Storage Heaters

Buying Guide | Storage Heater FAQs

What is the Best Storage Heater?

How Do Storage Heaters Work?

Are Storage Heaters Expensive to Run?

How Do Storage Heaters Know When to Come On?

How Do Smart Storage Heaters Work?

Should I Buy a Storage Heater?

What Size Storage Heater Do I Need?

How to Install a Storage Heater?

What are Single Supply Storage Heaters?

What is the Best Storage Heater?

We are asked this question often and the answer depends on budget and individual requirements.

Our best selling storage heater is the Dimplex Quantum. With advanced weather-based controls and smart home compatibility, it's the perfect choice for efficient and affordable heating.

For upgrading older storage heaters like the Dimplex XLS or Creda TSR is the Elnur ECOSSH is the top choice. It's the only modern storage heater model that can operate on a single power supply.

The Dimplex XLE is the perfect budget-friendly storage heater. It features energy-efficient functions such as open window detection and adaptive start, comes in multiple sizes and boasts a stylish appearance.

For maximum energy efficiency, opt for Elnur HHR Solar Storage Heaters or Elnur Smart Solar Storage Heaters. These innovative models prioritise solar power, drawing from the grid only when necessary. The integrated IEM ensures optimal charging based on weather conditions and your daily needs.

How do Storage Heaters work?

Storage heaters harness the power of off-peak electricity, typically available at night. This cheaper night time electricity charges internal ceramic or other heat-retaining energy cells which release heat during the day. Many models feature advanced controls like thermostats and smart technology for enhanced efficiency and personalised heat management. 

Are Storage Heaters Expensive to Run?

Storage heaters do not require regular maintenance and have a long life expectancy, which reduces associated costs further.

Storage heaters, known for their affordability and energy efficiency, offer a cost effective way to heat your home. By utilising off-peak tariffs and incorporating various energy-saving features, modern storage heaters are significantly cheaper to run than standard electric heaters or central heating systems. You can reduce costs further by using solar panels wtih storage heaters that are solar compatible. With minimal maintenance and a long lifespan, storage heaters provide a cost-effective and sustainable heating solution.

The diagram below illustrates how to work out how much a storage heater costs to run per day:

Check with your energy supplier to find out the difference in cost between on and off peak and discover how much you could save!

*Actual running costs for individual rooms will vary according to insulation levels, weather conditions, sizing of heater, and required room temperature.

How Do Storage Heaters Know When to Come On?

Storage heaters are typically programmed to turn on at specific times and temperatures, as set by the user through dials or digital controls. Since January 1st, 2018 all new storage heaters in Europe are required to adhere to Lot20, regulations, which mandate intelligent, smart control features for enhanced energy efficiency.

These new features include:

- Digital 7-day 24-hour programmable controls for more efficient running
- Open window or door detection sensors to minimise wasted energy
- Adaptive start technology enabling a storage heater to learn and maximise efficiency when warming up a room

Standard storage heater controls include holiday mode and frost protection. For specific user instructions for the storage heaters we sell, look under the specification tab in the product description box. We also have an in-depth guide which includes videos on how to set up a Dimplex Quantum heater.

How Do Smart Storage Heaters Work?

Smart storage heaters have the ability to be controlled remotely via WiFi at any time from anywhere in the world by smartphone or tablet. A central hub connects the individual heaters to home WIFI via a radio frequency signal which then allows the heaters to be remotely accessed and controlled. Apps such as Dimplex Control provide users with greater control over their heating wherever they may be and provide data feedback on energy usage which is ideal if you are looking for ways to save money on your energy bills.

Should I Buy a Storage Heater?

Whilst gas heating systems are the cheapest to run, the cost of installing or maintaining a gas heating system is often prohibitive.

Storage heaters are ideal if:

- There is no gas supply to your home.
- You do not want the hassle and expense of having a gas boiler and central heating system installed or maintained.
- You live in a rental property.
- You need to heat a conservatory or room extension.
- Your home has solar panels, which can generate the electricity to heat the heaters.

For more information and advice, give us a call on 0203 994 5470.

What Size Storage Heater Do I Need?

Rule of thumb for storage heater sizing:

Calculate the size of the room in cubic feet by multiplying its height, width, and length together. For example, if a room is 8 feet high x 12 feet wide x 15 feet long, this would be 1,440 cubic feet.

For storage heaters, we recommend 4 - 5 watts per cubic foot.

Example: To heat a room which is 1,440 cubic feet, you would require between 5,760 watts (5.76kW) and 7,200 watts (7.2kW).

To heat 1,440 cubic feet, an appliance like the Dimplex Quantum QM150 which outputs 2kW would be needed.

How To Install a Storage Heater?

Most storage heaters are wall-mounted and supplied with a fixing kit.

Fitting is easy, just follow these steps:

1. Decide where to position your heater and mark on the wall where to drill the holes for the brackets.
2. Fit the wall brackets using the screws provided. Be sure to use the correct screws for your wall type (for example, brick, plasterboard, etc.).

NOTE: Storage heaters are heavy, so make sure your wall can hold the weight.

3. Hang the heater onto the wall brackets, and using a screwdriver, lock the heater to the brackets.
4. Always use a qualified electrician to wire your heater to the mains. Standard storage heaters must be installed by a professional electrician.

What are Single Supply Storage Heaters?

The most popular storage heaters on the market (including our best seller, the Dimplex Quantum) are all ‘Dual Supply’. This means they require a permanent live connection and an off-peak connection.

If you are replacing older storage heaters (such as Dimplex XL or Creda TSRE) you will likely find that these heaters are Single Supply, meaning they run from a single power source.

The Elnur ECOSSH is the only storage heater on the market that can run from a single supply, making it ideal to retrofit without the need for costly rewiring.

However, if you do require a dual supply heater and would like advice on rewiring, please give us a call on 0203 994 5470 and we can offer guidance or a quote for rewiring costs.

We hope you found this guide useful, but if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0203 994 5470.

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