How do electric thermal storage heaters save you money?

They save you money by consuming electricity to generate and store heat during off-peak hours when utility rates are cheaper. This heat is then released during peak hours, or times when rates are highest. Although you still consume the same amount of electricity, you are paying less for it.

How much do electric thermal storage heaters cost?

They can cost from around $300 and up based on the model and size.

Is it cheaper to use power at night?

Generally, power suppliers will charge higher rates during peak hours of electricity consumption, which is often during the day. By using power at night, or at off-peak times, you pay a lower electricity rate and will save on your power bill.

Are electric thermal storage heaters better than heat pumps?

They are ideal for smaller spaces and as a supplement to an existing heating source but are not the best option for heating an entire home. The main advantage of a heat pump is more heating power and the ability to provide cool air during the summer months. One option would be to install both units, which would supplement each other.

How efficient are new storage heaters?

Some newer models can be programmed, giving you the ability to use stored heat during times that suit your lifestyle, rather than at times when it’s not required. They can also operate more efficiently than standard storage heaters, with some models being 27% cheaper to run.

Learn about Electric Thermal Storage

Electric Thermal Storage is a system that stores electric heat during the night when rates are lower, and releases the heat throughout the day. This doesn't save energy overall, but it can save you money based on the difference in power rates between day and night.

Check whether your area and electric utility offer time-of-use electricity rate plans. These rate plans allow you to take advantage of lower-cost electricity to store heat at certain times. Most ETS units are a large-size room heater and very heavy, so consider where it will be located in your house to make the best use of the heat. Typically set along a wall in an open area like a living room can be a good location. And if you don't use electric heat now, check whether a large ETS unit will require an upgrade to your electrical service, because that could add to the installation cost.

More advanced systems in some areas can control the loading of heat in 15-minute intervals, to take advantage of abundant wind power when it may be available on the electricity network at lower prices.

Using electric thermal storage units was first encouraged by the UK Electricity Boards in the 1960s, to find a way to use more electricity at night, when demand typically dropped and power plants could not easily be idled down.