Legacy storage heaters are reaching their sell by date – it’s time to move to Infra-Red
Storage heaters – ugly contraptions that seemed to take up half the room are mostly by now approaching their sell-by date. To be fair they’ve played an important role in home heating but, for the most part, they are 1960’s technology. But what should you do if they die on you or otherwise need replacing? Especially as installing gas heating is no longer a realistic option. The simple answer is to replace them with Infrared heating panels.
Economy 7 is dead – yet another reason to switch
At the same time as storage radiators starting to die a death, the Government is phasing out the Economy 7 heating tariff. More specifically it is turning of the RTS (Radio Teleswitch service) that allow older Economy 7 meters to switch between day and night rates. In effect the ‘night-time storage radiator’ that warmed up using off peak electricity, and then released heat during the day, is dead as from June 2025.
A brief homage to the storage radiator
Actually those of us of a certain age will have fond memories of the invention of storage radiators. Before they came along homes were heated by coal, paraffin heaters (remember the Esso Blue van) that threw of a lot of moisture that steamed up your windows, or a large bottled-gas contraption that made lots of noise. But essentially storage heaters were, for many of us, the first form of central heating. The fact you could have one in every room made up for their bulky unstylish presence.
Of course, back in the 1960’s and 1970’s many homes, especially rural homes and even smaller villages and towns, didn’t have the option of gas. That only became popular for heating in the 1980’s following the development of the natural gas fields in the North Sea. ‘Night Storage Heaters’, using an Economy 7 overnight cheaper tariff, were not only the obvious option but a real boon.
Storage heaters are dead. Long live Infra-Red – next generation sustainable heating
The good news is that IR heating is much better than storage heating for a range of reasons. While both have their uses, IR heating offers several advantages that make it a superior choice. From energy efficiency and cost savings to comfort and health benefits, IR heating stands out as the better option for modern homes and businesses.
1. Energy Efficiency
One of the primary reasons IR heating is superior to storage heaters is its energy efficiency. IR heaters operate by emitting radiant heat, which directly warms people and objects rather than heating the surrounding air. This method is far more efficient because:
- Less energy is wasted in warming unused air space.
- Heat is absorbed by furniture, walls, and people, retaining warmth for longer periods.
- IR heaters require less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures.
In contrast, storage heaters rely on heating ceramic bricks overnight using off-peak electricity and then slowly releasing heat during the day. However, much of this heat is lost before it's needed, leading to wasted energy.
2. Lower Operating Costs
IR heating is generally cheaper to operate than storage heaters. Because they heat objects and people directly, IR heaters provide immediate warmth without the need for prolonged operation. This means:
- Less electricity consumption, as they do not need to run constantly.
- No reliance on expensive night-rate electricity tariffs.
- Better heat control, avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure.
Storage heaters, on the other hand, often result in higher energy bills. Their reliance on off-peak electricity tariffs can still lead to wasted energy, as users cannot always predict when they will need heat. Additionally, if extra warmth is required in the evening, users often have to rely on expensive supplementary heating.
3. Consistent and Comfortable Heating
Another major drawback of storage heaters is their lack of control. Because they release stored heat gradually throughout the day, users may find that:
- Rooms become too hot during the morning and too cold by the evening.
- There is limited flexibility to adjust the heat output when needed.
- Heat distribution is uneven, leading to cold spots.
IR heating, on the other hand, provides instant warmth on demand. The radiant heat is absorbed and retained by surfaces and people, creating a more stable and comfortable indoor environment. Users can turn the heaters on and off as required using an App through their smart Wi-Fi avoiding the overheating and cooling cycles associated with storage heaters.
4. Health and Air Quality Benefits
IR heating promotes better indoor air quality and health benefits. Storage heaters operate by warming air, which then circulates around the room with the potential for:
- Dust circulation – worsening allergies and respiratory issues.
- Dry air – causing skin irritation and dehydration.
- Mold growth – due to fluctuating temperatures and condensation.
Because IR does not rely on air circulation, it reduces the spread of dust, allergens, and bacteria. It also helps prevent damp by keeping walls and surfaces warm, reducing condensation.
5. Space-Saving and Aesthetic Appeal
Even more modern storage heaters are typically large and bulky, taking up valuable wall space. By nature unattractive, they are difficult to integrate into modern home designs.
IR heating panels and Infrared bars are slim, stylish, and space-efficient. They can be mounted on walls or ceilings, with some models designed as mirrors or artwork, blending seamlessly into any décor.
Time to make the change? Ask us how
All things considered, IR heating is a modern, energy-efficient, and cost-effective alternative when you need to replace storage heaters. With benefits such as lower energy consumption, immediate warmth, better comfort control, improved air quality, and space-saving design, it is a far superior choice for residential and commercial heating needs. By switching to IR heating, users can enjoy greater comfort, lower energy bills, and a healthier indoor environment.
