and 200 different colour options. You could have a glass fronted radiator, a radiator fronted with any picture you like – even a mirrored radiator!
• Safe operation
  Our radiators are IPX4 rated, meaning they’re safe for use in bathrooms. If you accidentally cover the radiator, sensors inside prevent overheating and shut down the power supply.

Get in touch today to find out more or to book your free, no obligation home survey.