Heating, Ventilation & Services
Affordable Warmth Feature Where retro meets modern
David Patrick of Dimplex explores how updated storage heater technology remains essential for home heating, offering economical solutions while adapting to modern energy demands and environmental goals.
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ince the 1950s, storage heaters have been a widely used home heating solution in UK homes, particularly in areas without mains gas connections. Te same core principles in the first products to market
remain in those being developed today – to store heat generated during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper, and gradually release this heat during the day as required. Te surge of storage heater installations in the UK during the 1970s, with
many being used in social housing properties, was prompted by a government initiative to reduce peak demand for electricity and support residents to reduce their energy bills. Fast-forward half a century, and these two aspects remain a priority when
building or re-developing dwellings – especially where there’s no central heating infrastructure – to ensure a balance of thermal comfort and efficiency while taking advantage of off-peak electricity. Te network of six million estimated storage heaters in use throughout the country continues to support the grid to service the ever-increasing daily demand for electricity. Tis technology is a silent hero in electrifying and decarbonising our grids, and it has even more to offer in the future.
TODAY’S STATE-OF-THE-ART SOLUTIONS While the core features of storage heaters remain, the development of smart high heat retention (HHR) storage heaters has brought this traditional technology right up to date with better insulation, smart controls and improved heat distribution. Te most economical electric heaters on the market today are products that
offer high heat retention and enable flexibility on the grid, complementing the rollout of heat pumps at a national level. Importantly, they’re also a modern and efficient option for refurbishment scenarios where aesthetics, control and running costs are a priority. Tanks to advances in insulation, the latest HHR models retain more heat
for longer, compared with traditional storage heaters. Tis means they work even more efficiently compared to historical storage heaters, as they drastically reduce the amount of heat that is naturally lost while being stored, known as ‘case emission’. Tese products help balance the grid by electrifying buildings where it isn’t
easy to fit traditional heat pumps. What’s more, it does so with a system that uses energy on a different profile, creating diversity in the electrification of heat. Tis includes properties subjected to EPC improvement targets, as HHR storage heaters can significantly improve EPC ratings. Reassuringly for residents, modern thermal storage heaters can provide heat
day and night, using a single or dual power supply, which means that heat will always be available even during times of unexpected demand. Tis means the primary source of the property’s heat will always be off-peak energy, but in times of need, the storage heater boost function can draw energy from the peak supply, ensuring residents will never be without heat. As well as the core storage technology, intelligent HHR options also now
utilise smart algorithms to learn usage, lifestyle and climate patterns and adapt accordingly, storing only the required amount of low cost, off-peak electricity needed to meet the heating requirements of the occupant. With an emerging trend of misselling it’s crucial to understand the impact
26 | HMMDecember/January 2025 |
www.housingmmonline.co.uk
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