Heating Solutions

Free Expert Advice on Storage Heaters

Modern Storage Heaters. More Efficient Than You Think

Modern high heat retention storage heaters charge on cheaper off-peak electricity overnight and release heat gradually through the day, offering significant efficiency gains over older economy 7 models. They are the recommended heating solution for off-gas properties under government retrofit schemes.

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Modern Storage Heaters. More Efficient Than You Think

Our free advice on storage heaters helps you understand how do storage heaters work and what storage heater savings you could realistically achieve. High Heat Retention Electric Storage Heaters provide an effective solution for properties without access to gas central heating. Modern high-heat-retention models are significantly more efficient than older electric systems and can help improve a property's EPC rating when replacing outdated panel heaters or inefficient legacy units. Cucumber Eco supports homeowners, landlords, and letting agents in assessing whether upgraded storage heaters are the right solution for their property and whether funding or 0% finance options are available.

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Modern high heat retention electric storage heater installed in a UK home, improving energy efficiency for off-gas properties

What Are High Heat Retention Electric Storage Heaters?

High Heat Retention Electric Storage Heaters are designed to store heat during off-peak electricity periods and release it gradually throughout the day. Modern systems:

  • Use improved insulation to retain heat for longer
  • Offer better temperature control
  • Reduce wasted energy
  • Improve heating efficiency compared to older electric heaters

High-heat-retention models are recognised within EPC calculations as more efficient than traditional electric room heaters.

How They Improve EPC Ratings

Heating systems are a major contributor to EPC scores. Replacing outdated electric heating with modern storage heaters can improve:

  • Energy efficiency ratings
  • Heat retention scores
  • SAP calculation performance
  • Overall EPC band positioning

When combined with insulation and smart controls, electric storage heaters can help properties move closer to higher EPC bands and meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) where required.

Who Are They Suitable For?

Storage heaters are particularly suitable where:

  • The property does not have access to mains gas
  • Existing electric heating is outdated or inefficient
  • The property is a flat or apartment
  • A lower-disruption heating upgrade is preferred
  • EPC improvement is a priority

Cucumber Eco will assess your property and advise whether storage heaters are the most effective option, or whether alternative heating systems would deliver stronger long-term performance.

Modern high heat retention storage heater in a British home

Grant Availability

Electric heating upgrades may be supported under the Warm Homes Plan if eligibility criteria are met. If eligible, the upgrades will be fully funded and you will not have to pay a thing. Eligibility can depend on:

  • Property construction and energy performance
  • Existing heating system
  • Current EPC rating
  • Household or tenancy circumstances

Where eligible, funding can significantly reduce installation costs.

0% Finance Options

If grant funding is not available, installation may still be possible using 0% interest finance through approved third-party providers (subject to eligibility). This allows property owners to spread the cost while benefiting from:

  • Improved EPC ratings
  • Reduced heat loss
  • Better controllability
  • Greater tenant comfort
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Related topics: Grants for Storage Heaters and Government Schemes, How Storage Heaters Improve Your EPC Rating, and Smart Heating Controls for Storage Heaters.

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Contact us today and we'll assess your property and eligibility completely free, no obligation.

Common Questions

Storage Heater FAQs

How do storage heaters work?
Storage heaters charge overnight using off-peak electricity, typically on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff. Internal ceramic bricks absorb and retain the heat, then release it gradually through the day. Modern high heat retention models use improved insulation to hold warmth for longer and give you far better control over when heat is released.
Are modern storage heaters cheap to run?
Modern high heat retention storage heaters are significantly cheaper to run than older Economy 7 models or direct electric panel heaters. A 2018 BEIS (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy) study on HHR storage heaters found that switching from older electric heating to HHR units on off-peak tariffs typically cuts heating costs by around 20 to 27 percent. Actual savings depend on your tariff, insulation levels, and how well the heater retains heat overnight.
Do storage heaters improve EPC rating?
Yes. Under SAP methodology, high heat retention electric storage heaters score considerably better than older electric room heaters or direct-acting panel heaters. Replacing outdated electric heating with modern units, combined with insulation and smart controls, can move a property up one or more EPC bands.
How long does heat last from a modern storage heater?
A modern high heat retention storage heater typically releases heat for 14 to 18 hours after charging overnight. The built-in insulation allows you to control when stored heat is dispersed, so you can boost output in the evening or hold back heat until you need it. Older legacy models retain heat for considerably less time.
Can I get a grant for new storage heaters?
Yes, subject to eligibility. Upgrading outdated electric heating to modern storage heaters may be fully funded under the Warm Homes Plan, specifically via its Warm Homes: Local Grant delivery route, for homes in EPC bands D to G with household income of £36,000 or less, or those in IMD deciles 1 or 2. Cucumber Eco checks your eligibility free.
Are storage heaters better than panel heaters?
Yes. Panel heaters draw power on peak-rate electricity, which is significantly more expensive per kWh than the overnight tariff storage heaters use. Modern high heat retention storage heaters are typically two to three times cheaper to run than panel heaters for the same comfort level, and they score higher on EPC assessments.
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