Older storage heaters can be stubborn: slow to warm, quick to cool, and expensive to run. If you’re living with dated units, the good news is there are grants to replace old storage heaters, helping you move from clunky appliances to contemporary storage heaters that are safer, smarter, and kinder to your bills. This guide explains the storage heater replacement grant, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect from today’s energy-efficient storage heaters.
What Is the Storage Heater Replacement Grant?
In simple terms, a storage heater replacement grant is government-backed funding (delivered via obligated energy suppliers) that contributes to or fully covers the supply and installation of modern, high heat retention storage heaters in qualifying homes. Rather than cash in your hand, the grant pays an approved installer directly to replace your old units with recommended storage heaters that meet current efficiency standards. The aim is to reduce household energy costs, lift EPC ratings, and cut carbon emissions, especially for low-income or fuel-poor homes.
What Are Modern (High Heat Retention) Storage Heaters?
Modern UK storage heaters are a big step up from classic “night storage radiators UK” models. They still store cheaper off-peak electricity overnight and release warmth through the day, but they do it with far greater control and less waste.
Key features you’ll find:
- Warmth-retaining cores that retain heat longer, so heat’s on tap when you really need it.
- Smart thermostats and timers to adjust room temperatures and timing by area.
- Fan-assisted outputs that distribute heat more evenly and quickly.
- Safer, cooler surfaces and slimmer profiles that suit modern interiors.
For many households that are changing storage heaters, today’s models feel like a different category entirely—more controllable and far more economical.
The Scheme Context (Why These Grants Exist)
The UK’s energy-efficiency policy prioritises improving the least efficient homes, reducing bills, and accelerating decarbonisation. Within that, replacing old electric room heaters with energy-efficient storage heaters aligns perfectly: off-peak charging reduces demand at peak times, while better heat retention cuts waste. In some properties, grants can be combined with insulation upgrades (loft, cavity, draught-proofing) to maximise impact as part of a whole-home approach.
Eligibility: Who Can Get a Storage Heater Replacement Grant?
While exact criteria vary by scheme administrator and region, you’re more likely to qualify if:
- You’re a homeowner or a private tenant (with your landlord’s consent).
- Your home currently uses electric storage heaters or other electric room heaters.
- Your property has a low EPC rating (commonly D, E, F, or G).
- Your household receives income-related benefits or has a low household income as defined by the scheme.
Quick self-check:
- My home relies on electric heating.
- My EPC is not great (D–G).
- I’m on a qualifying benefit or low income.
- I’m happy to use an approved, accredited installer.
If most of those are true, you’re a strong candidate for storage heater grants in England (and similar support across the rest of the UK).
What’s Covered (and What Isn’t)
Typically covered:
- Home survey and suitability assessment
- Removal of old units
- Supply and installation of replacement storage heater models that meet high retention standards
- Basic user training and documentation
Sometimes covered (property-dependent):
- Minor electrical works, thermostats, or controls
- Related fabric measures (e.g., insulation) are essential to achieve targets
Usually not covered:
- Major electrical board upgrades if your current setup is unsafe or non-compliant
- Cosmetic works (decorating after removal)
- Premium brand/special design choices beyond the approved scope
If you’re considering electric radiators to replace storage heaters, note that some schemes prioritize genuine high-heat-retention storage heaters because they reduce peak demand. Your assessor will advise the best route for your home and tariff.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Check basic eligibility online
Use a reputable grant checker or installer form. You’ll answer simple questions about your home, heating, EPC, and benefits/income. - Book a free home survey
An accredited assessor inspects your current heaters, electrics, and insulation levels to confirm suitability and assess the project’s impact. - Funding decision
Your case is submitted. If approved, you’ll receive a proposal outlining what will be installed and whether any contribution is required. - Installation day
Old units are removed, and recommended storage heaters are fitted. Many jobs are completed in a day (larger properties may take longer). - Handover & aftercare
You’ll get manuals, programming guidance, and warranty details—plus tips on using off-peak tariffs to maximise savings.
Advantages You’ll Notice Quickly
- Reduced operating costs: Improved heat retention and scheduling in place mean you save less expensive off-peak electricity and waste less.
- Comfort and convenience: Room-by-room scheduling eliminates the hot-cold swings typical of older heaters.
- Safety and looks: Lower surface temperatures and reduced profiles blend seamlessly into modern surroundings.
- Greener footprint: Economical energy consumption saves emissions and can even enhance your EPC rating.
- Low hassle: Storage heaters don’t need yearly servicing. With fewer moving parts compared to wet systems, there’s also less chance of things going wrong.
Costs, Timing, and What to Expect in Real Life
- Fully funded vs. part-funded: Many households pay nothing; others may contribute toward specific extras (e.g., major electrical works).
- Timeline: From application to installation often takes a few weeks, depending on survey availability and installer capacity.
Typical scenario: A two-bed flat with two old “night storage radiators UK” is assessed. Old heaters are taken out, two efficient storage heaters are put in, and controls are programmed for off-peak charging, providing more even heat and cheaper bills.
Tips to Maximise Savings After Installation
- Use the controls properly: Program charge times to match your off-peak tariff and set daytime release to match your schedule.
- Pair with fabric upgrades: insulation and draught-proofing keep stored heat where you want it.
- Use monitoring: review your bills and smart meter readings to adjust settings during the initial weeks.
Review your tariff:Off-peak tariffs can maximize the benefits of new storage heaters.
FAQ’S
It is a grant that pays for the replacement of outdated electric heaters with new, energy-efficient storage heaters. The grant mostly covers the equipment and installation through approved installers.
You’re more likely to qualify if you use electric heating, have a lower EPC rating, and receive a qualifying benefit or meet low-income thresholds. A quick online check can confirm.
Yes, many schemes specifically offer government grants to replace storage heaters with high-retention models that are much more efficient.
This refers to funding designed to swap out old, inefficient electric room heaters (like panel heaters or very dated storage units) for modern high-retention replacement storage heater systems that store off-peak energy and release it when needed.
If you’re on a qualifying benefit or low income and your home is electrically heated with a low EPC rating, you have a strong chance. Rules vary slightly by region and installer, so always check.
Complete an eligibility checker, book a survey with an accredited installer, wait for funding approval, then schedule installation. The process is designed to be straightforward and hands-off for the homeowner or tenant.
