If you’ve ever lived in a home without a traditional gas connection, you’ll know the struggle: cold evenings, high bills, and a constant battle to keep each room comfortably warm. Enter the electric storage heater —a device that stores heat overnight (when electricity is typically cheaper) and releases it gradually during the day. For properties off the gas grid, or for those looking to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, these heaters can be a game-changer.
Electric storage heaters aren’t new, but modern models are vastly more efficient than their decades-old predecessors. Advanced controls, better insulation, and improved heat-retention materials mean you can stay cosy without emptying your wallet. But here’s the rub: upgrading to a top-tier electric storage heater system can be pricey. The good news? You may be able to secure grant funding —particularly through ECO4 (the Energy Company Obligation)—that makes the transition far more affordable. Curious if you qualify?
Scroll to the bottom of this page and use our Eligibility Checker . In just a few minutes, you’ll know if you’re on track for a warmer, cheaper future.
How to Get a Grant for Electric Storage Heaters in the UK
Two main schemes can potentially help you upgrade your heating system:
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation)
Under ECO4, energy suppliers are obliged to help certain households—particularly those on lower incomes or with inefficient homes—improve their energy usage. Electric storage heaters can be covered if they boost your home’s overall energy performance.
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
The focus of GBIS is largely on insulation, but there may be scenarios where secondary heating measures (like electric storage heaters) come into play if they form part of a “whole-home” approach. The rules can be intricate, so don’t assume you’re excluded. Your best bet is to check your eligibility below.
Remember, each programme has its own criteria. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, let our Eligibility Checker be your guide. A few clicks, a few questions, and you’ll have clarity on your potential funding options.
How Much Could You Save by Upgrading Your Storage Heaters?
Older storage heaters are notorious for inefficient heat release, leaving you either too warm in the morning or too cold by the evening. Modern units often come with:
Better Insulation: They hold heat longer, so you don’t run out of warmth mid-afternoon.
Smart Controls: Some models let you schedule release times or even adjust settings via an app.
Improved Heat Retention Materials: This translates to more efficient energy usage and reduced bills.
According to various energy advisory bodies, upgrading from older electric heaters to high-efficiency storage heaters could knock £100 to £300 off annual electricity costs—sometimes more, depending on your property size and tariff. Over a decade, that can mean thousands in savings. And if you combine this upgrade with insulation measures—like loft insulation or cavity wall insulation—your savings could soar even higher.
The Risks of Sticking with Old Electric Heaters
You might think, “My current heaters work fine; why change?” But consider these downsides:
Sky-High Bills: Older storage heaters often lack advanced controls, meaning they guzzle energy and can’t adapt to daily fluctuations in temperature.
Uneven Heating: You may find one room roasting hot while another remains ice-cold, making your home feel disjointed and uncomfortable.
Unpredictable Breakdowns: Outdated units are more prone to malfunctions, leaving you in the cold at the worst possible times.
Lost Funding Opportunities: By not upgrading, you could miss out on ECO4 grants that might significantly cut your upfront costs.
At Energy Grant Service , we specialise in pairing homeowners and tenants with certified installers who can ensure your new system meets government standards. That way, you get the funding you deserve—no nasty surprises.
Electric Storage Heaters vs. Other Heating Options
You may be wondering: Should I consider a heat pump instead? What about central heating? The right solution depends on your home’s setup:
Heat Pumps: Great for well-insulated homes with space for outdoor units or ground loops. They can be more expensive upfront, though grants are available under ECO4.
Gas Boilers: Typically cheaper to run if you’re on the gas grid. But if you’re off-grid, this isn’t an option.
Direct Electric Heaters: Simple but often costly to run, as they don’t leverage off-peak electricity tariffs.
Modern electric storage heaters strike a balance between efficiency and affordability, especially when combined with an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff that offers cheaper night time electricity rates.
Common Misconceptions About Electric Storage Heaters
“They’re Too Expensive to Run” - Older models might be, but modern storage heaters with improved controls can be cost-effective—especially on off-peak tariffs.
“They Make Rooms Too Hot in the Morning and Too Cold at Night” - Again, that’s an older technology issue. Newer models release heat gradually and can be adjusted to match your routine.
“No Grants Cover Electric Heating Upgrades” - Not true. ECO4 can fund electric heating improvements if they raise your home’s energy rating, and you meet eligibility requirements.
“Installation Is Disruptive” - Replacing electric heaters is relatively straightforward—much less invasive than adding pipework for central heating.
The Dangers of Cutting Corners
If you’re looking to upgrade on your own, you might stumble across bargain-basement deals that seem too good to be true.
Often, they are. Shoddy installers might:
Use subpar heaters that don’t meet ECO4 standards.
Fail to comply with building regulations, jeopardising your eligibility for funding.
Leave you with poor workmanship, leading to future breakdowns or safety concerns.
At Energy Grant Service, we match you with reputable, accredited installers who understand the ins and outs of government schemes. That means you get high-quality heaters, proper installation, and peace of mind.
Why Home Energy Grants Matter
We’ve spent the past series of blogs exploring specific government-backed grants—from boilers and heat pumps to loft insulation and electric storage heaters . But if you’re still wondering where to start , you’re not alone. The UK’s energy landscape can feel like a maze, with multiple programmes—like ECO4 (the Energy Company Obligation) and the
Great British Insulation Scheme —each targeting different improvements. Which one is right for you? That’s what we’ll tackle today.
Think of this post as your ultimate guide to picking and choosing the best upgrades for your home, all while taking advantage of grants that could drastically reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Whether you’re chasing a warmer home, smaller bills, or a greener conscience, you’re in the right place. Read on for a clear overview of how to combine the right measures—then scroll down to the bottom of the page to use our Eligibility Checker. In just a few clicks, you’ll discover whether you’re on track to secure funding for your next home upgrade.
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