Jeni French, Business Development Manager at Electrorad, discusses high heat retention storage heaters and outlines eight myths every electrician should know about.
Today’s storage heaters are nothing like those of the past. The very mention of storage heaters and most people still picture the bulky, difficult-to-control units installed in homes during the 1970s and 80s. While those systems served their purpose, heating technology has advanced considerably.
Today’s High Heat Retention (HHR) storage heaters are intelligent, energy efficient heating solutions, designed to maximise off peak electricity, improve occupant comfort, help properties meet modern energy efficiency standards and are also Nett Zero ready. Yet despite these advances, many misconceptions remain. Here, we separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: All storage heaters are the same
Traditional storage heaters charged overnight and gradually released heat throughout the day, regardless of whether it was needed – the use it or lose it scenario!
Modern High Heat Retention storage heaters like the Thermastore HHR by Electrorad are engineered very differently. Using high performance insulation, intelligent electronic controls and fan assisted heat delivery, they retain significantly more stored heat and release it only when there is demand.
The result is improved comfort, greater control and lower running costs. High heat retention means storing heat more effectively and releasing it when it’s actually needed is no longer a myth.
Myth 2: Charging overnight wastes energy
Charging overnight is actually one of the biggest advantages of an HHR storage heater, gone are the use it or lose it days.
These appliances are specifically designed to make the most of lower-cost, off-peak electricity available through tariffs such as Economy 7 and smart tariffs like Octopus Cosy. The units have highly insulated cores which store this energy for use throughout the day, significantly reducing unwanted heat loss along with a smart charging algorithm that learns your usage and reacts according as to whether to charge or not.
For homeowners, this means the potential for substantially lower heating costs compared with traditional direct-acting electric heaters.
Myth 3: Any storage heater can be called a high heat retention heater
This is one of the most common misconceptions. While manufacturers may describe products in different ways, to be recognised as a high heat retention storage heater within the SAP methodology and EPC calculations, the product must be listed on the SAP Product Characteristics Database (PCDB).
The PCDB is the Government-recognised database used by SAP assessors to calculate the energy performance of buildings. Products included on the database have undergone rigorous testing to verify their thermal performance and control characteristics.
For installers, specifying a SAP listed HHR storage heater provides confidence that the products performance will be recognised within SAP calculations, making it particularly important for new build developments, retrofit projects and social housing schemes.
Myth 4: Storage heaters offer very little control
That may have been true 30 years ago, but certainly not today. Modern HHR storage heaters feature sophisticated controls, including digital thermostats, programmable weekly timers, adaptive start, open-window detection and, on many models, Wi-Fi connectivity with app control. This allows homeowners to programme heating schedules, adjust temperatures remotely and heat individual rooms only when required, improving both comfort and efficiency.
Myth 5: They release all their heat by lunchtime
Older storage heaters were often criticised for doing exactly that. But modern HHR appliances like the Thermastore HHR use advanced insulation combined with intelligent fan-assisted heat delivery to retain stored energy until it’s needed. Heat is released when required in a controlled manner throughout the day and well into the evening, helping to maintain comfortable room temperatures long after charging has finished. The Thermastore HHR also has a clever Smart Charge option that learns your rooms requirement and utilises the stored heat accordingly.
Myth 6: Electric storage heating isn’t environmentally friendly
Electric heating is becoming greener every year. As the UK electricity grid continues to decarbonise, an increasing proportion of electricity comes from renewable sources. High heat retention storage heaters are designed to charge during off peak periods, which often coincide with lower demand and higher levels of renewable generation.
This not only helps reduce running costs but also supports a more balanced and efficient electricity network.
Myth 7: Storage heaters are outdated technology
Today’s HHR storage heaters are a world away from the products many people remember.
They are designed to meet Lot 20 EcoDesign requirements and incorporate intelligent energy saving features such as electronic room temperature control, adaptive start and open-window detection, smart controls and clever learning algorythms.
Combined with more modern styling and advanced insulation, they provide efficient, controllable heating that’s perfectly suited to today’s homes.
Myth 8: Storage heaters can’t work alongside other heating systems
Modern HHR storage heaters integrate seamlessly with other electric heating technologies, including electric radiators and panel heaters. This flexibility enables installers to design heating systems that suit the individual property, providing the right balance of efficiency, comfort and running costs.
Why SAP listing matters
When specifying a high heat retention storage heater, always check that the product appears on the SAP Product Characteristics Database (PCDB), products like the Thermastore HHR have gone through rigorous testing to achieve inclusion.
Choosing a SAP-listed product helps ensure:
- The heater’s performance is recognised within SAP calculations.
- Greater confidence when specifying products for new-build and refurbishment projects.
- Compliance with recognised industry standards.
- Reassurance for developers, landlords and homeowners that the product has been independently assessed.
It’s a simple check that can make a significant difference when selecting heating systems for energy efficient homes.
The bottom line
High Heat Retention storage heaters have transformed electric heating. For installers, they offer straightforward installation and have recognised performance and compliance with today’s energy standards. For homeowners, they provide improved comfort, intelligent controls and the opportunity to reduce heating costs by making the most of off-peak electricity tariffs.
Products such as the Electrorad Thermastore HHR combine SAP recognition, Lot 20 compliance, intelligent controls and advanced heat retention technology all in one product, delivering a Nett Zero ready, future-ready electric heating solution.
For further details, click here
Find more industry features here
