Replace your old storage heater with new central heating

It’s time to think about getting a new central heating system if your home still uses an old storage heater. Storage heaters are old, cost a lot to run, and don’t always keep things warm. Central heating, on the other hand, is more efficient, comfortable, and dependable. Plus, with government programs like ECO4, many families can even get new storage heaters for free or at a very low cost. Let’s look at why this change is one of the best things you can do to improve your home.

Understanding storage heaters 

People used to believe that storage heaters were an inexpensive way to heat their homes; however, these heaters must be charged overnight with electricity that is not in high demand, and they gradually release heat throughout the day. In addition, storage heaters must be charged overnight. Because the heater frequently fails in the evening, when families need it the most, you are left cold and forced to use an expensive backup heating system. This is because the heater is used less frequently during the daytime.

Limitations of old storage heaters 

• High running costs.
• Heat runs out by evening.
• Poor efficiency compared to modern systems.
• Limited control over heating.
• Less environmentally friendly.

Why is central heating better?

In a central heating system, the boiler is the component that is responsible for heating the water. Once the water has been heated, it is then distributed throughout the home through the utilisation of radiators and faucets. Because it guarantees instant warmth and hot water, you will have complete control over the level of comfort that you experience in your home as a result of this. Therefore, you will be able to take full advantage of this feature.

Energy efficiency advantages

Central heating systems are significantly more effective than electric storage heaters, despite the fact that electric storage heaters are more efficient. Contemporary boilers, in particular condensing boilers, are designed to ensure that fuel is utilised to its full potential, which in turn reduces both the amount of money spent on energy bills and the amount of carbon emissions produced.

Cost savings in the long term

Central heating can significantly reduce the amount of money you spend on your monthly electricity bills when compared to storage heaters, which cause additional expenses. For example, storage heaters can cause additional expenses. It is possible to make more efficient use of fuel and to only heat when it is required in order to prevent the waste of energy that is not required. This will lead to the prevention of energy waste.

Comfort and control

When you have central heating, you have the ability to control the temperature of your home at any time and at any moment. This is one of the advantages of having this type of heating system. Through the utilisation of thermostats, timers, and even intelligent heating controls, you have the ability to personalise the level of comfort that you experience while simultaneously achieving the greatest possible reduction in the amount of energy that you consume.

Government-backed ECO4 scheme

Households with low incomes are eligible to receive financial assistance through the ECO4 Scheme. This assistance is intended to facilitate the process of replacing outdated and inefficient systems with modern alternatives that are more energy efficient. When you meet the requirements, you will not be required to pay a dime for this service. Additionally, it is possible to replace your storage heaters with a full central heating system. In many cases, you will not be required to pay for this service. This has the potential to be an option that is very economical or economical.

Eligibility criteria for the ECO4 central heating grant

Under the ECO4 Scheme, you may be able to get a new central heating system to replace your old storage heater if you meet some or all of the following conditions:

• You either own your home or rent it out privately (if you rent, you need permission from the landlord).
• Under the ECO4 Scheme, you may be able to get a new central heating system to replace your old storage heater if you meet some or all of the following conditions:
• You either own your home or rent it out privately (if you rent, you need permission from the landlord).
• There is no central heating system in your home right now.
• You are currently heating your home with old or inefficient heaters, such as storage heaters.
• Your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has an E, F, or G rating, indicating that it is not energy efficient.
• You or a member of your household receive government benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, or Income Support.
• Even if they don’t get any benefits, some people may be able to get help if they have a low household income and high energy bills.

Survey and approval stage

The first thing that needs to be done is to have a qualified professional inspect your home in order to determine whether or not it is suitable for central heating. This is the first step that needs to be taken. The amount of time that is typically required to complete the approval process is between one and two weeks; however, this time frame is subject to change depending on the evaluations and the verification of the grant.

Installation timeline

After it has been approved, the process of installation is one that is relatively quick and efficient. One to three days is typically sufficient time to finish the installation of a complete central heating system. This is the case the majority of the time. On the other hand, additional time might be necessary for homes that are considered to be larger than the typical household.

Post-installation inspection

After the work has been completed, an inspection is carried out within a week to ensure that everything is in compliance with the regulations, that it is safe, and that it is functioning effectively. This inspection takes place right after the work has been completed, which is immediately after the work has been completed.

Environmental benefits of central heating grant

Making the switch to central heating will not only lessen your reliance on storage heaters, which are known to consume a significant amount of electricity, but it will also assist you in lowering your overall carbon footprint and the amount of energy that you end up consuming. As a consequence of this, your home will become more environmentally friendly, and it will also assist the United Kingdom in accomplishing its objective of reaching net-zero emissions.

Increasing property value

If a home has an upgraded central heating system, then the price of the home will be significantly higher than the price of other homes. When you upgrade, you not only increase the level of comfort that you experience, but you also increase the value of your property through the reason that you are upgrading. This is because upgrading increases the value of your property.

Long-term reliability and maintenance

When it comes to construction, central heating systems are known for their exceptionally sturdy construction. By performing routine maintenance on your boiler and radiators on an annual basis, you can ensure that they will continue to function effectively for a considerable amount of time over the course of your lifetime. On the other hand, storage heaters deteriorate and become less efficient over the course of time. This is in contrast to the situation described above.

Why should you act now?

Right now is a great time to upgrade because the government is giving money and the cost of energy keeps going up. Both of these things are making things perfect. The comfort level will go up, the amount of money spent on utilities will go down, and the home will use less energy. All of these things will be achieved by replacing your old storage heater with a central heating system.

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