How Much Does It Cost to Run a Storage Heater? Unveiling the Expenses

Storage heaters have become an increasingly popular heating solution in many homes, offering a unique way to warm your living spaces. One of the key questions many people have about these devices is, “How much does a storage heater cost to run?” 

This question is crucial, as it directly impacts the affordability and practicality of using a storage heater in your home. In this introduction, we’ll delve into the factors that influence the running costs of storage heaters, providing insights into their efficiency, the price of electricity, and other relevant aspects. 

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of the expenses involved in operating a storage heater, enabling you to decide whether it’s the right heating option for your needs.

What is a storage heater?

A storage heater is designed to accumulate and retain energy during the night, which it then releases to provide warmth throughout the day. This is particularly beneficial for those on time-of-use tariffs like Economy 7 or Economy 10, which offer reduced energy prices during certain hours, typically from midnight to 7 am. 

By utilizing these lower nighttime rates, storage heaters are an economical option, as they avoid energy usage during peak hours when rates are higher. In addition to being more cost-effective than other electric heating methods, storage heaters are known for their ease of installation and quiet operation.

How much does a storage heater cost to run?

The cost of running a storage heater depends on several factors, including the heater’s size, the tariff you’re on, the insulation of your home, and how you use the heater. 

Here’s a breakdown:

1. Electricity Tariff: If you’re on a time-of-use tariff like Economy 7 or Economy 10, you’ll pay less for electricity during off-peak hours (usually at night). The cost will be higher if you’re not on such a tariff.
2. Size and Model of the Heater: Larger and more powerful heaters will use more electricity, increasing the running cost.
3. Insulation in Your Home: Better insulated homes retain heat more effectively, meaning the storage heater will not need to work as hard, leading to lower running costs.
4. Usage Habits: How you use the storage heater (e.g., the temperature setting, how often it’s on, etc.) will also impact the cost.
5. Room Temperature Desired: The higher the temperature you want to maintain inside your room, the more energy the storage heater needs. Setting a lower thermostat temperature can reduce running costs.
6. Outside Temperature: The colder it is outside, the harder the heater has to work to maintain a warm temperature inside. In colder climates or during winter months, your storage heater will consume more energy, increasing running costs.
7. Property Insulation: Good insulation is vital to retaining heat. Homes with poor insulation will lose heat more rapidly, causing the storage heater to use more energy to maintain the desired temperature. Well-insulated walls, roofs, and floors can significantly reduce heating costs.
8. Type of Windows: Windows are a significant source of heat loss. Double-glazing or energy-efficient windows can help retain more heat compared to single-glazed windows. Properties with larger windows or less energy-efficient windows will likely see higher heating costs.
9. Room Size: The size of the room being heated is also essential. Larger rooms require more energy to heat up and maintain a specific temperature than smaller rooms. The volume of space that needs heating directly impacts the energy used and, thus, the cost.

To get a rough estimate of the running cost, you can use this formula:

Running Cost=Heater Power (kW)×Hours of Use×Electricity Rate (per kWh)Running Cost=Heater Power (kW)×Hours of Use×Electricity Rate (per kWh)

For example, if you have a 2 kW heater, use it for 7 hours a night and pay 15p per kWh during off-peak hours:

2 kW×7 hours×£0.15 per kWh=£2.10 per night2 kW×7 hours×£0.15 per kWh=£2.10 per night

Remember, this is a simplified example, and actual costs can vary based on the specific details of your situation.

Night storage heater running cost

The running costs of night storage heaters are significantly influenced by operating them primarily at night to benefit from lower electricity rates. 

This approach, however, involves making educated estimations about your next day’s heating needs. Here’s why this is important:

1. Avoiding Overuse at Night: Leaving your storage heater on all night is inefficient, accumulating energy if you won’t use all the heat it stores. This would lead to unnecessary energy consumption and higher costs.
2. Adjusting Usage Based on Weather and Seasons: Your heating needs will change with the weather and seasons. For instance, you’ll likely need more heat during cold winter than on mild autumn days. Monitoring the weather forecast can help you adjust the amount of energy your storage heater accumulates at night.
3. Risk of Daytime Usage: If you underestimate your heating needs and don’t store enough energy at night, you may need a storage heater during the day. Since daytime electricity rates are typically higher, this would lead to increased running costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the running costs of a storage heater involves considering various factors such as electricity tariffs, heater size and model, home insulation, and usage habits. 

Effective management, particularly for night storage heaters, requires strategic planning based on daily heating needs, weather patterns, and seasonal changes. By optimizing these elements, you can enjoy the benefits of a storage heater while keeping the operational costs manageable and efficient.

Read more: Storage Heaters Vs Electric Radiators: What’s the Difference?