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Storage Heater Installation

Professional storage heater installation by qualified electricians. Off-peak tariff setup, dedicated circuits, and Economy 7/10 meter configuration. Qualified and insured.

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Storage Heater Installation

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Upfront pricing

Clear quotes before work starts.

Qualified pros

NICEIC & NAPIT registered.

Pay when done

Funds held until you're happy.

How it works

1

Survey and load calculation

The electrician surveys the property to determine the number and size of heaters needed. Room-by-room heat loss calculations establish the required kW output for each heater. The total load is calculated to confirm the main supply and consumer unit can handle it.

2

Tariff and meter check

The electrician checks whether the property has an Economy 7 or Economy 10 meter (two-rate meter) or a smart meter capable of off-peak switching. If the current meter is a single-rate meter, you will need to contact your energy supplier to change to a dual-rate tariff before installation.

3

Circuit installation

A dedicated heating circuit is run from the consumer unit to each heater position. Larger installations may use a separate heating consumer unit (fed via a time switch or contactor) to keep off-peak circuits isolated from the general 24-hour supply. Cable sizing is calculated for the total connected load.

4

Heater mounting and connection

Each storage heater is wall-mounted on brackets at the correct height and position — typically under windows to counteract cold draughts. The heater is connected to its dedicated circuit or spur via a fused connection unit. Modern fan-assisted models also need a small 24-hour supply for the electronic controls and fan.

5

Commissioning and handover

The full system is tested, off-peak switching is verified (the off-peak circuit energises only during the cheap-rate window), and each heater is set to the appropriate charge level for the room size. The electrician explains the input (charge) and output (heat release) controls and any programming features.

What's included

Property survey and room-by-room heat loss assessment
Dedicated heating circuit from consumer unit
Off-peak time switch or contactor installation (if not on a smart meter)
Cable run to each heater position with correctly rated MCB/RCBO
Storage heater wall mounting on manufacturer's brackets
Electrical connection via fused connection unit
Off-peak switching verification and timing setup
Full circuit testing to BS 7671 standards
Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
Part P Building Control notification

What's involved

Storage heaters store thermal energy during off-peak electricity hours (typically overnight on Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs) and release it gradually during the day. Each heater requires a dedicated circuit or a correctly rated spur from a dedicated heating circuit, connected through an off-peak meter or time switch. The installation covers the electrical circuit from the consumer unit, the off-peak switching arrangement, wall mounting of the heater, and commissioning. Modern storage heaters with fan-assisted output and electronic controls offer significantly better comfort and efficiency than older static models.

Storage heaters draw significant current — a single 2.55kW heater draws over 11 amps, and a typical property may have 3-5 heaters totalling 8-15kW. The off-peak circuit must be correctly configured through a time switch or smart meter, with adequate cable sizing and MCB protection for the combined load. Incorrect installation can result in heaters running on peak-rate electricity (tripling your heating costs) or overloading circuits. A new heating circuit from the consumer unit is notifiable under Part P.

Get a personalised quote

Typical cost: £350–£800per heater

Every job is different — pricing depends on your property, location, and specific requirements. Describe what you need and a qualified electrician will quote you directly.

How long does it take?

Half a day for a single heater replacement on an existing circuit. A full day for 2-3 new heaters including circuit installation. Two days for a full-house installation of 4-5 heaters with a new off-peak circuit and time switch.

Regulations & safety

Safety notice

Storage heaters are heavy — a standard 2.55kW unit weighs 60-80kg. They must be securely wall-mounted on the manufacturer's brackets fixed to the wall structure (not just plasterboard). Inadequate fixing creates a risk of the heater falling, particularly in properties with children.

Keep curtains, furniture, and combustible materials at least 200mm away from storage heaters. The surface temperature can reach 70°C or more during the charge cycle. Modern units have lower surface temperatures than older models, but clearance must still be maintained.

If your property is on a single-rate electricity tariff, storage heaters will charge at peak rate — making them extremely expensive to run. Confirm your tariff is a dual-rate (Economy 7, Economy 10, or equivalent) before installation.

Part P of the Building Regulations (Approved Document P)

A new heating circuit from the consumer unit is notifiable electrical work. It must be carried out by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme, or inspected by Building Control.

BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (IET Wiring Regulations)

Storage heater circuits must comply with the Wiring Regulations, including correct cable sizing for the load, appropriate MCB/RCBO protection, and the requirements for fixed heating appliances.

Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (ESQCR)

The DNO may need to be notified if the total connected load significantly increases the property's maximum demand. Properties adding multiple high-wattage storage heaters may require a main fuse upgrade.

What to expect

The biggest ongoing cost consideration is your electricity tariff. Storage heaters only make economic sense on a dual-rate tariff where off-peak electricity is significantly cheaper (typically 7-10p/kWh vs 25-30p/kWh peak). Ask your energy supplier about Economy 7, Economy 10, or smart tariff options before committing to installation.
Older static storage heaters have poor controllability — they charge overnight and release heat whether you want it or not, often leaving the house cold by evening. Modern fan-assisted models (Dimplex Quantum, Elnur Ecombi) store heat more efficiently and release it on demand, providing much better comfort control.
If the property currently has no off-peak circuit (e.g., converting from gas central heating to electric), the installation will need a time switch or contactor to separate the off-peak heater circuits from the 24-hour household circuits. This is a straightforward addition but adds to the installation cost.
Replacing old storage heaters with modern high-retention models can reduce running costs by 20-30% due to better insulation (less heat leakage during storage) and fan-assisted output control. Government grants may be available for low-income households through the ECO4 scheme.

Having issues with your existing installation?

Already have a storage heater and having issues? Check our troubleshooting guides.

Frequently asked questions

How does a storage heater work?
Storage heaters contain clay or ceramic bricks that are heated by electrical elements during cheap off-peak hours (usually 11pm-7am on Economy 7). The stored heat is then released gradually during the day. The input control sets how much heat is stored; the output control (or fan, on modern models) controls how quickly it is released.
Do I need Economy 7 for storage heaters?
You need a dual-rate electricity tariff — Economy 7, Economy 10, or a smart tariff with off-peak periods. Without a cheaper off-peak rate, storage heaters charge at the standard electricity price, making them very expensive to run. Contact your energy supplier to check or switch your tariff.
What is the difference between static and fan-assisted storage heaters?
Static storage heaters release heat passively through convection — you have limited control over when heat is released. Fan-assisted (or dynamic) storage heaters have a fan that blows air over the hot bricks on demand, giving you much better control. Modern high-retention models keep most heat stored until you need it.
Are there grants available for storage heaters?
The ECO4 scheme provides government-funded energy efficiency improvements for low-income and fuel-poor households. This can include replacing old inefficient storage heaters with modern high-retention models. Check eligibility via your energy supplier or the Simple Energy Advice service (gov.uk).
How much does it cost to run storage heaters?
A single 2.55kW storage heater costs approximately £40-60 per month on an Economy 7 tariff (charging for 7 hours at the off-peak rate). A typical 3-bed house with 4 heaters costs £150-250 per month in winter. Costs vary significantly based on tariff rates, insulation quality, and heater efficiency.

Find storage heater installation near you

Browse qualified electricians for storage heater installation by London borough.

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