When it comes to keeping your home warm, there are a lot of different options to choose from. One option that is becoming increasingly popular is the storage heater. But are storage heaters expensive to run? And are they worth the investment?
Storage heaters can be a great way to save money on your heating bill, but they can also be expensive to run if used in the wrong manner.
An electric storage heater for a small room (12 x 12 sq ft) may consume about 1kW/h, while models suitable to larger rooms might use between 2.5kW – 3kW/h.
If you only allow your storage heaters to charge between 11 pm and 7 am on your lower rate tariff, a 2.5kw storage heater would have a running cost of about 13p per hour.
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This is a small amount, but if you chose to charge your storage heater for the full day instead, then this would represent a significant increase in the cost of running the unit. In this case, it could be as much as £7 per day depending on which electricity tariff you are on.
In total, a 2.5kw storage heater may have a running cost of between £1 and £2 per day in addition to what you pay for your gas or electricity usage.
Here are some tips on how to keep storage heaters inexpensive to run.
1. Don’t leave them running when you’re out of the room
The biggest way that most people end up wasting money with their storage heaters is by leaving the heater running throughout the day while they aren’t in the room. For best results, make sure your storage heater is turned off if you won’t be home for an extended period of time, such as when you’re on vacation for a couple of weeks.
Each type of storage heater will have its own recommended times for heating up and cooling down, so check your owner’s manual for specific information.
2. Charge them during off-peak hours
Charging your storage heater during off-peak hours is a great way to save money on your energy bill. Most electric companies have different rates for electricity usage, so be sure to check and see if you can save by charging your storage heater during the night or early morning.
3. Use a timer
If you’re not able to turn your storage heater off when you’re not using it, using a timer is a great way to make sure that you’re only using the power that you need. This will help keep your costs down and prevent you from accidentally running up a large electricity bill.
4. Select the right model for your needs
Not all storage heaters are created equal, and some are more expensive to run than others. Be sure to select the right model for your needs to ensure that you’re not spending more money than you need to on your energy bill.
Are modern storage heaters more efficient?
Heating homes is one of the biggest expenses, so it’s important to choose the right type of heater. Storage heaters are a popular choice because they’re more efficient than traditional heaters. But are modern storage heaters really worth the investment?
Modern storage heaters are fitted with timers, 24-hour programming, and open window detection. These features help to make modern storage heaters more efficient than old ones.
The new in-built features help save energy and money, but more efficient technology doesn’t come cheap. If you’re after a budget-friendly storage heater, then be sure to check out all of your options before making a purchase.
Be sure to look for models that have high heating efficiency ratings and long warranty periods. These features will help protect against performance issues in the future and save you from costly repairs down the line.
How do storage heaters know it’s night?
Storage heaters know it’s night-time because they are wired to a seperate Economy 7 meter which switches on between 11 pm and 7 am or between 1 am and 8 am.
A mechanical or radio switch sends a signal to the storage heater telling the storage heater to switch to night mode.
In some instances, some modern storage heaters are connected to the same meter and the rate charged at night changes automatically.
Storage heaters are cheaper to run at night because the rate for electricity is cheaper. So, if you have your storage heater connected to a timer in your home, it will charge during the night. That way, you’ll save money on your energy bill.
Storage heaters are less expensive to operate at night because the price per kilowatt-hour is usually lower than during the daytime.
Storage heaters are a great choice for homeowners because they’re more efficient than traditional electric heaters, but they’re still not as efficient in the long term as gas or oil central heating systems.
In order to get the most from your storage heater, be sure to follow all of your manufacturer’s instructions about charging times and turn it off when you leave the room.
These steps will help to keep your costs down and save you from running up a large electricity bill.
Final Thoughts
Overall, storage heaters can be a great way to save money on your heating bill, but it’s important to use them in the right way to get the most bang for your buck.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your storage heater running efficiently and inexpensively.
