Storage Heater Installation in Eastbourne

Storage heaters are an efficient way to heat your home using off-peak electricity rates. D J Fox Electrical specializes in installing and replacing electric storage heaters for properties in Eastbourne and East Sussex that use Economy 7 tariffs.

With over 15 years of heating system expertise, we install professional-grade storage heaters that provide reliable, cost-effective heating throughout the day.

What We Provide

• Complete storage heater assessment and sizing
• Selection of appropriate heater model and output
• Professional removal of old heaters (if replacing)
• Installation of new storage heaters on walls or floor
• Electrical circuit installation (if required)
• Control thermostat and boost function setup
• Testing and verification of operation
• User training on operation and controls
• Ongoing support and maintenance

Why Choose D J Fox Electrical?

• NICEIC Approved Contractor with heating expertise
• 15+ Years Storage Heater Installation Experience
• Professional Sizing for Optimal Heating Performance
• Economy 7 Compatibility Expertise
• Cost-Effective Solutions with Long-Term Savings
• Full Testing and Certification
• 24/7 Emergency Service available
• Fully Insured and Guaranteed

How Storage Heaters Work

Economy 7 Tariff Background:

Standard electricity pricing charges the same rate 24/7. Economy 7 offers:

• Off-peak hours (typically 10pm-8am): reduced electricity rate (70-80% cheaper)
• Peak hours (8am-10pm): standard higher rate
• Significant savings if heating concentrated in off-peak period

Storage Heater Operation:

1. Charging Phase (Off-Peak Hours 10pm-8am):

   • Electric element heats clay/mineral core inside heater
   • Core stores thermal energy
   • Charging occurs automatically during cheap off-peak period
   • No heat released into room during charging
2. Release Phase (Throughout Day):

   • Stored heat slowly releases into room via convection and radiation
   • Provides heating throughout day without additional electricity cost
   • Release rate controlled by manual damper (ventilation) or thermostat
   • Heat lasts from charging until evening (evening recharging required)
3. Boost Function (Optional):

   • Supplementary electric heating for cold days
   • Uses peak-rate electricity (more expensive)
   • Provides additional comfort if day is cold
   • User-controlled via switch or thermostat

Storage Heater Components

Thermal Core:

Heat storage element:

• Mineral or clay construction
• High heat capacity (stores thermal energy)
• Slowly releases stored heat
• Typical core sizes: 10-80 kWh storage capacity
• Quality cores last 15-20+ years

Outer Casing:

Physical container:

• Steel or aluminum construction
• Insulated to minimize heat loss
• Ventilation openings for heat release
• Mounting brackets for wall or floor installation
• Typical dimensions: 600-800mm wide, 200-300mm deep

Temperature Control:

User adjustment:

• Input Thermostat - controls charging amount overnight (manual or automatic)
• Output Thermostat - controls daytime heat release (fan-assisted models)
• Boost Switch - turns on supplementary heating for peak-rate periods
• Damper Control - manual adjustment of heat release rate

Electrical System:

Safety and operation:

• Main heating element (typically 2-3kW)
• Optional boost element (1-2kW)
• Thermostat control switches
• Dedicated circuit breaker
• Cable termination to property wiring

Storage Heater Types

Manual Output Control (Budget Models)

Most basic and affordable:

• User manually controls heat release via damper
• No thermostat control
• Lower cost (£400-700 per unit)
• Requires manual adjustment throughout day
• Suitable for consistent winter use
• Less precise temperature control

Automatic Output Control (Better Models)

With thermostat regulation:

• Automatic temperature sensing
• Adjusts heat output based on room temperature
• More comfort and control
• Cost: £600-1,000 per unit
• Maintains consistent temperature
• Easier to use (set and forget)

Fan-Assisted Models (Premium)

With active heat distribution:

• Built-in fan accelerates heat release
• Quick heating when boost needed
• Better temperature precision
• Cost: £800-1,200 per unit
• More operating cost (fan electricity)
• Ideal for poorly insulated homes

Comparison:

Sizing Storage Heaters

Proper sizing is critical for comfort and efficiency:

Load Calculation:

Heat requirement depends on:

1. Room Size - larger rooms need more heat
2. Insulation Quality - poorly insulated homes need more heat
3. Building Age - older properties typically need more heat
4. Occupancy Pattern - homes occupied during day need more stored heat
5. External Temperature - colder climates need more heat

Typical Requirements:

• Well-insulated 1-2 bed flat: 6-9 kWh storage
• Standard 2-3 bed semi: 12-18 kWh storage
• Poorly insulated Victorian property: 20-30 kWh storage
• Whole house heating: 30-60 kWh storage depending on size

Professional Assessment:

We calculate exact requirements through:

• Room measurements
• Insulation inspection
• Window condition assessment
• Building age and construction
• Occupancy patterns

Over-sizing wastes money, under-sizing leaves you cold. Proper assessment is essential.

Installation Process

Assessment Phase:

1. Survey existing installation
2. Calculate heat requirements
3. Select appropriate heater models
4. Plan electrical connections
5. Assess wall/floor strength for mounting

Installation (Replacement):

1. Switch off electrical supply to old heater
2. Remove old storage heater carefully
3. Check wall/floor condition
4. Install mounting brackets
5. Mount new heater securely
6. Connect electrical terminals
7. Test operation and safety features
8. Provide user training
9. Typical time: 2-4 hours per unit

New Installation:

1. Plan optimal placement for heat distribution
2. Check electrical supply capacity
3. Install wall/floor brackets
4. Mount heater securely
5. Run new electrical circuit if required
6. Connect to supply via thermostat and breaker
7. Test all functions
8. Provide documentation

Cost of Storage Heaters

Individual Heater Replacement:

• Manual heater (budget): £400-700
• Automatic heater (standard): £600-1,000
• Fan-assisted heater (premium): £800-1,200
• Installation labour: £200-400 per unit
• Total per heater: £600-1,600 typical

Two-Bedroom Property (2 heaters):

• Equipment: £1,200-2,000
• Installation: £400-800
• Total: £1,600-2,800

Three-Bedroom Property (3 heaters):

• Equipment: £1,800-3,000
• Installation: £600-1,200
• Total: £2,400-4,200

Additional Costs:

• New circuit installation: £300-500 (if needed)
• Thermostat upgrade: £100-200
• Removing old heaters: £100-300

Running Costs & Savings

Economy 7 Electricity Savings:

For a properly sized system using Economy 7:

Example Heating Scenario:

• Off-peak charging: 5kWh × £0.10/kWh = £0.50
• Released heat: ~4.5kWh (some loss)
• Standard rate equivalent: 4.5kWh × £0.25/kWh = £1.13
• Daily savings: ~£0.60 (off-peak vs peak)
• Monthly savings: ~£18
• Annual savings: ~£220

Boost Function Cost:

• Occasional boost: £0.50-1.00 per use
• Regular (daily) boost: adds £30-50/month to bill

Total Annual Cost Estimate (3-bed home):

• Off-peak charging: ~£250
• Occasional boost use: ~£50
• Total annual heating: ~£300

(Compare to gas heating £600-800/year, electric radiators £1,500+/year)

Advantages of Storage Heaters

Cost Savings:

• Off-peak electricity is 70-80% cheaper
• Significant annual savings compared to peak-rate heating
• No fuel bills for delivery/service
• Predictable heating costs

Safety:

• No gas connections or combustion dangers
• Automatic cutoff protection
• Cool exterior casing (safe for children/pets)
• No carbon monoxide risk

Convenience:

• No servicing requirements
• Simple on/off operation
• Reliable heating (no boiler failures)
• Long lifespan (15-20+ years)

Environmental:

• Can use renewable electricity sources
• No fossil fuel burning
• Zero emissions at home (grid dependent)
• Supports UK net-zero targets

Disadvantages & Limitations

Temperature Variability:

• May be too warm in morning, cool by evening
• Requires manual adjustment of boost
• Less responsive than central heating

Space Requirement:

• Bulky units (0.6m × 0.3m typical)
• Takes significant wall space
• Cannot place furniture in front

Economy 7 Dependency:

• Requires Economy 7 tariff (not available everywhere)
• Full benefit requires charging during off-peak hours
• If using peak-rate electricity frequently, not cost-effective

Building Suitability:

• Not ideal for properties with:

  • Very poor insulation (too much heat loss)
  • Sporadic occupancy (heat wasted)
  • Heat demand at peak times only

Service Coverage

Available across Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings, Lewes, Hailsham, and all surrounding East Sussex locations within a 25-mile radius.

Related Services

• Additional Circuits - dedicated circuits for heaters
• Consumer Unit Upgrade - if capacity needed
• Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR) - safety testing
• Smart Home Wiring - thermostat integration

Get a Free Assessment

Contact D J Fox Electrical for storage heater assessment and replacement quotation.

Phone: Call for heating assessment Email: Submit property details Online Form: Request site visit Emergency: 24/7 support available

D J Fox Electrical Ltd NICEIC Approved Contractor Heating Systems Specialist Serving Eastbourne & East Sussex since 2009