The term storage heaters is one that can sometimes cause some confusion as to what they are and how they work. In this article we'll look at these questions and we'll also take a look at some of the main advantages and disadvantages of this invention.
The basic idea behind storage heaters is that they draw electricity from the grid during the day when the cost of base load electricity is much lower – then use it to generate heat in the evening. This avoids the cost of evening electricity, which, because it is in higher demand, costs significantly more.
Advantages
Under normal circumstances, using electricity for heating is very expensive, but storage heaters turn this on its head; Normally gas or oil fired heating systems are cheaper.
Another big plus is that if storage heaters are incorporated into the overall floor plan of a building (sometimes as actual dividing walls or even under floor) they will take up much less space than gas or oil fired heating systems.
Some people who have gas heating as well as some other systems are known to turn off their heating systems during the night in order to save money. This can result in the house being cold at night or early in the morning; however, as these heaters are on during the night – the abode is warm during those times.
Storage heaters are ideal for homes that are located in areas where there is no gas connection; without coercing such homeowners / residents to pay the higher costs associated with electricity.
It is substantially cheaper to have heaters installed than have gas fired boilers, radiators and piping.
Running storage heaters is also much cheaper than gas central heating systems – which require almost no maintenance. In Britain people actually pay insurance (up to 200 pounds) to allay any gas heating costs; No such insurance is necessary for storage heaters.
Disadvantages
You have to choose the right size heater for your home. It is basically a compromise between the longest expected cold period and the price and space needed for the heater to run. Too big and the costs will be higher, with a big impact on the building's space; to too small the cost of daytime electric heating will be very high.
Another disadvantage is that as the heating is on all the time, if the owner has to leave suddenly for a few days, this can mean all this heating is wasted. There are also some issues with people misunderstanding the heating controls.
Overall this technology allows people to heat their homes for less – something that is incrementally important with energy bills increasing.