Storage Heaters

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

Storage heaters are electric heating units designed to store heat during cheaper, off-peak hours (usually overnight) and release it gradually throughout the day. They’re typically used in homes that have Economy 7 or Economy 10 electricity tariffs, where electricity costs less during specific night periods.

You might need new or replacement storage heaters if your current ones are old, inefficient, or failing to keep your home warm. Upgrading to modern storage heaters or adding new units can improve heating control and potentially lower your electricity costs.

🔧 What the job involves

The job of installing or replacing storage heaters involves several key tasks:

Assessment: Confirming your home’s heating needs, existing wiring and controls, and your electricity tariff.
Removal: Carefully disconnecting and removing old or faulty storage heaters.
Installation: Fitting new storage heaters securely, usually on walls, ensuring all connections meet electrical safety standards.
Electrical Work: Connecting units to your existing wiring or upgrading circuits if needed, making sure everything complies with Part P of the Building Regulations.
Testing and Commissioning: Checking the heaters work properly and advising you on how to use the controls efficiently.
Certification: Providing a Certificate of Electrical Installation (often called an Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR) that confirms the work is safe and up to standard.

Because storage heaters run on electricity and involve mains wiring, the work must be completed by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Initial Enquiry
Contact a qualified electrician or heating specialist to discuss your needs and request a visit.
Home Survey and Quote
The tradesperson visits to inspect your property, assess your heating requirements, suitability of wiring, and electricity tariff. They’ll then provide a written quote including all costs.
Booking the Work
Once you accept the quote, arrange a convenient date and time for installation.
Installation Day
The electrician arrives, usually bringing the new storage heaters or confirming delivery beforehand. They will carefully remove old units, make necessary electrical upgrades, install the new heaters and controls, test functionality, and tidy the work area.
Aftercare and Paperwork
You receive demonstration on how to adjust settings for comfort and efficiency, plus any relevant safety and user guides. The electrician provides certification proving the work meets regulations.
Payments and Warranties
Final payment is made according to agreed terms. Keep all paperwork and warranty details safe.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Typically £150–£250 for a straightforward replacement per heater, more if rewiring is needed.
Materials/parts: Storage heaters vary widely, from around £200 to £600+ each depending on size and features. Controls and wiring upgrades may add £50–£150.
Disposal: Removal and safe disposal of old units may cost £20–£40 each.
Certification: Electrical safety certification will typically add £50–£100 per job, sometimes included in labour costs.
Extras: Additional wiring, fixing brackets, or enhanced controls could increase costs.

For example, replacing two mid-range storage heaters with basic controls, including removal and certification, could total around £800–£1,200 depending on complexity.

📊 What affects the price

Accessibility of the heater locations (e.g., upstairs rooms or narrow spaces).
Condition and compliance of existing wiring — may require upgrades.
Number and type of heaters to install or replace.
Whether new controls or thermostat systems are needed for better efficiency.
Required certification and adherence to Building Regulations Part P.
Any remedial work, such as repairing walls or plaster after removing old heaters.
Distance and location of your property (urban areas often cheaper to service).
Urgency or scheduling flexibility — emergency or weekend work typically costs more.

⏱ How long does it take?

Simple Replacement: Swapping an old unit for a new one in the same spot usually takes 1–2 hours per heater.
Multi-room Installations or New Wiring: Installing several heaters combined with rewiring and controls can take a full day or more.
Complex Situations: Homes with poor access or electrical upgrades may require multiple visits or extra time.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Due to the electrical nature of storage heaters, installing or replacing them is not generally recommended as a DIY job. Electrical wiring work must comply with UK Building Regulations Part P, and unqualified work can be dangerous and illegal.

For safety and compliance, always hire a properly qualified electrician who can provide necessary certification and guarantee the installation meets legal and safety requirements.

💰 Typical UK price range

As a rough guide, expect to pay around £400 to £1,500 per storage heater installed or replaced, including parts and labour. This is an estimate and can vary widely depending on your home’s specifics.

Prices quoted by electricians may or may not include VAT (currently 20%), so always check in advance.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Check your electricity tariff — storage heaters work best with Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs offering cheap night-time power.
Prepare the space by clearing walls and ensuring easy access for installation.
Keep all documentation, including installation certificates and user manuals, safe for future reference or warranty claims.
Ask about ongoing maintenance or servicing — some modern units benefit from annual checks to maintain efficiency.
Be clear about your heating needs and ask about options for smart controls or timers to optimise energy use.
Always get a written quote and check the electrician is registered with a competent person scheme like NICEIC or NAPIT.

Proper installation and use of storage heaters will not only keep your home warm but help you manage energy use more effectively.