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Storage heaters are among the popular solutions for heating in many homes in the UK, especially when it comes to using home heating with electricity. However, many households across the UK are coping with outdated heating systems. This, in turn, makes winters feel longer and energy bills very high. But here comes the good news: the government’s ECO4 scheme is offering a chance for a free upgrade of storage heaters.
If eligible, now is an excellent time to apply since ECO4 is running until 2026. This may be your final opportunity to carry out a highly desirable upgrade to heat your home and bring long-lasting comfort into your household home.
What Are Storage Heater Upgrades?
These are newer generations of electric storage heaters that are smarter, safer, and far more efficient than their older models. Modern electric storage heaters have a more advanced and enhanced version to keep your house warm throughout the day – without running your electricity bill sky-high.
They store heat through the nighttime, use off-peak electricity, and then release it during the day accordingly. Because of such a process, they are cost-effective and friendly to the planet, hence providing good support to modern households. These systems offer a more inexpensive and effective way to warm your home, even during the coldest months of the year.
How Do Electric Storage Heaters Work?
The electrical storage heaters store the heat that has been generated during the night when cheaper off-peak electricity is utilised and release it through the day when it is needed. This makes them very cost-effective compared to other forms of electric heating, which use more expensive electricity during peak hours.
Inside the heater, ceramic bricks or other heat-retaining materials absorb and store the heat. When you switch on the heater during the day, it slowly releases the stored heat into the room. It keeps your home warm without the need for constant electricity use.
One of the plus points about storage heaters is that they are remarkably very simple. They have no moving parts whatsoever, unlike radiators or heat pumps. Therefore, they do not require a great deal of maintenance and hardly ever break down. Consequently, they will be reliable for long-term heating with minimal discomfort due to repairs.
Free Electric Storage Heaters – How Good Are They in 2024?
Free storage heaters under the ECO4 scheme in 2024 are top-of-the-range, efficient, and smart. Many of these models are designed to retain more heat than their traditional counterparts. They have a number of features added to make them more functional and efficient for daily use.
What makes them unique is:
- Smart Controls
These heaters are fitted with smart temperature controls capable of monitoring the room temperature while automatically adjusting the heat output. For example, if one were to open a window, the heater would instantly detect this radical loss of temperature and retain heat until needed.
- Fan-Assisted Heating
The fan-assisted models circulate the produced heat sooner. Therefore, they allow rooms to heat up faster and at a constant level of warmth.
- Cool to Touch
Even at full power, modern storage heaters are cool to the touch. Therefore, they are safer for households with children or pets.
- Space-Saving Design
They have a space-saving design since modern versions of storage heaters are more compact than the older bulky models. In fact, they are so compact that nowadays, they often blend into most rooms and can provide warmth without crowding out your living space.
- Cost-Effective
These heaters store heat at night when the rate of electricity is cheap. So they are much cheaper to run. This way, you get to enjoy warmer rooms without breaking your wallet from hefty energy bills.
Government-Backed Funding for Storage Heater Upgrades
You can get government-backed funding for storage heater upgrades if you receive certain state benefits or your home uses electric heating.
The ECO4 grant is available for:
- Private tenants or homeowners
- Households receiving income-related benefits
- Properties depending on electric heating
What is the ECO4 Scheme?
The ECO4 Scheme is the latest phase of the Energy Company Obligation initiative. It is a scheme from the UK that has been improving energy efficiency in households since 2013. The aim of ECO4 is to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions by providing free energy-saving upgrades for qualifying households.
These upgrades range from new boilers and insulation to first-time central heating. And, of course, they also provide replacement of old and inefficient storage heaters. This scheme is perfect if you want to reduce your heating bills while making your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
A Free Storage Heater Replacement Made Easy
Companies like ECO Energy Services, under the ECO4 scheme, can upgrade inefficient electric storage heaters to a High Heat Retention model. These could have very high efficiency rates when installed at an affordable cost.
This grant is subsidised by an agreement between the government and energy suppliers to provide low-income families and vulnerable households with the financial support they need to improve their homes’ energy efficiency.
Why Should You Consider a Free Storage Heater Scheme?
It may be time for an upgrade with the electric storage heater grant if your current heating system is outdated, inefficient, or not working anymore. With the ECO4 scheme, you can upgrade to a modern solution that replaces old and inefficient electric storage heaters with new ones boasting high heat retention.
With electric central heating, you do not have to be on a gas grid. And the most modern storage heaters require little maintenance. You also will not have to be concerned about the safety risks associated with gas boilers. The ECO4 scheme would be excellent for people who just stay in homes without a gas supply or for those looking to cut down on maintenance costs while improving energy efficiency.
Replacing Old Storage Heaters with Boilers for Free
The old storage heaters may have served the people, but they are not much in trend nowadays. They can be quite large and use a great amount of electricity, sometimes not warming up your house as you would want. You may find your room chilly just at that time of the day when you need it warm. All this inefficiency means energy is wasted and money is spent on bills compared to newer heating solutions.
Modern, efficient boilers are wiser choices. They will not only heat your home better but also use fewer watts, saving on bills. They are also a whole lot friendlier to the environment, reducing your carbon footprint while keeping in mind the push for a greener future.
Why Replace Old Storage Heaters with an A-Rated, Energy-Efficient Boiler?
Replacing your old storage heaters with a new A-rated energy-efficient boiler is a smart move for several reasons:
1. Efficiency
Older storage heaters have average temperature controls at best. This is to say that they often tend to overheat a room when you don’t need it to or run out when you actually do need the heat.
This contrasts with modern boilers that are designed to work steadily in order to make sure that your house is always warm. So, they reach the desired temperatures with so much less energy.
2. Lower Running Costs
Even if you’re on an off-peak tariff, those old storage heaters can still cost a lot to run. A modern A-rated boiler, such as a combi boiler or heat pump, is cheaper to run and will help you cut down on overall energy spending.
3. Better for the Environment
Old storage heaters are generally less efficient and produce more carbon emissions. Upgrading to a new boiler with a government-backed grant can make a huge difference in reducing your household’s carbon footprint.
4. Adds Value to Your Property
An efficient heating system is a big selling point for buyers. A modern boiler is now viewed as an asset and adds not only appeal but value to your home, too.
Adds Value to Your Property
The ECO4 Scheme upgrades heating to make sure it becomes more affordable and accessible. Under this scheme, the replacement of old, inefficient storage heaters could be absolutely free with the installation of modern, efficient heating systems in qualifying households. Additionally, it can bring much lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint – what’s best for your wallet and Mother Nature.
Under the ECO4 Scheme, you can receive funding for:
Replace Storage Heaters with Combi Boilers
Combi boilers have the added advantage of providing one compact unit for both central heating and hot water. They are very efficient, save space, and are cost-effective, helping to lower your energy bills.
Save on Installation and Maintenance Costs
Modern boilers, including combi and condensing boilers, require less maintenance than older systems. They offer longer lifespans that further enhance the savings and benefits.
Who is Eligible for the ECO4 New Boiler Grant?
To qualify for a free boiler or storage heater upgrade under ECO4, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You must own your home or live with a homeowner as a private tenant.
- Your home should have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G, indicating a need for improved energy efficiency.
- You or someone in your household should receive qualifying income-related benefits.
- Your annual household income must be under £31,000.
- If your boiler is from before 2005 and is non-condensing, or you don’t have a boiler installed at all, you may be eligible for an upgrade.
Eligible Benefit Recipients
To qualify for the ECO4 scheme, you need to receive one of the following benefits:
- Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support Allowance (ISA)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
Apply for Your Free Storage Heater Upgrade with ECO4 Scheme Today!
So, if your home is heated with old electric storage heaters, now is the time to upgrade to a more efficient and cost-effective solution. With the ECO4 scheme, you may be entitled to a brand-new energy-efficient storage heater or even a full heating system upgrade – at no charge to you.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to replace outdated, inefficient heaters and lower your energy bills. Find out if you are eligible and apply today to start enjoying a warmer home efficiently!
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily, but there are a few things to consider. If you meet the eligibility criteria for government-backed grants, then you will not need to worry about the initial cost of electric storage heaters.
While gas is generally cheaper than electricity, but recent price hikes – 54% alone last year – have slightly dulled the assumption that electricity is out of the running as a viable option for daily home heating.
Modern heating systems are much more energy-efficient compared to old storage heaters. They use less energy in order to heat the home, which subsequently helps lower your bills and reduces carbon emissions, further contributing to a greener, cleaner environment.
If you’re receiving at least one of the qualifying benefits, most likely, you’ll be entitled to the ECO4 grant, which replaces your old electric heating with A-rated energy-efficient storage heaters.
No, if you are eligible under the ECO4 scheme, your old storage heaters will be replaced at no cost whatsoever.
