Storage Heater FAQ's

Do storage heaters come with a flex?

A quick answer would be no, they do not come with a flex as they are subject to a different installation method than, for example, a radiator or panel heater.

The connection cable must be hard wired via a 20A D/P isolation switch and must use heat resistant cable. These products are for installation by competent engineers and should not be installed using a plug or on to an existing ring main but on to a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit with the correctly rated MCB.

What the bricks are made of?

The bricks are usually made of clay; however, many different materials can be used. Materials known to be used vary from water containers, ceramic materials (grog) or more specialist materials such as feolite or magnetite. All the materials are extremely well suited for storing and retaining heat.

How does a storage heater work?

Throughout the evening, electricity is used to heat the elements in your heater which then transfers the heat to heat retaining bricks which stores the heat for use the next day. When the heat transfer has completed, depending on your heat settings, the heat is slowly released into the room in a controlled way throughout the duration of the day. Some other heaters enable you to adjust the heat settings which allows you to retain most of the heat until it is required.

Can I have a free standing storage heater?

Unfortunately you can not have a free standing storage heater. Storage heaters are deemed too heavy and are a safety risk to leave as free standing. The feet on the bottom are for supporting the heater, and to help maneuver the storage heater when attaching it to the wall with the supplied brackets.

What are good alternatives to storage heaters?

Electric Radiators / Panel Heaters

These are a good alternative for households that require heating only at certain times of the day. For example, a household that is empty between 9-5 and only requires the heating in the morning and evening during the week and more frequently at the weekend.

Fan Heaters

Fan heaters are not a good long-term solution for heating a home however they are useful for a quick boost of heat or in an area which needs to be warmed up but not necessarily occupied, such as a utility room.